On the evening of Friday 26th January, pupils across Merthyr Tydfil attended the Cardiff Eisteddfod for an evening full of competitions, Welsh Language and culture.
A total of 44 medals were awarded to pupils from Ysgol y Graig, Ysgol Pen y Dre and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhyd y Grug for literacy, individual recitation, instrumental competitions and group recitation competitions.
Competing in Welsh learner and first language competitions, pupils represented their schools and local community superbly, receiving standing ovations at the end of the evening for their contributions to the Eisteddfod.
The Results:
Year 4 and younger Individual Recitation
3rd: Freya Donnelly – Ysgol Rhyd y Grug
Year 6 and younger Individual Recitation (Learners)
1st: Jack Hennessy – Ysgol y Graig
Recitation Year 7-9 (First Language)
2nd: Ollie Casey – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Individual Recitation Year 7-9 (Learners)
1st: Ollie Casey – Ysgol Pen y Dre
2nd: Ruby Clarke – Ysgol Pen y Dre
3rd: Ieuan Benbow – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Individual Recitation Year 10-13 (First Language)
2nd: Leona Williams – Ysgol Pen y Dre
3rd: Lily McCarthy – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Individual Recitation Year 10-13 (Learners)
1st: Holly Thomas – Ysgol Pen y Dre
2nd: Leona Williams – Ysgol Pen y Dre
3rd: Lily McCarthy – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Instrumental Competition Year 7-13
2nd: Holly Thomas – Ysgol Pen y Dre
4th: Isobella Lagos – Ysgol Pen y Dre
5th: Jacob Williams – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Group Recitation Year 10-13 (Learners)
1st: Grŵp Morlais – Ysgol Pen y Dre
2nd: Grŵp Y Gurnos – Ysgol Pen y Dre
3rd: Grŵp Llywelyn – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Literacy Year 10-13 (Learners)
1st: Keira-Louise Pritchard – Ysgol Pen y Dre
Mr Mark Morgan, Head of Welsh Department at Ysgol Pen Y Dre commented, “We are incredibly proud of our pupils outstanding success, behaviour and commitment to the Welsh language”.
Mr Matt Howells, Welsh Lead at Ysgol y Graig added, “The passion and enthusiasm for the Welsh language is a pleasure to see in the pupils. Their commitment and hard work is evident, in the amazing success of all taking part. As a teacher and Welsh lead, it makes me feel proud to see so many young people demonstrating their passion and pleasure in learning our national language”.
Mrs Alwen Bowen, Headteacher of Ysgol Rhyd y Grug said “A huge ‘Llongyfarchiadau’ to all Merthyr pupils who took part in the Eisteddfod, showing commitment to the Welsh language. A special well done to Freya who was competing against children three years older than her in the competition.”
Cllr Michelle Symonds, Welsh Language Champion said, “Huge congratulations to all the children and young people who took part in the Eisteddfod and thank you to the dedicated staff for supporting them.
“It’s wonderful to see the Welsh Language celebrated amongst our younger generation.”
