0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- SCHOOL BELL
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- School - - it can be tough, it can be fun.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- It's definitely a challenge.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- 2 A-X. Oh, no!
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- And not just for the pupils.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18- Year 8!
0:00:18 > 0:00:19- Year 8!- - And you're at it already.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- Though many claim to be experts, - they don't truly know...
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- ..what happens on school corridors - between 8.30am and 3.30pm.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold is opening - its doors to television cameras.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- It's home to around 500 pupils - and 40 teachers and support staff.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56- Bronwen Hughes is the head.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- This is the only Welsh-medium - secondary school in Flintshire...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..and it's a constant battle - to maintain the language.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- Language
0:01:11 > 0:01:12- Four minutes.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- It's not the last lesson. - We've got another.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- I don't speak Welsh at home. - My father speaks it.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- My mother's a learner, - she doesn't always understand...
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- ..so we tend to speak English.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- Welsh is my first language.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- My mother and father speak Welsh.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- My grandmother's from Caernarfon.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- Welsh comes naturally to me.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- I speak more English...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- ..because my family - can't speak Welsh.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- But every chance I get, - I try to speak Welsh.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- In terms of the pupils' - linguistic backgrounds...
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- ..many of them come from homes in - which the main language is English.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04- There might be a parent - or a grandparent who speaks Welsh...
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- ..but English is the main language - for almost 85% of pupils.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- Take that back!
0:02:12 > 0:02:13- Take that back!
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- Are you feeling better now?
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- Sometimes it's hard - to get people to speak Welsh...
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- ..when they - come from an English background.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- They need encouragement.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- People who come from - Welsh-speaking backgrounds...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- ..should speak Welsh to them - as much as they can.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- Yes?
0:02:41 > 0:02:42- Yes?- - 12.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Some pupils come to Maes Garmon...
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- ..with no Welsh at all.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- These pupils are fully immersed...
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- ..in an intensive Welsh course - introduced in 1973...
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- ..and rolled out - in many schools across Wales.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- How many rectangles are here?
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- Ffion put the two together, - didn't you?
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- You did the first 10 and 10 - and then the six and six.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- We provide an immersion scheme...
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- ..for any pupil in - an English-medium primary school...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ..wishing to study through the - medium of Welsh at secondary school.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- The figures are currently stable.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- We attract about 14 pupils a year.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- We'd like to increase - that provision.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Bring it down.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- Five and four.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- By Years 9, 10 and 11...
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- ..I have trouble remembering - the immersion pupils...
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- ..which proves - how successful the course is.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- Just pause there - and check that you've done it.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- Six by three.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- The immersion pupils - come here for half a term...
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- ..from May to summer.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- They usually spend six weeks here.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- They're given - intensive Welsh lessons...
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- ..to ensure - they're given a foundation...
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- ..so that by the end - of the six weeks...
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- ..they have an adequate level - of understanding.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- Write a sentence...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- ..telling me - your name, age, where you live.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- As well as the usual subjects...
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- ..Year 7 pupils are given five hours - of Welsh lessons each week...
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- ..two hours more - than mainstream pupils.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- How do you say, - "I went to whatever primary school"?
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- Alice?
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- In the beginning, obviously - English is used regularly...
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- ..to support pupils' understanding.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- Throughout the year, the percentage - of Welsh used increases.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55- She has glasses.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- She has adventure as a lion.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- She has adventure as a lion.- - She's...?
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- Start that again.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- I'd say that by the end of Year 7...
0:05:06 > 0:05:07- ..around Easter time...
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- ..English is only used when I ask, - "Have you understood that?"...
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- ..to make sure everyone - understands what's going on.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- As adventurous as a lion.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- Who's as adventurous as a lion?
0:05:20 > 0:05:21- Who's as adventurous as a lion?- - Eleri?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- Great. Well done.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- By Year 9, pupils will receive...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- ..all their education - through the medium of Welsh.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- Alice? Big, loud voice.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- "She has long, blonde hair - like the sun."
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- One of the immersion pupils - this year is Alice.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- She attended - St Mary's primary school in Flint.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- She wanted to come to Maes Garmon...
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- ..instead of - the English-medium secondary school.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- Who has blonde hair and blue eyes?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Ffion.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- There are blue ones here.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- I came to Maes Garmon - because I competed...
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- ..at the 2014 - and 2015 Urdd Eisteddfodau...
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- ..and it inspired me...
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- ..when I listened - to people speaking Welsh.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Do I have a big nose?
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- No, I don't have a big nose.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- I came to Ysgol Maes Garmon...
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- ..with no Welsh...
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- ..except the basics.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- At the end of the six weeks...
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- ..I learnt a lot of Welsh.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- Which subjects today?
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- Geography, Welsh...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- It's the homework which causes - the biggest problem for Alice.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- What do you do in DT?
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- Textiles.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- I have more English homework...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- ..so it's easy.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- But I also have - geography and history...
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- ..which requires a lot of Welsh...
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- ..but I don't know every word.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- It's a bit difficult.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- So it's like boot camp for your - Welsh now, is it? Stepping it up?
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- After Glan-llyn, - there'll be no more English.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- According to the 2011 Census...
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- ..only 13% of Flintshire's - population speaks Welsh.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- But the figure rises to 37%...
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- ..among schoolchildren - aged between five and 15.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- As a result of sending their - children to a Welsh-medium school...
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- ..many parents learn the language to - help their children with schoolwork.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- I go for a walk...
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- ..in Northop.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Alice's father, Tim, - is one such learner.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- About a mile.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- Over the past two years, he's - been taking Welsh lessons in Mold.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- Tim is headteacher - at Ysgol Penycae, Wrexham.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- His job has also prompted him - to learn Welsh.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- I live in Wales, therefore, - why not learn the language?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- It's important to speak Welsh...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..at school too.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- I had no Welsh - and I need to be setting an example.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- Cooking Christmas cake, - eating turkey, drinking champagne.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Buying.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- Tim is one of 6,000 adults - across North Wales...
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- ..who choose - to learn Welsh each year.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Will you - go to the club on New Year's Eve?
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Tim is a member of a fun class.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- They're a microcosm...
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- ..of the people in this area.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Some are given time off work, there - are shift workers, young parents...
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- ..some have children in nursery.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- A few are parents-to-be, - a few are pregnant.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- Some are retired too, - so we have a real cross-section.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30- I took my wife - and my wife's mother...
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- My wife speaks Welsh.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- She comes from Anglesey.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- All her family speaks Welsh.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- We're expecting our first child.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- I want to speak Welsh - with my wife and baby.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- I'm learning Welsh...
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- ..because my son - has started cylch meithrin.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- My family speaks Welsh.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- My sister.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- Little? And little sister.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Baby room?
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- I have a daughter - in reception class...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- ..at Ysgol Glanrafon.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- I'm a teacher at - Ysgol Gwernymynydd Primary School.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- I speak Welsh with my children...
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- ..but I wish - I spoke more Welsh in school...
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- ..so I could - speak more to them now...
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- ..and to my son and daughter.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43- When we started in the 1990s, there - were very few classes in Mold...
0:10:43 > 0:10:49- ..but as you can see, there are five - classes in one centre this evening.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- There are - 21 classes in this building.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- There are - numerous classes in Flintshire.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- The number grows every year.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- I have, you have...
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..he has, she has...
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- ..we have, you have...
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- ..they have.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Loud voices. One, two, three!
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Do I have, do you have...
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- ..does he have, does she have...
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- ..do we have...?
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Immersion is difficult sometimes - because it's so intense.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Difficult, but it's...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..good at the same time.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- It's a good idea - to get more people speaking Welsh...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- ..since we live in this country.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- I'm worried about speaking Welsh - because I could get it wrong.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59- And writing Welsh - because I get my spelling wrong.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Do you have blue eyes?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- It should be taught more - in primary schools.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Welsh is a really good language - to learn.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- You can learn - more languages as well.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- If you want to learn Welsh...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..go to Maes Garmon.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- I thought I'd never learn Welsh...
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- ..but after the immersion...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- ..I realized it's possible - to speak Welsh fluently.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- I don't have black glasses.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- I love Welsh. It's fun.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38- .
0:12:39 > 0:12:39- Subtitles
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- Since many of our pupils come from - non-Welsh-speaking backgrounds...
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- ..sometimes it's hard - to get them to communicate...
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- ..and to socialize - through the medium of Welsh.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- When you think of Mold's location...
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- ..in relation to Wales...
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- ..we're close to the border...
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- ..and the percentage - of Welsh speakers...
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- ..is much lower than other counties.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- Out in the community, - English is the main language.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- They tend to watch - and listen to English music...
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- ..so for many of them, - their lives are very English.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- It's easier - to speak English with friends...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..but if you're talking - about schoolwork, I turn to Welsh.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- When I'm chatting - about something outside of school...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- ..it's natural for me - to speak English.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- I think it can be - quite disheartening at times...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..when you - don't hear Welsh on the corridors...
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- ..but I've sort of - got used to it by now.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- I do speak English...
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- ..just because it's easier.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- Getting the balance right between - urging pupils to speak Welsh...
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- ..and not being too strict...
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- ..and punishing them for - not speaking Welsh is difficult.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- The ethos of Maes Garmon - is to urge them to speak Welsh...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- ..and praise them for speaking it.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- There's no point punishing them...
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- ..or we'll turn them - against the language.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- What do you think...
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- ..is the poem's main message?
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- We try to make sure they speak Welsh - as much as they can...
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- ..because the school - is central to their Welshness.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Don't listen - to what people tell you to do.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- They don't experience Welsh - as a living language all the time.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- It's our job to teach them that - and provide experiences.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Authority. Well done.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06- Excellent.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- It's great - that the pupils succeed in Welsh.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- When they see that success, - it gives them confidence.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- That's what will give them - a positive experience of Welsh...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- ..for the rest of their lives.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- Welsh in Flintshire is highlighted - in the Taith yr Iaith project.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- The school has been given - a grant of 25,000...
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- ..by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- A Radio Wales reporter has come - to the school to hear more about it.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Why did you decide - to do this project?
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- It's the Flintshire Eisteddfod - next May...
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- ..and we're looking at the history - of Welsh over the past 100 years.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- They've been speaking - to parents and grandparents...
0:15:56 > 0:16:01- ..and gathered stories which will be - compiled in a book and DVD...
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- ..that will be published in January.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- ..that will be published in January.- - It's been an opportunity...
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- ..for pupils to question relations - about their experiences of Welsh.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- What have you - found out about your grandfather?
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- My father was a goalkeeper - for Wales, Wrexham...
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- ..Swansea and Everton.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Whose story have you been following?
0:16:22 > 0:16:29- My grandfather's. He lived - in Liverpool when he was young.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- He was in school with John Lennon.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- What's your name - and what have you found out?
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- I'm Ethan and I've been finding out - about my gran and her friend, Idris.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- My grandmother - worked at Glanrafon...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- ..which was the first - Welsh school in Flintshire.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- When I started school, - I couldn't speak English.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- I think we learnt more Welsh...
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- ..at Sunday school because - it was through the medium of Welsh.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- When we started primary school...
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- ..we were taught through the medium - of English many years ago.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- We had one Welsh lesson - on a Friday afternoon.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- I'd say that the younger generation - have a better chance.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Many young people - who've been taught...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- ..through the medium of Welsh...
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- ..don't speak Welsh - with one another.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- We've made a mistake somewhere...
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- ..but I don't know where.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- As part of the project...
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- ..pupils have been - poring over records and articles...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- ..at Flintshire's Record Office - in Hawarden.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- This is a good story.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- "Said Welsh should not be a must." - Who said that?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- Geoffrey Summers.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- He was probably a councillor.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- At a meeting - of the Mold education committee.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- We're looking through - old documents...
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- ..to see - how many people spoke Welsh...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..or English or were bilingual - and writing it down.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- The girls behind me - have been looking at...
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- ..the report into - the Treachery of the Blue Books...
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- ..in which it was claimed - that Welsh was holding English back.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- Even in this county.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- The writers of the reports thought - there was no point learning Welsh...
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- ..because the language had no use.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- It's harsh they said that...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..because lots of people - spoke Welsh.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Attendance was atrocious.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- I'm looking through this book...
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- ..that was written - by a headmaster...
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- ..of a boys' school in Mold.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- "School closed - by order of medical authority...
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- "..on account of measles."
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- The school had to close.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07- The school had to close.- - Many children...
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- ..had been missing school...
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- ..due to illness.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- It says that children - had to go home to plant potatoes...
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- ..and help out on the farm.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Look through - the forms you've been filling.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- The biggest riot was in Flintshire.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- Yes, the Mold Riots. - What was behind the riots?
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- People spoke Welsh and a man - didn't want them to speak it.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- He was a new manager and - forbade the workers to speak Welsh.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- "English is the language of work."
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- It's one thing - speaking Welsh at school...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- ..but what happens - when pupils leave?
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- The Tivoli nightclub, Buckley.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- A reunion - for former Maes Garmon pupils.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- It was organized - by Emma Thomas from Flint.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- Though she now speaks Welsh - every day...
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- ..in her job at - Ysgol Croes Atti primary school...
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- ..she admits that for 15 years, - she'd lost the language.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- I didn't speak Welsh - after leaving school.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- I didn't really - speak Welsh at school.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- I was 16 and thought I knew it all.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Coming from a non-Welsh-speaking - family, Welsh wasn't important.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- You don't know why your parents - sent you to a Welsh-medium school.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- After leaving, I thought, - what's the point of speaking Welsh?
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- When you don't speak it for a number - of years, you lose confidence.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- A lack of confidence and a lack of - opportunity is a problem for others.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- Day to day, in my job, - I don't really use it...
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- ..but perhaps - after a couple of pints...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- ..I might get back - into the swing of speaking Welsh.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- I'm the only Welsh speaker in my - family, so I can't speak to anyone.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- I lived in Pwllheli for three years - and I've moved back to Flint now.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Nobody speaks Welsh.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- I lost my Welsh when I left school.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- When I went for a job - at Mold cylch meithrin...
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- ..my Welsh has come back to me now.
0:21:21 > 0:21:27- I'm more confident - to speak Welsh with parents...
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- ..and I teach children - to speak Welsh now.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- You can't point the finger and say, - "You should change this."
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- That's the million-dollar question.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- Back at school, some of the - older pupils have their own ideas.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- The problem exists - right across school.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- We might have to start from the top.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- If Year 7 - hear Year 11 speaking Welsh...
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- ..then they - might want to speak Welsh too.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- In primary school...
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- ..lots of people thought - it wasn't cool to speak Welsh.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Now we see the importance of it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- It helps our schoolwork...
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- ..if we speak Welsh.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- It's a battle at times...
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- ..but if you ask Maes Garmon pupils - if they're Welsh...
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- ..they'll say, "Yes, we're Welsh."
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- They're proud of their Welshness.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- What about Alice?
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- Three months on, - does she still enjoy learning Welsh?
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- It's easier talking to teachers.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- I understand more now.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- I'm very happy at Maes Garmon.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45- I have lots of friends...
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- ..who support me.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- I just love Maes Garmon.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- Next week, it's Christmas at Maes - Garmon, and it's a hive of activity.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Once the children are in the church, - that's when the excitement starts.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- There's a lot - of eager anticipation in one home.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.