Cerdd Iaith: Bring language learning to life
Cerdd Iaith is a creative language-learning resource for primary schools in Wales, using music, drama, rhyme and repetition to make learning languages engaging, accessible and fun. It’s also a great way to introduce Welsh to learners who are just beginning to learn or use the language.
Designed for pupils aged 7–11, Cerdd Iaith supports learners at different stages of their language journey, from those taking their first steps in Welsh to those exploring Spanish, German and French. Its creative, multilingual approach helps children make connections between languages and build their confidence, curiosity and communication skills.
Cerdd Iaith supports the Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience within Curriculum for Wales, providing teachers with a practical and enjoyable way to bring multilingual learning into the classroom.
Developed by British Council Wales, working closely with primary school teachers and leading linguists, musicians and creative practitioners, Cerdd Iaith includes original songs created especially for the programme by Professor Mererid Hopwood, one of Wales’ most celebrated writers and poets, and composers Gareth Glyn and Tim Riley.
Easy to use in your classroom
You don’t need any previous language or music training to get started. Cerdd Iaith provides everything you need, including step-by-step activities, videos, original songs, lyrics, sheet music and ideas for extending learning.
Choose from Beginners and Intermediate activities and use them individually, combine them into a lesson, or explore the resources through five themes: Patagonia, Me, Beach, Nature, and Time and Space.
Schools across Wales have successfully used Cerdd Iaith to bring Welsh and international languages into the classroom, helping children discover the enjoyment of communicating, creating and learning together in different languages.
Phot credit: Patric Olner.