Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Rhydywaun in the Cynon Valley recently invited Author and Educator Mary Myatt to the school to meet with teachers and learners to find out more about the school’s new Dim Ond Darllen (Just Reading) scheme.
This exciting initiative led by Assistant Headteacher Rhian Staples and colleagues at the school involves subject related reading lessons, where pupils read to themselves, and aloud, in the classroom to improve their reading ability, confidence and knowledge of the subject.
The initiative works alongside traditional lessons and has provided a varied, forward-thinking approach to learning.
Lisa Williams, Head Teacher or Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun said: “We are extremely proud of the impact that the scheme has had on our learners. Including Dim Ond Darllen (Just Reading) in our curriculum has improved confidence, vocabulary, ability to speak to an audience, and knowledge of the subject matter by including varied strategies that target different aspects of learning. All staff have done a superb job in implementing the scheme and we are proud to share its success.”
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, said: “The ‘Just Reading’ initiative at Ysgol Rhydywaun not only encourages learners to engage deeply with their subjects, but it also encourages growth within their vocabulary, self confidence and develops a love for reading that will benefit them throughout their lives. This new forward-thinking method is a fantastic example of how we’re continually striving to enhance our ways of delivering education and empowering our learners.”
Mary Myatt, Author and Educator, said that: “Year 10 students at the school said that they are stronger, more confident readers and that their vocabulary is more sophisticated. They are reading more in their own time because reading in lessons has sparked their curiosity and they are more confident in themselves whilst talking in groups, one student gave a speech at the hustings for the school Senedd and reported that she would have not had the confidence to do this without the experience of reading aloud in class. Students also said that family members had commented on their sophisticated vocabulary in conversations, and they said that because reading aloud in lessons was normalised it had increased their confidence in their learning.”
“I visit many schools, and I see a lot of great practice, however, I am absolutely blown away by what has been achieved by colleagues at Rhydywaun. I’m very grateful to colleagues for making this remarkable visit possible.”
Posted on 12/11/2025