Where would you expect to find Welsh language speakers? Swansea, Anglesey, Gwynedd? How about Patagonia in Argentina?
When a simple, yet intriguing, fact popped up on my online newsfeed about a Welsh settlement in Patagonia, South America, it started a journey of discovery for me and my class. This led to outstanding geographical, historical, social and literary learning.
We found out that a century and a half ago a small contingent of Welsh speakers travelled from Wales to an unfamiliar region covering the south of Argentina and Chile (Patagonia). Their goal was to preserve Welsh culture and language.
I immediately knew that the story of these brave pioneers would provide an excellent context for writing non-chronological reports. It would also offer many other cross-curricular opportunities.
Learning objectives
- Find out how to structure a non-chronological report
- Learn about the historical, social and cultural links between Wales and Patagonia
- Explore the geography of South America
Starter activity
Show children a photograph of Ysgol Cymraeg yr Andes (Welsh School of the Andes). It’s a brick school building painted with Welsh flags, daffodils and other typically Welsh emblems. Ask children why there might be a Welsh school in South America.
A quick internet search will provide you with some supplementary resources. These include some pupil-friendly BBC news articles and a whole host of historical images.
Spend time researching the historical background of the Welsh migrants. Can your class find about more about the continent (specifically the region surrounding Patagonia) and then communicate it in a way that could be appreciated by other children in your school?
Investigate the structural and language features of non-chronological reports by evaluating a host of paper and electronic resources, including travel guides, holiday brochures, fact sheets and information books.
This process will allow you to extrapolate the success criteria for an effective non-chronological report, which will provide you with a framework for your whole unit of work.
Marc Bowen is deputy head, curriculum leader and Y5 teacher at Raglan VC Primary School in Monmouthshire.
