15 January 2021
With schools closed and parents educating children from home, S4C and the Welsh Government have today announced that 80 hours of programmes will be provided on the Welsh Government's educational Hwb platform, and also BBC Bitesize programmes will be broadcast on S4C throughout the week.
The service will be launched on Monday 18 January and programmes will include 13 different series including the children's series Shwshaswyn, Dwylo'r Enfys, Amser Maith Maith yn ôl, and also programmes from the main schedule such as Cynefin and DRYCH.
Films and content on the A, AS and GCSE curriculum will also be added to the platform and become part of S4C's offer on Hwb including Martha Jac and Shanco, and Y Gwyll.
"Our commitment to education is a big priority for us," said Owen Evans, S4C's Chief Executive
"As a public broadcaster, S4C certainly has an important role to play in supporting teachers and parents in difficult times for all. Our content is tailored to fit the curriculum and to enable teachers and subject specialists to create resources alongside the programs.
"Our children's programmes are extremely popular and is part of a number of additional activities that S4C has been discussing with the education sector in Wales.
"We are delighted to be able to work with the Welsh Government on these plans to inspire children and young people and ensure that the Welsh language continues to thrive."
S4C will continue to upload programmes on Hwb and expand the provision to include content suitable for future learners.
Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: "Hwb, our leading online learning platform, has been invaluable to teachers and learners over the last year, providing excellent resources to support online learning.
"Quality television programmes can also be really valuable educational resources, especially for families where Welsh may not usually spoken at home.
"I'm really pleased that Hwb and S4C are collaborating to provide an even greater choice of content for young people learning Welsh or in Welsh-medium education."
Eluned Morgan, the Minister for Mental Health, Well-being and Welsh Language, said: "S4C creates programmes for children of the highest quality.
"For older learners, television drama can be a really good way to mix entertainment with learning Welsh, so this is really good news for people of all ages."
Minister for Media and Data John Whittingdale said: "S4C already plays a hugely important role in promoting the Welsh language in the UK and abroad.
"But it is in times of need when we really see the value of British broadcasting.
"I'm very pleased S4C is stepping up to support lockdown learning for children across Wales, providing structured and varied educational content in what is a challenging time for schools and students alike."
S4C will also work with BBC Wales to broadcast BBC Bitesize's educational packs.
Starting on Monday 18 January, S4C will broadcast one daily package from Monday to Friday at 11.45 am.
Each programme will be on a specific theme with the key stage clearly labelled in the timetable, with the provision suitable for key stages 2 and 3 and varying in subjects including history, numeracy, literacy and science.
The daily provision will assist families who are struggling with the internet connection, or without digital equipment.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director BBC Wales said: "It's a very difficult time for pupils, parents and teachers and BBC Wales is delighted to be able to support learners across Wales once again.
"Ensuring the linguistic continuity of children can be a challenge for non-Welsh speaking parents and the partnership between BBC Bitesize and S4C allows us to broadcast Welsh educational packs on television.
"This new provision means that children will continue to be able to hear the Welsh language in their homes."
