Sophie Evans asks fans about Welsh language schools and overwhelmingly told one thing
Sophie Evans asks fans about Welsh language schools and overwhelmingly told one thing
Best known for her roles in Wicked and the Wizard of Oz, Sophie Evans has been asking for advice about her children's future education
Sophie Evans and Ellis Jenkins pictured with their first son Jack, in 2023
(Image: Sophie Evans/Instagram )
West End star Sophie Evans has opened up about a decision many Welsh parents have to think about - whether to send your children to a Welsh or English-speaking school. Just two months after welcoming her second child with husband Ellis Jenkins, Sophie took to TikTok to ask followers for advice.
With their first son Jack now nearing school age, the couple must make a decision. "I can't believe the time has come to start thinking about schools for Jack," Sophie said. "But I am at a crossroads as to whether to send Jack to a Welsh language school or an English language school."
The Tonypandy singer said she doesn't speak Welsh fluently, but has some familiarity with the language. She said: "I just think it's something that I really think would've helped with my career, if I could speak Welsh."
Sophie went on to explain her husband's thoughts: "Ellis also doesn't speak Welsh and he is a very academically driven man, he did amazing in school and you know, he says 'I always remember my dad helping me with my homework, maths especially, so he's worried that if we send them to a Welsh school that he wouldn't be able to help them."
The couple married in 2022 and have since welcomed two sons, Jack and Louie
(Image: Instagram/Jonathan Davies )
She asked followers: "If you send your child to Welsh school, what are the negatives, in your opinion? If you send your child to Welsh school and have loads of positives let me know what they are as well, and vice versa with the English language school.
Article continues below
"I just don't know what to do. I'm like 75% Welsh and 25% English... but any ideas on what to do?"
The comments section flooded with opinions, with the vast majority encouraging Sophie to send her children to a Welsh language school. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
One follower wrote: "Welsh medium education all the way. Better standard of education and the boys will leave being fully bilingual with better job prospect if they stay in Wales. Plenty of help on offer to parents who don't speak the language from schools/teachers."
This was echoed by another comment: "Welsh, being bilingual in any language improves job prospects as an adult, it provides them with all the same GCSEs as standard and speaking multiple languages from a young child has proven to improve cognitive ability such as improved memory and slower cognitive decline, and it makes it easier to learn more languages as an adult.
"Not to mention the fact that it's a beautiful langue and everyone in Wales should have the pleasure of speaking it."
One commenter who was in the same position said: "Product of a Welsh language school with non Welsh speaking parents, I'm fine! Great job, learnt three other languages and my English is great (freelance writer and journalism grad).
"Homework they learn to explain to you, and you can request English versions of things. In a class of say 50 in my school, only five would have a Welsh speaking parent - it was completely the norm. It's never held me back!"
Another added: "The benefits of being bilingual are incredible! I am first language Welsh and my parents didn't speak Welsh, I'm so thankful they gave me the opportunity. It's so important for our culture. Absolutely no negatives. Welsh better funding. English schools will be phased out across Wales in coming years."
A minority shared concerns based on their experiences: "I know so many people who struggled with English when attending a Welsh school. They needed an English tutor to help them with basics like spelling/reading etc. Those I know who attended a Welsh school don't use it in their jobs (obvs different for everyone with different jobs) but also jobs like Welsh speaking applicants too."
Another said: "I went to Welsh school, parents struggled to help with homework but I liked my time at school. I didn't keep up my Welsh though and now not that confident to speak it. So if they do go encourage them to keep it up as there are lots of jobs that want specific Welsh speaking, especially in civil service. I can't do maths terminology in English and also only know the lord's prayer in Welsh."
Sophie, who rose to fame on BBC talent show, Over the Rainbow, married Welsh rugby International Ellis Jenkins back in 2022. The couple first met when they were both just 18 years old. Speaking to WalesOnline previously, Sophie shared that despite their deep connection, they've faced their fair share of challenges.
"When we were about 23 or 24, we went separate ways for just over a year and then realised, 'You are the love of my life' and we are meant to be together. The rest is history," she recalled.
Article continues below
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
36 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Oasis' links to Wales including one member who is actually Welsh
Oasis' links to Wales including one member who is actually Welsh Legendary indie band Oasis are coming back to Wales as they embark on an epic comeback tour next month. The Gallagher brothers have performed together many times in Cardiff before, and the band actually has very strong links with the city and other parts of Wales Noel Gallagher performs with Oasis in Cardiff back in 1996 (Image: Media Wales ) Oasis are gearing up to launch their massive reunion tour in Cardiff, with the Gallagher brothers set to take to the stage together for the first time in 16 years in under a month's time. The concerts, part of the Oasis Live '25 tour announced last year, take place on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5. Many were surprised and delighted that the iconic '90s band chose the Welsh capital as the city to kick-start what is one of the most eagerly awaited musical tours in rock or pop history. They could have chosen any city in the UK - or the world - to start Oasis Live '25, but all eyes will be on the Principality Stadium in early July. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here, reports Wales Online. Perhaps the venue for the first two comeback concerts should not come as a surprise, given the band's strong connections to Wales. After all, they recorded their hit second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? around 40 miles from Cardiff at the world-famous Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire. The album went on to sell more than 22 million copies across the world. It's regarded by many as the band's finest work, boasting hits including Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, Some Might Say, and Champagne Supernova. Three miles away from Rockfield Studios you'll find The Royal Oak pub in the market town of Monmouth, and had you popped in there in the summer of 1995 there's a fair chance you would have seen frontman Liam Gallagher drinking pints late into the night. Article continues below During the recording of the album at Rockfield - which was released in October 1995 - Liam admitted that he 'spent more time in the pub than I did here". He said: "I'd do my singing and I'd come back and our kid (Noel Gallagher) would still be playing the same f****** riff over and over and over again". You can read much more about Liam's experiences of Rockfield and Monmouth here. Oasis have also performed numerous times in Cardiff, including at the then-Millennium Stadium in 2009 on the Dig Out Your Soul Tour and back in 2005 as part of the Noise and Confusion show, where they were supported by the Foo Fighters. It seems odd to think it now, given Oasis have totally sold out stadium shows all over the UK and Ireland this summer, but the band actually played Cardiff International Arena - with its relatively small capacity of around 7,000 people for a music gig - as recently as October 2008. Liam Gallagher performs with Oasis at Cardiff International Arena in 1997 (Image: PA ) Oasis also played the arena, located on Mary Ann Street in the centre of Cardiff, in 1996, 1997 and 2002. Meanwhile, the band performed in more modest surroundings in the Welsh capital back in 1994 when they played at Cardiff University and, later that same year, at the Astoria, which was a legendary nightclub on Queen Street. Principle songwriter Noel Gallagher also has personal ties to Wales. He is the father of three children, Anais, Donovan and Sonny, with his first child Anais being born to his ex-wife Meg Matthews. Anais, who works as a model and a photographer, is currently in a relationship with Welsh actor Callum Scott Howells, known for his role in It's A Sin. The couple have been together since autumn 2023. Perhaps Oasis' biggest tie with Wales is the fact that one of their members is actually Welsh. In 1999, original bassist and founding member Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan left the band, along with guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs. The pair were replaced by English guitarist Gem Archer and another musician called Andy Bell, who had formerly founded a rock band called Ride. Bell, now 54, was born in Cardiff in 1970 and later moved to Oxford and then Sweden. Bell has confirmed that he will take to the stage with Oasis just a couple of miles from his birthplace when the Principality Stadium shows kick-off this summer's tour. Article continues below With now less than a month to go, you can find all the details about the Principality Stadium gigs here. For all the latest information about tickets, including resale sites, click here.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Australia's most 'wholesome' bachelor wins hearts across the country with his very candid message: 'This is so cute'
Australia's most 'wholesome' bachelor has drawn praise across the country after he shared a heartfelt video looking for a potential suitor. Perth man Sam said he was ready for a long-term relationship after having 'no luck on the dating apps'. In a video viewed more than 580,000 times on TikTok, the 28-year-old said he thought he would try a different way of finding his future love interest. 'This is my dating application video on TikTok,' he said. 'I'm blind in one eye, I like video games, hiking, camping, adventures, photography, vlogging, and travelling. 'I'm preferably looking for a long term relationship.' The young man said he was looking for somebody about his age and in Australia. 'So this is my third take of this video and I really hope that this reaches the right people and hopefully something comes out of this,' he said. 'So, yeah, feel free to drop any, feel free to drop a few comments. 'And, feel free to shoot me a DM or if you're a gamer, add me on Discord. I also don't smoke or do drugs or have kids. 'I'd like someone who I can travel the world with and make memories with.' Many social media users said they empathised with Sam's dating troubles. 'Dating apps are a horrible experience. You seem so lovely! I hope this reaches the right person,' one woman wrote. 'This is wholesome bro, take it from someone who's been where you are and is dating the most amazing girl, you're gonna find the right girl!' one bloke said. 'Keep your standards high, don't change for anyone and remember, you can't say the wrong thing to the right person! Good luck bro!' 'My husband is also blind in one eye! i hope you have better luck on TikTok, dating apps suck,' a third said. 'Fingers crossed you can find a girl that aligns with your values! you seem like such great value.' Others were sure the video would reach an apt bachelorette. 'This is the sweetest, most wholesome thing I've ever seen! good luck out there and I wish you all the best and you will find someone perfect for you,' one woman wrote. 'You seem like such a kind genuine soul, i hope you find someone who deserves you and makes you happy,' another wrote. 'You seem like such a lovely guy! The right ones definitely out there good luck Sam we're all rooting for you!' a third added. One man congratulated his bravery. 'Luck to you, tops for putting it out there like this. Brave and bold mate,' he wrote. Other viewers offered to be his wingmen and wingwomen. 'Good luck Sam! You've got this,' one woman said.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Meghan Markle doesn't care if Brit 'haters' winced at her twerking birth video
While most people were delighted to see it the candid video shared by Meghan Markle - others were less impressed as Meghan got some backlash over her dodgy dancing with Harry Meghan Markle's video of her twerking in the delivery room before daughter Lilibet's birth divided fans this week but she seems to have put the embarrassment behind her. To honour her daughter's fourth birthday Meghan posted the video on her Instagram account this week- giving fans an inside glimpse of the day the young princess was born. Prince Harry also featured in the video wth a twerking Meghan Markle in the delivery room before Princess Lilibet was born in 2021. The candid moment shows Meghan in the late stages of her pregnancy, dancing around a hospital room to the song Baby Mama with Harry by her side, in an attempt to induce her labour. Alongside the divisive video, Meghan wrote: "Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work - there was only one thing left to do!" Despite the backlash over her dodgy dancing with Harry to the soundtrack of Starrkeisha's Baby Mama song, defiant Meghan is thrilled by the reaction in America. A source told MailOnline: "Meghan doesn't care about the haters in Britain calling her vulgar. Americans thought the twerking video was hilarious and relatable." One person wrote on X: "Oh my. That's really just awful," while another user joked: "They are cringe to the max… I feel nauseous." Others claimed the Sussexes were making a mockery of their royal titles by sharing the video, with one writing: "Good grief, these people have titles. Ruining the reputation and respect of the Royal Family, one Instagram post at a time." However, others sharing their thoughts on the video, praisied their fun and caring relationship and were delighted to see it. One person voiced their support Harry and Meghan, writing on X: 'This is everything! Harry on beat and Meghan dropping it like it's hot. They look like they have so much fun together.' A source close to the Sussexes added: "Meghan is very pleased with the video. In the UK everyone's reaction has been a bit prudish but everywhere else, particularly in America and especially with young people, it has been a huge hit." Meghan is about to launch a series of new products as part of her As Ever line – including rosé wine. The source added: "She and her team count it [the video] as a 'win', which can only be a boost for sales. Her new products are marketed at Americans and not at the UK market." Meghan and Harry celebrated Lilibet's fourth birthday on Wednesday, with Meghan posting a series of unseen family photos to her Instagram account to celebrate the special day. Meghan shared a black-and-white snap of herself cuddling Lili, while they both sported windswept hair as they sat together seemingly on a boat.
