Schools in Wales are set to reopen their doors on 29 June and will welcome back pupils to a 'new normal'.

Schoolwork has continued for many during lockdown and has been enhanced by online learning. Many clubs and extra-curricular activities have successfully moved onto an online platform. In Barry and Cowbridge these include French lessons with Sian-Elin Jones, or Madame Sian-El as she is known to her pupils.

Extracurricular programmes form an important part of school life, increasing opportunities for learning and development which can help to boost and improve children's academic performance. These lunchtimes and after school clubs also, and some say, more importantly, enhance a child's well-being, increases their self-confidence, self-esteem and self-belief.

Sian-Elin Jones teaches extracurricular French classes to local children through the award-winning La Jolie Ronde programmes. The programme ensures learning is focused on fun and enjoyable every day topics that children are familiar with.

Sian-Elin said "Children generally love learning languages and can reproduce sounds accurately. The younger they are exposed to new languages, the better. With my classes, I teach French through the medium of Welsh at St Curig and Gwaun y Nant Primaries in Barry and Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in Cowbridge. Whilst nothing can replace face to face teaching and interaction, moving online has been a great, short-term substitute.

Moving to teach online was initially quite daunting. It required a certain amount of experimenting to find out what works well and what pupils enjoy. It's been great and feedback and encouragement from parents have been fabulous. Many are glad to welcome back a semblance of normality and structure into their children's day."

Sian-Elin concluded "For me, languages are the key to a magical world. As a child, I remember the joy of discovering new ways of saying and expressing things. It is that enthusiasm and passion that I want to transfer to my pupils with my online classes. Languages are inspiring and can open doors to new places, experiences and cultures."