| Welsh for Adults | |
Here's what our learners have been up to ...Merched y Wawr learners competition 2012 (11-01-2012) Advanced Level (circa level 4)- a short story on the theme 'bird' or 'birds' Intermediate Level (circa level 3) - Thank you letter Beginners Level (circa level 1 & 2) - Postcard The competition is open to anyone who's learning Welsh as a second language. Closing date: 1 March 2012 Wendy Lewis - our Tutor of the Year 2011 (10-01-2012) The Welsh for Adults tutor of the year award went to Wendy Lewis from Llandovery. Wendy learnt Welsh herself as an adult, and now teaches Welsh for Adults courses in the Lampeter area. Wendy Lewis (centre), with Marye Wyvill and Rajesh David, two of her students from her Lampeter class. Wendy is one of the Centre's highly qualified tutors who teach approximately 2,500 students each year in Mid Wales. Well done Wendy! Jac Forster - our Student of the Year 2011 (03-01-2012) The Centre's Welsh for Adults student of the year, Jac Forster, seen here with her husband Marc and their two sons, who all speak Welsh, is certainly a shining example to all those learning Welsh. Jac who was born in London, has worked very hard over the past four years to learn Welsh in order to establish Welsh as the language of the home. If you see Jac, and you speak Welsh, cofiwch siarad â hi yn Gymraeg (remember to speak to her in Welsh). From left back row Jac, Marc, Philippa Gibson (Jac's tutor who nominated her for the award), Front row Jac and Marc's two sons. The Search is on for the Welsh Learner of the Year (09-12-2011) With the Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod fast approaching, the search is on for the winner of one of the festival's main competitions, the Welsh Learner of the Year.The competition celebrates the contribution of learners to the language, their community and the whole of Wales, and is now considered one of the Eisteddfod's major activities every year. Eisteddfod Organiser, Hywel Wyn Edwards, said, “Once again we're looking for someone who's learnt Welsh to an excellent standard. Over the years, we've seen some very enthusiastic and talented learners competing, and I'm sure that the standard will be very high again this year. This is an important competition, not only for raising the profile and celebrating the contribution of Welsh learners, but also as a boost for the self-confidence of those who take part – and for learners everywhere. “This is the first time for the Eisteddfod to visit the Vale of Glamorgan since 1968, and the local – and national – linguistic map has changed much since then. The number of those learning Welsh has rocketed since then and we hope that the Eisteddfod's visit will inspire others to learn the language. “We've also produced a small booklet, Beth amdani (Give it a go), which includes details of all the competitions for learners in the Eisteddfod, and our learners officer, Gwennol Haf, will be distributing these booklets around Wales with the help and support of the Welsh for Adults centres.” The Learner of the Year trophy is donated by the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, Cardiff University, and the financial prize of £300 is given by the Gwynfor Fund, Barry. The three other finalists will receive £100 each from the Gwynfor Fund and a trophy each from the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, Cardiff University The entry form can be downloaded from the Eisteddfod website – and the closing date is 31 March. The Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod is held on the old airfield at Llandow from 4-11 August next year. more Celebrating lifelong learning success (29-11-2011) A student who re-discovered her artistic gifts, and a mother of two who is ensuring that Welsh becomes the language of her home were among lifelong learners who received awards in a special ceremony at Aberystwyth University on Tuesday 15 November 2011. The ceremony was held by the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at Aberystwyth University where the lifelong learning student of the year and the Welsh learner of the year were given special awards. Jac Forster from north Pembrokeshire, and originally from London, won the Welsh Learner of the Year award. She has been learning Welsh in classes run by the Mid Wales Welsh for Adults Centre for four years. As a married mother of two, Welsh is now becoming the first langauge of their home. Paula Clarke from Ysbyty Ystwyth won the lifelong learning student of the year award. Paula, who is a wheel chair user, has taken up art for the first time since leaving school, and she is now studying for a Higher Education Certificate in Art and Design. Awards were also given to tutors who had been nominated by their students for their exceptional work. Artist Angharad Taris from New Quay won the lifelong learning tutor of the year award for her work as an art and design tutor. The Welsh for Adults tutor of the year award went to Wendy Lewis from Llandovery. Wendy learnt Welsh herself as an adult, and now teaches Welsh for Adults courses in the Lampeter area. The ceremony also celebrated the success of 25 students who had reached special milestones in their learning journey, including Welsh learners who had been successful in WJEC's 'use of Welsh' examinations at Intermediate, Advanced and Proficiency levels, and students who were awarded further and higher education certificates in geneology, modern languages, field ecology, contemporary Welsh, creative writing, and art and design. The awards were presented by Professor Tim Woods, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor John Grattan, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dr Malcolm Thomas, Director of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning. For all student profiles, click here: more New Newsletter for the National Eisteddfod of Wales (29-11-2011) Welcome to the first edition of the new-look National Eisteddfod newsletter.The aim is to include information on the two current Eisteddfodau and some corporate news in one monthly newsletter. So you'll be able to find out the latest news about the Vale of Glamorgan and the Denbighshire and District National Eisteddfod in one place throughout the year. more Dan Lynn James Scholarship 2012 (08-11-2011) The Dan Lynn James Scholarship gives financial support to Welsh learners who wish to improve their Welsh and use it in their daily life.Dan Lynn James Scholarship 2012 £1,000 Closing Date: 1 April 2012 Download details and the application form are available here. more NIACE Dysgu Cymru - Inspire! Awards 2012 (03-11-2011) This year, for the first time, the tutor and mentor awards will become part of the main Inspire! Adult Learner Award Ceremony. As a result, you may wish to nominate outstanding learners, tutors, mentors and trainers from further education, higher education, the workplace or the community. Tutors may work in essential skills, vocational qualifications, languages, online through e-tutoring and / or in a voluntary capacity as a tutor, mentor or trainer. Learners can be studying any subject from Archaeology to Welsh or from Construction to Art.Nominate now The deadline for nominations is 10th February 2012. Please ring Steve Martin, Rhydian Thomas or Essex Havard on 029 2037 0900 if you need further clarification. We look forward to joining with you in celebrating the success of inspirational learners, tutors, mentors and trainers from across Wales. Good luck! The Campaigns & Promotions Team NIACE Dysgu Cymru more Welsh from the Cradle in Cardigan (28-10-2011) Mae ein sesiwn "Cymraeg o'r Crud" gyda ein tiwtor Llinos Halgarth yn Guildhall Aberteifi wedi profi'n llwyddiannus iawn. Dyma'r rhieni yn mwynhau dysgu Cymraeg gyda'r plant.Kay Holder, Welsh Learner of the Year (11-10-2011) To learn more about this year's Welsh Learner of the year at the National Eisteddfod see the link below.more Welsh classes up and away in Cardigan! (11-10-2011) Welsh classes for adults have just started their new term in Cardigan and the surrounding areas, and many are finding that record numbers of students have enrolled. One of the tutors, Philippa Gibson, said, "We're not sure why more students are coming to learn and improve their Welsh this year, but we're delighted of course. Many of the classes in Cardigan are part of the scheme where local Welsh speakers come in to the class regularly to meet and chat with learners for half an hour, and this really helps them to gain confidence and move on fast. Perhaps word of that has encouraged more people to join in." There are plenty of opportunities for learners of all levels to join other classes which have just started and are flourishing. Classes are held at Cardigan Castle (in Ty Castell), at the Leisure Centre and at Old St. Mary's School Hall. So if you're still looking for a class in Cardigan, contact the freephone number 0800 876 6975 for full details of classes throughout Ceredigion. And if you're a local Welsh speaker who could offer half an hour occasionally to chat with 2 or 3 learners in a class, contact Philippa on 01239 654561 or philippa.gibson@gmail.com Pictured: Our tutor, Philippa Gibson New teaching locations in Aberystwyth - on Penglais Campus (28-09-2011) Our courses in Aberystwyth are located in 10 Laura Place, the Old College, Penglais and Llanbadarn Campus.Courses are being held for the first time on Penglais Campus as the Welsh for Adults Centre is moving to Penbryn 5 at the end of October. New teaching rooms have been created on Penglais Campus in Penbryn block 5 for the new academic year 2011/12. Click below for a location map. more Dyfinodau win 3rd prize at Eisteddfod (26-09-2011) Here's a picture of the Recital Party "Dyfinodau". Learners from our classes in Tywyn and Machynlleth. Picture taken by Graham Clarke. Miriam and Nikki - a prize winning team! (20-09-2011) Welsh learners Nikki Piggot (on left) and Miriam Collard (centre) were successful at this year's National Eisteddfod in Wrexham - winning the first prize for writing and illustrating a four page booklet about their area. The adjudicator called the work "truly beautiful - exactly what I was looking for. Excellent". Felicity Ramage shares her Eisteddfod experience (20-09-2011) I had a wonderful time at this year's National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. On Monday, I saw Geraint Lloyd Owen win the Crown in the Pavillion. On Tuesday evening, I was in the Pavilillion once again for Shân Cothi and Wynne (Go Compare!) Evans' concert. Wednesday morning, again in the Pavilllion, I saw a variety of competitions. Thursday morning, I was in the Pagoda for the Harp competition, and Friday morning, I saw the Clog Dancing competition in the Dance Theatre. I even attempted some Welsh line dancing –"de, chwith, de, troi .... " In the afternoon, I stayed to see Dafydd Iwan's concert held in Maes D and I saw the 'Cadeirio' - Chairing Ceremony. The week offered plenty of opportunity to speak Welsh. On several occasions I said “Esgusodwch fi, dysgwr dw i – yn araf, os gwelwch chi'n dda!” I had lots of fun stewarding during the week and enjoyed my experience of the Eisteddfod immensely. Felicity Ramage Eisteddfod Chair for Welsh Learner from Llanelltyd (13-09-2011) 'We're all very proud of Judith Crompton on her astounding success in the National Eisteddfod of Wales' said Jaci Taylor, Development Officer of the Mid-Wales Welsh for Adults Centre.Judith and her husband Robert moved to Wales four years ago. Judith started attending Welsh classes and has gone from strength to strength, thanks to her Welsh tutors and friends, especially with writing poetry in Welsh. She won the chair in the Learners section with a poem called Croeso (Welcome). 'I think writing poetry in Welsh is a lot easier than writing poetry in English, and I really enjoy it' said Judith. 'Welsh is a really wonderful language and I will certainly be writing more poetry' she added. The Archdruid Jim Parc Nest, who presented the Eisteddfod Chair for Welsh learners to Judith was very impressed with her achievement and said she was an excellent role model for all those learning Welsh. Other Mid-Wales successes in the Eisteddfod were as follows – many congratulations to each and every one of them. Recitation Party: 3rd Dyfinodau, Machynlleth. Story Telling: 1st Gail Lewis, Llanidloes, 2nd Miriam Collard, Llanymynech. Inteview Script: 1st Miriam Collard, Llanymynech. Pages from a scrapbook (group work) 1st Miriam Collard and Nikki Piggot. Pictured: The Archdruid Jim Parc Nest and Judith Crompton following the presentation of the Eisteddfod chair for Welsh learners in Maes D (Learner's Tent). Success for Miriam Collard at the National Eisteddfod! (06-09-2011) Welsh learner Miriam Collard had great success in this year's National Eisteddfod - winning two first prizes!Firstly, she won for composing a script for an interview (foundation level)- up to five questions, 150 words with a famous Welsh man/woman from the present or past. She chose Owain Glyndwr. Secondly, she won with a friend for writing a four page booklet about their area. The judge called the work "truly beautiful - exactly what I was looking for. Excellent". She also won second prize - for public speaking on the stage of Maes D, and third prize for a group recitial. Well done Miriam! August 2011 April McMahon (06-09-2011) Aberystwyth University's new Vice Chancellor, Professor April McMahon has learnt Welsh in less than six months. She is pictured here (centre) with her tutors Carwen Vaughan (left) and Llinos Dafis (right).August 2011 Llanwrtyd Reading Group (26-07-2011) 'The Reading Group helps us practise the language'Rosemary 'I look forward to the Reading Group every month in order to have the chance to chat in Welsh, and read the interesting stories in the book Tocyn Lwcus' Sue 'We're fortunate to be able to continue to learn Welsh in this way' John 'We wouldn't read Welsh books were it not for the Reading Group'. It's fun reading together'. Rosie Pictured here are (left to right) Rosemary Rowlands, Rosie Hazell, Sue Seed and John Rowlands Annual Student and Tutor Awards (20-07-2011) For 2009/10, the awards for excellence in Learning and Teaching went to Lois Martin Short (tutor) and Anne Greig (student)nominated by her tutor, Nic Dafis. The winners and their nominees attended the Lifelong Learning annual awards ceremony held in the old college on 20 October 2010.Pictured here is Anne Grieg (centre) receiving her award from her tutors Alison Vaughan Jones and Nic Dafis. 20 October 2010 welsh-my-way.com competition winner! (18-07-2011)Congratulations to Nicola Mason on winning £50 in our welsh-my-way.com prize draw! Thank you to everyone who completed the questionnaire.13 May 2011 more Dolgellau Summer School (18-07-2011) We welcomed 40 learners from all areas of Mid Wales, and some from as far afield as Derby! The week offered a mixture of formal lessons and fun activities to support the learners to use their Welsh informally.During the first two days formal lessons were held which helped learners to get to know each other – and their tutors! At the regular coffee breaks, everyone got together to chat or to browse the Awen Meirion book store. A mixture of lessons and activities followed. On Wednesday, Mair Tomos Ifans gave a story session and much fun was had listening to Mair's local folklore. On Thursday Jaci Taylor and Siôn Meredith visited from the Mid Wales Welsh for Adults Centre. Jaci held a session of fun language games whilst Siôn visited the classes chatting about his experience of working for Tearfund. On Friday, a Welsh Walk was arranged with Angharad Harris from the National Park. Three groups went walking during the morning, but due to bad weather the afternoon walk was cancelled! Angharad made an interesting presentation on the Park during the afternoon. Everyone congregated in the hall on Friday afternoon for a performance of the Dolgellau area's Learners Choir who are competing in the National Eisteddfod this year – best of luck to them! Rhiain Bebb then led everyone in song to close the week's activities. A week packed with fun and learning – many thanks to the learners and tutors for their hard work – Rhiain Bebb, Gwynne Wheldon Evans, Ceri Jones, Meirionna Jones and Sandra Jones-Evans. See you at next year's Summer School! Pictured here are Welsh learners Cynthia Rowland, Elinor Donnelly and Wendy Owen. 4 - 8 July 2011 Staff & Student Committee (18-07-2011) The new Welsh for Adults in Mid Wales website was presented to the 25 staff and students who attended this year. Feedback was received on the new-look site and events diary. The voice of the learners was then heard during a very productive committee meeting.Lowri Jones & Elin Williams who chaired the meeting, 10 Laura Place 16 June 2011 Porthmadog (18-07-2011) After Portmeirion, on to Porthmadog and Dave and Llŷr have caught a crab for supper, but everybody else prefers having supper in the Oakeley Arms Hotel in Maentwrog.9 July 2011 Bwyty Mawddach (18-07-2011) Two full bus loads of Welsh Learners and fluent Welsh speakers from Ceredigion went to Portmeirion and Porthmadog on Saturday 9 July 2011.Here we are having stopped on the way to have coffee in Mawddach Restaurant. A wonderful place with views across the Mawddach river. 9 July 2011 Trip to Portmeirion (18-07-2011) We had an interesting tour around the Italian Village with a local guide (on the right in the white shirt. Both Welsh and English tours were available.'The day was so lovely – the weather, the landscape – and meeting the other learners was particularly enjoyable. I spoke Welsh throughout the day with some very interesting people of all ages and from all sorts of backgrounds.' Deborah Angel 9 July 2011 more Ynys Hir - Welsh walk and chat (05-07-2011) "Today, I went to Ynys Hir with the RSPB to the 'Welsh walk and chat'. We learnt Welsh terms for trees and birds. The BBC programme 'Spring Watch' was filming there and we saw the studio where they filmed." Jackie Willmington, Learner with WfA Mid Wales 5 June 2011 cariad@iaith: love4language (29-06-2011)In a special series of love @ language: love4language on S4C between 9 and 15 July, eight well know people will spend an intensive week learning Welsh in Forest near Cilgerran in Pembrokeshire.We can not disclose at this time who the eight are. The cameras will follow them as they study Welsh for four hours every day under the guidance of the presenter and tutor Nia Parry and the dynamic language tutor Ioan Talfryn. There will be a series, broadcast over a week with Gareth Roberts following the stars in an hour-long nightly shows. S4C's tour (with Tesco and Acen) will visit Tesco in Welshpool on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - introducing people to S4C's Learner services + promoting Cariad @ Iaith. You are welcome to come along! more Cymraeg o'r Crud, a sweeping success in Aberystwyth (06-04-2011) The classroom was packed out with families with small children and babies during this new course held recently at the Morlan, Aberystwyth in conjunction with TWF.This afternoon session introduced Welsh to babies, toddlers and their grown ups. The session was fun-filled - reading stories, playing and even singing together - in Welsh! Pictured here is Claire Lowe enjoying some quality time with one of her sons, John. January - March 2011 Welsh Language Sabbatical Scheme Awards Ceremony (06-04-2011) It was great to hear first-hand the experiences of some of the 12 primary and secondary school teachers who attended our three month full time course sponsored by the Sabbatical Scheme. The teachers attended the course during school hours from September to December 2010.We heard what it's like to learn Welsh intensively and also how the teachers have used their new-found skill in the classroom. Each student received a certificate presented to them by Professor Noel Lloyd, our Vice Chancellor. Pictured here is Dr Anne Williams, from Ysgol Llwyn yr Eos with Professor Noel Lloyd. 28 March 2011 |
|
Contact us:Mid-Wales Welsh for Adults Centre
|
|
| read Welsh, speak Welsh, live Welsh | |
