Under the tutoring of Adult Learning Wales’s Welsh Provision and Bilingual Champion, James Berry, a group of learners from North Wales have been exploring the history of Wales whilst improving their Welsh language skills in the classroom. 

The learners have been studying ‘Oes y Tywysogin / The Age of the Princes’ since April this year, a course that explores the origins and the role of the Prince of Wales through the Middle Ages. Learners are encouraged to speak in Welsh as part of the course which helps to develop their Welsh Language skills and understanding. There has been plenty of fun along the way with some of the group getting into the spirit by adorning chainmail in class. 

Both the historical and language element has proved incredibly useful to the learners in the class, many of whom work in the tourist industry in North Wales as guides, welcoming tourists to Wales visiting on cruise ships.  

Eluned Ann Kitson, one of the learners on the course said: 

“The information has already been used on my tours of Holyhead and Anglesey as I am more confident of the local and national history. For example, I make reference to the ‘History of the Princes’ and help the American Tourists in particular to understand our rich and varied history. I have learnt a great deal, used and improved my Welsh, and would thoroughly recommend James and this fascinating course. I am ready to learn more!” 

Dave Jepson, a Green Badge Guide, and learner: 

“I have found James’ course incredibly useful to reinforce and interpret Welsh History, which of course allows me to pluck main themes and smaller nuggets of information as I take groups around North Wales. As part of the course, we learned many more technical Welsh words, and ‘the origin of’ modern terms through historic words, both interesting and useful. James also made me dress up in chainmail and a gambeson, which wasn’t as bad as it sounds!” 

Lorna Tuersley a White Badge Tour Guide also found the course incredibly beneficial both for her work and for her own personal interest in the history of Wales: 

“As a tour guide escorting cruise ship visitors around Holyhead, the knowledge is really useful to explain some of the historical background. This may be the first and only time they (the tourists) visit Wales. I have found the course very interesting and it has given me great insight into the history of Wales. I’m now looking for other books to further my knowledge.” 

One of the outcomes of the class is how much they enjoyed learning from James, both from his extensive knowledge of Welsh History and the use of the Welsh language. The feeling was shared by all learners on the course.  

“James’ knowledge of Welsh History is incredible. The course is excellent, after learning English history and the Tudors through school and at A Level, I’m thankful to be able to study Welsh History” added Lilo Thomas.  

From all of us here at Adult Learning Wales, we would like to congratulate all the learners on completing the course and it’s such a positive to see their learnings being used as part of their work to promote this wonderful country to a wider audience.  

The next Welsh History Class with James Berry will start in late September 2023. Places are limited and booking in advance is highly recommended.  

If you would like to find out more about the courses Adult Learning Wales has to offer both online and in person across Wales, click here. 

This course was funded by the Gwynedd and Mon ACI grant.