The whole purpose of the Wednesday afternoon trips is to give learners an opportunity to use the Welsh language in a real environment. An example of this is visiting a Welsh book shop in a nearby town and supporting learners to ask the owner a question in Welsh. For many at the lower levels, this is the first time they have used the Welsh language independently. There are examples of others purchasing a Welsh book for the first time or buying a cup of tea through the medium of Welsh. This is a very big step for several learners and is something they feel very proud of doing.
The location of all of the trips has been chosen carefully and we support the individuals who work there to support the learners appropriately. This means that it is very unlikely that a learner will have a difficult or uncomfortable experience. They are supported and encouraged to use the Welsh language. For many learners, this is a turning point in their language journey.
We encourage learners to visit Tafarn y Fic during their week with us. This public house, which is very local to Nant Gwrtheyrn, is an important partner for us and provides a natural Welsh environment. This is an opportunity for learners to relax in the company of Welsh speakers, join in with the weekly quiz or watch a game of football. Very recently, we have seen examples where learners have joined a local choir practise and another has offered to provide accompaniment because the accompanist was ill. These experiences are very important for learners as they feel part of the wider Welsh-speaking community.
For the Cymraeg Gwaith groups, trips to prominent Welsh-medium workplaces are important. Visiting locations such as Galeri Caernarfon and Cwmni Da television company has provided an opportunity for learners to see the Welsh language in a workplace context and those contexts are modern and exciting ones that are thriving. Creating this positive image of language use is crucial in encouraging language use.
Overall, we have many examples of places to visit, such as Pant Du Vineyard, Cwrw Llŷn, Llŷn Maritime Museum, Porth y Swnt centre, Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre, Poblado Coffi, to name but a few. Through this fantastic collection of partners, we are able to provide a range of experiences for learners who choose to return to Nant Gwrtheyrn time after time.
Similarly, the entertainment that is arranged for learners is also influential. Provision is extensive and responsive to the group’s requirements, for example when organising a Noson Lawen for a group of arts workers who were with us on an Access Course. None of the group had performed through the medium of Welsh before, so there was a fair amount of nerves and preparation. Tutors supported learners to prepare items e.g. recitation pieces, song lyrics, readings etc. One group performed the Urdd’s Message of Peace and Goodwill. At the end of the night, everyone was delighted and the feeling of achievement was obvious. The remainder of the week was full of energy and enthusiasm towards learning in the classroom.
Prominent people from the Welsh rock scene also join us on a weekly basis to entertain. This is an opportunity for learners to see contemporary Welsh culture in practice and get a glimpse of the new opportunities that are available to them through their new language. Characters like Meinir Gwilym also open the door to Welsh music and television, such as ‘Garddio a Mwy’.
The preparation that takes place before a visit/entertainment is crucial to learners’ enjoyment. If they are properly equipped e.g. with appropriate vocabulary, suitable questions and background information, they are able to make the most of the opportunity to use the Welsh language with the full support of their fellow learners and their tutor.
