Pupils studying Welsh at GCSE level were invited to Coleg Sir Gâr to take part in workshops designed to give a flavour of learning A-level Welsh at second language.
Organised by the A-level department, the college’s Llanelli partner schools attended workshops and talks at the college, which were supported by Swansea University and Coleg Cenedlaethol Cymru.
The event also included an inspiring talk by former Coleg Sir Gâr A-level student Cara Llywelyn Davies who went back to college after university to study Welsh part-time as she wanted to be able to speak Welsh at work. Cara won the crown at the South West Wales Learner Eisteddfod whilst at college.
Although Cara studied Welsh at GCSE level, she always regretted not pursuing it. “I chose mistakenly not to pursue Welsh at A-level,” she said. “Having worked in Welsh-speaking communities as an adult, I felt a sense of disappointment that I hadn’t made the effort to learn. As a non-Welsh speaker, I missed out on so many cultural events from the Eisteddfod to Welsh language gigs. My advice to learners would be to jump in and don’t let fear hold you back.”
Philippa Smith, A-level lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “The event was aimed at bridging the gap between GCSE and A-level and hopefully we inspired pupils into continuing their Welsh studies.”
FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY REACHING WIDER