Ask Emyr

Emyr Jones works as a Tutor and Development Officer with Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Area, which is run by Swansea University on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.  Emyr teaches Welsh to staff at the Ospreys Rugby Club, and leads the ABA Welsh Learners' Choir.  Before becoming a tutor, Emyr taught in primary schools in Neath Port Talbot, and was headteacher at Ysgol Tyler Ynn, Llansawel, and Ysgol y Bannau, Brecon.

Here, we chat to Emyr about his work:

You teach Welsh to the Ospreys’ staff – how’s it going?
I teach a group from the Marketing and Community Engagement Departments.  The learners are great and are already using their Welsh.  They chat with each other in Welsh, and are beginning to use the language at work.  Lance Bradley, the Chief Executive, wanted to run the class, and he is very supportive.

How was the taster lesson for supporters?
Very successful – and many supporters are now learning Welsh with us.  We hope to organise more taster sessions in future.

Why did you decide to become a tutor?
When I was teaching and a headteacher at primary schools, I enjoyed working with parents.  I liked helping parents develop their Welsh skills, so they could use the language with their children. After taking early retirement, an opportunity arose to work in the Learn Welsh sector.  I decided to go for it!

What’s your role?
I work with many students who want to become teachers, and healthcare workers.  I also organise Learn Welsh courses for staff at Swansea University, and staff from schools in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

What’s the best thing about your job?
I love starting a new class, and getting to know learners from different backgrounds.  I enjoy seeing the learners improve little by little in every lesson.

What’s it like to conduct the learners’ choir?
Amazing!  All 20 choir members enjoy meeting, talking, and learning Welsh through singing in rehearsals, which are held every other week.  Some members practise at Tŷ’r Gwrhyd, Pontardawe, and others at Swansea University, then we come together for concerts.  I like introducing new songs to the group, so they can learn about Welsh poetry and composers.  Leading the choir at the Eisteddfod was a special experience, and the learners enjoyed singing on stage for the first time.

Any advice for new tutors?
Be yourself and enjoy the lessons.  If you enjoy it, the learners will enjoy it, and the language will flow!