Work Welsh 2020 Award: Tutor of the Year
WINNER: Faith Owen, Work Welsh ‘Learn’ Tutor (Learn Welsh North East)
Faith is a tutor on intensive Work Welsh courses in North East Wales - members of staff in the Church in Wales, HM Revenue & Customs, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wrexham County Borough Council are among her students. Faith received several nominations for this award. According to her learners, Faith is an energetic, enthusiastic and passionate tutor who ensures that lessons are enjoyable and that learning Welsh is a pleasure. One particular aspect that makes Faith stand out is that she makes the content of the lessons relevant to the world of work, tailoring and creating specific resources - for example, teaching and practising a range of services for Church in Wales staff, which has led to one of the learners conducting a marriage ceremony through the medium of Welsh.
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to teach workplace classes. I have many different groups, for example a class from The Church in Wales who I’ve been teaching since September 2018, and who are now ready for the Foundation level exam. We have a lot of fun, and I enjoy hearing their stories about taking a variety of services - from Weddings to Easter and Christenings - all in Welsh. I enjoy their enthusiasm and energy every week.
Faith Owen, Dysgu Cymraeg Gogledd Ddwyrain
2nd: Non Lewis-Edwards, Work Welsh ‘Learn’, Work Welsh Care, and Camau Tutor (Learn Welsh North East)
Non is a tutor who teaches Welsh as part of two Work Welsh schemes in North East Wales. As a tutor on the Camau (for the Early Years Education and Care Sector) and Gofal (Social Care) schemes, she works with a wide range of employers. Non received numerous nominations for this award. According to her learners, Non is a wonderfully supportive tutor who is always patient, positive and encouraging. Her lessons are varied and inspiring, and Non works to ensure that learners' confidence, regardless of their level, rises. She also offers additional lessons to prepare learners for exams, and tailors the content to their needs so they can apply their skills in the workplace on a daily basis.
3rd(a): Heledd Smith, Work Welsh Further Education Tutor (Bridgend College)
Heledd is a tutor on the Work Welsh Further Education scheme, working at Bridgend College. She has been a tutor to a number of Bridgend College staff, ensuring good progress for all, and with a high percentage of learners indicating that they use Welsh more often since attending her lessons. Heledd’s nominators say she is passionate about ensuring the Welsh language is extended throughout the college, with lessons that are fun, interesting and creative.
3rd(b): Huw Owen, Work Welsh Tutor (Ceredigion County Council)
Huw Owen is a Work Welsh tutor at Ceredigion County Council. He is currently tutoring 86 employees and has received numerous nominations from his learners. They praise Huw’s efforts to tailor resources to the workplace as well as his facility to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere in lessons. He also organises extra-curricular activities, such as a Lunch Club and cultural events to give learners opportunities to practise their Welsh language skills.