Educational Courses

Welsh Curriculum

The aim of Urdd Gobaith Cymru is to ensure that all the young people of Wales are given the opportunity to develop into complete individuals through the medium of Welsh; and to empower them to play a constructive role in society, by promoting personal and social skills 

Here at Glan-llyn you will have many new experiences in an educational, secure and uniquely Welsh atmosphere. By venturing out of our usual comfortable environment we will have new, exciting experiences, through which we will develop our key skills and grow as individuals.  

Co-operation: It is essential for individuals to plan and share ideas to ensure success during the activities.

Problem Solving: Opportunities to develop problem-solving skills which are in turn useful to solve problems in everyday life.

Communication: It is essential for individuals to communicate their ideas during the activities to ensure success.

Improve your own learning and performance:  When reviewing our activities individuals are able to make sense of their new experiences.  When reviewing, individuals are given the opportunity to analyse and understand their potential.

Fieldwork Courses

GCSE, AS and A-level 

Glan-llyn is in an ideal location to conduct fieldwork in Snowdonia National Park. A specific programme of fieldwork can be designed and developed to complement and meet the requirements and content of the new specification for GCSEs, GCE AS Levels and A-levels. The courses can encourage learners to understand the current global situation and its dynamic nature, and enable them to interpret and react to environments which change constantly. The Gwersyll has a good relationship with a number of agencies and organisations and can arrange guests speakers who are appropriate to the course specification. 

Language Courses

Why come to Glan-llyn on a language course?

During the courses we combine all of Glan-llyn's exciting activities with learning Welsh.

The area is a stronghold of the Welsh language with over 80% of the residents of Penllyn being able to speak the language.

The area is rich with legends and other interesting tales such as the history of Tegid Foel, the nasty king who gave his name to the lake. We can incorporate these in activities such as the Brenin Arthur boat trip or other walking tours in the area.

We can arrange visits to other historical locations in the area e.g. Llyn Celyn and the area where Sir Ifan and Sir OM Edwards were born. There is also a strong connection between the area and Patagonia.

We can arrange sessions with bards and authors and use activities or legends as a basis for the creative work.

We can arrange courses for you regardless of the students' ability. Here are examples of the courses which we arrange:

Language Courses (first and second language) KS2, KS3 and KS4

Language activities can be incorporated in the usual provision, or specific activities can be offered which promote an understanding of the cultural heritage of Wales.

'Llinyn Trôns' course

A course which complements the study of this novel can be arranged

AS TAG/A-level course (first and second language)

Every November a course is organised for students studying Welsh for GCE A Level/AS. The provision offered is second to none, with contributors being prominent figures in the Welsh literary scene.  We also arrange visits to locations which form a background to the work in the syllabus e.g. Yr Ysgwrn, Llyn Celyn and other places in North Wales which have inspired our literary figures, film-makers, poets and dramatists. 

Adult Courses

For adults who are learning Welsh, Glan-llyn is the perfect place to spend a weekend enjoying the Centre's uniquely Welsh atmosphere. We can also arrange courses for people who do not necessarily want to learn the language but want to raise their awareness of Wales' cultural background. 

Routes to the Summit

The aim of Urdd Gobaith Cymru's Routes to the Summit scheme is to improve skills and raise the aspirations of young people in Welsh. We will give them the best possible opportunity to develop skills related to work. Through the two Outdoors officers, located at the Gwersyll, we will be collaborating to offer the best possible resources for you to complete tasks and gain accreditation in this area. For more information on the scheme, please contact the Gwersyll.

Outdoors BTEC 

The Gwersyll provides Outdoor BTEC modules for a number of colleges and schools across Wales.   We provide programmes which meet the educational requirements of the curriculum. 

University Modules

Glan-llyn provides outdoor modules to universities.  For further information, please contact the Gwersyll.

GCSEs / A-levels

The Gwersyll provides GCSE and A-level courses for schools throughout Wales. These courses are planned specifically for the school/college so that they meet their educational requirements and also the students' educational requirements.

Sailing Course

As an RYA licensed centre, we can offer a number of diverse courses in sailing. For more information on the courses and dates available, please contact the Gwersyll.

Motorboat Course

Here you will work towards a Powerboat Certificate Level 1 or 2. We can train and assess these courses at the Gwersyll. For more information please contact the Gwersyll.

Mountaineering and Walking Training Course

The Gwersyll is acknowledged by the MLTW (Mountain Leader Training Wales) board as a course provider for the Mountain Training Award (Summer) and Walking Group Leader Award. After you have completed your logbook, you can complete your training and assessment here.

John Muir Courses 

An opportunity for participants to gain a John Muir Environmental Award certificate. By combining the Gwersyll's exciting activities with specific environmental activities this course promotes understanding and respect towards the environment. 

Outreach Courses

Glan-llyn can offer a variety of courses outside the boundaries of the centre. Our experienced staff can hold numerous events including kayaking and canoeing sessions in various locations. Climbing some of the areas rocks and mountains is also a possibility. If travelling to the centre can be difficult,  we can hold specific sessions in schools such as problem solving courses. Everyone can  experience new and exciting activities. 

Contact the Gwersyll for more details!