AN analysis of the 2014/15 Prospectus of Vale Courses for Adults shows a considerable imbalance between language courses in Barry. There are 0 French courses, 1 German course, 4 Spanish courses and 15 Welsh courses.
A comparison of these courses shows all Welsh courses are 30 hours; the others are just 15 hours. Prices are extremely unbalanced with 3 charging bands depending upon ones financial situation. For instance Band A (no concession) for European language costs £127.50, but for twice the house Welsh costs only £149. Further Welsh is the only language to have a Band C (where to the mention of this in the front information section) where the cost is only £50. Indeed, it gets even better for Welsh learners because many of the courses have crèches.
It would seem that Barry the largest town in Wales is marginalising its European languages even though two of its twin towns Fecamp and Mouscron are both French speaking. I also understand that to be economic and practical each class has to have 10 adults, but this does not apply to Welsh. I would like to know whether this is a Vale decision or is it one demanded by the Welsh Assembly.
G. E. Thomas
Gladstone Road
Barry
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