Our course will review the big three key family tree building blocks in chronological order as well as briefly discussing recording systems. We will then move on to start investigating additional source material which is related to Civil Registration, Census and Parish Registers and often overlooked even though they may be online. There will be the opportunity to share ideas and experiences, ask questions with website guidance provided throughout the term.
Course aim
To briefly review and revisit the three key sources for developing family history in chronological order before moving onto investigating their associated records. Questions, general research guidance, web support and optional project included.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain how both Civil Registration indexes were constructed; list two unique websites specifying their differences and suggest alternative sources for Birth, Marriage and Death information
- Recount the general methodology for collecting the census 1841 - 1901 and 1911; specify two new questions from the 1921 census and describe four ways by which a census enumerators' book might be checked for missing entries
- Recount the importance of 1754 for both our Church of England and Non-Conformist ancestors and provide information on two associated records linked to this date
- List a variety of at least five documents which were kept in the Parish Chest with the Parish Registers
- Explain in which repository the above records should located for two areas of personal interest
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- Advise on individual research interests.
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
- Some experience of family tree construction.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet







