The course focuses on creating a new family history from scratch. You will learn how a professional approaches the task including interviewing your 'client', posting a tree online, searching for sources and verifying all the facts necessary for success. You will include stories and photos, local history and learn how to create a detailed report at the end. If you have never engaged in this fascinating occupation before come a join us. You will make new friends, gain new knowledge and come to appreciate just how vital your family has been in making you the person you are today.
Course aim
Aimed at family historians that wish to develop their skills further, the course is also equipped to teach beginners the basic skills necessary for success. The purpose is to create a family history from scratch, fully verified and sourced.
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:
- Create a family tree online from scratch.
- Plan and prepare a genealogical project for yourself or for a friend.
- Cooperate positively and creatively to a small genealogy network locally and beyond in inspiring and encouraging ways.
- Include studies in local history, genealogy and social history in your approach to researching.
- Access a wide variety of sources and resources (at least 3) in creating a fully verified and detailed family history.
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 will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
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
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
- A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress
What else do I need to know?
- A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you
- 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 is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- This course could lead to a range of job opportunities. Follow link to National Careers Service for more details https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
