Cornish advanced: module 1
Over two years, the course prepares those wishing to take the 4th grade (final grade) of the Cornish Language Board examinations.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 26 Sep 2025End Date: 05 Dec 2025Fri (Evening): 19:05 - 20:05OnlineFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00
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What is the course about?
Students will improve their Cornish with oral practice and an in-depth study of the language based on the old texts. We will also follow the Grade 4 exam syllabus of the Cornish Language Board.
This is an advanced course. Students will be expected to do homework and also self-motivated home-study will be required.
What will we cover?
We will be revisiting most topics previously covered but using an advanced level of language. We will be reading and discussing and learning from the set books: .Passio Christi 705-1504 (published by Kesva an Taves Kernewek) and Dicky Holla (published also by Kesva an Taves Kernewek).
We may also discuss the history of the Cornish language and do a study of Cornish place names in some depth. Conversation and discussion in Cornish will be emphasised.
Grammar: All of the grammar contained in 'A Grammar of Modern Cornish' by Wella Brown or in 'Cornish Simplified' and supplements by A.S.D. Smith.
Please try: Grant and Cutler - www.grantandcutler.com (020 7440 3248).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- talk about current affairs, especially Cornish issues - potential outcomes.
- talk about sport, events and leisure activities - discuss consequences and outcomes.
- talk and write essays about history and revival of the Cornish language.
- begin reading of the set books for Grade 4 exam.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an advanced level course and is only suitable for students who have studied the language for a minimum of 3 years and / or have passed the Cornish Language Board 3rd grade examination or students with a high degree of fluency in the language.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is based on the communicative approach:
- active students’ interaction
- emphasis on speaking and listening skills and also translation
- pair and group work
- role plays
- use of realia, pictures and authentic material
- use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate
Please note, students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do some homework as and when required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
We will be reading and discussing and learning from the set books Passio Christi 705-1504 (publised by Kesva an Taves Kernewek) and Dicky Holla (published also by Kesva an Taves Kernewek). Students are expected to buy their own copies of the literary texts to use for home study but the texts will be shared onscreen during lessons.
Students will also need to invest in a good dictionary and will find additional books on Cornish grammar etc. useful, for example:
AN GERLYVER MEUR, dictionary edited by Dr Ken George, published by Kesva an Taves Kernewek, ISBN: 978-1-902917-84-9
A GRAMMAR OF MODERN CORNISH by Wella Brown, published by Kesva an Taves Kernewek, ISBN: 0-902917-00-6
VERBOW KERNEWEK, (verb tables) published by Kesva an Taves Kernewek, ISBN: 978-1-902917-90-0.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Cornish advanced: module 2, but we recommend you discuss your options with the tutor. Please enrol as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Jo has been teaching Cornish for over 40 years and has spoken it since she was young. She loves helping new learners discover this lesser-known Celtic language.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.