The Norah Isaac Memorial Award 2026 winner announced.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has announced that the winner of the Norah Issac Memorial Prize 2026 is Fflur Mitchell from Llandysul, a BA Education and Early Years Care student with Practitioner status. 

The Norah Isaac Memorial Award is awarded to the student who, in the University’s opinion, has contributed most to the institution’s Welsh life during the academic year. 

Norah Jones was the main Drama and Welsh Lecturer at Trinity College, Carmarthen, for many years, where she inspired generations of students. She nurtured cohort after cohort of students to become skilled teachers, and they, in turn, thanked her for the opportunity they were given to learn at the feet of a master.       

With support from, and the generosity of, Carmarthen’s Civic Society, it has been arranged that Fflur will receive her award in a reception on the Carmarthen campus during the graduation ceremonies.  

Fflur said: 

“Winning the prize is a great privilege and something that I’m extremely grateful for.  It’s lovely to see that all the hard work, dedication and effort over the three years has been recognised.  It has also given me confidence as I commence my career in education.” 

Fflur has always enjoyed working with children.  Through her work as a swimming teacher, sports club leader and volunteer work, she realised she wanted to build a career in the world of education.  She said:  

“I chose the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David because of its reputation in education, the great placement opportunities and the fact that it offered a Welsh medium course, which offered a lot of practical experience.”  

Fflur searched for a course which combined academic knowledge and practical experience in schools and early years settings.  Fflur wished to develop as a professional practitioner and build her knowledge and skills in order to support children to reach their potential.   She added:  

“The Early Years Education and Care course with Practitioner Status appealed to me as it gave me the skills, knowledge and experience needed to work confidently with children.”  
For Fflur, working on a placement has certainly been a highlight while studying the course.  She completed over 700 hours in placement, and this gave her very valuable experience of working with children and experienced practitioners.  Another element Fflur enjoyed was the modules on Additional Learning Needs and Learning Through Play, as they showed the importance of adapting learning to each child’s needs. 

She also had the opportunity to develop her skills by leading on a number of activities outside of her course.   She said:  

“In addition to this, I worked as a sports club leader with the Urdd, and as a pool swimming teacher on campus as well as with a supply agency.  These work experiences helped my communication skills, as well as with planning activities  and managing groups of children.  The combination of these experiences complemented what I was learning in the university.” 

It was also a busy year for Fflur as she was President of the University’s Welsh Society (the Gym Gym).  

“Being President of the Welsh Society was a very valuable experience and one of the highlights of my time in the university.  I had the opportunity to work with students from different areas in Wales and contribute to creating a lively and welcoming Welsh community.    

“As President, I was responsible for arranging a variety of social events for students, working closely with the committee and members of University staff to ensure that every event was organised safely by completing assessments.  The role also included promoting the Welsh language on the campus and encouraging students to take part in activities.  

“The role has helped me to develop my confidence in leading people and communicating with diverse groups. I feel that the experience has prepared me well for working in education, where leadership, collaboration and effective communication are key skills.  It has also given me more confidence to take on new opportunities, take responsibility and represent others in a professional way.” 

Siân Dickie, Branch Officer for Y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol said:  
“Fflur has been a fantastic student, combining outstanding academic success with an outstanding contribution to the Welsh life of the university.  As a dedicated President of the Welsh Society in UWTSD, she has lead vigorously in promoting a vibrant community through the Welsh language.  Her commitment to the language is evident and we are confident that she will make a valuable contribution to Welsh life in her career with children and their families in the future.” 

Fflur has praised the support she received from her lecturers:   

“They were always ready to answer questions, give constructive feedback and encourage me to develop as a student and practitioner.  Their support gave me confidence as I completed assignments to the best of my ability.” 

Glenda Tinney, the Early Years Course Admissions Tutor:  

As Fflur’s lecturer, it has been a pleasure having such an enthusiastic student who has promoted and supported Welsh medium activities, lectures and in her placement work.  

Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths from Carmarthen Civic Society added: 

“We send our warm congratulations to Fflur Mitchell on winning this year’s Norah Issac Memorial Prize for her contribution in leading activities through the Welsh language at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.  Carmarthen Town Civic Association presents the award annually to the student who has shown enthusiasm for the Welsh language during the past college year.  Fflur was thoroughly deserving of the award, and we thank her for her work.” 

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476