Affinity Courses
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At The Welsh Academy, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our affinity courses give students the chance to explore new skills, discover hidden passions, and build confidence in a supportive and engaging environment. These short-term courses provide a hands-on introduction to new and exciting activities or subjects to help our students discover their talents and see where their interests lie. Whether they’re writing a short story, rebuilding an engine, trying yoga, or preparing a meal, our students gain practical experience that enriches their academic journey and fosters the development of new learning pathways.
Previous Affinity Course Offerings:
- Creative Writing
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Life Skills
- Martial Arts
- Ohio City Explorers
- Rugby Basics with Saint Ignatius Head Coach Dan Arbeznik
- Motogo
- Spice Field Kitchen Farms (farming, local food, how to cook)
- Photography
- Platform Tennis
- Swimming
- Lake Erie Council - Great Lakes Adventures (Journalism/Welding)
- Young Rembrandts (Art)
- Yoga
- Music Settlement (Drumming/Guitar)
- Spoken Word
Affinity Spotlight: Mad Scientists
Our Welsh Academy students in the Mad Scientists Affinity have been hard at work experimenting with dry ice, polymers, and creating edible soil horizon models! Our students even used freezing point depression to whip up their own delicious ice cream!
Connecting With Our Community
Affinity courses at The Welsh Academy help students build meaningful connections with the wider Cleveland community by introducing them to local leaders, programs, and organizations. Through hands-on activities led by professional coaches, students engage with trusted adults beyond the classroom and see real-world applications of their learning. These experiences foster a deeper sense of belonging, encourage mentorship, and broaden students’ understanding of the vibrant community they are part of.
"The boys in our Motogo affinity came together as a team and were excited to help each other. Even though I am not a regular Welsh Academy staff member, the faculty and staff at Welsh were fantastic. I was welcomed into the teacher collaboration space and often given whatever baked goods showed up that day." –Coach Brian Schaffran, Motogo