EditorFrom Gothic grammar to the Holy Grail: 92‑year‑old former teacher graduates for FIFTH time
Bernice Juxon‑Jones, who taught in schools in Swansea and Port Talbot before later emigrating to Bermuda, has just been awarded a Master of Philosophy in Medieval German from Swansea University. Her thesis explored Parzival, Wolfram von Eschenbach’s medieval epic about the quest for the Holy Grail.
Fascination sparked by a dusty book
Bernice’s love of German began when she discovered a grammar book printed in 1889.
“It was an old German grammar, printed in Gothic script, with handwriting examples in Kurrent script. I was fascinated and began to teach myself,” she said.
“I feel particularly proud of my achievement of going from simple der, die, das, to A‑level, to a BA (Hons) London.”
Professors inspired by her dedication
Professor Julian Preece, chair in German at Swansea University, said:
“My colleague Dr Alison Williams and I found it a pleasure to work with someone so dedicated to her subject. To see Bernice examining the topic for its own sake in her retirement was inspiring and her achievement is incredible.”
He explained that Bernice’s interpretation of Parzival drew on her Christian faith, exploring themes of transformation and redemption.
A lifetime of study
Bernice began her career teaching art at a girls’ school on Swansea Docks before moving to Port Talbot, where she taught French and German. She later emigrated to Bermuda, continuing her studies alongside teaching.
She credits her mentor Kathleen Hennessy for helping her achieve her first BA in 1968:
“It is all thanks to her that in 1968 I got my BA. We then both went on to achieve our A‑level in Spanish, attending many summer courses in Spain.”
Her academic journey took her to Salamanca for an MA in Spanish and to California State University Dominguez Hills for an MA in Humanities, where she graduated with a perfect GPA.
“I have spent my life studying”
Even now, Bernice insists she has no plans to stop:
“Now, at 92, I have completed my MPhil thesis. I have spent my life studying and shall continue so to do until I depart for somewhere better. I feel content with my lot in life and grateful to those dear, good nuns who started me off on the path to learning at my convent school.”
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
“I was just existing, not living” — Port Talbot’s Ayla beats the odds to graduate
Inspiring story of a local student who overcame illness and self‑doubt to qualify as a mental health nurse at Swansea University.
Formula 1 driver Norris put through his paces at Swansea University
Championship contender Lando Norris visits Swansea University’s A‑STEM centre for rigorous performance testing.
Students inspired to pursue primary care careers thanks to more placements
Swansea Bay project encourages nursing students to consider careers in primary care.
Nursing students’ high‑tech help for Pembroke Dock hospital patients
Swansea University nursing students help patients stay connected with loved ones using digital tools.
#education #German #languages #modernLanguages #Parzival #SwanseaUniversity #teacher
Tamsin
GaiaCrisisPhil
UCU
Vivienne Dunstan
David Hull 胡大衛
Rita Singer
