Adult Learning Courses
Online Magazine
Whether you wish to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, our exciting range of leisure and learning courses has something to suit everyone. Our latest programme is shown below and if you are interested in a course, whether it is on the following list or not, please contact us on 01761 439925 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you as soon as the programme is finalised.
All of our courses are taught in small friendly groups and are designed to provide progressive learning in easy steps. Each course is led by tutor who demonstrates each step and is able to give individual advice along the way.
ARTS
Drawing Techniques
This friendly and encouraging class is suitable for beginners - even the terrified! -
and improvers. Enjoy building up a range of drawing techniques, step by step. You
will learn how to use a range of media such as pencil; chalk, and charcoal; ink and
bleach; soft pastel; water soluble crayons; and oil pastel and turpLearn to master the basic elements of drawing step-by-step in a friendly, encouraging and supportive environment!
10 weeks £65
This course runs on Monday evenings from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 26/04/10 and runs until 12/07 excluding 3/05 and 31/05.
Improve your Drawing 1
In a relaxed and friendly group, you will work with an experienced artist to develop or build on existing skills, being introduced to or extending your knowledge of, a range of drawing techniques, mixed media and subject matter.
10 weeks £65
This course runs on Tuesdays from 10am - 12pm and the next course starts on 27/04/10 and runs until 06/07 excluding 01/06.
Improve Your Drawing 2
Enjoy expanding your existing abilities by learning a range of drawing techniques and processes including:
* pencil, chalk, charcoal, soft pastels, water soluble crayons, ink and bleach, oil, pastel and turps.
10 weeks £65
This course runs on Tuesdays from 12.30pm - 2.30pm and the next course starts on 27/04/10 and runs until 06/07 excluding 01/06.
CRAFTS
Sugar Craft Flowers
If you want to learn or build on the skills and techniques of making sugar flowers this is for you! This 10 week course will teach you how to:
* Create and wire flowers
* Work with Food mediums - using food-safe materials
* Make and bring to life a sugared flower spray
* 10 weeks £65.00 (plus £1 per week for materials payable in advance on first week)
This course runs on Thursdays from 7.30pm - 9.30pm and the next course starts on 29/04/10 and runs until 08/07 excluding 03/06.
Jewellery Making - Improvers
Suitable for those with some experience wishing to build on existing skills to learn further techniques for making beautiful pieces of jewellery. You will:
* explore more advanced techniques
* design and create your own jewellery
* work with a variety of materials to produce fun and original pieces
* develope your creativity
10 weeks £65.00
Not suitable for Beginners - This course runs on Wednesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course starts on 28/04/10 and runs until 07/07 excluding 02/06.
Patchwork & Quilting for All
For beginners or those with some experience, this course will introduce you to, or allow you to refresh and expand existing ability in this fascinating craft which in the past has produced beautiful heirlooms, and which many people are still producing today.
You will:
* study both traditional and contemporary patterns and learn the meanings behind each one.
* learn to select fabrics and colours to bring about your desired effect
* become proficient in the correct stitches and techniques needed to make up your own project.
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Thursdays from 10am - 12pm and the next course begins on 29/04/10 and runs until 08/07 excluding 03/06.
Papercraft - Beginners
A ten week course for beginners to introduce you to this beautiful craft, where you will learn a range of techniques enabling you to make original and personalised greetings cards, gift bags, boxes etc. You will:
* Learn how to stamp, stencil and emboss and many other techniques
* Discover how to use a range of materials to make your own very individual projects
. Make a wide range of novelty gift cards, gift bags and boxes
. Experiment using recycled materials in making cards
* and much, much more!
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Thursdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 29/04/10 and runs until 08/07 excluding 03/06.
Stained Glass Making - Improvers
For those who have completed previous courses or who have some existing experience this is a chance to try out more advanced techniques resulting in your own unique and very personal work of Art! All tools will be provided.
5 weeks £40 plus a small weekly charge for the glass used.
This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 26/04 and runs until 07/06 excluding 03/05 and 31/05.
Languages
French Level 1
For newcomers to French or those wishing to refresh their skills from the beginning, this is an introduction to the language in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You will learn:
* some basic vocabulary to give you the confidence to "have a go" next time you are in a French speaking country
* how to introduce yourself and give personal information
* how to buy basic items and order food in a restaurant
* how to ask directions and book accommodation
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course starts on 26/04/10 and runs until 12/07 excluding 03/05 and 31/05.
French Intermediate
For those who have more confidence using this beautiful language, an opportunity to increase your fluency and conversational skills. The course will be tailored to your existing skills and knowledge levels and you will:
* refresh your existing language skills
* look at the correct use of address (tu/vous etc)
* discuss familiar subjects such as your family, your occupation, where you live, your likes and dislikes, travel etc
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Tuesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course starts on 27/04/10 and runs until 06/07 excluding 01/06.
French Conversation
For those who are already able to converse in French but wish to improve and feel more confident, this course gives you 90 minutes each week to speak nothing but French! Working with a French born, very approachable and friendly tutor you will converse about subjects which interest you, polishing your accent and improving your fluency in this beautiful language.
10 weeks £55.00
This course runs on Wednesdays for 1.5 hours from 7pm - 8.30pm and the next course starts on 28/04/10 and runs until 07/07 excluding 02/06.
Spanish Level 1
For newcomers to the language or for those wishing to refresh their skills from a basic level this course provides an introduction to Spanish in a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere. You will learn:
* some basic vocabulary to enable you to "have a go" when you are next in a Spanish speaking country.
* how to introduce yourself and give personal information
* how to buy basic items and order food in cafes and restaurants
* how to book accommodation and ask directions
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Wednesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 28/04/10 and runs until 07/07 excluding 02/06.
Spanish Intermediate
For those with more confidence using this beautiful language this course offers an opportunity to improve your conversational skills and fluency. The course will be tailored to your existing skills and knowledge level and you will:
* refresh your existing knowledge and skills
* improve conversational skills through discussion of items of interest to the group
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Tuesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course will begin on 27/04/10 and run until 06/07 excluding 01/06.
ICT Courses
How to buy and sell on e-Bay for Beginners
A 5 week course designed for complete beginners who would like to learn how to safely buy and sell on e-Bay. The course will show you:
* how to access and find what you are looking for on e-Bay
* how to set up safe payment methods and make bids
* how to offer an item for sale and track its progress
Please ask for a "What you need to know" information sheet before the course begins.
5 weeks £50
This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course starts on 26/04/10 and runs until 07/06 excluding 03/05 and 31/05.
Computing Level 2
A tutor led course for those with some knowledge and experience, designed to build your confidence in using your computer and to enable you to:
* extend your knowledge of toolbars and word processing
* organise your work into files and folders
* improve your confidence using the Internet and email
* use a scanner and digital camera
* save and edit pictures and attach them to emails
10 weeks £65.00
The course is likely to run again in September 2010. To be added to the waiting list please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 439925 and we will contact you nearer that time with exact details.
Computing Level 3
A 10 week tutor led course for those with existing computer skills which is designed to build yet more confidence in using your computer by showing you how to:
* Create cards in Publisher
* Shop confidently on the Internet and on E-bay
* Set up and work with spreadsheets
* Create a calendar using your own pictures and photos.
* Create a slide show, making your text and images move.
10 weeks £65.00
This course runs on Wednesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course starts on 28/04/10 and runs until 14/07 excluding 02/06 and 23/06.
Complete Spreadsheets
An extensive look at Microsoft Excel and how to use it effectively. Whether it is for personal or business needs this course will give you the knowledge and skills to complete various spreadsheet tasks. You will learn how to:
* Create a spreadsheet
* Insert headings, enter information, widen columns, insert and delete rows and columns
* Format text
* use borders, shading, text wrapping, information sorting
* saving and printing
and much, much more!
5 weeks £40.00
This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 14/06 and runs till 19/07 excluding 21/06.
Photography
Basic Digital Imaging Levels 1, 2 and 3
These 5 week courses are suitable for people with a digital camera who would like to know how to make the best use of their photos using their computer. They will lead you through from basic levels of saving, editing, cropping and adjusting photos etc to more advanced techniques using Adobe Photoshop Elements.
All courses are 5 weeks and cost £40.00 each.
These courses will run again in September 2010 if there is sufficient interest. To be added to the waiting list please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 439925.
Other Interests
Astronomy
This 8 week course is designed for complete beginners and will give a wide-ranging overview of Astronomy including the opportunity to look at the skies in detail using a telescope. Subjects covered will include:
* how to choose equipment and how to observe
* the basic concepts of Astronomy
* the planets and other members of our Solar System
* the nature of stars and galaxies, and how they evolve
* the Big Bang and evolution of the Universe
This course is delivered in Partnership with Beckington Astronomical Society
8 weeks £55.00
This course will run again in October 2010 if there is sufficient demand. To register your interest please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 439925
Potential courses
The following are new courses which we would like to offer if there is sufficient interest. If you would like to be added to the waiting list please email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring Angie Broom on 01761 439925.
Basic Computing Level 1
For absolute beginners wanting to learn your way around the computer and gain the confidence to experiment with your own computer at home. You will learn to:
* Use the mouse and control it using fun drawing techniques
* Use the keyboard and basic toolbar functions to produce text
* Spell check your work
* Insert pictures or images into your pages
* Search the World Wide Web using a range of search engines and addresses and print and save pictures from the Internet
* Set up an email account and learn how to send and receive emails with confidence
* Practice all of the above and have fun!!
8 weeks £55.00
Computing Level 2
Increase your knowledge and build up your confidence by learning how to:
* organise your work into files and folders
* Insert borders and graphics
* Use a scanner and digital camera
* attach photographs to your emails
* practise further using the Internet and your email account
and much more!
10 weeks £65
Web Design
For small businesses wishing to have a web presence, or just for fun! You will learn all you need to know to create and publish a simple but effective 5 page website on the World Wide Web including:
* how to create links
* how to increase visitor numbers to your site
* keeping your website up to date
* using free website design software at home
* publishing your website to the Internet.
5 weeks £50.00 plus possible additional costs for purchase of website name and host (tutor will advise).
Word Efficiency
An extensive look at Microsoft Word and how to use it effectively. Whether it is for personal or business needs this course will give you the knowledge and skills to perform various word processing tasks. You will learn how to:
* enter, delete and format text, open and close files, spellcheck, search and replace words, enter symbols etc.
* change the set up of documents eg margins, size etc
* cut or copy and paste items
* insert headers and footers
* create, amend and adjust tables
* mail merge
* add graphics and pictures to your work
and much, much more!
5 week course £40.00`
Curtain Making
A 10 week course for those with basic sewing skills and use of a sewing machine who wish to learn the techniques of making hand finished curtains. You will learn :
* how to plan window dressings, making accurate measurements, estimating fabric quantities etc.
* How to identify appropriate materials, headings, linings and interlinings, headings etc.
* All the techniques necessary to sewing the above.
All students will have a small pair of curtains or a sample size made up by the end of the course plus a manual they have compiled showing how to make hand finished curtains.
10 weeks £65.00 plus fabric and curtain headings.
Dressmaking
Over 10 weeks this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge of basic dressmaking. You will learn how to:
* choose fabrics and patterns and measure accurately
* pin and cut out a pattern correctly
* pin, tack and machine sew garments.
* add the finishing touches for a more professional look
10 weeks £65.00 plus fabric, pattern etc.
Creative Writing
A 10 week course catering for experienced writers as well as those new to writing aimed at providing a safe, friendly and stimulating atmosphere for sharing ideas and efforts and receiving encouragement and constructive criticism from the tutor and other group members. The course will consist of:
* Exercises in class, discussion, research, looking at published Authors work
* writing stories on a given theme in a set number of words
* how to create characters, set scenes and creative imaginative endings.
The course involves optional "homework" where students are given writing projects to complete for the following week.
Ten weeks £65.00