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 complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 439925 Option 2 and we will book you a place or 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 12 week aims to build on existing drawing skills to help you develop more confidence and ability in using a range of coloured grounds and drawing materials. You will also develop an awareness of different styles of drawing, looking at the work of a range of artists. You will also use sketchbooks to experiment with ideas.
12 weeks £75
This course runs either on Monday evenings from 7pm - 9pm beginning on 13/09/10 and running until 06/12 excluding 25/10 OR on Tuesdays from 10.30am - 12.30pm beginning on 14/09/10 and running until 7/12/10 excluding 26/10/10.
CRAFTS
Jewellery Making for Beginners
Come along and learn the basics of making your own beautiful, individual and complete pieces of jewellery using wirework and beading. Ideal for Christmas presents - if you can bear to part with them! All tools are supplied.
6 weeks £45 plus an additional charge of £1 per week for beads.
This course runs on Wednesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 10/11/10 and runs until 15/12/10.
Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners
In this friendly 12 week course for beginners you will learn about fabric and how to put colours together to get the "wow" factor, to use rotary cutting, stitching and quick piecing techniques to make a range of items such as bags, cushions, place mats and lap quilts.
12 weeks £75.00
This course runs on Tuesdays from 12.45 pm - 2.45pm and the next course begins on 14/09/10 and runs until 7/12/10 excluding 26/10/10.
Patchwork & Quilting - Improvers
This 12 week course aims to build on existing skills to design and make a quilt, choosing and combining block patterns, applique, and colourways to create a unique textile piece of work. You will look at placing different size blocks together, strip piercing, a range of quilting techniques and further use of the mat and ruler.
12 weeks £75
This course runs on Thursdays from 10.30am to 12.30 and the next course begins on 16/09/10 and runs until 9/12/10 excluding 28/10/10.
Stained Glass Making - Beginners
A very special opportunity for complete beginners or those wishing to refresh existing skills from scratch to create their very own piece of Stained Glass work! Learn how to cut glass safely and accurately, and be introduced to copper foiling and leading. You may design your own project or choose from a wide and varied selection of designs and ideas. All tools are provided.
8 weeks £55 plus a small weekly charge for glass used.
This course runs on Tuesdays from 7pm - 9pm beginning 14/09/10 and ending 16/11/10 excluding 19 and 26/10/10.
Stained Glass -Improvers
For those who have completed previous courses or who have clear existing experience of glass cutting - this is a chance to try out more advanced techniques working on an individual project with full support and instruction. Designs are available to use or you may wish to design your own work of art! All tools will be provided.
8 weeks £55 plus a small weekly charge for the glass used.
This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 13/09/10 and runs until 15/11/10 excluding 18 and 25/10/10.
Astronomy
This 9 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
9 weeks £60.00
This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm from 4th October to 6th December excluding 25th October.
Languages
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 Tuesdays from 7pm - 9pm and the next course begins on 14/09/10 and runs until 30/11/10 excluding 19 and 26/10/10.
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 is expected to run again in January 2011. Please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 to register your interest.
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
Awaiting confirmation of course dates and times. Please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 to register your interest.
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
Awaiting confirmation of course dates and times. Please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 to register your interest.
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
Awaiting confirmation of course dates and times. Please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 to register your interest.
ICT Courses
All our Computing and Digital Imaging courses are expected to commence again in January 2011. Please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us) or ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 to register your interest.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 abroom@wsbe.org.uk or ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 1.
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