Brief Description:

Come along to the East Asian Painting course if you want to explore, in a relaxed environment, a variety of Chinese and Japanese watercolour techniques, such as a study of Calligraphy and how its techniques are applied to painting. You will also learn from a wide selection of past masters and be able to develop your skills in further courses. Group exhibitions are held every two years, visits to galleries organised for those interested.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No previous experience necessary. All ability levels welcome.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course participants will be able to:
• Demonstrate how to control the brush with confidence
• Apply painting techniques – Bamboo, Orchids, Chrysanthemums and Plum Blossom
• Demonstrate painting an original landscape in ink and colour

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

East Asian (Chinese/Japanese) brushes, paper and watercolours. (Watercolour brushes are not suitable). The tutor will advise in the first class.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Any East Asian painting materials you have already such as brushes and paper.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will advise you on future courses or day schools.
The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturdays and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

This Basic English course in Cambridge is aimed at learners who only have some basic English. The course will help you to understand and speak English with more confidence and ability. Lessons will focus on language needed for daily life in the UK and topics will include travel, shopping, visiting the doctor, where you live, going to school, sport, and so on. There will be practice for social conversations, and you will improve your vocabulary and learn to speak grammatically. The lessons will include some basic grammar, speaking and listening, pronunciation work, reading and writing. There is no formal exam associated with this course.

The course is funded per term; you may find, as most learners do, that you will need more than one term to be prepared for any higher level courses or future exams (if you choose to enter for them). If this is the case you will be offered the opportunity to re-enrol and pay for another term (or if still available we may be able to fund you again).

Eligibility to gain a funded place:

You must be over 19 years old and have lived in the UK / an EU country for the last 3 years, assessment before placement is essential; please call the office on 01223 712340 for further information and other funding requirements. There will be some paperwork to complete. Learners are encouraged to get help from a friend/family member who can translate the wording and meanings.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Some basic English is needed. An assessment test is needed for placement purposes. To book an appointment call the office on 01223 712340.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Meet someone for the first time, talk about countries and nationalities, use contractions with the verb ‘be’.
• Ask and answer questions about things, pronunciation of this, that, these and those, ordering a coffee in a café.
• Describe different jobs and what they do, making and answering yes/no questions in the Simple Present, question words and word order.
• Holiday and travel vocabulary, writing an informal email, talking about things happening now (Present Continuous).
• Talk about everyday activities using verbs go, get and have, prepositions of time and place, describing routines and asking about them.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

No course book is required. The tutor will supply you with photocopied material.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Notebook and pen/pencil

Examination Fees:

There is no exam attached to this course

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will advise you.
The Adult Learn and Train office is also able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description:

This Basic English course in Cambridge is aimed at learners who only have some basic English. The course will help you to understand and speak English with more confidence and ability. Lessons will focus on language needed for daily life in the UK and topics will include travel, shopping, visiting the doctor, where you live, going to school, sport, and so on. There will be practice for social conversations, and you will improve your vocabulary and learn to speak grammatically. The lessons will include some basic grammar, speaking and listening, pronunciation work, reading and writing. There is no formal exam associated with this course.

The course is funded per term; you may find, as most learners do, that you will need more than one term to be prepared for any higher level courses or future exams (if you choose to enter for them). If this is the case you will be offered the opportunity to re-enrol and pay for another term (or if still available we may be able to fund you again)

Eligibility to gain a funded place:

You must be over 19 years old and have lived in the UK / an EU country for the last 3 years, assessment before placement is essential; please call the office on 01223 712340 for further information and other funding requirements. There will be some paperwork to complete. Learners are encouraged to get help from a friend/family member who can translate wording and meaning

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Some basic English is needed. An assessment test is needed for placement purposes. To book an appointment call the office on 01223 712340.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Introduce yourself, talk about feelings and emotions, identify imperatives for orders and instructions, give directions.
• Weather and Seasons, describing activities, identify use of Present Simple or Present continuous, posting social media.
• Talk about and identify different music styles, ask and answer questions with be or do, write an informal email.
• Talk about past events and memorable situations, identify activities using go, get and have, use irregular past verbs for making questions and negative answers.
• Travel vocabulary, talk about future plans using going to, different uses for different future tenses going to, will and present continuous.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

No course book is required. The tutor will supply you with photocopied material.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Notebook and pen/pencil

Examination Fees:

There is no exam attached to this course

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will advise you.
The Adult Learn and Train office is also able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief description:

Our English for work courses are suitable for learners where English is not their first language.   

This course is focused on people wanting to improve their English language skills for work. The level of this English for work course is intermediate. 

We will look at how to organise and look at a letter of application, use vocabulary for jobs and industries and make suggestions and give advice to someone. 

Learners will have an opportunity to give a presentation and learn to describe charts, graphs and talk about changes. We will look at how to send a business email and write a formal letter. We will also look at how to use polite telephone English and exchange opinions (how to be comfortable in agreeing, disagreeing and giving opinions). Learners will learn have to and don’t have to and common business expressions and vocabulary. We will also look at Prepositions of time, making appointments over the telephone and how to change appointments. Learners will also look at language used to report speech and questions, for example, ‘did anyone call?’. Finally, explaining and giving reasons for things, expressing feelings, likes and dislikes as well as giving and responding to advice. No textbook is needed, and course materials will be provided.  

The course is funded per term; you may find, as most learners do, that you will need more than one term to be prepared for any higher level courses or future exams (if you choose to enter for them). If this is the case you will be offered the opportunity to re-enrol and pay for another term (or if still available we may be able to fund you again).

This course is funded through Cambridgeshire Skills: See funding eligibility below:

If you are 19 or over, have lived in an EU country / the UK for 3 or more years and are at the right level, full funding is available. You will need to supply proof of identity and full attendance is required; you will also need to complete an enrolment form so that the office can apply for the funding and complete an individual learning plan weekly with your tutor. 

If you are not eligible for funding but would benefit from the course, you can attend by paying a tuition fee of £145 (£87 concession) per 10 week term.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

To confirm this course is the correct level for you an assessment test will be needed for placement purposes. To book an appointment, call the office on 01223 712340 or email office@adultlearning.education

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Introduce yourself, food and health vocabulary, making adjectives from nouns and verbs, identify rules for action and nonaction verbs in Present simple and Continuous.
• Charity Work Vocabulary, use of strong adjectives exhausted, amazed etc. use of Present Perfect with for / since, use of Present Perfect Continuous.
• Talk about Movie Genre vocabulary, TV and movie locations, recognise and use the Passive form in different tenses, sentence stress and pronunciation.
• Houses and home vocabulary, second conditional, talk about imaginary situations, difference between First and Second Conditional, Sentence Rhythm.
• Good luck and bad luck discussion, how things could have been different in the past, Third Conditional, making adjectives and adverbs.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

The tutor will advise in the first lesson

For the first session you will need to bring:

A notebook and pen and pencil.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The college has many English for work levels, talk with your tutor who will advise you.

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description

I love the softness and variety of visual effects that you can achieve with felt.  I use an easy relaxing technique to make felt pieces that does not result in aching arms, just beautiful work! Come and try it out, it’s fun and you can make new friends along the way. On the first day, you will create a suitable design and colour scheme for this project so that you will understand how to design your own piece in the future. Then you will  make some pre-felt samples, learn how to blend colours and use resists.  On the second day, you will combine these ideas together resulting in a unique, original and beautiful bag.

By the end of the day you will have learned:

• design skills
• a brief history of felt / makers
• pre-felt methods
• fulling techniques
• finishing methods

EXTRA COSTS ON THE COURSE (YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE):

• 50g of black, 50g of white and 100g merino wool (maximum) in white plus a small amount of colour/colours (300g max in total)
• an apron which is fabric or plastic coated.
• 3 pieces of bubble wrap (approx. 30x30cm each)
• 2 old towels
• a small bamboo or grass table mat or a polystyrene tube
• a small bowl
• carders if you have them

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

A follow-on two day workshop in needle felt in August.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description

On this short course, you will be introduced to Ikebana, the Japanese Art of Flower arrangement, both Shoinbana, traditional Koryu, Seika style ikebana, and Jiyuuka, free style ikebana, how it relates to nature, and the four seasons. This time you will be introduced Summer arrangements and settings. Your tutor will discuss Ikebana and Western flower arrangements and demonstrate different style of Ikebana.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No previous experience or knowledge of flower arrangement is required. Learners who have an interest in Japanese culture, or some knowledge of Ikebana or western flower arrangement and beginners are welcome.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will have the opportunity to:
• Learn about what is Ikebana
• Learn to practice and enjoy basic Ikebana with plants and containers for Summer
• Take your own Ikebana home
• The cost of the course includes a kenzan (a device used in ikebana for fixing the flowers in the container) which is yours to take home and keep.

For the session you will need to bring:

A pair of strong scissors or secateurs and a large bowl or container, for example a salad bowl or decorative suitable vessel. You may like to bring flowers, flowering branches, and leafy materials from your own garden, but this is not essential. The cost of the course includes a kenzan (a device used in ikebana for fixing the flowers in the container) which is yours to take home and keep. Please bring a bin bag, a crate or semi rigid bag (e.g. supermarket hessian bag) to transport your own Ikebana.

Extra costs on the course for materials or equipment :

Flower materials have been included in your course fee (flowers, branches, leafy materials and kenzan are included) – NO extra fee.
You may like to bring flowers, flowering branches, and leafy materials from your own garden, but this is not essential.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The learners can progress to the next level and other seasons, through additional workshops.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

This Japanese course is for absolute beginners to develop basic speaking and listening skills in everyday situations, to read and write Hiragana and Katakana as well as recognise some Kanji, to help you speak with confidence.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This term will be in its third term, learners will be expected to have covered the majority of the first term outcomes – see below. If you are unsure, the office can put you in contact with the tutor.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the one-year course you will have covered the following topics:

First Term:

• use greetings, make introductions, and give personal information
• order drinks and snacks at a coffee shop
• offer someone a drink …. and to accept or refuse
• ask for and give directions
• find out about places and how to get there
• read and write Hiragana and Katakana
• recognise some signs and Kanji
• go shopping, visit a department store etc.

Second Term:

• find a hotel room (Western and Japanese style)
• book ahead by phone
• check in at reception
• ask about facilities
• recognise some signs and Kanji
• find out about train times
• buy tickets
• take a taxi
• eat out

Third Term:

• change money and ways of paying
• find a hotel room (Western and Japanese style)
• book ahead by phone
• check in at reception
• ask about facilities
• find out about train times
• buy tickets
• take a taxi
• eat out
• dealing with emergency

Extra costs on the course, for example text book, materials or equipment

Textbook: Japanese Beginners: Genk 1 ISBN978-4-7890-1730-5

For the first session you will need to have available:

Please do not purchase any books until you receive confirmation. The tutor will photocopy handouts for the first session. After the first session please purchase the following textbook: Japanese Beginners: Genk 1 ISBN978-4-7890-1730-5

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Wherever possible continuation courses will be offered. The beginners level runs for three terms. We only take payment for one term at a time, if you wish to continue you will be given the option to re-enrol later in the term.

After the three terms the college will offer an Improvers level.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

The course runs term-time (no classes during school holidays) from 30th October 2023 until 20th May 2024; you will sit the assessment after 55 hours of lessons.

This course will be held face to face in centre.

The course is fully funded by Cambridgeshire Skills – full attendance is required. You will complete an enrolment form, so that funding can be applied for; you will also need to provide your National Insurance number and show a form of photographic ID (passport, driving licence etc.). Failure to meet these criteria means that funding is withdrawn and you will be liable for the full cost of the course. You will be assessed through the lessons and by homework.

Brief Description:

This short Maths Functional Skills get started course, runs for 11 hours, and is for adults who need to begin to learn Maths again. It will help you to feel more confident in using numbers for everyday situations involving money, time, distance, shape and position.
The course will be held in centre at Parkside Community College, Parkside, CB1 1EH.
No previous experience is required. Please contact the office if you have qualifications from outside the UK to check equivalency.
This course is key to you finding out about the full year course. It will include introductory sessions on Number, Measure, Data, guidance about which level you are working at and an overview of the Functional Skills syllabus and assessments. Work will be set each week, to be completed before the following lesson. An individual learning plan will be completed weekly with your tutor.
The course is fully funded by Cambridgeshire Skills – full attendance is required. You will complete an enrolment form, so that funding can be applied for; you will also need to provide your National Insurance number and show a form of photographic ID (passport, driving licence etc.)
On completion of this course, the tutor will advise about enrolling on the full year Functional Skills Maths course (Entry 2 to Level 2); this runs November to May.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No previous experience required. Please email the office if you have qualifications from outside the UK to check equivalency.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Enrol in the full Functional Skills Maths course starting in November.
The Adult Learn and Train office is also able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Did you struggle understanding Maths at school and still shy away from Maths in general?

Join this short course, (suitable for those who do not have a GCSE/Level 2 qualification,) to begin your journey towards greater confidence.

In just 5 weeks you will look at and gain confidence with:

• using the metric system of measures and costing projects that involve perimeter and area.
• financial matters and setting budgets, comparing loan rates.
• interpreting data and graphs and charts within real-life scenarios.

This short course is the perfect opportunity to change any negative perceptions you may have about Maths.

Start your learner journey with us and see what you can achieve.

This course is funded by Cambridgeshire Skills, so full attendance is required; you will also need to complete an enrolment form so that the office can apply for the funding and complete an online individual learning plan weekly with your tutor.

Brief Description:

How to Paint Like a Famous Artist

Do you have a favourite artist or painting you would like to copy? This course is designed to enable you to emulate your favourite artists. The course will cover background information on different art movements, how to examine a painting and how to approach actually painting it.

Instruction will be given on starting a painting, mixing colours accurately and use of brushwork to get the effects you want, ending up with a painting in the style of your choice.

Course Aims

Learners will explore design and composition including the use of colour, values and masses to appreciate how and why choices were made by artists when creating works of art. This knowledge will be applied to a painting to develop this appreciation and confidence in the longer term.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

None.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Prepare a surface for painting
2. Select an appropriate approach to drawing as a start point.
3. Select colours for accurate colour matching.
4. Recognise the different stages of a painting.
5. Use brushwork to achieve desired effects.
6. See the importance of value, masses and edges.
7. Use preparatory studies as a problem solving tool.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

It is advised that learners supply their own surfaces to paint on (canvas, board, paper). A detailed materials list will be provided prior to the course starting.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

Brief Description:

Wax carving is a fascinating and intricate art form that involves sculpting and shaping malleable wax into intricate designs and patterns. It is a foundational technique in the world of jewellery making and metal casting. Use specialized tools to manipulate the wax, and bring creative visions to life in three-dimensional form. The wax models serve as the basis for creating moulds, which are then used to cast metal, such as silver or gold. Wax carving allows for intricate detailing and precise customization, making it a versatile and essential skill cherished by craftsmen in the realm of fine jewellery and artistic expression.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Manual dexterity is needed. No prior knowledge of working with silver is needed.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

Participants will learn about the basic principles of wax carving and its applications in various fields, including jewellery making, sculpture, and prototyping.

Students will be introduced to the essential tools and materials used in wax carving, such as different types of wax, carving tools, heating equipment, and safety measures.

The course will cover design principles, sketching techniques, and translating ideas from paper to wax, helping participants plan their wax carving project effectively.

Participants will learn a range of carving techniques, including subtractive carving, adding details, texturing, and creating intricate patterns using specialized tools.

Discover common challenges faced during wax carving and techniques to troubleshoot and refine their designs to achieve the desired results.

Understand how apply finishing touches and polishing methods to bring out the best in the wax-carved piece, preparing it for further processing, such as casting in metal or displaying as a standalone wax sculpture.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

The fee includes all consumables required, but does not include metal and casting costs.

Learners will be advised on the most cost effective way to cast their wax sculptures in their metal of choice.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Please bring a pen, pencil and notebook. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own. You may wish to bring an apron, and glasses if you wear them for reading.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Continue your skills in one of our Beginners’ or Returners’ Silver Jewellery courses.

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you. Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year. Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In this interactive Spanish for beginners course, you will learn how to communicate effectively in everyday situations in Spanish-speaking countries (Spain and 20 Latin American countries). You will develop your speaking and writing skills through listening, reading and interacting with your Spanish native speaker tutor along with your classmates in a relaxing and enjoyable class. Your interests, needs and goals will be taken into consideration to make the learning experience appealing and meaningful. To complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below, you will need to attend three terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

Previous Experience:

This course will be in its third term, learners will be expected to have covered the majority of the first and second-term outcomes – see below. If you are unsure, the office can put you in contact with the tutor.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the one-year course you will have the opportunity to learn how to:
First Term:
• Greet people, give and ask for personal information (name, age, profession, nationality, etc).
• Express intention and motive of what you do (why you want to learn Spanish or travel to Spain or Latin America).
• Describe Spanish Speaking countries -or those of learners- and their main features (culture, food, music, art and weather) -Verb SER-.
• Express existence -Hay (there is/there are)- and location (Verb ESTAR).

Second Term:
• Go shopping (ask for products, price and express preference and need).
• Introduce your family.
• Describe people (physical appearance and personality).
• Express likes and dislikes (Verb GUSTAR).
• Explain your daily routine (Reflexive Verbs).

Third Term:
• Order food and drinks in a restaurant or bar.
• Describe towns, local areas, their amenities and services.
• Give and ask for directions (Tourism and sightseeing).
• Explain past experiences (Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto -Present Perfect-).
• Talk about skills and abilities.

EXTRA COSTS ON THE COURSE FOR EXAMPLE TEXT BOOK, MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT:

There is a textbook which the tutor will discuss with you.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

None

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

A notebook and pen

ON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, WHAT MIGHT YOUR NEXT STEPS BE?

Learners will be able to proceed to the Spanish Improvers course after 3 terms of tuition. there is no obligation to attend more than one term.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

Brief Description

This course will focus on a simple and compact T’ai Chi form consisting of 4 ‘modular ‘ elements that can be practised in varying levels of complexity. including a seated version, In addition we will use simple exercises to develop key principles of the art.

The course will include tuition in:

• The 4 ‘modules’ of the form.
• Combinations of the modules in various levels of complexity including a seated variant
• Associated exercises (Chi Kung) to explore basic principles, posture and breathing.
• Stepping patterns
• An introduction to T’ai Chi partner work.

This is an ideal way to start learning T’ai chi encompassing key principles in a simple and accessible package. Once learnt the form can be performed in a small space such as an average sized sitting room and is suitable for people of all abilities and experience.

Further information that may help you before attending is available in the document ‘Enjoying your first class’ available for download via www.cambridgetaichi.co.uk

There is a health questionnaire to complete before the first lesson. This will be sent out with confirmation of your booking.

  Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No previous experience or knowledge is required.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course participants will have the opportunity to:

• Develop an overview of the first half of the form and associated exercises
• Develop an understanding of key principles
• Begin a home practice for stress relief and well-being
• Improve posture and breathing

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment

None.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Loose clothing and soft shoes. Further information that may help you before attending is available in the document Enjoying Your First Class available for download via www.cambridgetaichi.co.uk

Your health questionnaire – you can also return this by email.

 On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

There are classes available teaching other sequences and further developing the art.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

The art of Chi Kung uses a range of simple exercises without the need to learn a complicated sequence of movements. These exercises integrate breathing, posture and meditation into flowing practices that help to promote good physical and mental health and stress release. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace in a calm and non-competitive environment. All of the chi kung exercises are performed standing. Individual adaptations according to needs and abilities are possible.

The exercises are drawn from a variety of traditional sources including T’ai Chi Chuan itself. This T’ai Chi and Chi Kung Exercise course is appropriate for Beginners or those with more experience. New people are welcome at any time.

Further information that may help you before attending is available in the document ‘Enjoying your first Class’ available for download via www.cambridgetaichi.co.uk

There is a health questionnaire to complete before the first lesson. This will be sent out with confirmation of your booking.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED?

No previous experience or knowledge is required.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course participants will have the opportunity to:

• Develop an understanding of key principles

• Become familiar with the basic exercise set

• Begin a home practice for stress relief and wellbeing

• Improve posture and breathing

• Deepen your understanding of physical, energetic and meditational aspects of the art (returning learners)

EXTRA COSTS ON THE COURSE FOR EXAMPLE TEXT BOOK,

None.

FOR THE FIRST SESSION you will need:

Wear comfortable clothes and enough space to move freely

Brief description:

The course will provide instruction and support on how to compose and paint a still life in watercolours. Learners can choose their own image to paint either from photographs, paintings by other artists or their own objects (fruit or flowers for example). Aspects of design and composition will be covered as well as paint application and the use of colour.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Previous experience and knowledge will be built upon but there is no requirement for it as the course covers all ability levels. No previous experience is necessary.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Arrange a still life
• Select the important shapes
• Effectively use colour to create shapes and form
• Select, mix and apply colours according to their own preferences.
• Choose from a range of techniques and studio practices to enable them to achieve their goals (flat washes, blended washes, textured marks).
• Experiment with a range of innovative techniques and develop them to suit individual outcomes.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment.

Please bring any objects, items or favourite things to paint. You can paint from photographs however it is better to print these beforehand. These do not need to be A4 size, A5 is fine. Nothing else – we will supply all materials needed for the day.

But if you would like to bring materials (or already have) see below:

Watercolour paper – this should be 140lb weight (300gsm) and in a surface of your choice (Not is the intermediate surface and most popular). A4 size pad, spiral bound is ideal.
Watercolour brushes – If you are trying watercolour painting for the first time it is advisable not to buy expensive sable brushes. Synthetic brushes are much cheaper and easily good enough. A round brush with a good point (size 5 or 6) will do for most techniques.
Watercolour paints – 1 red (alizarin crimson or cadmium red), 1 yellow (cadmium yell0w) and 1 blue (cobalt or ultramarine). Tubes are best. Student quality is fine.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Your tutor will advise you on other painting courses.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

Brief Description:

Enjoy the art of weaving pliable willow into three-dimensional objects. 

This workshop will teach you how to make a round willow basket.  You will learn a variety of weaving techniques and be encouraged to design your own basket, choosing from a range of willows, weaving styles and basket sizes.

Enjoy expert tuition in a relaxed and fun environment.

Previous Experience and Knowledge needed?

None

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn some basketry weaving techniques.
• Learn how to prepare willow for weaving.
• Complete one willow basket of your own design.

Extra costs of the course?

None – all materials are included in the cost.

For the first session you will need to bring:

A notepad and pen. Please also bring a packed lunch each day.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Willow basketry workshops, frame basketry, obelisk, birdfeeders. 

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description

Writing life stories is about capturing personal experiences in a way that can be understood and enjoyed by others. Everyone has a story to tell because every one of us has lived a life unique to us. Some people want to set down their journey through life to pass on to children or grandchildren whilst others may want to write an account of their family history. Perhaps you have a diary written by a relative or letters or recordings of the stories told down through the generations that you would like to pull together in a way that can give others a glimpse into what it might’ve been like to be that person. Writing life stories always starts with the desire to explore what the intensely personal experience of living might be like from someone else’s perspective and sharing in that perspective can enrich our own lives. 

Our recent personal and community experience of the COVID pandemic has led many of us to want to capture what we and others have been through in a way that means our memories of it can be revisited and never be forgotten. Memories that are shared remain relevant, teach us something about the past and present and, most importantly of all, are not lost as time moves on and the world changes around us. 

So if you want to share memories of a loved one or tell your story to others or spark new interest in the experiences of a family member from the past, a short course of Writing Life Stories will lead you through how to go about getting started. If you know the skills required and the various ways of tackling and presenting a life story project your enjoyment of writing one will be enhanced, and the finished result will be something others will want to read. 

This course may be funded by Cambridgeshire Skills, so full attendance is required; you will also need to complete an enrolment form so that the office can apply for the funding and complete an individual learning plan weekly with your tutor.

This course may be fully funded if:
You are over 19 years old
You live within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough combined authority
and have lived in the UK / an EEA country for the last 3 years.

Contact the office if you would like to confirm your eligibility.

If you do not qualify for funding but would still like to attend contact the office for a price.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

None.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Identify the different ways a life story can be told.
• Recognise what makes a life story interesting and compelling.
• Formulate a plan to organise material and any necessary research.
• Write a short piece of memoir.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

None

For the first session you will need to bring:

Paper and pen/pencil.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Creative Writing for Beginners
Next Steps in Creative Writing.
The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.