Brief Description:

The Advanced English course is intended for learners who have a good command of English, and wish to develop a wider and more authentic range of vocabulary and grammar via listening, speaking and reading. It will focus on high-frequency but advanced language, both formal and informal, which can be used in all areas of everyday life.

Applicants for this course do not need to have passed any exams, but should preferably be able to use language flexibly and effectively for social, professional or academic purposes, and produce clear, well-structured, detailed speech on complex subjects. They should be able to cope with listening and reading exercises of a level equivalent to their own speaking or slightly higher.

The course can include practice of writing if there is demand for it, and individual requests for particular topics can be catered for.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED?

You should be at a high B2 or C1 level. Adult learn and train ask all English as a Foreign Language learners to complete an assessment test for placement purposes. To book an appointment, call the office on 01223 712340.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Typical grammar topics covered include ways to create emphasis, conditional sentences and hypothetical situations, different uses of the infinitive and gerund (“-ing” form), relative clauses and the use of modal verbs such as will, must etc for ability, permission and logical deduction.

Vocabulary work will include idioms and slang, phrasal verbs, common collocations (word pairs), and how to generate different forms of words using prefixes and suffixes, as well as vocabulary on specific subjects such as work, leisure and education.

EXAMINATION FEES

There are no examinations for this course. If you would like to complete an exam, speak to your tutor you can advise you on venues, dates and prices of exams. This course only covers tuition.

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

A4 file, notebook and pen / pencil

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

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

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 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?

No experience needed.

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

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

For the first session you will need to have available:

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.

Brief Description:

This course accommodates a range of abilities from beginners to experienced artists with a focus on improving drawing skills and hand-to-eye coordination by using various techniques and media.

During the Life Drawing course, students will learn how to apply the formal elements in drawing and will study the human form from direct observation, where they can expect very quick, dynamic poses along with longer, more detailed analytical studies.

Learners will delve into anatomy, proportion, foreshortening, tone and experimental mark-making and look at the work of influential artists to help inform their own practice.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

None

Learning Outcomes:

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

• To explore and increase your drawing skills.
• Increase your knowledge and understanding of different techniques.
• To produce unique pieces of work.
• To gain confidence in the subject area.

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

Materials will be discussed at the first session.

Additional materials will be available to purchase at the class so please do not buy equipment until you have spoken with the tutor.

For the first session, you will need to bring:

A2 standard cartridge paper sketchbook (with easily removable paper) and a selection of different graded pencils, pencil sharpener and eraser.

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

Your tutor will advise you on other related courses. The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description:

This short Confidence with Maths 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.

Brief Description

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Learning Outcomes:

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

For the first session you will need to bring:

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:

For Beginners this course explores the skills and craft of writing and drawing for graphic novels, Zines and comics.

In the realm of self-expression, zines, comics and graphic novels stand as powerful, intimate canvases where words and art intertwine to tell unique and personal stories. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a complete beginner, this course invites you to dive into this vibrant world, where your imagination takes centre stage, and the medium gives you an opportunity to express the personal stories you carry within.

With the raw authenticity of hand-drawn illustrations in tandem with compelling text you will craft graphic storytelling that resonates and captivates.

You’ll unravel the art of storytelling:
We will start with a combination of exploration of the work of experts, creative writing and drawing activities, then draw out your unique ideas translating them into illustrations and captivating sequences. You’ll understand how graphic storytellers blend words and images, and apply this knowledge to you own storytelling, creating not just pieces of art but windows into your soul.

Characters are at the heart of storytelling. Together, we also will delve into the intricacies of character creation, exploring the nuances of their personalities, backstories, and motivations. From the subtle quirks that make them memorable to the complexities that drive their every action, we’ll unlock the secrets to forging characters that resonate with readers and viewers alike.

This course is more than just a technical journey. It’s an exploration of self, a celebration of your individuality, and a platform for your voice to be heard. Together, we’ll navigate the creative process, from conceptualization to completion, and you’ll leave with not just a collection of graphic storytelling in the form of zines, but a newfound confidence in your ability to share your stories with the world.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No experience necessary, this course is suitable for all.

Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Foundational Character Development Skills:
   • Participants will acquire basic skills to create simple yet expressive autobiographical characters, gaining an understanding of character roles within personal stories.
2. Introduction to Autobiographical Storytelling:
   • Students will develop a foundational grasp of autobiographical storytelling, learning basic story structure, pacing, and the integration of visual and textual elements to create a coherent narrative.
3. Basic Drawing Techniques:
   • By the end of the course, beginners will demonstrate an understanding of drawing techniques for comics and graphic storytelling.
4. Introductory Zine-Making:
   • Participants will acquire introductory skills in creating autobiographical zines, including basic layout design, resulting in a introductory-level project that effectively communicates personal stories in a simple and accessible format.

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

None.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Pen/Pencil and Paper.

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

Diving deeper into creative writing and graphic novels.

Further development in drawing techniques.

Further development in multimodal storytelling.

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

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.

Completing a Tai Chi class regularly can significantly enhance your overall well-being by improving balance, flexibility, and strength. The gentle, flowing movements also help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve mental clarity, making it an excellent practice for both physical and mental health.

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. See also attached here for convenience: Health form

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; please wear flat soled shoes and loose clothing and bring a drink with you. 

You will need to bring your health questionnaire alternatively you can also return this by email before the first class.

 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.

Brief Description:

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. Learners 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. See also attached here for convenience: Health form

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 flat soled shoes and bring a drink with you.

Brief Description:

Join me to explore the ABC Wellness Kit, specifically designed to address increased stress levels in current times. Learn new Wellness tools in each session to address stress, relax, build emotional resilience, and bounce back! 

You can use all these tools straight away to manage your stress levels day by day!  

Session A: Aromatherapy for Stress Relief  

In this first session we find out how to harness the amazing properties of Aromatherapy essential oils at home & work to relax, de-stress and improve concentration. This is a brief introduction to Aromatherapy, methods of safe and convenient use of essential oils are taking center stage. There is a guided hand massage routine for relaxation. 

Session B: Better Sleep 

Sleepless nights undermine our wellbeing.  

A good night’s sleep allows you to tackle anything – we explore the importance of a sleep routine, including winding down, electric interference, light pollution, ventilation, the importance of food and more. We also look at the use of Aromatherapy essential oils to encourage refreshing sleep. There is a guided Relaxation Technique to help you wind down at night. 

Session C: Coping Strategies for Stress 

This session teaches a variety of tools to ease everyday stress levels, aid relaxation, increase motivation, and address your mood and emotions. 

We look at the role of Aromatic Interventions, Breathing Techniques, Morning Pages and Gratitude Journals. You also discover the Self-Havening Technique, a fantastic tool using the latest findings in Neuroscience, developed by the Ruden brothers in the US. Self-Havening helps you to increase resilience to stress, increase motivation and enables you to change your moods.  

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?  

No prior knowledge necessary. This class is suitable for female and male participants. 

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Know how to use Aromatherapy essential oils in a safe and effective manner to relax, de-stress and improve concentration.  

• Apply the Relaxation and Massage techniques you learned during the course at home. 

• Understand how your sleep routine affects quality of sleep. 

• Use the Self-Havening Technique daily to build emotional and mental resilience. 

• Take some control to manage your stress levels by applying the information you have been given. 

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

None  I will provide some hand cream or aromatherapy blend for the hand massages in session 1 and 2. Perhaps you can reimburse me for this please.  The amount depends on the class size. 

For the first session you will need to bring:

 Nothing.

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

You may want to delve deeper into Aromatherapy or other complementary therapies to help you further to reduce stress levels. 

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.

Please note: this year learners will be asked for their annual income. There will be a certain threshold (which we are currently waiting for further guidance). If the income exceeds the threshold there will be a small fee to contribute (no more than £10), the funding will subsidise the rest of the cost.

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
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.