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:

A course centered around learning the basics of home DIY, and the beginnings of joinery. You will be learning and practicing with a range of hand tools, DIY knowledge and skills, and how to make various wood joints. You will finish with two final pieces – a small stud wall model, and a wood frame of the joints you have learned.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This is a course for beginners. No previous experience is necessary.

Learning Outcomes:

DIY – Make a miniature stud wall, learn how to fix some common household problems, and gain
confidence with a range of household tasks

• Get training, tips and practice in a range of hand tools
• Working with plasterboard
• Testing out a range of plasterboard fixings
• How to fix a hole in plasterboard
• Fitting skirting and caulking

Joinery – Learn 6 different joints and make a final piece demonstrating all joints
Learn skills/tools

• Gain skills in using hand tools and how to make neat wood joints
• Make a final piece demonstrating all the joints you learn

Extra activities:

• Hammer in nails
• Match and examine different screw sizes – what would they be used for
• Cut internal corner from skirting
• How to fix a screw hole that is too big

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

Wear sensible shoes/boots. No sandals/ open toes allowed in the DIY room. If you choose to wear Steel Toe Capped Boots, costs start at approx. £20 from hardware stores.
The wood for the joint practice and 6 joint frame will be provided.

Please do not buy a battery drill but if you do have one, you will find it beneficial to bring it with you to class.

For the first session you will need to bring:

A pencil and notepad. No sandals, or open-toed shoes are allowed in a workshop setting. Hair must also be tied back.  Wood for the joints and frame project will be provided.

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

Your tutor will advise you.

The Adult Learn and Train office is also 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:

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:

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.  

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:

• Talk about money,
• Discuss how life has changed,
• Learn language around transport,
• Understand and use language around stereotypes and
• Make generalisations.

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:

This is a course that has come about due to many requests from learners that
have completed Guitar for Beginners 1, 2 and 3. The emphasis will be to hone in and
develop the many techniques and skills that were introduced in the first three courses.

More time will be allocated to individual pieces promoting an ensemble style with
separate contributions from the learners such as accompaniment, rhythm, melody and
improvised lead guitar.

The course will run for all three terms with new projects assigned at the start of
each term meaning that those that have just started the course will be able to participate
from the start.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Skills and experience gained from attending Guitar for Beginners 1,2 and 3

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Participate in ensemble/group performances of completed pieces first introduced in earlier
  courses.
• Participate in ensemble/group renditions of pieces first introduced in earlier
  courses.
• Increase understanding and ability of skills gained.
• Further develop skills in reading music
• Benefit from participating and sharing with the other learners in the group
• Discuss elements of guitar playing from experience and hindsight

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

Guitarist’s Way by Peter Nuttall and John Whitworth, book 2

For the first session you will need to bring:

One working guitar and all the material provided in Guitar for Beginners 1,2 and 3
On completion of this course, what might your next steps be

Brief Description

This Italian Intermediate course is for those who have studied Italian for at least two years and have a fair knowledge of the Italian language. You will be able to build on your previous knowledge to develop further the four language skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening), although particular emphasis will be given to speaking activities. The course will be based on communicative methods and active participation will be strongly encouraged. A variety of activities will be used, including role-plays, listening to audios, games and group work. Grammar will be also an essential component of the course. Regular homework will be assigned to consolidate what has been learnt in class and to assess the learner’s progress. The course is priced for 10 weeks (one term); to complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to attend all 3 terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

Please be aware this term will have lessons at both Coleridge Community College, CB1 3RJ AND Parkside Community College, CB1 1EH (due to Bank Holidays and the Tutors work timetable: 

1) 28th April  – Monday @ Parkside CC  –  

(no class Monday 5th May – Bank Holiday) 

2) 8th May –  Thursday @ Coleridge CC 

3) 12th May  – Monday @ Parkside CC  

(no class Monday 19th May – Tutor unavailable) 

4) 22nd May –  Thursday @ Coleridge CC 

(no classes for half term – Monday 26th – Friday 30th May) 

5) 2nd June – Monday @ Parkside CC   

(no class Monday 9th June – Tutor unavailable) 

6) 12th June – Thursday @ Coleridge CC 

7) 16th June – Monday @ Parkside CC   

8) 23rd June – Monday @ Parkside CC   

9) 30th June – Monday @ Parkside CC   

10) 7th July – Monday @ Parkside CC   

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Learners should have already studied Italian for two to three years, or have a fair knowledge of the language. (Approx. 140 hours).

This course will be in the third term of this academic year. To understand if this course is right for you, you should have knowledge on the first and second term topics. See the learning outcomes below for Term 3 – this is what you will cover during the 10 week course.

TERM 1
• Shopping for food
• Recipes
• Daily living
• Revision of verbs (present and past)
• Future tense
• Revision of reflexive verbs
• The imperfect tense

TERM 2
• Family life
• Family in Italy
• Around the shops , buying clothes and other items
• Our childhood – describing situations in the past
• Describing people (physical description and character)
• Present and past conditional ( equivalent of “would” mode )
• The imperative
• Comparatives and superlatives

Learning Outcomes for this term:

TERM 3
• Meeting people, accepting or refusing an invitation.
• Polite requests, giving advice
• Holidays and travelling
• What sort of holidays do people like
• Healthy eating habits, health and lifestyles.
• Direct/indirect pronouns
• Conjunctions
• Adverbs

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

A course book will be discussed in the class

For the first session you will need to bring:

A ring binder, paper, dividers and pens

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

Learners will be able to proceed to a higher level Italian course the following academic year.
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 is the third term, you should have approx. 40 hours experience covering the following:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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

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.

The course runs term-time (no classes during school holidays) from 4th November 2024 until 19th May 2025; 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 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); 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.

To book/inquire about course

Please email office@adultlearning.education or call the office on 01223 712340

On Completion of course

Enrol in the 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:

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: [fac_icon icon=”file-excel-o”]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: [fac_icon icon=”file-excel-o”]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.