Course Prospectus

Transcription

1 Tameside Adult and Community Education Course Prospectus Information Line: Website: 1

2 Welcome to Tameside Adult and Community Education Join one of our courses to develop your skills, enrich your life and feel the excitement of learning something new. You will always get a warm welcome from Tameside Adult and Community Education. Our learning venues are comfortable and friendly, we give value for money and our qualified and experienced tutors will help you each step of the way. There are a range of courses listed in this prospectus, which we hope you find interesting, inspiring, challenging and fun. Contents Jean Quinn Head of Service Introduction... 3 Courses at St.Ann s... 8 Courses at ACE@Rydal Course index How to find us

3 Introduction Tameside Adult and Community Education gives adults over the age of 19 the chance to continue or return to learning. We are committed to helping adults to achieve success and improve their life chances and employment prospects. Our small, friendly classes offer a comfortable environment where you can achieve your goals. Courses are available at our two main centres and in other local venues such as libraries and neighbourhood hubs. Our courses focus on the essential skills for life and work such as English, maths, I.T. and employability skills. Whether you are a beginner or want to improve your qualifications to a Level 2 standard there is a course for you. Learn@St.Ann s is our centre in Ashton-under-Lyne - a five minute walk from the bus and train station and Metrolink stop. Courses available include English, maths, ESOL and I.T. If you want to prepare for work we also offer employability skills and confidence-building. Ace@Rydal is in Hyde - just a short walk or bus journey from the town centre. This centre caters for learners with additional learning needs. Here, you can improve your skills at a pace suited to you. Our Learners receive extra support from staff to help them succeed. OUR AIMS ARE TO Engage and enthuse learners who may have experienced barriers to learning Provide learning opportunities that enable learners to gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to secure sustainable employment and support health and well being Enable all learners to achieve their full potential Have a positive impact on the economic health of the borough HOW TO ENROL If you decide to enrol on to one of our courses, the first thing you need to do is book your place. Get in touch with us by: Calling Learn@St.Ann s on or , or ACE@Rydal on Texting us on ing us at learnatstanns@tameside.gov.uk Filling in the online adult learning form on our website at For most of our short courses, you can book your place straight away just by getting in touch. Following your initial contact you will be sent confirmation of your enrolment date, the venue and the fees. When you receive this letter contact us again to confirm your attendance. You will enrol in the first week of your course by completing an enrolment form and learner agreement during your class. 3

4 INITIAL ASSESSMENTS Initial assessments are required for I.T. qualifications and ESOL courses. They help us to identify what you can already do and where your skills gaps are. This information tells us which course, at which level, is best for you. Assessments are FREE and take place in a friendly and informal setting. Allow plenty of time, and make the necessary arrangements, to attend for two to three hours to complete the assessment. To book on to an initial assessment call Student Services on COURSE FEES AND FUNDING Qualification Courses English and maths courses are free to all learners. Fees for other qualification courses include administration fees, tuition fees and the cost of any examinations. Learners eligible for certain benefits/tax credits are entitled to reductions in tuition fees. This includes Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits and Pension Credits. An additional fee may apply for the re-taking of exams previously failed or for tests taken without tutor support. Beginners and Introductory Courses Fees for beginners and introductory courses include a non-refundable course fee and tuition fees. Learners eligible for certain benefits (see above) are entitled to reductions in tuition fees (tuition fee remission) but still pay the non-refundable course fee. Learners who are mandated and would lose benefits by not attending a course are eligible for free courses. Our course fees are listed at the back of this prospectus but if you would like to talk to someone about how much our courses cost and whether you might be eligible for free or reduced course fees please call Student Services on They made you feel so welcome. 4

5 Q+A ABOUT FEES When do I need to pay my course fee? Any course fee below 15 will be paid on the enrolment day by cash or cheque. If you fail to pay your fee you risk losing your place on the course. For fees from 16 and above, an invoice will be sent to your home address. What methods of payment can I use? Small course fees ( 4-15) are paid on your enrolment day when you can pay by cash or cheque. If you receive an invoice for bigger amounts, you can pay by any of these methods: call the number on the back of the invoice and pay with your debit or credit card send a cheque to the address on the back of your invoice pay online by visiting pay your invoice at the Post Office pay by cash at your nearest shop with a Pay Point For more information on how you can pay, please contact TMBC Creditors Department on Can I pay by instalments? If your total invoiced fee comes to 50 or less, you will need to make full payment as soon as you receive your invoice. If your total fee amounts to more than 50, we can accept payment in three equal instalments over three consecutive months Can I have a refund if I leave the course? Tameside Adult and Community Education operates a strict refund policy. The basic course fee for beginners and introductory courses is not refundable. Tuition fees will only be refunded under specific circumstances. Requests for refunds are considered on an individual basis. What do I need to do if my employer is paying for the course? If your employer is paying for your course you must provide a letter of confirmation on letter-headed paper from your employer. We will then send an invoice to your employer. 5

6 FINANCIAL SUPPORT FUND If you are interested in taking a qualification course and think you would struggle to pay the fees you can apply for the Financial Support Fund. The Financial Support Fund is available to learners on qualification courses who have difficulty in meeting any part of their course costs. The Financial Support Fund can contribute to the cost of course fees and transport to and from the learning centre. The Financial Support Fund is limited and subject to availability so an early application is advised. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY We recognise the importance of treating everyone fairly and have an Equal Opportunities Policy in place to ensure that this happens. We actively work towards reaching groups who are underrepresented in the local area. If you have a disability or additional learning need, we have lots of equipment to help ensure you are provided with equal access to the learning opportunities we offer. These include: 19 Monitors, Dolphin Supernova with combined magnification, speech and Braille for Windows, basic magnification on all computers, foot rests, gel wrist rest and mouse mats, adapters for roller ball (PENNY GILES), stereo headphones, Magnifiers (Readers), rise and fall desks, Intellikeys, a Cyborg keyboard, screen diffusers, a clicker writer, compact keyboard with guard and large key keyboard. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT We offer training in the key skills required for the workplace. We can work with employers to deliver training for individuals or groups of employees in the following areas: English Maths I.T. Training can be delivered in the workplace or at our learning centres. Costs are negotiated based on the number of participants, venue and content of the course. If you would like to discuss your organisation s training needs please contact us on

7 TRAINING FACILITIES Our venue at s can be hired for training purposes. At the heart of Ashton-under-Lyne, a five minute walk from bus, train and tram stops, it is in an ideal location. FACILITIES I.T. Room A modern computer suite with 11 PCs available MS Office Suite has an interactive Smartboard and a centre table. Accommodates Meeting Room/ Classroom Small Meeting Room Will accommodate 20 people. Tables and chairs can be arranged to your preference. 4/5 PCs and an interactive Smartboard available. Suitable for small group/ individual/1-1 meetings. I have never enjoyed a course (English) as much as I do with this tutor. She is really helpful and I enjoy every lesson. 7

8 Courses at s s Introduction to Maths Brush up on your maths and gain confidence in your skills in this maths workshop. You will be able to practise things you need in everyday life such as calculations, fractions, percentages and decimals. Money Matters Learn the essential skills needed to make the most of your money. You will look at income and expenditure and planning future spending. You will also find out where to go to get the best money and debt advice. ESOL Chatter Group (Pre-entry) If you have little spoken English, the Chatter Group will help you. You will learn simple words and sentences and practice these in the Chatter Group. At the end of the course you will be able to start a simple conversation with another person. ESOL English for Work and Leisure (Pre-entry/Entry Level 1) Improve your speaking and listening skills for use day-to-day in life and work. You will learn how to greet people and ask simple questions and listen to simple replies. The course can be taken as a fast-track five week course or at a slower pace over twelve weeks. Karen I left school with no qualifications and felt embarrassed because I had difficulty with reading and writing. I was scared about enrolling at Learn@St.Ann s but I m so glad I did. With their support my confidence has grown and I have passed Functional Skills English at Entry Level 3. I know I am doing something to better myself and I am proud of what I have achieved. I can even help my son with his schoolwork now. In September I will start my Level 1 Functional Skills English I can t wait! Learn@St.Ann s - Functional Skills English 8

9 SKILLS FOR LIFE QUALIFICATION COURSES Functional Skills English (Entry Levels 1-3; Levels 1 and 2) Improve your English skills for pleasure and work by taking the Functional Skills English qualification. The course focuses on the skills needed for speaking, listening, reading and writing. Functional Skills Maths (Entry Levels 1-3; Levels 1 and 2) Gain a range of mathematical skills for life and work by joining the Functional Skills Maths qualification course. By the end of the course you will have improved your calculation skills and tackled key aspects of maths such as measuring, fractions, decimals and percentages. ESOL Speaking and Listening (Fast-track) Entry levels 1-3 This qualification course will help you to develop your conversational skills so that you can communicate effectively in English. I.C.T. BEGINNERS COURSES Start I.T. Learn the basics with Start I.T. You will find out how to turn your computer on and off safely and how to use a keyboard and mouse. Start I.T. will introduce you to word processing and using the internet. and Internet Be more Internet savvy! and Internet will show you how to set up and use an address and search on the Internet. You will get started with on-line shopping and learn how to stay safe. Jobs Online Improve your chances of getting a job by joining Jobs Online. You will learn the essential skills to search for and apply for jobs on-line including how to search for websites, how to create an address and how to post your C.V. online. 9

10 Phablet! If you have no idea where to start with your new tablet or smartphone this is for you. You will learn about the different features of a tablet, how to manage the settings and how to download apps. Photoshop for Home Use Photoshop to make your family snaps perfect! Learn how to enhance your photos, remove unwanted blemishes and the dreaded red-eye for great portraits. You will learn all these skills as well as being able to merge photos and add text ideal for creating your own Christmas and birthday cards. Move IT On Jobs This course is for those who have already done the Start I.T. or Jobsonline course. If you are unemployed and need to increase your I.T. skills for job search, this course will help you. Microsoft Office Essentials If you want to brush up your skills and expand you knowledge of what Microsoft Office can do this suite of workshops will help. You can take one or more of the following courses: Essentials of Word Essentials of Excel Essentials of Powerpoint Essentials of Publisher Paul I started my I.T. course intending to improve my skills for employment. The tutor helped me to improve my study skills and to cope with the reading problems caused by colour-blindness. I was surprised at how quickly I completed some units. Even with the harder units some extra study at home using the techniques I ve learned got me through. I am really pleased I came to Learn@St.Ann s and taken this course because I have learned a lot. Learn@St.Ann s - (Certificate in I.T. User Skills (ITQ)) 10

11 I.C.T. QUALIFICATION COURSES Functional Skills I.C.T. (Entry Level 2 and 3) This workshop is for those who have some computer skills but want to improve them for the everyday use of computers. You will take the Functional Skills Qualification in I.C.T. You will find out how to do basic word-processing, search on the internet and receive and reply to s. Certificate in I.T. User Skills (ITQ)(QCF) Level 1 ECDL Certificate in I.T. User Skills (QCF) Level 2 These qualifications will help you develop your skills to meet the demands of the workplace. These are workshop style courses where you will use workbooks or on-line learning, alongside tutor support, to work through the mandatory and optional units. You can choose from a range of optional units to suit your interests. Certificate in I.T. User Skills (ITQ)(QCF) Level 1 ECDL Certificate in I.T. User Skills (QCF) Level 2 Individual Units If you would like to find out more about how to use different aspects of Microsoft Office this course will offer you the chance of gaining accreditation in one particular aspect such as word-processing; using a spreadsheet (Excel); using a database (Access); creating presentations (Powerpoint). This course has no fee remission. Teresa I wanted to improve my I.T. skills so that I could return to work after looking after my family. It has been difficult juggling caring commitments at home with taking the Certificate in I.T. User Skills (ITQ) Level 1. My tutor was excellent. She supported me throughout by allowing me to work at home or do extra sessions to catch up. I am really proud that I turned it round and achieved my qualification. Next year I will be moving on to take the Level 2 certificate. Learn@St.Ann s - (Certificate in I.T. User Skills (ITQ)) 11

12 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY COURSES Employability Suite Our Employability Suite of courses is designed to help you develop the skills you need to search for and gain employment. You can enrol on one or more of these courses, depending on what you need. Creating a winning C.V. and covering letter Completing application forms Preparing for an interview Understanding what employers want Basic I.T. skills are needed for the CV/application form modules. This course also links to our IT courses, Jobsonline and Move IT On Jobs. You will also have the opportunity for individual careers guidance with one of our staff or from the National Careers Service. Introduction to Confidence Building Does a lack of self-confidence get in the way of achieving what you want out of life? Using positive thinking and mindfulness techniques, this course will build on your current levels of confidence. The course will develop the self-esteem and assertiveness you need to face the challenges of everyday life. Introduction to Counselling Are you thinking about a career in counselling? This short, introduction course will help you to explore the basic ethics and skills involved. It will give you the opportunity to find out something about the main theories underpinning counselling. Introduction to Phonics for Teaching Assistants Not all teaching assistant courses cover the use of phonics. This short course provides an introduction to phonics and phonics systems for beginners. You will find out how these are used in schools and practice using them. 12

13 Start Signing Find out about British Sign Language and learn how to give and receive basic information using B.S.L. Start Signing will show you the essentials such as greeting people, fingerspelling the names of people and places and asking simple questions. Next Steps in Sign Language Next Steps in Sign Language is for those who want to improve their conversational British Sign Language. By the end of the course you will be able to take part in everyday conversations and give and follow simple directions and instructions. (Available by demand). I enjoyed learning how to send s and CVs to different companies as this will help me with applying for jobs. 13

14 Courses at If you are a learner with additional needs, ACE@Rydal provides a supportive learning experience aimed at improving your skills at a level and pace suited to you. The building is easily accessible to those with disabilities and we have a dedicated and hard-working team who will take you through your learning step by step. ACE@RYDAL offers you the opportunity to get a qualification in a friendly and helpful environment. There are a range of qualifications on offer from Enterprise and Employability to Maths, English and ICT. SKILLS FOR LIFE COURSES Functional Skills English (Entry Levels 1-3) This course will help you develop your English skills and confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in practical situations. As well, you will be able to improve your punctuation and grammar. Functional Skills Maths (Entry Level 1-3 and Level 1 and 2) On this course you will develop your numeracy skills and confidence in addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions as well as measure, shape and space and handling data. I.C.T COURSES Functional Skills I.C.T. Move I.T. On (Entry Level 1 and 2) Move I.T. On will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of basic I.T. programs such as Microsoft Word, and using the internet and . You will be able to create documents and store files correctly. The course leads to a qualification in I.T. Edward In 2014 I started a gardening course at ACE@Rydal. I was very excited when they asked me to create the landscape around the building. The highlight of my year was being awarded Student of The Year! In 2015 I started an Entry Level I.T. course. I thought I would not achieve because of my literacy level but after some 1:1 support I can do lots of new things on the computer. I am really enjoying this course and learning new things every week. ACE@Rydal 14

15 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY COURSES Certificate in Employability Skills (Entry Level 3) On this course you can find out how to assess yourself for employment, search for opportunities in the local area, create a C.V. and send letters of application. You will learn how to complete application forms and practice interview skills. You will have the opportunity to undertake a work experience placement. Enterprise (Entry Levels 2 and 3) You will find out about how to plan, present and run a small enterprise activity. You will practice what you learn by running some small enterprise activities. Hospitality and Catering Skills Entry Level 3 - Level 1 This course is for you if you are looking for a career in the hospitality industry. You will gain the essential skills and knowledge you need for hospitality and catering. At the same time you will develop your transferable skills. I m learning a lot of what I missed out when I was at school. Tony I m taking Functional Skills English and Functional Skills I.T. I enjoy coming to ACE@Rydal and learning new skills. I never thought I would have been able to read a book from start to finish and actually understand it! I have made a lot of new friends and enjoyed having a laugh with everyone. ACE@Rydal 15

16 Basic Cooking This course will help you to develop your basic cooking skills and find out how to use equipment safely. You will learn how to create simple, healthy meals. You will have the chance to try some simple baking techniques. Steps to Independence Steps to Independence offers a variety of stimulating sessions and activities for up to three days per week for the full academic year. Sessions will include independent living skills such as making simple meals, making a drink, making beds, basic laundry, arts and crafts, gardening and communication through games. There is also the opportunity to help run a community café with help from friends and tutors. Sessions will be tailored to individual needs where possible. Learners can choose to attend one, two or three days per week for a full academic year (44 weeks). Very helpful and a wonderful experience of learning. Diana This year I did Level 1 Hospitality and Catering at ACE@Rydal and the course was really good. It helped me and I also enjoyed it. When we finished cooking we had to clean down properly and that helped me get my cleaning job. ACE@Rydal 16

17 Course Index s All course durations include one week enrolment. Some courses are available on demand only so please contact us to get your name down! Most courses run regularly during the week, contact us to find the next start available INTRODUCTORY AND BEGINNERS COURSES COURSE Location Weeks Every Days Time Full Fee Partial Tuition Fee Remission Full Tuition Fee Remission I.T. Courses for Beginners Start I.T. Various 6 wks 6 wks Various Various and Internet Various 6 wks 6 wks Various Various Fast-track Jobs Online Various 4 wks 4 wks Microsoft Office Essentials Weds Thurs Fri 9.15am-2.45pm LASA 5 wks 5 wks Mon 1pm-3.30pm Phablet LASA 4 wks 4 wks Tues 1pm-3.30pm Photoshop for Home LASA 6 wks 6 wks On demand On demand Touch Typing LASA 9 wks 9 wks Wed 9.30am-12noon Move I.T. On Jobs LASA 6 wks 6 wks Thurs 1pm-3.30pm Skills for Life Courses for Beginners Introduction to Maths LASA 9 wks 9 wks Tues 1pm-3.30pm Free Free Free Money Matters LASA 9 wks 9 wks Tues 1pm-3.30pm ESOL Chatter Group LASA 11 wks 11 wks ESOL English for Work and Leisure - fast-track Tues Weds 9.30am-12noon LASA 6 wks 6 wks Thurs 9.30am-3.30pm

18 Personal and Career Development Courses Employability Suite Each unit Introduction to Phonics for Teaching Assistants Start Signing (All prices include essential resource) Next Steps in Sign Language Introduction to Confidence Building Introduction to Counselling LASA 2-4 wks 2-4 wks Tues 9.30am-12noon From 40 From 13 From 5 LASA 6 wks 6 wks On demand On demand LASA 7 wks 7 wks Tues 5.30pm-8.00pm LASA 7 wks 7 wks On demand On demand LASA 9 wks 9 wks Mon/ Tues 9.30am-12noon LASA 9 wks 9 wks Tues 5.30pm-8pm QUALIFICATION COURSES COURSE Location Weeks Every Days Time Full Fee Partial Tuition Fee Remission Full Tuition Fee Remission I.T. Qualification Courses Functional Skills I.T. Workshop E2, E3 ITQ Certificate in I.T. User Skills Level 1 Workshop ECDL Certificate in I.T. User Skills Level 2 Workshop Introduction to Microsoft Office Level 1 Workshop - unit Introduction to Microsoft Office Level 2 Workshop - unit LASA Variable Various Tues Wed LASA Variable Various Various LASA Variable Various Various LASA Variable Various Various LASA Variable Various Various 9.30am-12noon 1pm-3.30pm 9.30am-12noon 1pm-3.30pm 5.30pm-8pm 9.30am-12noon 1pm-3.30pm 5.30pm-8pm 9.30am-12noon 1pm-3.30pm 5.30pm-8pm noon 1pm-3.30pm 5.30pm-8pm 137 N/A Free 363 N/A Free 393 N/A Free 120 N/A N/A 154 N/A N/A Skills for Life Qualification Courses Functional Skills English E2, E3, Level 1, Level 2 Functional Skills Maths E2, E3, Level 1, Level 2 ESOL Speaking and Listening E1, E2 LASA 30 wks Sept Various LASA 30 wks Sept Various 9.30am-12noon 1pm-3.30pm 5.30pm-8pm 9.30am-12noon 1pm-3.30pm 5.30pm-8pm Free Free Free Free Free Free LASA 25 wks 25 wks Mon 9.30am-3.30pm 363 N/A Free 18

19 Course Index QUALIFICATION COURSES (all course durations include one week enrolment) COURSE Location Weeks Every Days Time Functional Skills English and Maths E1, E2, E3, Level 1 All other qualification courses Ace@ Rydal Ace@ Rydal Personal Development and Employability Courses Full Fee Partial Tuition Fee Remission Full Tuition Fee Remission 44 wks Sept Various 9.00am-3.45pm Free Free Free 44 wks Sept Various 9.00am-3.45pm 550 N/A Free Steps to Independence Basic Cookery ACE@ Rydal ACE@ Rydal 44 wks Sept Various 9.00am-3.45pm 30 per day 11 wks 11 wks Mon 9.00am-12noon N/A N/A 19

20 Where to find us: River Tame Trinity Street s Burlington Street Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DG Sainsbury s River Tame ACE@Rydal Rydal House 13 Rydal Avenue Hyde SK14 4QB IKEA Hyde Road River Tame Hyde Library Town Hall Greenfield Street Hyde SK14 1AL Hyde Road Stalybridge Library Trinity Street Clarendon Square Stalybridge SK15 2BN Asda Cavendish Street Hyde Road or Denton Library Town Hall Market Street Denton M34 2AP Hattersley Hub/ Library The Hub Stockport Road Hattersley SK14 6NT Trinity Street Victoria Park w w w. t a m e s i d e. g o v. u k / a d u l t l e a r n i n g