COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 2010-2011 Portlaoise Abbeyleix Portarlington Mountmellick Clonaslee Rathdowney

Abbeyleix Further Education Centre Mountrath Road, Abbeyleix, Co.Laois Contact Helen Kavanagh Tel (057) 873 1127 Email hkavanagh@abbeyleixfec.ie Website www.abbeyleixfec.ie Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Contact William Flanagan Tel (057) 862 1480 Email info@portlaoisecollege.ie Website www.portlaoisecollege.ie Portarlington Adult Education Centre Bracklone Street, Portarlington, Co. Laois Contact Margaret Morrin Tel (057) 862 3161 Email mmorrin@portarlingtonaec.ie Website www.laoisvec.ie Clonaslee Vocational School Clonaslee, Co. Laois Contact Fran Bates Tel (057) 864 8044 Email clonva.ias@eircom.net Website www.laoisvec.ie Mountmellick Further Education Centre Harbour Street, Mountmellick, Co. Laois Contact Anne Malone Tel (057) 86 24196 Email yrlaois@eircom.net Website www.laoisvec.ie St. Fergal s College Rathdowney, Co. Laois Contact Aine O Neill Tel (0505) 46357 Email stfergalscollege@eircom.net Website www.stfergalscollege.com Portlaoise Abbeyleix Portarlington Mountmellick Clonaslee Rathdowney

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Contents Centre Contact Details 2 Introduction 4 Financial Support for Adult Education 5 Support Services for Adult Education in Co. Laois VEC AEGIS Adult Learning Centre Community Education Service Course Directory Art Beauty & Fitness Business Childcare Cookery Computers/IT Crafts DIY Floristry/Gardening General Interest Healthcare Language Language English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Leaving Certificate/Junior Certificate Music/Dance Photography Return to Learning 6 6 6 8 9 9 12 15 17 19 21 25 26 27 28 30 34 35 36 39 40 41 3

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Introduction It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our Adult Education Course Directory for 2010/2011. This booklet is designed to make you aware of the wide range of learning opportunities and support services provided by the Adult Education Service of Co. Laois VEC. Our programme of courses has been developed to ensure that we provide you with the educational opportunity that best suits your needs and circumstances. You ll receive a warm welcome at our centres and schools and every effort is made to provide you with the best possible learning experience to help you realise your potential. We will there to encourage, enable, and support you every step of the way so whether you re returning to education or continuing your studies, I know we can help you on your journey. Joe Cunningham Adult Education Officer 4

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Financial Support for Adult Education There are a number of financial support schemes and measures available for Adult Education: Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, VTOS oo Available for certain adult education programmes within Co. Laois VEC. Back to Education Initiative, BTEI oo This scheme makes provisions for reduced course fees for students with less than Leaving Certificate level of education. Back to Education Allowance, BTEA oo Weekly allowance from the Department of Social Protection for eligible students engaged in full-time study. Co. Council/VEC Administered Maintenance Grant oo Assistance payment to enable eligible students meet additional costs of education. Special Initiatives for Disadvantaged Adults Scheme, SPIDAS oo A limited amount of funding is available to people in receipt of Social Welfare to access accredited Third Level courses. Details of these supports are available from the centres in this directory or from the national website www.studentfinance.ie Details of the BTEA payment can also be found on the Department of Social Protection (DSP) website www.welfare.ie or from your local DSP office. 5

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Support Services for Adult Education, Co. Laois VEC Adult Educational Guidance & Information Service, AEGIS Returning to learning as an adult can be challenging especially if early experiences of education were difficult. AEGIS works to encourage adult learners to think about their options in way they might not have done before. Services offered Advice and information on all aspects of returning to learning as an adult. Educational and career guidance sessions with students at Co. Laois VEC s adult education centres. Group and one-to-one appointments and educational guidance sessions Access to information resources with information on local and national courses and education supports. Assistance with completing CAO and funding applications Limited access to the Internet for career and educational research purposes. Contact Details Carmel Hoolan, Guidance Coordinator AEGIS 2 Meehan Court Portlaoise Co. Laois Tel (057) 867 2963 Email laoisaegis@eircom.net Website www.laoisaegis.ie 6

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Adult Learning Centre Co. Laois VEC, Ridge Road, Portlaoise The Adult Learning Centre offers support to adults who wish to return to learning. Our part-time courses are for adults who left school early and have no formal qualifications, or who may have a Junior, Intermediate or Group Certificate. All courses are free. Some courses are available throughout the county, depending on demand. Courses include: one-to-one tuition, communications, personal development, maths etc. See directory for a full list of courses or contact the centre for further information. Workplace Education Return to Education FÁS/VEC The Return to Education programme is a special initiative between FÁS and VECs to enable participants on community employment schemes to improve their basic education. The C.E. participants are released from the scheme to attend classes during work time. Skills for Work Programme This course is for people who are in part-time or full-time employment who wish to improve their work skills. Applicants can be early school leavers, Group Intermediate or Junior Certificate standard. Courses are free and run over 35 hours. For further information on this course contact Marian O Reilly, Skills for Work Co-ordinator Midlands Region 057 86 61338, 087 1777879 or email sfwmidlands@gmail.com Family Learning Family Learning is another important aspect of the work of the centre. Courses support and encourage parents and children s learning in the home environment. Story Sacks and Arts & Crafts Digital storytelling Family Learning and Computers Family Learning for speakers of other languages Supporting parents with the maths curriculum Early Reading Support FETAC Level 4 Contact Details Kathleen Bennett, Adult Literacy Organiser Laois Adult Learning Centre Ridge Road Portlaoise Co. Laois Tel (057) 866 1338 Fax (057) 866 1801 Email adlit@eircom.net 7

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Community Education Service Community education is a process of learning and change that is rooted in the Community. Our programmes aim to build the capacity of local communities to engage in accessible learning in a secure environment and to associate learning with enjoyment. Services Offered: The role of the Community Education Facilitator Any group or organisation can avail of this service. Priority will be given to groups whose focus is on addressing educational and community disadvantage by ensuring access and opportunity. Support the establishment of new groups. Advise and support existing and new groups on programme development, accreditation and progression routes for learners. Facilitate networking between groups. Develop and promote partnership between community education and other providers both nationally and locally. Contact Details Teresa McEvoy, Community Education Facilitator Co. Laois VEC Ridge Road Portlaoise Co. Laois Tel (057) 866 1890 Email termce@gmail.com Website www.laoisvec.ie 8

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Courses Directory Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this booklet is accurate. Co. Laois VEC is not liable for any errors or omissions. The contents of this booklet are for information purposes only and should not be viewed as a contract between Co. Laois VEC and any person. Co. Laois VEC reserves the right to cancel any course and/or modify course fees, regulations, times or venues at any point. ART Art, Craft & Design Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Course in art, craft and design, leading to a portfolio for entry to Third Level or for personal pleasure. Advanced Certificate in Art & Business Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 6 Major Award Contact centre This course allows students to explore a range of creative subjects based on professional practice. Art 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre E110 Introductory course in watercolours, acrylic and oils. 9

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Watercolours 8 weeks, 2 hrs /week, starting 20 th September Introductory course to watercolour painting. Art History & Appreciation 8 weeks, 2 hrs /week, starting 20 th September Introduction to Art History. Camcorder Skills & Editing 6 weeks, 2 hrs /week, starting 20 th September 65 Introduction to using and editing with camcorders. Clay/Ceramics/Sculpture E90 Introduction to using clay and to starting ceramics and sculpture. 10

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 65 Interior Design 6 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Introduction to the principles of Interior Design. Art St. Fergal s College, Rathdowney Over the weeks students will be introduced to a wide range of drawing and painting materials. Art for Beginners 16 hours, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Mountmellick Further Education Centre Introduction to a wide range of drawing and painting materials. Art Clonaslee Vocational School Introduction to a wide range of drawing and painting materials. 11

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Stained Glass Clonaslee Vocational School An introductory course in Stained Glass techniques. BEAUTY & FITNESS Badminton Lessons & Play 8 weeks, 1.5 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 Introduction to badminton rules of play. Beauty & Skin Care 5 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 55 Introduction key concepts of beauty and skin care treatment. Heal Yourself 6 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 A holistic personal development programme. 12

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Pilates for Beginners 8 weeks, 1.5 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 A beginners pilates course. Pilates for Improvers 8 weeks, 1.5 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 A course for those who have completed a beginners pilates course. Yoga for Beginners 8 weeks, 1 hr/week, starting 20 th September 55 An introduction to yoga for beginners. Yoga for Improvers 8 weeks, 1.5 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 A course for people who have already completed beginners yoga. 13

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Hairdressing for Beginners Stage 1 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre Course includes: shampooing, blowdrying, straightening, curling, colour choice, product knowledge, etc. Hairdressing for Beginners Stage 2 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre Course includes: up-styling, clip-on hair extensions, hair pieces, GHD curling, hair conditioning treatments. Beauty for Beginners 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre Course includes: skin types, facial routine, skin care products, skin disorders, make up application. Hairdressing Full-time 1 year, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award, Junior Trades Certificate Contact centre Trades Level course in all aspects of hairdressing. 14

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 BUSINESS Business Administration with ECDL Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Students will have the skills to work as an office administrator in a variety of settings. Business Studies Secretarial Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Course covers business procedures and the use of office equipment and computer software. Advanced Certificate in Business Administration Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 6 Major Award Contact centre Topics covered business management, accounting and finance, advanced functions of Word and Excel. Higher Certificate in Office Management 1 year, starting September IT Carlow, HETAC Level 6 1,950 A course for students who wish to have a sound knowledge of the workings of a modern office and techniques within that environment. 15

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Higher Certificate in Business 2 years, starting September IT Carlow, HETAC Level 6 1,950 per year A course designed for those currently working or seeking to work in business, management, or administration. Small Business Accounts An introduction to keeping accounts for the smaller business. Payroll Manual & Computerised 275 10 weeks, 2.5 hrs x 2 days/week, starting 20 th September FETAC Level 5 Module Set up and maintenance of employee payroll records both manual and computerised. Book keeping Manual & Computerised 275 10 weeks, 2.5 hrs x 2 days/week, starting 20 th September FETAC Level 5 Module Practical book-keeping course using manual recording and I.T. 16

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 BA in Business Studies 4 years IPA degree, HETAC Level 8 Contact centre A four year part-time degree. Details available from www.ipa.ie BA in Public Management 4 years IPA degree, HETAC Level 8 Contact centre A four year part-time degree. Details available from www.ipa.ie Business FETAC Level 5 1-2 years, starting September Portarlington Adult Education Centre Contact centre Students can acquire practical skills in business administration and information technology. CHILDCARE Childcare 1 year, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Practices and procedures in taking care of children and the integrated nature of work with young children. 17

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Social & Legal Issues in Childcare 220 40 hours, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Course in devising appropriate childcare programmes within childcare settings. Early Childhood Programmes 220 40 hours, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Certified course in devising appropriate childcare programmes within childcare settings. Child Development 40 hours, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module 220 Certified course giving an overview of the social and physical development of children. 18

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Supervision in Childcare 40 hours, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module 220 Certified course detailing the issues in childcare supervision. Childcare 1-2 years Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Course in practices and procedures in taking care of children. Emphasis is on the integrated nature of work with young children. COOKERY Cookery An Introduction 5 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 55 + ingredients An introduction to the basic principles of cookery. Home Baking Desserts 5 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 55 + ingredients An introduction to home cooked dessert making. 19

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Home Baking Simply 5 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 55 + ingredients An introduction to home baking. Indian Cookery 6 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 + ingredients An introduction to Indian cooking. Cookery 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting September Mountmellick Further Education Centre Home catering ideas starters, main courses, deserts and occasion cookery. Cookery 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting September Clonaslee Vocational School An introduction to the basic principles of cookery. 20

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 COMPUTERS/IT Advanced ECDL Word 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre ICS Skills Contact centre Participants will be able to produce advanced word processing documents and layout presentations. 110 110 Computers for Beginners 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre Topics include: hardware, software, basic features of Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer and email. Computers for Improvers 10 weeks,2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre Topics include: File Management, Advanced Microsoft Word, Advanced Internet Explorer and Basic Microsoft Excel. Computer-Aided Drawing & Design Introductory CAD course. 21

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Computers for Beginners Introductory course in computers for complete beginners. Computers for Beginners over 55 s Introductory course in computers for complete beginners aged 55 and over. Web Authoring Introduction to creating and maintaining websites. Spreadsheet Methods Microsoft Excel 275 10 weeks, 2.5hrs x 2 days/week, starting 20 th September FETAC Level 5 Module FETAC Level 5 module on Microsoft Excel methods and application. 22

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Word Processing Microsoft Word 275 110 10 weeks, 2.5 hrs x 2 days/week, starting 20 th September FETAC Level 5 Module Certified module on Microsoft Word methods and application. Computer Applications Access, Excel, Graphics 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September FETAC Level 4 Module Certified course in a number of common applications. Information Technology Skills Word, Internet, File Management, Data Entry 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September FETAC Level 4 Module 110 Certified course in IT skills. Computers St. Fergal s College, Rathdowney Introductory course in computers. 23

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Basic Computers Friday, 9.30am 12.00pm, 14 weeks, starting September Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Optional, contact centre Free Courses are for adults who left school early, have no formal qualifications, or who may have Junior Certificate, Intermediate Certificate or Group Certificate. This basic course is for those who have no prior knowledge or experience in I.T. Computers Clonaslee Vocational School Introductory course in computers. Internet & E-mail Clonaslee Vocational School Course in uses of the Internet and E-mail. Web Design Clonaslee Vocational School Introduction to the principles of Web Design. 24

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD) 18 weeks, 2.5 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Mountmellick Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module 250 Core concepts of CAD. CRAFTS Woodwork 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre 110 Skills course in working bogwood and other timbers. Sewing & Textiles An introduction to needlework and the use of textiles. Woodwork Rocking Horse A step-by-step course in creating a child s rocking horse. 25

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Wood-turning Clonaslee Vocational School An introduction to basic woodwork techniques. Metalcraft Clonaslee Vocational School An introduction to basic skills and techniques. Pottery Clonaslee Vocational School An introduction to pottery techniques. DIY DIY for Beginners DIY introduction for beginners. 26

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Small Engine Operation & Maintenance Repairing and maintaining small engines, e.g. lawnmowers, etc. Car Maintenance Clonaslee Vocational School Basic car maintenance skills. FLORISTRY/GARDENING Floristry/Flower Arranging 6 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 Introduction to the craft of flower arranging. Gardening for Beginners An introduction to gardening for beginners. 27

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Floristry/Gardening St. Fergal s College, Rathdowney Introductory course in flower arranging. Flower Arranging Clonaslee Vocational School Introductory course in flower arranging. GENERAL INTEREST Bee-Keeping Introduction to the art of bee-keeping. Create Your Own Personal Finance Plan 6 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 65 An Introduction to personal finance planning. 28

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 55 Wedding Planning 5 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September An introductory guide to planning the perfect wedding. English Literature Appreciation English Literature Appreciation. Building Cultural Communities Clonaslee Vocational School A course to support individuals, voluntary groups and communities in developing skills to work together to develop arts and cultural events in their communities. Creative Writing Clonaslee Vocational School A short course in developing creative writing skills. 29

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Literary Appreciation Clonaslee Vocational School An introductory course for those interested in English Literature. HEALTHCARE Nursing Studies Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Introduction to the theories and practices of nursing. Practical work placements are a feature. Community Care Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre A certified course in the fundamentals of caring. Practical work placements are a feature. 30

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Healthcare Support 2 years, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre A course in skills necessary for carers in the community, residential care setting or hospitals or a basis for progressing to further education. First Aid 8 weeks, 2 hrs /week, starting 20 th September Introduction to principles of First Aid. Healthcare Support 1-2 years, starting September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 Major Award Contact centre Course prepares students to work competently, safely and effectively as a Health Care Assistant. Community Healthcare FETAC Level 5 1-2 years, starting September Portarlington Adult Education Centre Contact centre Course provides students with a high standard of training and assessment leading to a recognised qualification for those pursuing a career in this sector. 31

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE 110 110 110 Food Hygiene 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Certified course in the correct procedures for handling and storing food products. Health Related Cleaning 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Course in the correct methods for maintaining cleaning standards required for optimum health and safety. Palliative Care 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Certified training course in palliative care skills. 32

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 110 110 Care of the Older Person 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Certified training course in determining and delivering care to the older person. Occupational First Aid 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module Certified practical course in first aid techniques. Infection Prevention and Control for Community and Residential Nursing Home Staff 10 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 5 module 110 Certified course in the principles and procedures for controlling infections in healthcare settings. 33

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE LANGUAGE French for Beginners Introduction to conversational French. German for Beginners Introductory and continuing conversational German. German for Improvers Introductory and continuing conversational German. Irish for Beginners Introductory Irish course. Spanish for Beginners 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September Introduction to Spanish for beginners. 34

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Spanish for Improvers 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September Course for those who have basic Spanish. LANGUAGE English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Beginner ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 2.00pm 4.00pm Monday, over 14 weeks, starting September Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Attendance certificate Free This course is for people from other countries with a basic knowledge of English. Elementary ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 12.00pm 2.00pm Tuesday OR 12.00pm 2.00pm Wednesday, over 14 weeks, starting September Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise FETAC Level 3 Module Free This course is for people who have completed Beginner Level English, (ESOL). 35

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Language & Literacy ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 10.00am 12.00pm Thursday and Friday, over 14 weeks, starting September Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Attendance certificate Free This course is for people from other countries with basic literacy needs in their own language and whose spoken language is at beginner level. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 170 30 hours, starting September Adult Learning Centre/Community Education FETAC Level 4 Module The emphasis in this module is to build learners confidence through integrating skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. LEAVING CERTIFICATE/JUNIOR CERTIFICATE Junior Certificate Full-time 1 year, starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre Junior Certificate Contact centre A comprehensive range of subjects are available. 36

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Leaving Certificate Full-time 1 to 2 year(s), starting September Abbeyleix Further Education Centre Leaving Certificate Contact centre This course is for students who wish to achieve a full or partial Leaving Certificate. Junior Certificate English (Foundation & Ordinary Level) Tuesday 7.00pm 9.00pm, September to June, (Morning class may be available subject to demand) Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Junior Certificate Free This course is for adults who want to achieve their Junior Certificate English. Junior Certificate Maths (Foundation & Ordinary Level) Wednesday 9.30am 11.30am, September to June Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Junior Certificate Free This course is for adults who want to achieve their Junior Certificate Maths Leaving Certificate English (Ordinary Level) Tuesday 7.00pm 9.30pm, September to June Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Leaving Certificate Free A course for adults who want to achieve Leaving Certificate English. 37

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Leaving Certificate Maths (Ordinary & Foundation Level) Evening course (time to be confirmed), starting September Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Leaving Certificate Free A course for adults who want to achieve Leaving Certificate Maths. Maths Revision 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September An Ordinary Level Maths revision programme. Leaving Certificate Full-time 1-2 years, starts September Portarlington Adult Education Centre Leaving Certificate Contact centre This course prepares students to take Leaving Certificate exams in Irish, English, Maths, History, Biology, Business and Geography. 38

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 MUSIC/DANCE Guitar 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September Introductory group guitar lessons. Salsa 5 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20 th September 55 A beginner s salsa dancing class. Sean Nós & Brush Dancing 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September An introduction to the subjects of Sean Nós & Brush Dancing. Social Dancing including half sets. 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September A programme of old time dancing including set dancing steps. 39

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Set Dancing 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting September St. Fergal s College, Rathdowney An introductory course in basic set dancing steps. PHOTOGRAPHY Photography Introduction to photography. Photoshop 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September Introduction to photo editing using Photoshop. Digital camera 8 weeks, 2 hrs/week, starting 20th September Clonaslee Vocational School Overview of digital camera techniques. 40

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 RETURN TO LEARNING General Learning 1 year, starting September FETAC Level 3/4 Abbeyleix Further Education Centre Contact centre A course for students who have not completed Junior Certificate or have been out of education for a period of time. One-to-One Tuition 1-2 hrs/week as long as required Flexible start date Adult Learning Centre Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Abbeyleix, Rathdowney, Mountrath and Portarlington Free This tuition is given on an individual basis for adults who need to improve reading and writing skills. Spell Well Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am 11.30am, starting September Adult Learning Centre Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Portarlington and Abbeyleix, depending on demand. Free Small groups working on reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and comprehension in a supportive atmosphere. 41

COUNTY LAOIS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE Communications for Everyday Living Thursdays 9.30am 12.00pm, from September Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Mountrath depending on demand Optional, contact centre Free This course is for people who wish to improve their communication skills. Preparing for Work Mondays, 9.30am 12.00pm, over 14 weeks Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Optional, contact centre Free This course explores different types of work and ways of working and includes CV preparation and interview skills. Give Maths a Go Mondays 9.30am 11.30am Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Optional, contact centre Free This course teaches the basic, practical uses of Maths in everyday life. 42

Adult Education Courses 2010-2011 Consumer Awareness Thursdays 2.00pm 4.30pm, over 14 weeks Adult Learning Centre, Portlaoise Optional, contact centre Free This course explores the rights and responsibilities of the consumer. Intensive Tuition for Adult Basic Education (ITABE) 84 hours in total (days to be confirmed in each location) Rathdowney, Mountmellick and Portlaoise Optional, contact centre Free This course is to brush up on reading, writing and spellings. It also includes some personal development work. General Learning 1-2 years, starting September Portarlington Adult Education Centre FETAC Level 4 Major Award Contact centre This new course aims to allow adults returning to education to explore a number of subjects and to develop key learning skills before progressing to higher level courses. 43

Co. Laois VEC A Provider of Educational Opportunities Ridge Road Portlaoise Co. Laois Tel (057) 862 1352 Fax (057) 862 1877 Email headoffice@laoisvec.ie www.laoisvec.ie design by www.penhouse.ie