Rakhsana joined an ESOL course in Sneinton in 2008 and her initial level for speaking and listening was E2 but her reading and writing were both Pre Entry level.  Rakhsana wanted to improve her reading and writing skills first up to E2 level to be able to read advertisements, leaflets, or any other informative texts to help her to find a job in future. She wanted to take ESOL exams and she also set herself long term goals such as to improve her confidence and to get a job as soon as she could.

Rakhsana has to look after her children alone and also has to do all the other family responsibilities like shopping for children, taking them out, playing games with them.  She is very ambitious and wants to achieve her goal.  She does not let family responsibilities prevent her from learning and attending the ESOL course regularly.

Last academic year Rakhsana passed her Reading and writing E1 and E2 exams, then the E2 exam for Speaking and Listening skills.  She improved not just her English skills, she also improved her confidence to be able to join a SureStart Volunteer group last term.

Very recently Rakhsana applied to work as a volunteer in the DAIN project for the WEA and she was accepted.  She works there along with the English speaking people and she has been very happy and pleased with her new duties.  She has already made a few friends and her life has changed drastically for the better.

With all her achievements Rakhsana is determined to continue her education with the WEA in ESOL courses. She is preparing to take the E3 Speaking and Listening exam this term and she says she will continue attending ESOL in the future too.

Rakhsana is an extremely dedicated WEA learner and appreciates our courses very highly.

Zara Handley

Start date: Friday 24th February 2012,  9:30am

Venue: Ecoworks, Nottingham

Number of meetings: 14 (days) Number of guided learning hours: 80
Dates:Start time is 9:30 am for all sessions.

• 24th, 25th, 26th February 2012
• 23rd, 24th, 25th March 2012
• 27th, 28th, 29th April 2012
• 19th, 20th May 2012
• 8th, 9th, 10th June 2012

Title: Permaculture Design Course

Tutors: Paul Paine, Joe Atkinson

Fee: £268 (£241.20 Concessions) Fee waived for those on income related benefits or low income.

NOTE: This is a popular course. To register your interest please download, complete and return this enrolment questionnaire (doc Format 13kb) to Caroline Keep ckeep@wea.org.uk no later than 18th February 2012.

COURSE OUTLINE

The aims of the course

To introduce the basic concepts of permaculture theory and practice

To enable learners to integrate ecological and design thinking into their everyday lives

Topics to be covered

Permaculture basics – ethics, principles, design

Understanding natural systems- energy, soil, water, ecosystems, plants, animals, climate and microclimate.

Permaculture application in the home, garden, community and beyond

Design practice, group projects, practicals and visits.

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:

• Apply permaculture ethics and principles to situations in your own life

• Describe some of the principles, processes and elements working within natural systems

• Describe the process of design and a variety of tools and methods within it, and use it is a variety of situations

• Apply your learning within your home, garden, community and the wider world

Teaching methods, learning activities

Guided discussions

Work in small groups

Practical activities and demonstrations

Group and individual design projects

Presentations and slide shows

Assessment methods

Through quizzes, discussions, learner presentations and a variety of set assignments, the tutor will ensure that learners are making progress.

Previous learning required

Everyone is welcome and no previous knowledge is assumed

Essential materials or equipment

Pen and notebook

Warm clothing suitable for outdoors

Where the course may lead

The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next with the WEA and other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice county leaflet is available with useful local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor or programme organiser to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how to obtain guidance, please contact your programme organiser.

Booklist

Permaculture for Beginners by Graham Burnett

Permaculture in a Nutshell by Patrick Whitefiled – both of these books are simple and accessible tests but Graham Burnett’s book has more picture in it.

Earth Users Guide to Permaculture by Rosemary Morrow – covers more or less the content of the course but is written from an Australian perspective

The Earth Care Manual by Patrick Whitefield – comprehensive guide to permaculture in cool temperate climates

Financial help

If you need help with paying for fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor or programme organiser for more information. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy

Help with learning

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with English, Maths or Study Skills

You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk

C2329267

Tutor: Mike Wilson & Nikki England

Venue: ACNA  Hungerhill Road, Nottingham, NG2 4NB

Date: Wednesday 18th January 2012

Duration: 5 Meetings (fortnightly)

Time: 2 hours, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Fee: £33.50  (£30.15Concessions) Fee waived for those on income related benefits or low income.

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Aims

To introduce learners to a variety of approaches to writing effectively in a range of styles and genres.

To practise writing

To encourage critical analysis and self-analysis

Topics to be covered 

• Reminiscence
• Autobiography
• Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Poetry
• Exercises in writing styles
• Hooks and rhythms
• Metaphors
• Vocabulary extension

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this course learners will be able to:

1. write effectively in a range of styles
2. read others’ work critically and analytically
3. use positive criticism to comment on others’ work

Teaching /Learning Methods

• Tutor input
• Learner input
• Writing practice
• Exercises in specific writing styles
• Read through Discussion and comment
• Writing tasks set as ‘homework’, as negotiated and agreed with individual learners
• One to one tutorials as required

Assesment Methods

Written work produced

Comments concerning own work

Comments concerning others’ work

Previous Learning required

A working knowledge of basic typing and word processing (and editing) skills may be useful

Essential books, materials or equipment

None

There may be some background reading tasks set as ‘homework’, at times, as agreed with learners

Progression

The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next with the WEA and other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice County Leaflet is available with useful local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor or Course Organiser to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how to obtain guidance, please contact your Course Organiser.

Financial Help

If you need help with paying for registration fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor for more information. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy. (See Services for Learners leaflet.)

Help with Learning

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support. (See Services for Learners leaflet.)

Help with English Maths or Study Skills

You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask you tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk

C2329259

Tutor: Tasneem Ali

Venue: Asian Women’s Project  180 Noel Street, Nottingham NG7 6AT

Date: Wednesday 25th January 2012

Duration: 9 Meetings

Time: 4 hours, 10am -2pm

Fee: £120.60(£108.54 Concessions) Fee Waived for those on income related benefits or low income

COURSE OUTLINE

The aims of the course

The aim of this course to give students an understanding of how to construct a simple kameez and salwaar properly, including measuring, cutting, stitching and sewing.

Topics to be covered

Topics that will be covered include:

• Looking up manmade and natural fibres
• Choosing different designs of dresses from both western and asian culture
• Choosing the appropriate fabric, thread and design for your chosen dress
• Measuring yourself correctly
• Applying these measurements to a paper pattern and then cutting this out as well as creating it accurately
• Applying the final version of the paper pattern to the fabric
• Cutting out the fabric  and sewing it

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:

• Be able to know the correct technique on how to measure yourself correctly
• Be able to apply those measurements to a paper pattern and label it correctly with the appropriate signs and symbols
• Apply this paper pattern to the fabric and cut it accordingly
• To be able to sew a full suit neatly and accurately

Teaching methods, learning activities

Teaching methods include:

• Demonstration
• Observation
• Question and Answers
• Questionnaires
• Quizzes
• Class discussions

Assessment methods

Through quizzes, discussions, learner presentations and a variety of set assignments, the tutor will ensure that learners are making progress.

Previous learning required

Everyone is welcome and no previous knowledge is assumed. Though it will be helpful

Essential materials or equipment

Learners will need to purchase or borrow the book that we shall study on the course. You will also need the following items:

• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Ruler, pen, pencil, rubber
• Folder, paper, wallets
• Fabric
• Pins, needles
• A useful text book is the following:

Sew! By Cath Kidston – QUADRILLE (2009) – Paperback - 176 pages - ISBN 1844007561

Where the course may lead

The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next with the WEA and other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice county leaflet is available with useful local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor or programme organiser to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how to obtain guidance, please contact your programme organiser.

Booklist

See above

Financial help

If you need help with paying for fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor or programme organiser for more information. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with learning

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with English, Maths or Study Skills

You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk

C2329260 – Computer Workshop (Women Only)

Tutor: Harminderjeet Johal

Venue: Nottingham Womens Centre, 30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP

Date: Tuesday 13th March 2012

Time: Duration: 10 Meetings

Time: 2 hours, 1pm – 3pm

Fee: £67 (£60.30 Concessions) No fee for those on income-related benefits or low-income.

The aims of the course

• To enhance confidence, personal and learning skills in the use of the computer.
• To explore the versatility of the computer and to use new skills to ascertain their own computer needs at home or elsewhere.
• Develop learner’s IT skills so they are able to move onto more advanced IT course, further training or employment.

Topics to be covered

• Health & Safety
• The computer – input and output devices, hardware, software, keyboard, mouse
• Word processing
• Spreadsheets
• Internet

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:

• Overcome initial fears of the computers and be able to proceed with confidence with simple and complex tasks.
• Reach the standard successfully to complete the EDCC Certificate
• To use the internet to find information

Teaching methods, learning activities

Individual learning at their own pace

Practical demonstrations

Assessment methods

Through quizzes, discussions, learner presentations and a variety of set assignments, the tutor will ensure that learners are making progress. Edcc assignments for certificates.

Observations, Q & A.  Practical activity.

Previous learning required

Everyone is welcome and no previous knowledge is assumed.

Essential materials or equipment

The tutor will provide handouts.  All resources will be provided.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,700 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

C2329159

Tutor: Richard Haydn Jones

Venue: Greenway Community Centre, Trent Lane,  Nottingham NG3 4DF

Date: Friday 13th January 2012

Duration: 12 Meetings

Time: 2 hours, 1pm -3pm

Fee: £60.00 (No fee for those on income-related benefits or low-income).

COURSE OUTLINE

The aims of the course

 To improve students Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills in the English language and to prepare them to take C&G ESOL assessment in these 4 skills.

Topics to be covered

Week 1:  Initial Assessments

Week 2:  Personal Information

Week 3:  Describing people and places, describe people using the correct adjectives

Week 4:  Word-processing on a computer

Week 5:  Mid-course review

Week 6:  Extended and higher level grammar (use of common phrases etc.)

Week 7:  Writing, giving instructions to others.

Week 8:  Engage in debate, discoursive markers

Week 9:  Writing skills (sentence & paragraph formation/ writing for different purposes & audiences)

Week 10: Looking for jobs

Week 11: Writing a simple formal letter

Week 12: Final Assessment

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:

•  Increase reading and writing skills
• Write various documents (eg. Reports/letters/memos)
• Increase reading and writing skills.
• Speak with more confidence, using correct grammar (future/past/present etc.)
• Engage in discussion on most topics
• Talk to school professionals and join clubs ,societies.
• Improving job application skills (interviews/ personal history etc)
• Discuss using all tenses (present/past/future)

Teaching methods, learning activities

Group discussions, role play, practical demonstrations, small group work, worksheets and individual support as needed.  Students will use the internet, brochures, news papers etc as resources in learning.

Assessment methods

Through quizzes, discussions, learner presentations and a variety of set assignments, the tutor will ensure that learners are making progress. More formal assessments will comprise Initial Assessment, mid-course review and final assessment.

Previous learning required

Everyone is welcome and no previous knowledge is assumed

Essential materials or equipment

A loose leaf folder, a pen, a notebook. A whiteboard [for the tutor].

Where the course may lead

Depending on a students’ level and achievement they may be entered for ESOL examinations towards the end of the course. (You usually have to complete at least 1 maybe 2 terms before being ready to enter exams.) Having these certificates is a great help to show employers (and others) the level of English you have and so may help you to get a job. ESOL examinations can also assist with visa and naturalisation applications. The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next, after your course, with the WEA and other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice county leaflet is available with useful local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor or programme organiser to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how to obtain guidance, please contact your programme organiser.

Suggested Booklist

All texts used are provided on the course.

Financial help

If you need help with paying for fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor or programme organiser for more information. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with learning

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with English, Maths or Study Skills

You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk

Websites for Voluntary and Community Groups

C2329215

Tutor: Alan Carter-Davies & Lindsey Tasker

Venue: WEA Training Room Hungerhill Road, Nottingham, NG2 4NB

Date: Friday 27th January 2012

Duration: 3 Meetings

Time: 5 hours, 9.30am -3pm

Fee: £50.25  (£45.23 Concessions) Fee waived for those on income related benefits or low income.

COURSE OUTLINE

The aims of the course

The aim of this course is to introduce blogs and blogging and how they can be used by small organisations as websites for communication.

This course is for people who would like to blog on behalf of an organisation. It covers setting up a WordPress blog, writing a post, customising a blog to make it work for you, sharing editorial control and promoting your work.

The will be some out of session work on this course but it is not conditional to course completion.

Support for learners between sessions is available through http://monday12july.wordpress.com

Topics to be covered

Planning a WordPress website

Setting up a WordPress website

Maintaining a WordPress website

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:

• Write a detailed plan for a blog/website
• Set up a blog/website in WordPress
• Demonstrate an understanding of what makes a good post
• Explain the importance of ‘Tagging’ and ‘Bagging’ posts
• Use the WordPress Dashboard to develop your blog
• Explain the difference between the various categories of WordPress users
• Identify where to get help with blog related issues

Teaching methods, learning activities

Demonstration – Project Work – Question and Answer – Presentation – Discussion – Activity outside class time – Written work – Individual work

Assessment methods

Assessment will be through peer review and publishing a blog.

Previous learning required

People doing this course must be comfortable using a computer and have access to an email account online.

Before the course, participants need to have a clear idea about why they want to blog.The organisation represented must have a reason to have a website.

Essential materials or equipment

All equipment will be provided

Where the course may lead

The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next with the WEA and other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice county leaflet is available with useful local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how to obtain guidance, please contact your tutor.

This course could lead to an organisation owning and maintaining its own online communications platform in the form of a WordPress website.

Booklist

There are no special books to read for this course. Further reading will be online and then be the choice of the individual.

Financial help

If you need help with paying for fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor or programme organiser for more information. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with learning

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with English, Maths or Study Skills

You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk

C2329157

Tutor: Richard Haydn Jones

Venue: Greenway Community Centre, Trent Lane,  Nottingham NG3 4DF

Date: Friday 13th January 2012

Duration: 12 Meetings

Time: 2 hours, 10am -12pm

Fee: £60.00 (No fee for those on income-related benefits or low-income).

COURSE OUTLINE

The aims of the course

To improve students Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills in the English language and to prepare them to take C&G ESOL assessment in these 4 skills.

 Topics to be covered

Week 1:  Initial Assessments

Week 2:  Personal Information

Week 3:  Describing people and places, describe people using the correct adjectives

Week 4:  Word-processing on a computer

Week 5:  Mid-course review

Week 6:  Using quantifiers in English [count/no count]

Week 7:  Describe sports and hobbies

Week 8:  Talking about recent experience

Week 9:  Writing skills (sentence & paragraph formation/ writing for different purposes & audiences)

Week 10: Looking for jobs

Week 11: Writing a simple formal letter

Week 12: Final Assessment

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:

• Increase reading and writing skills
• Speak about travelling / transport and plans
• Achieve daily tasks such as shopping more easily
• Speak with more confidence, using correct grammar (future/past/present etc.)
• Ask for and give personal information (accessing services etc.)
• Talk to school professionals and join a club.
• Improving job application skills (interviews/ personal history etc)
• Write a short letter and notes

 Teaching methods, learning activities

Group discussions, role play, practical demonstrations, small group work, worksheets and individual support as needed.  Students will use the internet, brochures, news papers etc as resources in learning.

 Assessment methods

Through quizzes, discussions, learner presentations and a variety of set assignments, the tutor will ensure that learners are making progress. More formal assessments will comprise Initial Assessment, mid-course review and final assessment.

Previous learning required

Everyone is welcome and no previous knowledge is assumed

Essential materials or equipment

A loose leaf folder, a pen, a notebook. A whiteboard [for the tutor].

Where the course may lead

Depending on a students’ level and achievement they may be entered for ESOL examinations towards the end of the course. (You usually have to complete at least 1 maybe 2 terms before being ready to enter exams.) Having these certificates is a great help to show employers (and others) the level of English you have and so may help you to get a job. ESOL examinations can also assist with visa and naturalisation applications. The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next, after your course, with the WEA and other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice county leaflet is available with useful local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor or programme organiser to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how to obtain guidance, please contact your programme organiser.

 Suggested Booklist

All texts used are provided on the course.

Financial help

If you need help with paying for fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor or programme organiser for more information. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with learning

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support (see Services for Learners leaflet).

Help with English, Maths or Study Skills

You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.

Sound interesting?

Please contact Caroline on 0115 985 8203 or email ckeep@wea.org.uk