Adult and further education in Surrey
How was lockdown for you? Did you while away the hours baking sumptuous sourdough that wowed your Instagram followers? Or maybe you finally got round to writing that bestselling novel you always knew you had in you? Or perhaps, you dragged yourself off the sofa for a 10-minute saunter around the block before settling down for another boxset binge?
If you fall into the latter category, do not despair as this month a raft of affordable adult education classes get underway at venues across the area enabling you to finally action all those good intentions.
Basic skills like math and English
Formed in 2017 following the merger of Richmond Adult and Community College and Hillcroft College. Based across two sites – Parkshot in Richmond and Surbiton – it has a dedicated business school and art schools, as well as women-only courses.
“At RHACC we are an adult-only college so learners enjoy the whole learning experience and the opportunity to continue learning no matter how old they are or their socio-economic background,” says head of marketing, Fiona Carthy.
“We offer courses for work, life and leisure – helping people to improve their basics skills in areas such as English and maths, to progress to the university through our Access courses, to improve their work skills, as well as developing their creativity, their business skills, and their overall health and wellbeing.”
During lockdown the college managed to get 60% of its courses online, enabling students to, “continue their qualifications and their engagement with their tutor and friends”.
CV writing, interview technique and confidence building
The impact of Covid-19 has also led to people looking to retrain or upskill in order to boost their employability. Kingston Adult Education offers more than 600 courses per year, many of which are designed to get people into, or back to, work.
“We run classes in CV writing, interview technique and confidence building,” says principal Sam Burgess.
“We work closely with the jobcentre and run a range of vocational and accredited courses, including GCSEs. We also have a mentoring scheme that helps people develop skills and find placements which will then hopefully result in paid employment.”
Like RHACC, Kingston has adapted quickly to the ‘new normal’ and is planning to retain much of its digital offer with classes such as yoga, pilates and creative writing remaining online over the coming term.
Around 25% will be “hybrid” says Sam, offering a mix of face-to-face and online while 45% will return to the classroom.
The college has also decided to deliver much of its provision in the community, making use of 40 libraries and centres across the borough of Kingston.
Confidence building to art history
One adult education provider that has vast experience of delivering learning in the community is the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association).
Established in 1903 to give workers an opportunity to access education, today its mission is to create: “a better world – equal, democratic and just” through education.
The nationwide organisation offers thousands of courses each year in everything from confidence building to art history by way of scriptwriting and community interpreting.
“Our courses take place in the heart of the community with the objective of providing access to learning,” says Sabrina Trowbridge, WEA area education manager for Berkshire and London West.
“The aim is to help build sustainable, cohesive communities through social inclusion whether that is via our family learning offer, ESOL [English for Speakers of Other Languages], volunteer training, and employability courses or with our older students to fend off loneliness and isolation.”
At the heart of the WEA’s offer is its vibrant branch programme, which sees learners come together to study on a weekly basis. Each group is run by a committee of volunteers which selects the courses and tutors for each term, creates and distributes publicity, as well as arranging venues. There are branches across the area including Richmond, Walton & Weybridge and Epsom with courses on everything from Lawrence of Arabia to natural healing.
Floristry courses
Paula Serjeant from Reigate in Surrey studied Floristry for Occasions at East Surrey College in Redhill.
“I had worked in events and catering and wanted to do something that would complement my skills. I had never done anything like that before and I was a little apprehensive before starting. But once I was across the threshold everyone was so welcoming and after the very first class, the students had created a What’s App group so we could share tips and keep in touch.
The course itself was wonderful – as was the tutor Rosemary Uddoh. I have learned so much.
It has taught me about colour, seasonal blooms and how to create themed centrepieces and bouquets. It has inspired me to continue and I will definitely be signing up for another course.”
Surrey Adult Education Providers:
- NESCOT: Based in Epsom, the college offers a wide range of vocational and accredited courses up to degree level.
- East Surrey College: The Redhill centre offers free maths and English courses for adults looking to boost their employability skills along with an array of part-time business and leisure courses.
- Surrey Adult Learning: With centres in Woking, Camberley, Esher, Guildford, Molesey and Sunbury, the provider has courses in digital learning, wellbeing and personal development.
