Community Learning

circle of people of different ages and genders looking into the camera

Community Learning

What is Community Learning?

 

Community Learning is an offer of course delivery, where experienced tutors in specialist subject areas teach courses in external, community-based venues.

 

Who do we work with?

 

We deliver courses for learners who are aged 19+. We work in collaboration with community groups, services, and charities to improve social inclusion, promote positive mental health and well-being and employability across the city.

 

What courses can we offer?

 

  • Arts, including Painting, Drawing and Collage
  • Sculpture
  • Upholstery
  • Crafts and Jewellery Making
  • Textiles and Sewing
  • Crochet and Knitting
  • Creative Writing, Music, Singing and Drama
  • Modern Foreign Languages
  • Yoga
  • ‘Thinking Folk’ and ‘Multiply’
  • Enterprise Workshops

 

When, where and how much?

 

We can offer both online and face-to-face delivery. We deliver in community venues, such as halls, libraries and private buildings. We require spaces which are large enough to accommodate the agreed number of attenders, with desks available to work from.

 

What other support is available?

 

Help with numeracy or literacy is available. ICT drop-in sessions are available during term time and are open to all learners. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

 

Course structure and progression.

 

Courses are bespoke and designed around the requirements of individual services.

Beginner’s courses are offered as an introductory ‘Come and Try’, 2-hour session, followed by a ‘Get Started’ course, usually delivered in 6-8 weeks.

Follow-on courses can be planned to improve on knowledge and skills development through various levels of ‘Improvers’ courses.

 

What do courses cost?

 

Courses are free to outreach community groups. Depending on the course, we may charge a minimal fee to cover the cost of resources and materials.

 

Please see our website for a full break-down of fees for courses across the service or ask at your local centre for further information.

 

Contact Donna Stokes, Curriculum Quality Lead for Community Learning, at donna.stokes@newcastle.gov.uk for more information.