Courses for Autumn 2008-2009

All Courses Held At Learning for Life, Shaftesbury Centre

Enrolment throughout the term.

Tai Chi, Qi Gong & Pain Management                                                                                     Tutor - Graham Pritchard This is a practical course designed to teach the sequence of gentle flowing movements. The basics are easy to learn and the health benefits include increased flexibility, muscle strength, correct posture and a sense of well being.                                       Mondays 10.15am - 11.45am                                                                                                              Room: Suite 16

Everyday Braille                                                                                                                                 Tutor - Sue Mead The use of Braille is an indispensable skill for those with a visual impairment.  It provides a communication, labelling and note taking tool.  It is also the key to a large, free national library of books.  This course will provide a gentle introduction to Grade 1 Braille and will progress to Grade 2 Braille.  Sue Mead is an experienced Braille user, having used the tactile language for over 30 years.                                                                                                                                                                   Mondays 10.30am - 12.30pm                                                                                                             Room: I.T. Suite

Using Numbers In Everyday Life                                                                  Tutor - Dawn Marchant (Swindon College)
Do you lack confidence with everyday maths? Does maths remain a mystery? Then join our numeracy courses, offered at different levels. Flexible study in small, friendly classes with a relaxed and informal environment.                                                  Mondays 1.30pm - 4.00pm                                                                                                                 Room: I.T. Suite

Cognitive Behaviour & Stress Management                                                                                Tutor - Richard Hilling
When we are exposed to a particular trauma or life event our thought process can be triggered in a negative way, sometimes to the detriment of our behaviour. This course will look at addressing negative assumptions and reducing them through using cognitive behaviour therapy.                                                                                                                                             Tuesdays 10.30am - 12.45pm                                                                                                              Room: Suite 16

Using Microsoft Office                                                                                                                    Tutor - Peter Mead  This course will cover the major applications making up Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint.  Other applications will be covered as required.

Tuesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm                                                                                                             Room: I.T. Suite

Practical Computing                                                                                                                       Tutor - Peter Mead
This course will help you make more use of your computer by providing essential skills and inspiration by giving a taste of computer applications across a wide range.  It will cover such areas as Digital Photography, Image Processing, Audio Recording and Conversion, Genealogy, E-Books,    Blogging  and many others.  Suggestions from learners for other topic areas will be welcomed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tuesdays Tuesdays 1.30pm - 3.30pm                                                                                                                 Room: I.T. Suite

The Benefits Of Self Hypnosis To Empower Yourself                                                                     Tutor - David Reeves
This course aims to teach individuals to be more positive about themselves, to help them understand how they can take more control of how they feel about themselves and how they interact with other people. Subjects that can be covered are poor sleep patterns, stress, controlling pain, weight issues, panic attacks, smoking, confidence building, depression and many more.
Tuesdays 1.30pm - 3.30pm                                                                                                                  Room: Suite 16

Emotional Management                                                                                                           Tutor - Alan MacGregor Workshops, on how you can improve your relating skills through understanding some of the key processes and behaviours in engaging with others. Workshops will include: Power and Relationships, How to Intervene Effectively with Others, Managing your Relationship, Keeping Depression At Bay, Understanding Childhood Influences, Pain Management, Working with Difficult People and putting it together and applying it to your life.                                                                                                                     Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm                                                                                                         Room: Suite 16

Using the Internet                                                                                                                     Tutor - Peter Mead The Internet is now an essential part of everyday life.  This course is for those who want to learn to use the World Wide Web effectively for business and pleasure.  It will cover a variety of topics including the basics of browsing, using search engines to find specific information, e-learning, web based email, on-line shopping, on-line tools and applications.                                      Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm                                                                                                      Room: I.T. Suite  

Learning To Relax with Arts & Crafts                                                                                        Tutor - Robert Martins This course will explore a variety of therapeutic learning including oil painting, craftwork and textile work.  This course aims to reduce stress levels and increase a sense of well-being.  Learn at your own pace.  We welcome all ranges of ability.     Wednesdays 1.30pm - 3.30pm                                                                                                           Room: I.T.Suite  

Life Skills, Stress Management & Relaxation                                                                               Tutor - Jules McInnes Find out how to adapt your insight talent and natural skills to give you the life that you want. Work on individual problems in a natural atmosphere and with the support of a group of like minded people.  Topics include: Reiki Level Two, Shamanic practice, Heal your life workshop, Alexander Techniques, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy, Dream Work, Psycho-drama workshop and many more.                                                                                                                                                Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm                                                                                                            Room: Suite 16

Relaxation Techniques and Stress Management                                                                         Tutor - Jules McInnes Find out how to adapt your insight talent and natural skills to give you the life that you want. Work on individual problems in a natural atmosphere and with the support of a group of like minded people.  Topics include: Reiki Level Two, Shamanic practice, Heal your life workshop, Alexander Techniques, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy, Dream Work, Psycho-drama workshop and many more.                                                                                                                                                Thursdays 1.30pm - 3.30pm                                                                                                                Room: Suite 16

Preparing For Office Work                                                                                Tutor - Danni Hilary (Swindon College) Develop your employability skills by attending these tailored workshops.  Increase your awareness and skills of communication, presentation, time management and team work etc. Become more aware of how to recognise and articulate skills.                                                                                                                                                                              Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm: Start date to be confirmed.                                                                Room: I.T.Suite

 

Communication Skills (written & verbal)                                                  Tutor - Juliana Nwankwo (Swindon College)Learners follow appropriate written and spoken communication programmes, agreed with the tutor. All levels are welcome up to GCSE standard. City & Guilds qualifications taken as requested.                                                                                      Thursdays 1.30pm - 4.00pm  starting                                                                                                 Room: I.T. Suite

                                                                                                                                                                              

Preparing For Paid Work                                                                                   Tutor - Diana Reed (Swindon College) 

Are you unsure about your abilities and skills and how these match with the options available? This is course will guide you through the maze of securing the job you want. From undertaking a skills scan, understanding the recruitment and selection process to workshops on interview technique and completing successful applications.                         

Fridays 10.30am - 12.30pm: Start date to be confirmed.                                                                  Room: I.T. Suite   

Making The Most Of Yourself / How To Present Yourself                                                             Tutor - Trish Rawlins

A practical course designed to teach you the benefits of looking after yourself inside and out.  This course will identify the importance of first impression, personal grooming, choosing clothes to enhance your figure and diet for energy and well-being.

Fridays 10.30am - 12.30pm                                                                                                                 Room: Suite 16

 

Computing Skills for the Visually Impaired                                                                                      Tutor - Sue Mead This course will allow visually impaired people to learn the essential skill of using a computer without vision. It will enable them to use applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook with confidence.  It will also allow them to access the Internet.  Computers equipped with screen reading software (magnification and voice output) will be used to achieve this.

Fridays 1.30pm - 3.30pm                                                                                                                    Room: I.T. Suite

Improving your Personal Effectiveness                                                                                    Tutor - Alan MacGregor  This course will provide learners with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of developing self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, communication, body language, presentation skills, resolving conflict etc.  This introductory course is ideal for those who have a general interest in interpersonal relationships and will enhance individual personal developement.                                                                                                                                                                 Fridays 1.30pm - 3.30pm                                                                                                                     Room: Suite 16



Additional Courses

When learners are not attending the above courses, other courses and options are available.

These include:

• e-Learning in association with Learn Direct and Swindon College
• In-house N.V.Q. Placements
• Voluntary Placements - Office & administration work
• One to One Support - Life Skills Coaching plus careers advice
• One to one Counselling.


Future Courses

These include:

• Men's & Women's Self Help Group
• Music Therapy
• Stress Management & Hypnosis for Carers
• Self Defence
• Advanced Word and Excel
• Effective Communication skills and Conflict Management

And Many More…

Summary

A variety of courses are offered to tailor and meet different learning needs, styles and disabilities. A mixture of morning and afternoon courses are offered to cater for individuals' natural biorhythms. Short to long term courses meet individual commitments and time constraints.