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Wow! Where did the year go!
Can’t believe 12 months has gone by
since we opened our doors.
Celebrate with us! Come along and join
in the fun.
Look out for a copy of our leaflet
detailing all the activities. You can pick
up a copy from your local library, or call
in to The Learning Hub on Mutley Plain.
Alternatively, call 01752 660713 or visit
www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk
We look forward to seeing you.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scrabble Art • Embroidery
Cross Stitch • Calligraphy
Creative Writing • Flower Arranging
Sambacise • Hand Massage
Dance for Fitness • Tap Dancing
Reflexology • Nail Art
Sculpt and Animate • Pebble Painting
Self Portraits • Greek
Fun with Silver Service
Celebrate with us! Come along and join in the fun.
www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk
Learning Matters Spring 2016
Curriculum team notice board
Looking forward to
our 1st Birthday
celebrations.
Don’t forget to share
all the information
with your learners and
friends and family!
Interested in functional
skills or customer service
courses?
Don’t hesitate!
Speak directly to
a member of the
development team.
Don’t forget to return
any outstanding tutor
evaluations.
Please start
encouraging your
learners to enrol on
Term 3 progression
courses.
Thank you for all your feedback
and ideas shared during your
1 - 1s.
Initial Assessment for GCSE
English and Maths will take
place during the Summer Term.
Encourage L2 learners to take
the next step.
Contact Learning Advisers for
details.
Google Classroom is
gathering momentum.
Look out for online
CPD, registers and
course files.
facebook.com/OnCourseSW
If you have skills you
would like to share,
please get in touch with
a Development Tutor.
Also, it’s important to
keep sharing those good
resources.
If you have unwanted
glassware e.g.jam jars,
please pass them into
the On Course office.
The Family Learning
Team will make good
use of them.
Please encourage
all learners to
engage with us on
social media
@OnCourseSW
Safeguarding Extended
A reminder to all staff to ensure that they are
familiar with the wide ranging areas that feed into
safeguarding so that they can support their learners
and each other.
Safeguarding is not just about children, it affects adults
to. Please update yourself with our policies and speak
to your designated officers (Tracy Hewett/Kim Muller) if
you want any further information or clarification.
As our City becomes more
diverse and multicultural, we
need to be mindful of situations
that may not have arisen for
us before such as cases
of modern day slavery and
female genital mutilation as well as keeping in mind
prevent, domestic violence and mental abuse.
Budding Artists in Bloom
Acrylics painters Judith Hopkins’ and Nicola Scobling’s
paintings are blooming this spring. Judith and Nicola
are midway through their second term of Acrylics
painting with Tutor Tom Bunnell. Judith is painting a
series of flowers inspired by the work of artist Georgia
O’Keeffe, Nicola (former water colours Learner of the
Year) works on her latest landscape painting currently,
“enjoying the colours and the great support of the
group”. Both have witnessed their skills and confidence
grow and blossom. When asked what she enjoys about
the Acrylics courses Judith explains;
“I have really enjoyed the chance to experiment
and take risks with the advice and support of the
teacher, and the rest of the group.
I have also had the opportunity to learn from other
group members as they have approached their
work in their own unique way. The group is very
cohesive and enjoyable in no small part due to
the skills of the teacher who quietly allows us to be
individual”.
On Course aims to display various mediums of art work in
the Learning Hub of Hyde Park House in the near future.
“You’re Hired”
It was most certainly a case of exactly that for
Apprentice star Brett Butler Smythe when his firm was
chosen to complete a £15,000 bathroom refit for On
Course South West’s Learning Hub.
It was the first job undertaken by Pro Build, the firm Mr
Butler Smythe formed with business partner Richard
Nanscawen after his successful stint on the top-rated
BBC show The Apprentice.
His company saw the project through from design
to completion and was carried out during a 12-day
spell when the Learning Hub was closed during the
Christmas break.
Brett said” it was a full interior design project that
involved removing walls, putting in new partitions, and
we even incorporated
On Course’s
company colours”.
Since this work
was successfully
completely we have
now been asked to be the first port of
call for maintenance of the building”.
The existing facilities were particularly archaic and
required a complete re-design to the whole area.
Donna Eunson, On Course Data and Operations
Manager said “Brett, Rich and the team worked
quickly and within the schedule of works, in a time
period allocated so as not to disturb our learners.
On Course believes Brett is on course for building/
developing a continuing business, and we wish
him well”.
Learning Matters Spring 2016
Devonport Views
Charitable Causes
Christmas Charity Appeals
As a Community Interest Company, On Course
believes in delivering high quality learning
experiences that inspire and grow communities.
We recently rolled out a series of bespoke
courses aimed at specific individual groups,
and a wonderful example of this is a Computing
for Beginners programme we delivered for
Devonport View; an extra care housing scheme
for older people or people with disabilities run by
Devon and Cornwall Housing.
A big thank you to staff who contributed to the YMCA
and Shekinah Christmas charity collections this
Christmas.
I was able to pass over a large box of winter warmer
clothes, toiletries and chocolates which enabled
Shekinah’s clients to receive a Christmas gift box
when they participated in their Twelve Days of
Christmas activities. Any remaining items will be used
throughout the year.
The YMCA welcomed our donation of £53.13 which
was collected by staff donating their loose change.
This went towards purchasing some sensory
Training Manager Louis Ormston shared what he
immediately observed:
“The tutor Patrick was an instant hit with
the participants, his ability to interact with
our harder to reach individuals really was
good practice and his teaching skills had
the residents fully engaged throughout the
session”.
If you would like to know more about training
courses and packages that fit with your specific
requirements, and at a location of your choice,
please call 01752 660713 and ask to speak with a
member of the Development Team. Alternatively,
email [email protected]
On Course to the
Isles of Scilly
The first weekend in March finally saw
the annual jaunt to the Isles of Scilly. After
two previous aborted attempts due to
weather, it was third time lucky for Tracy
Hewett and Simon Walker. As usual a
packed programme had been lined up
with delivery of CPD to staff on Friday and
ballroom dancing workshops on Saturday
and Sunday. For the first time, dancing
went “off island” from St Mary’s to St Agnes.
This involved an early morning, a boat ride
on a rather “choppy” sea, and a golf buggy
drive to the very impressive village hall. The
jive workshop attracted 20 learners
–
equating to a quarter of the island population!
Much fun was had by all and Tracy and Simon returned to the
office on Monday morning. Next on the islands “wish list” is DIY
and furniture restoration.
sports equipment that will be used by children with
disabilities that attend the disability On Side youth
sports club. This Club provides sporting and social
opportunities for young people aged 7 – 16 years with
disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Down
Syndrome.
I hope that we can continue to support local and
national charities throughout the coming year and the
staff forum will be organising events to include both
staff and learners.
Thanks once again
Brenda Thorne
On Course Staff Elected Director
Cancer
Research UK
On February 4th staff came
together to wear Unity Bands
purchased in aid of supporting
Cancer Research UK Day.
Thank you for uniting on this
national fund raising day, and
contributing over £80 towards
transforming the lives of millions
of people affected by cancer.
Owen takes charge
Owen Hambly, a Discovery College learner, recently
completed the Speaking and Listening component of
his Level 2 Functional Skills English course. He and his
fellow learners had each to make a presentation to the
group on a subject of particular interest to them and
Owen chose Healthy Living.
Such was the quality of Owen’s presentation that his
tutor, Phil Jolly, recommended that he should consider
teaching as a future career choice.
Owen used PowerPoint to support his words, kept
his focus on the audience and interwove questions
into the content. Owen concluded by checking that
learning had taken place,
thus demonstrating a natural
appreciation of what is involved
in teaching and learning.
A round of applause was the natural reaction of
Owen’s colleagues; praise that was richly deserved.
If you think there may be a budding teacher within
you, why not give On Course a call to find out more
about our Train the Trainer course and Level 3
Education and Training Award. It could be the first
step you make in changing people’s lives.
Learning Matters Spring 2016
What’s new in Family Learning?
A lot is the answer!
Since the beginning of October the lead tutor for Family Learning has been Sara Keith. Sara is a primary
trained teacher with seven years’ teaching experience, teaching all of the primary age range, as well as
Early Years. Sara has taught in many schools across the City and has close links with quite a few, which
has been helpful when promoting Family Learning. Sara also teaches on the English Functional Skills
programme. The Family Learning teaching team is unchanged with Laura Foley, Lorraine Galer and
Michelle Shaw being the primary tutors delivering courses and workshops.
In response to requests from settings, Sara has been developing new courses and writing new schemes
of work to refresh the current offering. Family Learning are now offering the popular ‘Money Matters’
course, which helps families budget (and has been an eye opener to the Family Learning team too) a
‘Sensory Learning’ Workshop (which has been well received by the special schools we work with, as well
as mainstream settings) and a ‘Forest Families’ course which mirrors the Forest Schools and outdoor
education curriculum currently being taught in primary schools. Future new offerings will include new
cookery programmes and a phonics workshop.
In addition to rolling out new courses, all of the Family Learning team have been updating and refreshing
their maths skills with tutors Julia Beggs and Patrick Jerrett. They are now ready and raring to go out and
practise their skills on the learners of Plymouth and the surrounding area!
In further news, as a result of their links with On Course Family Learning, two more local primary schools
have started offering English and maths Functional Skills to adults in their communities. This demonstrates
how Family Learning raises learners’ aspirations, confidence and engagement with education.
If you have any ideas for Family Learning courses, have any craft or gardening skills the team could utilise,
or know of any venues that would benefit from Family Learning programmes, then let Sara know at
[email protected]
Radio Plymouth Apprentice of Year 2016
Our very own apprentice George Burrows
was recently shortlisted for Radio Plymouth’s
Apprentice of the Year. On a shortlist of five
contenders, he narrowly missed out to a nominee
from Babcock, but here’s why we think George was
deserving of his nomination.
George developed from a shy young man into a
much more confident individual who always has
a smile for everyone and works wholeheartedly
through the day with such dedication, and a spirit
that is acknowledged by his fellow colleagues.
The Apprenticeship has given George the
experience of working with different people with
different skills and working in an office environment.
George has thrived within On Course working across
Customer Service initially and now with the Finance
and Resource Team. George has progressed from
a level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship
to now working and studying towards a Level 3 in
Customer Service.
His willingness to learn has never been an issue
as it helped George cope with any task he has
been given, whilst at the same time increasing
his knowledge and experience within the role. His
conscientious nature has meant any job or workrelated has always been completed on time, with an
understanding of the impact on others should this
not be the case.
George developed from a shy young man into a
much more confident individual who always has
a smile for everyone and works wholeheartedly
through the day with such dedication, and a spirit
that is acknowledged by his fellow colleagues. He
asks the right questions at appropriate times and
has a calm assured presence. He is a very popular
member of the team who supports the wider team
with a whole range of projects.
By his own admission, he struggled for a while
with his NVQ portfolio work, but determination saw
him carry on and then when an opportunity arose,
George enrolled on to Computerised Accounts
and went on to pass his Level 1 exam. George
decided that he would like to develop his learning
even further and enrolled on to AAT Level 2 and to
supplement, he currently attends Team Leading
sessions to boost his knowledge yet more.
A truly deserving applicant worthy of his nomination
and short listing!
I needn’t had worried...
2014 was the start of a new me! Unexpected circumstances a few years earlier had meant
stepping away from employment for a while, to look after my family.
After a couple of years out, it’s surprising how quickly
your self-confidence drops when thinking about
selling yourself to a new, prospective employer! My
recent experiences had already determined that I
wanted to enter the world of education after being
inspired by some very special people I’d met along
the way.
I had been advised by a prospective school that
the best way I could equip myself for the role of a
Teaching Assistant would be to upskill my and Maths
and English to recognised levels.
Thankfully, I had already achieved good grades in
English... but maths! The very thought of studying
maths drained every inch of colour from me! There’s
no way at age 44 I can ever go back to maths class!
That’s it... it’s over before it’s begun!
However, thanks to the encouragement of my family,
I did indeed manage to make some enquiries with
On Course South West. I was so relieved! The lady I
spoke to really understood how daunting the thought
of returning to learning was for me and was able
to reassure me enough to attend an assessment
evening. This was probably the worst part. Not
because it was awful in any way at all, but it was the
first real step and it felt terrifying.
I needn’t have worried! During this evening I met Lisa
Grant who was really interested to hear that I was
studying maths to become a TA. She was able to
give me information regarding the Level 2 Supporting
Teaching and Learning Qualification and by the end
of the evening, I was buzzing!
Assessment done, I was assigned my Maths
Functional Skills class and started attending weekly.
My tutor, Susan, was so reassuring and helpful and
the other students were all like me, nervous at first
but happy to be learning with likeminded people.
After talking with Lisa I’d also made the decision
to go ahead with the TA Course and had soon
arranged a voluntary placement with a local primary
school. With Lisa’s support I was soon on my way
to completing my first unit and thoroughly enjoying
my experience of working with children in both
mainstream school and with those who have special
educational needs.
Completing the Units was challenging at first, but
Lisa was always there to drive me on! At the end of
the phone or email, she was able to help if I had
questions and was always quick to praise my efforts
and recognise the progress I was making.
Before I knew it, unit after unit was being completed
and even when I broke my wrist and needed some
time out, she was there to help me get back on track.
By June 2015 I was ready to take my Maths
Functional Skills Level 1 and was thrilled to find out I
had passed! My new tutor, Jenny quickly recognised
that it wouldn’t be long until I could take level 2 and
with her encouragement and great teaching, within
6 months I had passed my Level 2.. In October
2015 I had completed my Supporting Teaching and
Learning Certificate and was proud to say I was now
a qualified Teaching Assistant!
All of these things have happened within a 12-month
period and even better, I felt confident to start
applying for jobs! Lisa had helped me to design my
Curriculum Vitae and I was lucky enough to achieve
an interview for my very first job application.
As it turns out however, the school where I had been
volunteering would like me to stay and work with
them! It’s a perfect ending and one I could not have
imagined a year before.
I would definitely consider undertaking more
courses with On Course South West; it has boosted
my confidence and has led to me achieving paid
employment. I’d like to thank Susan, Jenny and
Lisa for all their support and encouragement and
for helping me complete my journey back into
employment.
Jo Mottershead
February 2016
Don’t forget to check our website for up to date
course information!
New and additonal courses may be added in line
with demand
www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk
On Course for Training
Hi, my name is Kate, I’m 26 and I have just finished my
City and Guilds Train the Trainer course.
This year I completed the Train the Trainer course
with South West On Course in Plymouth, it was a
two-day course over two weeks. It had been awhile
since I had been within the learning environment, but
being on the course felt great. I was able to expand
my knowledge of what I had already gained from my
experiences and walked away with a City and Guilds
accreditation. The lessons were fun and interesting,
and along with the friendly tutors, all students were
kept motivated through out our time. Doing this course
has boosted my confidence as well as reminded me
how much I enjoy teaching and working with others
and has pushed me to continue my studies to a
higher level with a Further Education PGCE. I’d like to
thank everyone at South West On Course that helped
me get here.
Kate Nayler
The next Train the Trainer course is being held
on 10 June 2016. Further information can be
obtained at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk
or call 01752 660713.
U Canoe
Matt Roberts was
chosen to take part in
an intensive training
session with U Canoe
as part of his L3
Extended Diploma
Sport. The session
involved learning
Canoeing technique as
well learning leadership
skills, so that Matt will
be able to lead
U Canoe sessions in the future helping other
young people take part in sport.
Talking about the experience Matt said
“It’s really fun and something different, I think a lot of people would
enjoy it if they tried. Learning from the other instructors was really
helpful too, they taught me lots of tips in communication and how to
approach leading a sports session”
U Canoe Wired aims to bring canoeing to those that may not have easy
or regular access to canoeing on or off the water. By providing a safe,
comfortable and informal setting participants can start to enjoy the wide
variety of benefits canoeing has to offer without leaving their setting.
Benefits of U Canoe Wired
• Informal, fun (and dry!) way to experience canoeing activities.
• Wide range of options and outcomes for participants i.e. health,
fitness, social, technique, educational.
• Canoe in a known, safe and easily accessible location.
• ‘Drop in’ style sessions to encourage informality and participant led
sessions.
• Gain rewards and complete challenges to enhance U Canoe Wired
experience.
Contact YMCA Plymouth on 01752 201918 should you wish further
information.
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH
IS SUCH GOOD FUN
Especially when celebrating an
18th Birthday with cake
Thinking of you…
A learner sent this sentiment to
his French tutor Isabelle Carierre
about what happened in Paris last
November:
“Je parle pour toute la classe de
dire que nous somme désolés
pour les événements des dernières
semaines en Paris tu es seul et nous
espérons que vous et votre famille
etes tous ok, nous vous aimons.”
And in English: I am speaking for all
the class to say that we are sorry for
the events of the last weeks in Paris
you are alone and we hope that you
and your family are all ok, we love you.
Richard Eastmond French Beginners
We hope you have enjoyed this newsletter and found it useful.
If you have any ideas of articles you would like included, or have a story you would like to share please
email Kim Muller Learner Services Manager at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can
send them to On Course South West, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain, Plymouth PL4 6LF.