Fifteen different courses have been delivered, including Digital Skills for Life, IT Functional Skills, Counselling and Employability Skills. There were also a number of courses designed to allow parents and carers to support young peoples’ learning while simultaneously improving their own knowledge. These included Step Ahead in Maths or I.T. and cooking classes.

A total of 134 learners completed and passed the courses, with 38 gaining formal qualifications. A further 24 learners are due to complete their courses this month.

The programme is delivered by RFLD using Chantry’s facilities, which Principal Craig D’Cunha has gifted to the programme free of charge.

“Schools are at the heart of their communities and education does not finish at 3.15pm or even at 16 years old,” said Mr D’Cunha.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to support adult learning in our community and look forward to more and more adults benefitting from the programmes on offer and enriching their lives.”

Engagement Manager at RFLD, Jamie Mortimer, said: “The aim of the collaboration was to raise the aspirations of adults in the local community and we believe we are on the way to achieving that. 

"By allowing RFLD the use of Chantry Academy premises to deliver free adult learning opportunities, Chantry Academy learning Hub is becoming established as a centre for adult and community learning in the area.

 “We continue our commitment to supporting the Chantry community with an exciting new initiative in Outdoor Skills; not just a course about enjoying the outside safely but also about developing people’s confidence, their health and their wellbeing.”

 

            

 

Earlier this year, RFLD and Chantry sought the views of learners around which courses they would be most interested in and how those courses could be made as accessible as possible. As a result, a further ten courses will begin in January. These courses will run on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and, as a direct result of feedback from learners, additional courses will now also be run on Saturdays.

Full list of courses commencing January 2018:

Complimentary Therapies - Massage Wednesday evenings, from 3rd Jan

Fast Track - IT Office Skills    Monday and Tuesday evenings, from 8th Jan

 Level 2 Counselling Skills Monday evenings starting 8th Jan

Confidence for Parents and Carers Wednesday evenings, from 17th Jan

Step ahead in English    Wednesday evenings, from 24th Jan

Outdoor Skills    Thursday evenings, from 11th Jan

Computer Skills for Beginners    Saturday mornings, from 6th Jan

 

For further information, please contact Chantry Academy on 01473 687181.