Learn London

LEARNLONDON ISSUE ONE SPRING 2010

the capital’s definitive guide to adult learning

TOP TIPS For changing career

BAFTA award winner David Hanson insight

ALUMNI ADVICE - past students tell it like it is

HOW BEST TO INVEST IN YOURSELF

INSIDE

Xxxxx you need to know to achieve your perfect xxxxx

/02 /Learn London

LEARN

LONDON

the capital’s definitive guide to adult learning Welcome to the essential guide to adult education in the capital brought to you by Precision Press.

Here in London we are extremely lucky to have a number of exceptional educational establishments. We explore how you can take advantage of this fact.

It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in a rut. Maybe you want to move forward in your career, or perhaps you want to change your job entirely, but without the relevant qualifications it can seem impossible to do so. But how are you supposed to find the time to study when your life is already so jam-packed with other commitments?

That’s where we come in. We look at ways for you to fit studying around your busy lifestyle. We have advice from some of the leading universities and colleges in London, as well as past students who have managed to improve their lives through education. What’s more our ‘Top Tips’ will offer guidance on how to get started.

With so much variety and flexibility within London there really is a course to suit anyone’s schedule, be it from distance learning, evening or part-time study. Achieving a qualification will improve your career prospects as well as giving you added security in your current employment. Studying will also give you more confidence whilst allowing you to explore new hobbies, make new friends and pursue new interests.

I personally believe that adult education is imperative.

After all, if it wasn’t for taking a course whilst continuing in full time employment, I wouldn’t be writing this now. I not only achieved a qualification in journalism but also the confidence and inspiration to pursue my dream career. That’s why I would like to emphasise the importance of taking the next step in improving your future and start studying today!

Rowena Sait - Editor, Learn London

Contents Issue one spring 2010

/04 Invest in yourself /06 A change in direction /08 Make your interests your career /10 Don’t give up the day job! /12 Teaching english overseas /14 MA screen writing

Dates for the diary: Learn something new this year!

Monday 10th May & Monday 24th May (6:30pm8pm) Montessori Teacher Training will hold an open evening for those who want to work with children who love to learn. www.montessori.org.uk Saturday 15th May (10am-4pm) Lewisham CEL will be celebrating the start of Adult Learners’ Week involving Lewisham’s adult learner providers with an open event in the Civic Suite on Saturday.

Friday 14-26 May Richmond libraries are hosting a series of tasters sessions, aimed at beginners, for this year’s Adult Learners’ Week. www.richmond.gov.uk 19 May (4.30pm-7.30pm) Waltham Forest College are holding an open evening at sign up for a FREE taster session www.waltham.ac.uk/taster.html

PRECISION PUBLICATIONS Project Manager - Amy Kennerdale Editor - Rachel Connelly Design - www.point-creative.com

Creative Manager - Louise Baker Publishing Director - James Ellard Photographer - Kerry Schofield

Learn London/ 03/

Invest in Yourself

M

/04 /Learn London

Since the global recession it has been confusing knowing where best to make an investment. Due to the current downturn, many investments in stocks, shares, property and savings, have been negatively affected. So where should you be looking to invest? The answer is easy.

You should be investing in yourself.

Investing your time and energy in your professional development can not only improve your career but also the quality of your life. A professional qualification is likely to result in an increase in your salary and will therefore prove to be a very wise investment with potential long term benefits. The initial cost of studying will be worth while once you are employed in a higher salary band due to the qualification that you have achieved.

If you are a professional who is happy in your current career but wish to progress and enhance your role, you can never underestimate the benefit of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). CPD will allow most members of certain professional associations, manage their own learning in order to maintain, extend and improve their current skills and knowledge. By keeping a record of everything you learn from your experiences in your current employment, and your day to day life, you will be able to gain new skills and analyse any aspects of your career that you would like to advance. Any relevant activity can go towards your CPD, be it an event or conference that you have attended, a qualification or course you are studying, or an online community that you regularly read and contribute to. The records that you keep should show how you have managed to improve and add to your skill

sets through these activities.

If you work in Personnel and Development and would like to learn more about CPD please visit: www.cipd.co.uk/cpd/aboutcpd

Profile: Emily Watson PMA Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism. Graduated March 12th 2010 “After finishing university and doing a few dead-end jobs, the prospect of doing a journalism course was both exciting and daunting. Exciting because a career in journalism has always been my dream.

Scary because the financial implications of course fees and nine weeks without an income didn't fit in with my plan to pay off student debts and escape the burden of my overdraft.

But looking back, all my worries were unfounded and it was worth every penny.

I had the passion- which is inexplicably necessary to get you through nine weeks of insanely intense hard work- and now I have the skills I need to be a successful journalist.

Being offered the perfect job before graduating just confirmed that doing the PMA Magazine Journalism diploma was the best thing I could have done.

I don’t think you can put a price on doing a job you love everyday for the rest of your life.”

Learn London/ 05/

Advertorial

A Change

in Direction If the only thing more daunting than your morning commute is the thought of actually arriving at the office it’s time you considered a different career. We explore ways for you to escape the monotony of your current working lifestyle.

Changing your career can feel like a huge mountain to climb. It is after all a big decision to make and by no means should be taken lightly. However don’t let this put you off. After all what’s more scary, the thought of finding a career that you really enjoy, or the dissatisfaction you will feel after spending your entire working life in a job that you never really liked.

One of the most practical ways to change your career is to gain a qualification. A great way to do this without causing too much disruption to your existing commitments is to either take a part time course or study from home. The University of London has an external study system which enables people to gain a degree without having to study full time on a college campus. “Studying with the University of London External System enables adults to access a prestigious, academically rigorous University of London degree which

/06 /Learn London

will be valued by employers worldwide,” says Mrs Rosie Gosling, Director of LSE External Study programmes at the University of London, “As you study by selfdirected learning, not only will you gain in-depth knowledge of your subject, but you will also develop attributes that employers value such as self-discipline, self-reliance and organisational skills. These skills will all contribute to you being able to successfully progress your career.”

You could also consider doing work experience. This will not only gain you valuable skills in your chosen new career but will also enable you to find out if you are really suited to the role and if you are happy working in the new industry.

Whatever you decide to do the important thing to remember is that with a strong will and perseverance you can change your career.

Case Study: Robert Tew BSc Development and Economics at the University of London Robert was an IT Project Manager before deciding to change his career to work in International Development. “It’s an amazing feeling to finally be working at a job that I love rather than just working for the money,” Robert tells us, “I am much happier for it.”

Anyone wanting to change career should first, take the time to work out what really fires them up. A complete change of career is a big decision and you shouldn’t expect it to be easy.

Having a real passion for your new career will help get you through the difficult times. You also need to openly discuss the impact of any career change with your family and make sure you have their full support.

Then, look at the sort of jobs you will be applying for. Find out what additional knowledge, skills, or training you will need. If possible, talk to people who are already working in your chosen field.

Finally, be honest with yourself about the financial implications of your decision. But, don’t be discouraged! It is possible and it may be one of the best decisions you ever make.”

Learn London/ 07/

Make your interests your career The best way to ensure you get maximum fulfillment from your employment is to find a career that you enjoy. There are many different courses for you to choose from when considering your professional goals and your interests.

For example, have you considered a career as a legal secretary?

T

he role can be varied, challenging and interesting, as well as being a brilliant starting point for a career in law. Salaries are competitive and many firms offer great benefits. Moushka Dickens studied the Legal Secretaries Diploma through The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs. She has only good things to say about the course, the college and her tutor. “I cannot praise Amanda Hamilton enough for help, advice and for being an amazing and inspirational tutor,” Moushka says, “she has a natural gift for teaching and for instilling in others the importance and precision of studying a very detailed and complex subject which spans many different topics in law. She managed to make lessons not only very interesting but also amusing. I have found The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs to be very helpful when I have either telephoned or emailed them with queries regarding the course. I would recommend both the Institute and Amanda Hamilton highly to any potential students, and indeed employers. I have already praised and recommended this course to a friend of mine who is looking to change direction in her career.” The course is widely recognised by law firms and it is accredited by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals. To find out more please visit www.institutelegalsecretaries.com

/08 /Learn London

Interview Spotlight Retraining for a New Career Learning a new skill in a new field can be a huge advantage. Claire Kilgallon is currently retraining with the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT). The LCBT offer flexible part-time, weekend and evening courses to their students making it ideal for adult learners. Once students have qualified the LCBT “Job Shop” will also help them find work in the industry with a 96% positive progression rate into further education or employment. Claire tells us about her experiences.

Why did you decide to take a course at the LCBT? I had recently moved to London from Manchester, to live with my boyfriend. I have always fancied doing a course in Beauty Therapy, and LCBT seemed the best college in the area. It offers fast track courses, which suited me, and was great for NVQ level 2 as it was only 3 and a half months. I studied full time for level 2. I fancied a change in career as my background has mainly been working as an air hostess, and I wanted a total change, which eventually will give me more freedom, and a fun career.

How has the course affected your career?

When doing level 2, I didn’t work, but now for NVQ level 3, I only study 2 days a week and work 3 days a week, so far so good fitting it around my schedule! I have managed to get a 'beauty related' position, which helps as I am studying on level 3 whilst also gaining experience.

What advice would you give anyone who is considering retraining?

It’s not easy learning something new, but at the same time it’s great, and a new challenge. The beauty course opens so many doors. Going back into education after being out of it for so long was quite hard, but the tutors are very supportive, and treat everyone with respect.

The college has lots to offer, and also has a busy salon.

Please visit website: www.lcbt.co.uk LCBT open evenings throughout the year offering potential students information on the various courses they have available.

Learn London/ 09/

Don’t give up the day job!

Learn how to get ahead in your career without having to sacrifice your income.

H

“

ave you, like many others, dismissed the idea of studying because you simply can’t afford to quit your day job? Many workers feel like they’re trapped. Due to financial pressures they are unable to give up their employment to study and therefore feel powerless to move forward to the next level of their careers. However with unemployment in the city having reached worrying levels, and with the threat of redundancy rearing its ugly head in many industries, gaining a qualification and learning new skills can not only safe guard your current employment but also improve your future career prospects. So how exactly can a full time employee do this without sacrificing their regular income?

The answer is of course to study after working hours. There are evening Juggling all the different courses available in many educational establishments in the demands of work, study city which will help you gain the all and family can be hard important qualifications you need to advance in your employment. In work, but our students say the rewards are well fact Birkbeck, part of the University of London, actually specialises in worth the effort. part time evening higher education.

They offer a variety of courses in a number of different subjects and have introduced an additional 80 new courses for 2010.

Working full time and attending a course in the evening may currently seem like an impossible challenge, but it really can be

”

/10 /Learn London

done! Take inspiration from the 19,000 students who are all currently combining part time evening study at Birkbeck whilst holding down employment or other day time commitments. This year alone Birkbeck has seen an increase of 22% in enrolments across all levels. It would seem that many people are currently looking to up-skill and re-skill to improve their prospects and remain employed, especially since the recession.

Of course there’s a lot of extra work involved.

Taking a course will encroach on your free time and students can initially find it difficult to manage the extra work load. “A top tip for new students is to learn the art of time management,” says Caroline McDonald, Head of Outreach and Widening Participation at Birkbeck, “It’s not always easy to balance everything and you may have to give something up – either put hobbies on the back burner, or curtail your social life a little.

Juggling all the different demands of work, study and family can be hard work, but our students say the rewards are well worth the effort. Plus everyone you’re studying with is going through many of the same challenges, so there’s a lot of support from your classmates.

So if you are prepared to make the effort and find the time then an evening course is a very valid and positive way of learning. Yes, you will have to make sacrifices, and yes, there will be an element of hard work involved, but there are also many positives. You will receive help and support from not only your tutors but also from other students, you will make new friends, find more confidence, learn new skills and gain more knowledge. All of these factors will help you find a happier future.

Case Study:

TOP TIPS Discuss your options. Before you make any important decisions it is wise to speak about the opportunities available. There are a number of events taking place during the Learn London Week with a wealth of information available. Birkbeck will be actively taking part to raise awareness of the importance of Higher Education later in life.

G

Learn about the course and the tutors. It’s important to find out about the course and the tutors before you sign up to anything. What experience and qualifications do the tutors have? What can the course offer you? Birkbeck runs ‘taster’ sessions and also hosts open evenings. For more information visit: www.bbk.ac.uk/tryit. The next open evening is on 13 May 2010, 4-7.30pm, Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, WC1H 0DG

G

Find out if you are entitled to financial support. You may be eligible for a government grant or a sponsorship through the Birkbeck Student Opportunity Bursaries.

G

Work out your finances. If you are unable to get financial support there are flexible payment plans available. Birkbeck offer an instalment payment plan at no extra cost on most of their courses making learning more affordable.

G

Allocate your time. As well as freeing up time to attend the actual course, allow for free time to revise and work on course work, be it in your lunch breaks, at the weekend or a few evenings every week.

G

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.bbk.ac.uk and www.direct.gov.uk (visit the adult education section for help and advice)

Patricia Murray Patricia Murray studying at Birkbeck University of London.

Patricia Murray (42) dropped out of secondary school when she became pregnant with her first child and thought she wouldn’t return to education. After working as a classroom assistant for a number of years, she decided to become a nurse and started a full-time Access course in Hammersmith. Living in Essex, Patricia found that juggling the long commute with her responsibilities as a single mum was just too much and so she dropped out.

Seeing an advert for Birkbeck Stratford’s part-time Higher Education Introductory Studies course, Patricia knew that this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. “It gave me hope that I might still be able to follow my dream. The flexibility of the course enabled me to manage my time efficiently, plus studying locally made it instantly more achievable.”

She is currently half way through the certificate and is planning to apply for a degree in nursing. “My confidence and skills are growing all the time. So many other opportunities have passed me by and I feel like this is finally my time. I am the happiest I have been in a long time and it is all thanks to Birkbeck”

The Heatherley School of Fine Art CHELSEA ESTABLISHED 1845 G

FULL AND PART-TIME COURSES IN FIGURATIVE ART 75 LOTS ROAD, LONDON, SW10 ORN

020 7351 4190 e: info@heatherleys.org w: www.heatherleys.org Learn London/ 011/

Career Inspiration -

Teaching English Overseas Immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people and travel the world.

Teaching English overseas can offer you as an individual so much. Not only will you get to experience a different country and culture, you will also gain new skills and knowledge whilst making new friends.

and communicating, allowing for both yourself and your students to get the best from the experience.

Once you have completed the course you will be able to apply to work in many countries worldwide.

It’s important to make sure it’s what you really want to do. You will be living overseas so it may be difficult if you have commitments in the UK. You will also need to have a real passion for teaching and enjoy interacting with people. A TEFL course will prepare you for the work ahead. You will be living in another country where the way of life may be very different to what you are used to. The TEFL courses will help you plan and prepare lessons. They also demonstrate creative and effective ways of teaching

The thought of teaching overseas may invoke a mixture of emotions; excitement, trepidation, anticipation, enthusiasm.

The important thing to remember is that it is a fantastic opportunity. On you return you will be able to show potential employers that you are independent, capable and confident. You will also have a memory that will hopefully be uniquely special in many ways.

/12 /Learn London

For more information on TEFL course please visit: www.tefl.com

When I graduated, I didn't have a clue what to do. I wanted to travel and, since I had studied English, it made sense to teach what I'd learned.

Before applying for jobs, I decided I’d better take a course in TESOL (that’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). It’s only a four week course but it really packs a lot in. I enjoyed it hugely and at the end I felt much more confident about going off to teach.

In fact, that’s how I landed this job, as one of my tutors recommended me. It ticks all the boxes. I have been made to feel so welcome by everyone around me from day one. Foreigners definitely get a bit of the rock star treatment in Japan. It's not uncommon to get photo requests from complete strangers! But it's all a part of their hospitality.

Work is great. You can get as involved as you want.

School life certainly doesn't end after the bell rings. The students will absolutely love it if you show interest in their activities, whether it's sports or martial arts, or tea ceremony or flower arrangement.

Teaching English and being exposed to Japanese culture has been life changing. It's a great way to travel, work and meet people; although I am paid to teach, I have also learnt a great amount from the students and locals.

What advice would I give to anyone interested in teaching or travel after they graduate? Go do a TESOL course and jump on a plane!

James studied his 4-week TESOL course at TEFL Lab London. The course fee was £840 (plus £110 moderator’s fee). See advertisement for details.

Learn London/ 013/

David Hanson

MA

Screen Writing David Hanson is the head of The London School of Film, Media and Performance (LSFMP), the newest addition to Regents College.

L

SFMP teaches valuable skills to its students, so who better to act as a mentor then the experienced screenwriter and producer, David Hanson. I was lucky enough to speak with David to learn more about the LSFMP and about his career, which has been both colourful and impressive. David has a wealth of experience in the UK and US; screenwriting for the BBC’s Not the Nine O’Clock News, working in Hollywood for Universal Pictures, and writing for shows featuring performers such as David Walliams and Lenny Henry. Many projects David has contributed to have achieved acclaim, including two Emmy Award nominations, BAFTA Award Best Light Entertainment Show and Golden Rose of Montreux award.

David decided to use his knowledge and experience to benefit others through higher education. In 2005 David became the Director of Screen Academy at Bournemouth University. David then went on to join Regent’s College to create the LSFMP in 2008. With all of his experience it’s no surprise that the LSFMP is getting so much interest.

What courses are available at the LSFMP? The new School is launched in summer 2010 with programmes in a range of creative and media production areas including screenwriting, theatre writing, producing, acting, global theatre studies, production management, directing, camera lighting, sound, digital media, editing, creative and media entrepreneurship and managing in the wider creative industries.

June 2010: MA Writing for Screen & Stage (2 yrs part-time) September 2010: BA Screenwriting & Producing (3 yrs full-time), BA Creative Industries (3 yrs full-time, BA Acting & Global Theatre (3 yrs full-time), Foundation Acting (8 months full-time) September 2011: BA Film, TV & Digital Media Production (3 yrs full-time)

How do you think your experiences will benefit the courses?

All these courses are created on the basis of what I and my colleagues know from personal experience the industry needs; all are designed by people working in the industry, and all are taught and run by writers, directors, producers and wider creatives who have first-hand and current experience of the industries the courses are designed for.

Students are taught in small groups and in one-to-one sessions, and all receive an industry standard training in the profession they have chosen to go into.

Can you give some examples of where the undergraduate industry placements are likely to be and how they will benefit the students?

Regent’s College has a fully-staffed Careers and Business Department, with a member of its staff dedicated to LSFMP programmes and an active database of placement and career opportunities. These range from positions in production companies - London-based, elsewhere in the UK and abroad – to any number of roles with broadcasters, creative industry firms, TV and radio channels, film companies, etc. Benefits to students are the first-hand experience of working with industry-creatives and successful professional individuals and organisations, and the huge value of building up contacts and being able to impress them for a period of time. The placements come at the end of the second year of the three-year degree, less than twelve months from graduation, and they put students in a perfect position to demonstrate their skills, impress potential employers and capitalise on getting to work with a large number of influential professionals.

What can students expect upon successfully graduating?

Our graduates would expect to move into media industry roles as creators, entrepreneurs and managers within the creative fields described above, working as salaried staff or freelancers with highly transferable creative skills.

By Rowena Sait

/14 /Learn London