Widening Access Summer School for adult learners
Llandaff Campus
12th - 23rd June 2023
Top university in the UK for sustainability
Welcome!
Welcome to the Cardiff Metropolitan University Summer School for Adult Learners 2023. Our Widening Access Team are providing a variety of FREE taster courses on our Llandaff campus running from the 12th - 23rd June 2023.
Who are we?
The Widening Access Team work closely with local communities to run a variety of courses targeting those who have not previously had the opportunity to study in Higher Education. Our Summer School is an opportunity for learners to see our facilities and experience what it might be like to study at university.
These taster courses can also lead onto longer accredited courses, which can provide an access route to study on our Foundation Programmes here at Cardiff Met. We work closely with the Reaching Wider Team at Cardiff Met who provide additional experiences and opportunities for adult learners to access Higher Education. Reaching Wider are running some exciting new courses in this year’s program.
Who can attend?
Our Summer School is open to all adults over 18 years old. However, priority is given to learners who:
✔ live in areas of multiple deprivation
✔ have not accessed Higher Education opportunities
✔ are claiming Government Benefits (excluding child benefit)
✔ are on low incomes or facing ‘in work poverty’
✔ are a full-time unpaid carer or care leaver
✔ have been referred by one of our partner organisations
How do I sign up?
You can enrol by completing the online booking form available on our website at: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/summerschool or by scanning the QR code. If you are having difficulties accessing the form or require help with its completion, please contact our Widening Access team who will be happy to help
029 2020 1563
wideningaccess@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Scan here to sign up using our online booking form
Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th June 2-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Academic Skills
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This two-day course forms an exciting opportunity for you to improve your academic skills. Focusing on four essential areas – writing, research, note-taking, and time management –these workshops will be very useful in preparing you for further study, either at college or on one of our accredited Widening Access courses.
In the ‘writing’ session, we will look at how you can write clearly and effectively. We will also consider some common writing mistakes and how to avoid them. Research is about finding the right information. In this session, we will explore the resources available to do this and the types of sources you might find.
Note-making will show you how writing down information can be turned into a more important part of learning. By thinking carefully about what you’re reading or listening to, you can remember much more about the topic. Time management will show you how to organise your commitments and easily keep on top of the demands on your time. Getting organised means, you will be able to tick off each of the tasks on your 'to do' list and feel that sense of satisfaction that you are making progress!
Wednesday 14th or Wednesday 21st June
½ day course
(two dates available)
10.00am to 12.00 noon
Access to Teaching: Make me a Teacher
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Have you considered teaching as a career? Do you want to know if teaching is for you? Do you want to make a difference but lack the knowledge about how best to start your teaching journey? This session is designed to provide an insight into the life of teaching as well as where to start on your teaching journey. This session looks at the routes into teaching and gives an opportunity to ask key questions to help you explore your own skills, knowledge, and experience to support you to go into a teaching career.
The session is relaxed, interactive and an enjoyable way of finding out more about a potential new career for yourself. You will hear and discuss the primary and secondary teaching role; look at what makes a perfect teacher; identify what you need to do to be successful; and explore potential progression routes for further study. So, if you want to find out more about teaching, this session is for you. It’s a great opportunity to plan your next career steps.
Wednesday 14thJune 1-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Art with a Heart
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Thursday 15th & Friday 16th June 2-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Artistic Painting
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
All levels of experience welcome!
We will practice skills of observing, visually recording and developing your own styles in producing beautiful and intriguing still life. We will initially use pencil and other media, but we will focus on experimenting with textiles, in learning how to capture the presence of objects in front of us.
You will develop a small portfolio to contribute to your personal art collection, which could be put forward towards an application to Level 3 Art Foundation or Level 4 university Art degree, or that can instead be enjoyed at home. We will practice and experiment with new ways of observing and depicting solidity, weight, shadow, texture, tone, feeling, representation and heart, and the relationship of one object with another. Develop in confidence and express yourself in new ways as we push the boundaries and see the world, and ourselves, differently.
This fun two-day course aims to investigate what inspires us to creative expression and explore various mark making and drawing techniques including observation skills, composition planning and understanding colour. There will be plenty of advice and help for you to develop and hone your artistic skills and build your confidence.
This course is about your artistic journey and allows you to go at your own pace and just enjoy the process of being creative. Through the medium of acrylic paints, you can immerse yourself in being creative and produce a finished piece/masterpiece on canvas!
Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd June 2-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Beginners’ Photography
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Tuesday 20th June 1-day course 10.00am to 2.30pm
Changing Communities: An Introduction to Social Action
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This short course will give learners an introduction to social action, who can be involved and the benefits to individuals and the wider community, and common challenges faced.
This two-day course is suitable for beginners and breaks down the basic components of successful photography. We will look at techniques including exposure and composition, helping you to take better photographs and identify what makes photographs appealing.
The course will also concentrate on helping you understand the equipment you are using, whether it is the latest handheld camera or your camera phone. This is a creative course and acts as a useful introduction to the subject of Photography.
We advise that all students have access to a digital camera or camera phone and know how to operate them.
The course will provide an overview on how to identify community needs, understand how to work with others to set goals and the resources required for effective change through community-based events, action, and campaigns. It is ideal if you want to start, or continue, working or volunteering in the community and want to learn how to make a change. This course is a great introduction to the 10 credit Youth and Community Education module run in the community.
Course supported and funded by Reaching Wider.
Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th June 2-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Child Development
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Monday 19th, Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd June 3-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Creative Writing & Illustration
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This short course combines art or illustration with the written word.
This short course introduces the value of play and looks at the potential it offers in supporting babies’ and young children's development.
You will explore different concepts and ideas to gain knowledge and understanding of children’s play and then identify ways to successfully apply these. The course is a great introduction to the subject with follow-on opportunities available through the Children and Childhood in the Early Years, Level 3 accredited module.
Art materials will be available to allow you to explore your creative ideas. You will be encouraged to develop your written skills, critical thinking and reflection through collaboration with others. The course will encourage open group discussion and positive feedback to encourage personal growth, increase technical ability and build confidence.
Wednesday 21st June 1-day course 10.00am to 2.30pm
Crime & Social Justice
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This short introductory course is designed for those who are interested to understand concepts of crime and deviance, from a sociological ‘people’ perspective.
The session will explore the function of rules and rule-breaking within modern societies and will create an opportunity for students to engage with topical issues and ideas.
The course is also an ideal introduction to the 10 credit Sociology and/or Psychology module that will be run in the community.
Course supported and funded by Reaching Wider.
Friday 16th & Monday 19th June 2-day course 10.00am to 2.30pm
Developing a Hospitality Side Hustle
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Do you want to develop your skills to become your own boss? In recent years there has been a boom of @home business start-ups, a trend which is continuing. On this two-day course you will explore the world of business start-up, idea generation and entrepreneurship within Hospitality and Food.
You will have the opportunity to explore competition, customers, and costs to create a business unique selling proposition. Excitingly, you will be supported to create a 5-minute sales pitch to convey the business concept to our Cardiff Met Dragons.
A great opportunity for those wanting to explore, or develop, a hospitality side hustle or main serving!
Course supported and funded by Reaching Wider.
Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th June
2-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Environmental Writing
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Thursday 15th & Friday 16th June
2-day course
10.00am to 2.30pm
Game Jam: Game Design & Play
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Do you love playing video games?
How about creating and designing your own? This two-day taster course involves participants working to create a game within a timeframe and in accordance with a given brief or theme. There will be plenty of time to play and test game mechanics using industry standard tools. The game will be presented at the end of the course for group feedback.
With the continuing degradation of the environment, there has never been a more important time for climate change fiction. Over the two days, you will be introduced to this fast-growing genre. We will look at a variety of environmental writers to explore their use of theme, character and writing style. You will learn the fundamentals of environmental fiction, gain an understanding of the key themes that are crucial to the genre and learn how to craft your own stories. Through tutor lead discussions and creative writing exercises, you will learn how to cut through the scientific jargon that surrounds climate change fiction and write stories that reach people.
Following completion of this session there will be an opportunity to move onto a more in-depth short course.
Course supported and funded by Reaching Wider.
Monday 19th June 1-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
How to Create your Art & Design Portfolio
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Whether you’re looking to do an Art & Design foundation course, further your studies in the creative field or create a body of work for your own professional practise, this portfolio building session will help you take your skills to the next level. You will learn a variety of techniques that include exploring news styles and methods of producing artwork, as well as page layout ideas, finishing and editing your work.
Bring two or three pieces of work along with you. It could be an experimental or a final piece or even a sketchbook filled with drawings/ paintings that you’d like to showcase in your portfolio. We will work together and get your portfolio started!
Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th June 2-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Introduction to Health & Social Care
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
During this course, you will learn about the wide range of interesting opportunities there are for you within the field of Health and Social Care. You will gain an insight into the laws within Health & Social Care, along with an introduction to communication skills, partnership working and professional practice which are key to success.
Health and Social Care is a complex area, and we will also consider the mixed economy of Health & Social Care provision and the resulting challenges. Central to this sector is community, so part of the course will be spent getting a better understanding of the needs of the communities served by Health and Social Care providers. Join us for this interactive course showcasing the diversity of Health and Social Care.
This course is a great introduction to the 10 Credit Communities and Health module run in the community.
Monday 12th June 1-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Introduction to Preparing to Teach Adults
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Many adults are returning to learning and with this comes the need for encouraging and inspiring tutors to teach them.
This course looks at the skills required by those who feel they could really make a difference in helping others through teaching adults. The session is relaxed, interactive and an enjoyable way of finding out more about a potential new career for yourself. You will discuss the role of the tutor; look at the way in which personal motivation can impact upon learning; identify techniques and methods that promote successful learning; and explore potential progression routes for further study.
If you want to find out more about teaching adults, this course is for you. It is a great introduction to the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or PCET (Post Compulsory Education and Training) which will qualify you to be a teacher in the post 16 education and training sector.
Friday 16th & Monday 19th June 2-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Introduction to Sewing
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This introductory 2-day course will explore the different functions and settings of the sewing machine. The course will help you gain confidence and try a variety of hand and sewing machine skills. We will then use these skills to discuss how you can upcycle or repair existing garments. Machines will be provided but if you have your own machine, you are welcome to bring this with you and find out how to get the best out of it.
Thursday 15th & Friday 16th June
2-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Introduction to Sociology
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This course is designed for those who want to understand what sociology is. You will learn how social, cultural, political and economic issues can shape individual actions and beliefs. Learners will be able to identify examples illustrating how sociology helps us to critically explore the everyday things we take for granted and how it can help us understand wider social, economic, global, and political issues.
There will also be an opportunity to discover how relevant sociology can be in broadening both vocational and academic careers.
The course is also an ideal introduction to the 10 credit Sociology module that will be run in the community.
Wednesday 14th, Thursday 15th & Friday 16th June
3-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Introduction to Youth & Community Work
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
More people are keen to make a difference in their communities but lack the knowledge about how best to get involved. This course is designed as an introduction for those who wish to undertake professional training in youth and community work and those who would like to know more about studying in this area.
It is ideal for people who care about their community and want to know more, and it is also good for youth or community workers with little previous experience of studying. Themes that will be developed within the course include learning from experience, coping in new surroundings and understanding others.
This course is a great introduction to the 10 credit Youth and Community Education module run in the community.
Tuesday 13th June 1-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Plan your Future
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Looking for a new direction? Need some motivation?
This one-day course aims to boost your self-esteem, build your confidence, and help you 'Plan your future' through a series of fun goal setting exercises.
We will look at your existing skillset and explore your future options with plenty of practical support and confidence-building exercises designed to motivate you towards achieving your personal and professional goals.
By exploring your expectations, experiences, achievements, and aspirations, we will give you the tools to make choices that are right for your future direction. There will be career advice and tailored individual coaching signposting you to relevant resources, as well as proactive help with planning or updating your CV, interview tips and techniques, communication skills and navigating job site platforms. Let us help you to make a fresh start!
Thursday 222d June 1-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Preparing for Academic IELTS
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
If you are interested in studying at university, but English is not your first language, you may have some concerns about accessing learning opportunities.
This one-day taster session is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in that position. This fully interactive session will provide short bite-sized exercises covering the following core areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing. Learners will be encouraged to build their confidence by participating in a safe, supportive environment and will then receive signposting to future learning opportunities.
This course is a great introduction to the full Preparing for Academic IELTS course that Widening Access offers.
Tuesday 13th June 1-day course 10.00am to 3.00pm
Starting your own Enterprise
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
The main aim of this short one-day course is to offer a ‘taster experience’ to participants who are considering a business idea and wanting to start their own enterprise.
The course will help to build knowledge, confidence, and skills for potential and aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own micro, small and medium enterprises and/or social enterprises. This course will also help owners/managers to run their current enterprises more effectively.
At the end of this course, you will be able to demonstrate your own suitability as an entrepreneur; discuss your expectations, motivations and risks involved in setting up your enterprise.
You will be able to explain the process of setting up an enterprise/business, outlining the financial and human resources needed. You also will be able to identify which type of company suits your business idea, how to comply with company laws, regulations; access to finance; key areas for marketing, sales, and social media.
Thursday 22nd June 1-day course 10.00am to 2.30pm
Understanding Mental Health & Wellbeing of Children/Young People
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
This short course will give an insight into mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on children and young people. The course will explore the differences between mental health and wellbeing, consider the challenges that affect our mental health/wellbeing and consider strategies to support/signpost and enhance mental health/wellbeing.
This course is a good introduction to those who work with, or look after children and young people at home, in school or in the community. It may spark your interest in moving on to the Widening Access accredited Children & Childhood in the Early Years and Psychology community courses.
Course supported and funded by Reaching Wider.
Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd June
2-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Upcycling Fashion
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Wednesday 14th
Thursday 15th & Friday 16th June
3-day course
10.00am to 3.00pm
Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus
Bring your garments you no longer wear to turn into something new. This two-day course will split into two sections. Day one will look at the properties of the garment and why you acquired it? Why don't you wear it anymore? What can be done to change it - exploring design options and planning the transformation?
On day two we assemble the required materials and make the transformations. Some basic sewing skills, including knowledge of how to use a sewing machine, would be helpful. Due to time constraints, we must limit one transformation per participant.
This exciting three-day creative writing course looks at one of the most popular genres of fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy. You will gain hands-on experience writing science fiction and fantasy stories through tutor-led discussions, presentations, and creative writing exercises.
The course will introduce you to the array of themes typically found in the genre and help you discover how to engage with your chosen theme in your writing. Over the three days, you will explore the styles and techniques of established authors and learn how to discover your own writing voice and how to create complex yet realistic characters.
Very enjoyable course lovely tutor and also lovely group of people
Course was great, tutor had great knowledge and personal skills, met lovely people – helped me with my choices
The course is really good and it gives the confidence needed to go into education again...
If I had known it would feel this good, I would have tried harder in school :)
