Adult Learning in York Week 6 - 12 September 2021
www.york.gov.uk/AdultLearningYorkWeek
Throughout the week National Railway Museum Combine a free day out to the National Railway Museum with a chance to discover upcoming adult learning opportunities – one of our friendly colleagues at the information desks can give you more information and are happy to help.You can also find us at York Explore for Pop-Up Science activities where you will work with our Explainers to explore real world challenges that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can help us to address. Anyone can be an innovator and think creatively like an engineer, our activities will show you how! Join us at the entrance to York Explore (Monday – Sunday, 11am to 1pm), or at the museum (open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am to 5pm).The museum is free to enter, however tickets must be booked in advance at www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit. Can’t join us in person? Get in touch at communities@railwaymuseum.org.uk.
Monday 6 September 2021 Askham Bryan College Outreach 10am - 3pm • York City Centre • Free Our staff from our Outreach programmes, Princes Trust and FLEXible Learning, will be available to promote employability programmes. Come along to chat to staff and find out more about the programmes.You will also have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions. More information about our Outreach programmes can be found at www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/ community-engagement Find out more at askham-bryan.ac.uk/whats-on
Kyra Take the LEAP! 10am - 11am • Kyra: CMC, St. Saviourgate,York,YO1 8NQ • Free Let’s plan how to take the LEAP into employment or further education! This session will provide an introduction to the opportunities available on the LEAP Programme, including training, creative classes and much more! LEAP is a project for women aged over 18, who are legal residents of the UK and are unemployed or economically inactive. Contact BeckyL@kyra.org.uk to find out more and book a place.
Monday 6 September 2021 York Learning Know Your Skills 1pm - 3pm • Online via Zoom • Free Transferable skills are skills you have picked up during your life through jobs, volunteering, in education, parenting, hobbies, and elsewhere. You can use these skills in new tasks and in different work settings. Being able to demonstrate to an employer that you can match your skills to the job you are applying for increases your chances of success. This course will help identify your own skills set and understand which skills employers are looking for. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
High and Low Impact Interval Training 7pm - 7:45pm • Online via Zoom • Free This introductory workshop is a great opportunity to try out interval training. Whether you wish to work at a high or low intensity, our experienced instructor will help you to work at your own pace and within your own range. You will improve your overall fitness level as you enjoy a varied session which will include a cardio/ aerobic warm-up; strength-based exercises; abs and core work and a stretch and refresh. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
German for Starters! A Taster Session 7pm - 8pm • Online via Zoom • Free This course is for beginners and those who may have done a tiny bit of German many moons ago and would like to see whether learning German would be fun. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to recall formal and informal greetings, as well as some basic phrases.You’ll also have grasped an understanding of German culture, food, geography and the rather wonderful German alphabet! Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
City of York Council Why choose an apprenticeship - all you need to know! 5pm - 6pm • Online via Teams • Free Bob Watmore, the City of York Adviser for apprenticeships, can answer any questions about apprenticeships in any employment sector and at any age, as a career starter, changer or progression in existing employment. Contact robert.watmore@york.gov.uk for more information and to book your place.
University of York St John An Introduction to YSJU’s Military Human 1pm - 2pm • York St John Campus, Lord Mayor’s Walk,York,YO31 7EX • Free Facilitated by Nick Wood, this session will introduce you to the history of YSJU’s The Military Human: Understanding Military Culture and Transition course and explain why training sessions are so valuable for front line staff in council, community, health and social care and other professions. Nick will also talk about the Armed Forces Covenant, Op. COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, and other initiatives that are informing both his training and his research. Book now on our website’s online shop at bit.ly/AdultLearning-Military-Human
York Learning Free Digital Skills Assessments Book an appointment between 10am and 5pm • Online via Zoom • Free Do you want to improve your digital skills, gain a computing qualification such as ECDL or the new Essential Digital Skills qualification for work or just want more confidence working with computers and in the digital world? Book a free one-to-one informal chat with one of our team to talk about how we can support you. Plenty of free courses available! Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552666
Scandinavian Folk Art Embroidery 10am - 2pm • Explore York Library, Museum Street,YO1 7DS • Free Stitch a Scandi-inspired piece for your home.You will create a symmetrical pattern of birds, hearts, leaves and flowers using supplied templates. These shapes will be cut out of felt and stitched onto a white fabric background and edged with ribbon or lace. The stitches used will be simple running stitch, cross stitch and maybe French Knots. A pack of materials will be available from the tutor on the day at no extra cost. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
British Sign Language - SOS 12:30pm - 2:30pm • Explore York Library, Museum Street,YO1 7DS • Free This workshop introduces those who have either no or very little previous knowledge of British Sign Language to the absolute basics of the language.You will explore the essential signs that people may need to know in a health emergency, a travel emergency or a housing emergency. This is a great workshop for anyone who works within the professions of healthcare, housing and education, but is also a brilliant thing to do if you are simply wanting to widen your knowledge of the world and learn various new methods of communication. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Tuesday 7 September 2021 York Learning How to Job Search 10am - 12pm • Online via Zoom • Free It can be confusing to find a job. Where do I look? Which sites and apps are best for the areas I’m interested in? What jobs suit the skills I have? Do I need to write a cover letter if I send a CV? We can point you in the right direction so you’re applying like a pro. We’ll get you to focus on why you want a job, which skills you want to use, what sort of place you want to work in – and where to find those jobs. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Applying for a job 10am - 12pm • Online via Zoom • Free You’ve seen a job you want, but applying for it is another matter. Job applications can be tricky and you need time to do them properly. We help you plan by breaking it down into stages. We talk you through all the information you need to complete an application form. We introduce you to different types of online application, including assessments, and guide you to create a super strong personal statement to impress any employer. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
York Learning Free Digital Skills Assessments Book an appointment between 10am and 5pm • Online via Zoom • Free Do you want to improve your digital skills, gain a computing qualification such as ECDL or the new Essential Digital Skills qualification for work, or just want more confidence working with computers and in the digital world? Book a free one-to-one informal chat with one of our team to talk about how we can support you. Plenty of free courses available! Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552666
Creating a CV 1pm - 3pm • Online via Zoom • Free A good CV is really tricky to create – especially for yourself! That’s why we have created this course. We give you practical tips on how to create a strong CV by breaking it down into parts. We’ll show you how to craft an impactful personal statement, as well as how to use power verbs. Your CV acts as a sales document to employers and can also be used as a guide when you’re filling out application forms. Make sure you know how to create a really strong one so employers choose you. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Using Zoom - A Beginner’s Guide 1pm - 1:45pm • Clifton Library, Rawcliffe Lane,York,YO30 5SJ • Free Do you want to use Zoom for work or personal use? Would you like to do a course online via Zoom but not sure how? Come and find out how to get to grips with using Zoom in a friendly, informal session with our professional tutor. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and you can either use our PCs or bring your own laptop or tablet. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
ICT Flexible Learning: Come & See 2:30pm - 3:30pm • Clifton Library, Rawcliffe Lane,York,YO30 5SJ • Free Come along and see how our Flexible Learning sessions work! A chance to have a mini taster on Word, Excel and Powerpoint - the three fundamentals of the ECDL qualification - and get support and advice from our professional tutors. We offer Flexible Learning across the city and you have the opportunity to focus on a specific module or do a full qualification. Many qualifications are free! Come to Clifton and take your first steps on your digital learning journey with York Learning. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Tuesday 7 September 2021 York Learning Keeping Well: Settling a Busy Mind 7pm - 8:30pm • Online via Zoom • Free A taster of how to settle a busy mind and develop awareness of our thought processing and how the mind works. In this session we will explore how to settle the mind, as often our thoughts distract us from focusing on work, study or our daily lives. We will use tools and techniques to help us recognise what our mind is really like and then see if we can work with it in a constructive way to bring greater clarity and focus. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
How to use your Overlocker 10am - 3pm • Heworth Cricket Club, Elmpark Way,York,YO31 1DX • £40 This course will focus on setting up, threading and adjusting tension on an Overlocker to neaten raw edges and sew stretch garments together with confidence. During the session you will learn how to thread the Overlocker and change the thread colour with ease, troubleshooting problems you encounter along the way. You will practise adjusting tension and stitch length, changing needles, adjusting the blade position, basic maintenance, sewing corners and curves, using woven and stretch fabrics and lots more too. You will leave the course with a selection of samples showing the techniques you have learnt and a wealth of knowledge on how to use your Overlocker with confidence. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Wednesday 8 September 2021 The Opportunity Centre Family friendly morning for lone parents 10am - 12pm • The Opportunity Centre, 18-19 Colliergate,York,YO1 8BN • Free Are you a lone parent in York and not in work? Do you feel isolated and concerned about the future? We are here to help. Our friendly, helpful lone parent keyworkers can support you to overcome challenges, increase your confidence, achieve new skills and find the job or learning that’s right for you. This is an Action Towards Inclusion project funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund. Just drop in, there’s no need to book. Call 01904 656655 for more information.
Aspire2lead 10am - 12pm • The Opportunity Centre, 18-19 Colliergate,York,YO1 8BN • Free Aspire2lead is a free service aimed at assisting employed and self employed women to progress in the workplace. We offer several different strands from mentoring for young women to leadership training and returning to work and helping you make your business dreams a reality. Come and meet the friendly team and find out how we may be able to help you progress your business or give you the confidence to excel in the workplace. No need to book. Contact aspire2lead@theopportunitycentre.com for more information.
York Archaeological Trust DIG Deeper into Archaeology 4:30pm - 6pm • DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate,York,YO1 8NN • £5 Aimed at those who have an interest in archaeology or archaeological skills, practices and methods, the sessions will include an hour long ‘DIG Deeper’ tour of our DIG attraction which will give a deeper insight into the ground-breaking work of York Archaeological Trust, followed by a half an hour participatory activity with objects from across York, excavated by YAT, which have never previously been displayed. Participants will get the opportunity to speak to archaeologists who will answer questions about life in the (archaeological) trenches; use trowels and brushes to uncover real archaeological finds in our pits (clean ‘soil’ - you will not get dirty!); handle replica objects of some of the greatest discoveries in our collection; take part in an additional participatory activity where you can explore real objects from our collection and discover how archaeologists and museum professionals interpret and tell stories through objects. Book through our online booking system at https://yat.digitickets.co.uk/tickets and select ‘Adult Learning in York Week: DIG Deeper into Archaeology’
University of York St John Life Drawing Taster Workshop 6:30pm - 8:30pm • York St John Campus, Lord Mayor’s Walk,York YO31 7EX • £15 Whether you are wanting to take up a hobby or looking to continue your practice and hone your skills, this workshop taster is ideal for you. Our Life Drawing workshops are always open to everyone.You will receive any needed advice and encouragement even though this is not a taught class. Rob Oldfield is a Fine Art technician at York St John University. He has modelled for life classes for many years and runs life drawing workshops at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery in Leeds and the Leeds University Students’ Union life classes. Rob now coordinates all the life drawing classes for York St John University. As a tutor, Rob encourages, advises and listens, so please come along and take advantage of his skills and experience. Book now on our website’s online shop at bit.ly/AdultLearning-Life-Drawing
York Learning A Virtual Tour of Barcelona: from the Well Known to the Unknown! 12:30pm - 2:30pm • Online via Zoom • Free This workshop is designed for anyone who loves Barcelona. We will begin by looking at the city’s most popular places, artists and food. Then we will browse a few unknown art galleries, neighbourhoods and even streets outside of the traditional tourist routes. It doesn’t matter if you have visited Barcelona before or not. Whatever your knowledge of the city, you can enjoy the experience.You will also learn interesting things about Barcelona’s citizens: their customs, their behaviour, their likes and dislikes. At the end of the workshop, you will have gained a new understanding of the city and its wonderful inhabitants! Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
A Pizza Base - “5 ways” 6:30pm - 8pm • Online via Zoom • Free At this hands-on workshop through Zoom you will learn how to make a basic dough which you will use to produce a pizza of your choice. Whilst this is resting prior to cooking, you will make an ultra quick pizza with puff pastry. Then, whilst the pizzas are cooking, the tutor will talk through 3 alternative methods to use as a pizza base so you are never far away from your own homemade pizza. The tutor will offer expert advice and give you handy tips and ideas to help you perfect your skills. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Thursday 9 September 2021 York Learning Interview Success 1pm - 3pm • Online via Zoom • Free This course will help you prepare for an interview by asking you some key questions: Have you got the right skills? Can you do the job? Do you actually want the job? You will look at some of the most common interview questions – including those challenging ones that might worry you the most. We’ll introduce you to the CAR approach, as well as guiding you through some principles of video interviewing. An interview is a chance for you to show off your skills and abilities in a way that will get you the job and this course can help you do that. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Yoga for Life - An Introduction 6:30pm - 7:30pm • Online via Zoom • Free Enhance your health and wellbeing and discover how simple it is to make yoga part of your daily routine. In this introductory workshop, you will explore asana (postures), breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation. The practice of yoga will not only improve your posture, strength, flexibility and muscle tone, but, if undertaken on a regular basis, brings about greater body/mind awareness to help you attain balance and harmony, not only in class but in your everyday life. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
City of York Council Can you use an apprenticeship to change career at any age? Yes! 6pm - 7pm • Online via Teams • Free Bob Watmore, the City of York Adviser for apprenticeships, can answer any questions about apprenticeships in any employment sector and at any age, and how this can help a change in career or progression in existing employment to higher levels. Contact robert.watmore@york.gov.uk for more information and to book your place.
York Archaeological Trust DIG Deeper into Archaeology 4:30pm - 6pm • DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate,York,YO1 8NN • £5 Aimed at those who have an interest in archaeology or archaeological skills, practices and methods, the sessions will include an hour long ‘DIG Deeper’ tour of our DIG attraction, which will give a deeper insight into the ground-breaking work of York Archaeological Trust, followed by a half an hour participatory activity with objects from across York, excavated by YAT, which have never previously been displayed. Participants will get the opportunity to speak to archaeologists who will answer questions about life in the (archaeological) trenches; use trowels and brushes to uncover real archaeological finds in our pits (clean ‘soil’ - they will not get dirty!); handle replica objects of some of the greatest discoveries in our collection; take part in an additional participatory activity where they can explore real objects from our collection and discover how archaeologists and museum professionals interpret and tell stories through objects. Book through our online booking system at https://yat.digitickets.co.uk/tickets and select ‘Adult Learning in York Week: DIG Deeper into Archaeology’
University of York St John Taster session for YSJU MA and MFA in Creative Writing 11am - 12:30pm • York St John Campus, Lord Mayor’s Walk,York,YO31 7EX • Free This taster is for those who hold a bachelor’s degree or an MA, who are thinking of further study in Creative Writing. We will introduce both the Masters in Creative Writing (for those with an existing degree in any subject area) and the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (for those with an existing MA in a related subject area). The Creative Writing programme at York St John boasts a team of full-time professional writers and academics with expertise in novel writing, short fiction, script-writing, poetry and creative non-fiction. In this short session we’ll discuss how the degrees work and take you through some writing exercises to spark your inspiration. Book now on our website’s online shop at bit.ly/AdultLearning_Creative_Writing
Friday 10 September 2021 U3A Open Morning 10am - 12pm • Friends Meeting House, Friargate,York,YO1 9RL • Free This will be an Open Morning to showcase our activities. At 10am and 11am there will be short presentations on the U3A and on some of its groups, and some interactive sessions on, for example, folk tales and how to select the right group for you to join. Throughout the morning many Group Leaders will be available to talk to, and there will be displays about travel and walking groups, music, a robot, refreshments, friendly chat and a registration desk. Joining the U3A only costs £15 per annum and it offers nearly 150 volunteer-led groups in diverse activities such as drawing and croquet, bridge and local history, science and languages. It sets up walking and cycling groups and offers many different ways of making music or playing games – both outdoors and in - and reading together. There are monthly lectures and some groups will offer blended meetings in-person and on Zoom. No booking required.
York Learning How to Thrive at Work 1pm - 3pm • Online via Zoom • Free We don’t just want to survive at work, we want to thrive. This course can help you become resilient at work, by looking at effective communication, what to expect on your first day and how to get the most out of the first few weeks. We’ll look at some stress-busting techniques for in-work challenges, as well as how to cope with working from home. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Expressive and Abstract Landscapes 10am - 2:30pm • Huntington Community Centre, 26 Strensall Road, Huntington,YO32 9RG • Free Even if you’re a beginner, do you ever feel that your painting is a bit stuck, or that you want to ‘loosen up’? This one-day workshop will help you develop the confidence to work in a freer, more expressive way. We’ll start the day by exploring mark-making using a range of tools. From this, we will develop a series of drawings and painted sketches based on landscapes, using a range of materials and collage. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
York Archaeological Trust DIG Deeper into Archaeology 4:30pm - 6pm • DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate,York,YO1 8NN • £5 Aimed at those who have an interest in archaeology or archaeological skills, practices and methods, the sessions will include an hour long ‘DIG Deeper’ tour of our DIG attraction, which will give a deeper insight into the ground-breaking work of York Archaeological Trust, followed by a half an hour participatory activity with objects from across York, excavated by YAT, which have never previously been displayed. Participants will get the opportunity to speak to archaeologists who will answer questions about life in the (archaeological) trenches; use trowels and brushes to uncover real archaeological finds in our pits (clean ‘soil’ - they will not get dirty!); handle replica objects of some of the greatest discoveries in our collection; take part in an additional participatory activity where they can explore real objects from our collection and discover how archaeologists and museum professionals interpret and tell stories through objects. Book through our online booking system at https://yat.digitickets.co.uk/tickets and select ‘Adult Learning in York Week: DIG Deeper into Archaeology’
Friday 10 September 2021 WEA Chocolate and York 10am - 11:30am • Explore York Library, Museum Street,YO1 7DS • Free A taster of the history of chocolate production in York - who made chocolate here and why. You will develop an understanding of the impact of local Quaker families on the history and development of York as a centre for chocolate manufacturing and social welfare. We will have a look at (and taste!) the range of chocolate made here. Visit bit.ly/AdultLearning-HistoryOfChocolate or call 0300 303 3464 to book.
Meditation and other Approaches to Well-being 10am - 12pm • Explore York Library, Museum Street,YO1 7DS • Free An array of holistic tools are now available to support our well-being - but where to start and how to practise? In this introductory session, Jude Robinson shares her personal experience of how some meditation and other tools have changed her life. Jude became increasingly interested in a holistic approach to wellbeing after experiencing surprisingly positive effects on her own life at a difficult time. Over the last 10 years, she has explored and trained in a variety of holistic and alternative therapies and techniques which she will share. There will be a guided meditation, discussion and an opportunity to ask questions and to consider if there are any specific areas of interest you might wish to explore further. Visit bit.ly/AdultLearning-Meditation or call 0300 303 3464 to book.
Laughter, Exercise and why it is good for your Well-being 1pm - 3pm • Explore York Library, Museum Street,YO1 7DS • Free Although it has always been known that laughter really IS the best medicine, we don’t always find opportunities to laugh out loud - and of course this has been the case for even more of us over the last couple of years. Jude trained to be a laughter yoga leader and teacher after experiencing the positive effects of laughter on her own life and she has had so much fun over the years having the privilege of being invited to laugh with so many diverse groups. In this session you will be introduced to the health benefits of laughter at a physical and emotional level and you will begin to explore your own relationship with laughter. There will be gentle exercise and movement, meditation, laughter exercise and relaxation.You will be taught simple exercises to practice at home and share with others. Jude is looking forward to laughing with you. Visit bit.ly/AdultLearning-Laughter or call 0300 303 3464 to book.
Saturday 11 September 2021 York College Adult Learning Open Morning 9:30am - 12pm • York College, Sim Balk Lane, Bishopthorpe,York,YO23 2BB • Free Adult Learning Open Event is an opportunity to come and chat with tutors of our adult programmes in the atrium and have a look what the college offers in terms of courses and specialist facilities. Information, advice and guidance will also be available from the careers, funding and finance teams and there will be the opportunity to sign up and enrol on the day, with our admissions team on hand to help. Book online at www.yorkcollege.ac.uk
WEA A Brief Introduction to the History of The Byzantine Empire 10am - 12pm • Explore York Library, Museum Street,YO1 7DS • Free Although the western Roman Empire fell in the 5th century AD, the Eastern half continued on for another thousand years, at one time ruling provinces in Africa, Asia and Europe. It became known to Westerners as the Empire of Byzantium, and its great capital was the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul). Here, the grandeur of Greece and the glory of Rome fused into a unique Christian culture. This course will give an introduction to that empire’s history, as well as its extraordinary art and culture. Visit bit.ly/AdultLearning-Byzantine or call 0300 303 3464 to book.
York Learning Mosaics for your Home or Garden 10:30am - 2:30pm • Explore Acomb Library, Front Street, Acomb,York,YO24 3BZ • Free This workshop provides learners with a gentle and relaxed introduction to the art of mosaics. Basic skills and techniques will be demonstrated by your friendly tutor and the emphasis will be on making something unique for your home or garden, such as a shed sign, a hanging ornament or a decorated pebble.You will be guided through the process of mosaic making and there will be images and exemplar mosaics available for inspiration. Book online at yorklearning.org.uk or call 01904 552806
Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of York The Knights Templar and Hospitaller: Monks and Warriors 2pm - 3pm • Online via Zoom • Free The Knights Templar and Hospitaller were warriors living under a monastic rule; they were originally charged with the protection of pilgrims in the Holy Land, after the first Crusade. Controversial from the beginning, they attracted support and contempt in equal measure. This lecture, led by Dr Cristina Figueredo, will explore the origins, rise and demise of these remarkable military orders. Book online at bit.ly/AdultLearning-KnightsTemplar
York Art Gallery Life Drawing - Model as Muse 2pm - 4pm • York Art Gallery • £15 Join us at York Art Gallery for life drawing workshops; whether you are a regular participant, would like to hone your skills or try life drawing for the first time, these regular two-hour immersive Saturday sessions, led by Rob Oldfield, are a wonderful way to experience life drawing in a supportive and friendly environment. Rob is a York-based artist and tutor. He himself has modelled for life classes for many years, as well as teaching life drawing to his students. As workshop leader, Rob encourages, advises and listens, so please do come along and take advantage of his skills and experience. This workshop takes place on the second Saturday of every month. Each month alongside our live model muse, there will be an appropriate work specially selected from the Art Gallery collection which we will reference to potentially inspire our activity. Basic drawing materials will be supplied, but please feel free to bring your own too. Please note that you must be over 18 to participate in these workshops. Book online at bit.ly/AdultLearning-ModelAsMuse
Activities in this brochure are funded by or offered in partnership with: