You may have heard about an outbreak of Meningitis in the county, and we can understand that you may be worried about this. In response to this, we want to ensure that you are aware of what symptoms to look out for and understand what you need to do if you or your young person develops symptoms.
Please note, our College remains open, and students should attend as normal.
Whether you want to boost your career prospects, learn a new skill or make friends, studying is a great place to start.
We spoke to current adult learners to hear what they enjoy about their course, how they’ve developed, and what it’s like to study with us in College.
How are you finding studying at College so far?
“It is slightly challenging, but it’s fun. I’m enjoying learning.
“I might want to change career, and I know that Maths is what employers look for, which is why I started the course.
“I didn’t do Maths when I was younger, so it’s a great opportunity for me to see if I can do it.
What’s been rewarding about the course?
“I think, from a personal point of view, very rewarding.
“My lecturer is really good. She’s really positive and encouraging which is a good thing for me. She’s really good at separating the adults to the kids and she knows the difference of how she should teach us. So I’m really impressed.
“I think studying has made me realise I can challenge myself and do things that I couldn’t do before.”
How does studying at College work around your life?
“I’ve got three kids and I’ve got a full-time job, so it is hectic, but it’s only two to three hours a week which is doable.
“We’ve also been encouraged to maybe try and do an hour at home, which is fairly easy.”
What advice might you give to somebody who’s considering College as an adult?
“There’s no harm in trying new things, and I think you’ll surprise yourself, like I have.”
How are you finding studying at College so far?
“I chose to do this course because I would like to do higher learning and GCSEs are a requirement, which is what I don’t have.
“Our lecturer, Christine, is lovely and she’s easy to follow. She knows what she’s talking about and I’m learning what I need to learn.”
Has anything surprised you about being back in education?
“I don’t really know what my expectations were but I’m comfortable with what I’m learning, and I don’t feel overwhelmed or stressed.”
What’s been rewarding about the course?
“I’ve really gelled with the people I’m studying with.
“Maths isn’t something I’ve enjoyed in the past, and I didn’t think that I was going to be any good at it, but I’ve surprised myself.
“In my everyday life I am understanding Maths more and more which is great. It’s boosted my confidence that I’m learning something that’s quite complex.”
How does studying at College work around your life?
“I don’t work on Tuesdays, so it fits perfectly. As my children are at home and they’re looked after, it just suits because it’s around work and it’s a good time.”
What advice might you give to somebody who’s considering College as an adult?
“I’d just tell them to give it a go because if you don’t try you don’t know what you can achieve.”
How are you finding studying at College so far?
“I’m finding it good. I didn’t take GCSEs when I was at school. I had undiagnosed ADHD and since I’ve had my diagnosis, I give myself extra time to learn things.
“At 53 I decided it’s time to get my GCSEs.
“The social side of College is quite nice because everyone on my course is in the same boat, we all want to learn, and we’re all learning together.
“We are at different levels so there are some people who find it far easier than I do and some people struggle, but it’s a nice bonding experience. We get on very well and support is never far away.”
Has anything surprised you about being back in education?
“I’m less frustrated than I used to be and Maths seems so much easier now.
“The fact is, my lecturer can teach me in a way that I can understand. Knowing that I can do it is such a big deal. It’s opened doors towards my future for the better.
“I’ve also been given extra support that I didn’t know was possible, such as support for my mental health if needed and career support.”
How does studying at College work around your life?
“As this course is only one night a week, it’s easy to make time for it.
“We also commit to studying for an hour a day outside of lessons, which we can do whenever we want.
“The extra studying is done through an app that I can just do anywhere, such as on the train or at home at any time, so it fits in perfectly with my schedule.
What advice might you give to somebody who’s considering College as an adult?
“I would say do it. If you’re even thinking about it, certainly look into it.
“If you’ve got the time to commit to a few hours a week, I think it’s definitely worth doing because there’s such a different learning experience.
Thank you to Byron, Kara and Wendy for sharing their stories.
If you’re inspired by their experiences and want to start learning new skills, explore our adult courses today.
