Family Learning Students collect Certificates

A successful group of Family Learning Students were delighted to collect their certificates recently at The Adult & Community Learning Centre, Brixham.

The group, who started learning with their children at Chestnut Primary School on a Family Learning course with tutor Lynne Ward, enjoyed it so much they have continued. Initially they were part of a new Family Learning scheme to allow parents to obtain qualifications at the same time as finding out what and how their children are learning in school. In this case the group was studying maths and all were successful with achieving a Level 1 or Level 2 pass in the National Test for Adult Numeracy.

Sonya Radmore explained “It was great working with the children and seeing their progression. I also have a better understanding of the latest terminology and new ideas for teaching maths”

Tracy agreed and added “I found that I met a lot of people in the same situation as myself. We all needed to learn and we all supported each other”.

ACL & FL Students

L-R Michelle Job, Hayley Slade-Duley, Jodi Jameson, Tracy Cobain, Sam Bevan, Jo Gayden, Donna Nisbett, Dany Tooley, Emma Wills, Donna Young, Lesley Hingston.

Michelle has found her renewed confidence made it possible to get a job as a teaching assistant. All of the parents involved agreed that being able to attend classes enabling them to understand what was going on at school was crucial to their child's development. Since the Family Learning Numeracy course two of the students have progressed to a Level 2 Numeracy course at the Adult & Community Learning (ACL) Centre at Brixham College and three are studying on the NCFE Working with Children and Young People course also at the ACL Centre.

As well as the Family Learning group students attending the ACL Move On classes also collected their certificates. Lesley Hingston and Emma Wills passed both the Level 1 Numeracy & Literacy tests. Emma found that the Literacy sessions helped her complete the course work necessary for the NVQ she is studying at South Devon College.

Chestnut Family Learning Group including Dad & Children

Donna Nisbett, Tracy Cobain, Lynne Ward (Family Learning Tutor), Lucy Beven, Sonya Radmore, Dany Tooley, Seb, Emelia, Sam, Haely Slade-Duley, Michelle Job, Marie Hubbard(Adult Tutor).

Lesley feels she is much better equipped now to help her daughter and is now finding maths much more enjoyable than when she was at school. So much so she is continuing with Level 2! Jodi and Donna have also come to adult learning through a Family Learning course at Eden Park and have both now obtained certificates for Levels 1 & 2 in Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Maths).

Jodi tells us “I love learning now and it's given me the confidence to do more. I am now also a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau a job I really enjoy”. Donna admits she didn't take in anything at school but is more than ready now and making up for lost time.

The certificates were awarded by Helen Brown from South Devon College who congratulated the students and tutors for their commitment and hard work. It was delightful to see Dads and children at the presentation supporting the Mums!

Adult & Community Learning in Brixham are planning a series of ‘Pointers for Parents' information sessions in Primary Schools in the town. The sessions will be informal and provide details of opportunities and resources available to parents to help their children and also think about brushing up or improving their own skills. If your school is on the list below please feel free to call in for a chat with Adult Tutor, Marie Hubbard, if you are interested.

Tuesday 25th March: St Margaret Clitherow RC School.

Thursday 27th March: Furzeham Primary School.

Friday 28th March: Eden Park Primary School.

Monday 31st March: Brixham Church of England Primary School.

New classes will be starting after the two week Easter Holiday, towards the end of April. If you are interested in brushing up or improving your maths and English skills please call Marie Hubbard at the ACL Centre on 01803 853302 or see the details in the April Courses newsletter delivered through your letter box or available from local libraries.