Our News Your Views
Issue 7 - May/June
Welcome to the seventh edition of ‘Our News Your Views’
We are delighted to publish the winning entries from our creative writing
competition. The theme this year was ‘Who am I?’ and the entries have been richly
diverse. I can honestly say that it has been a privilege to read what our learners
have written. Each entry moved me in some way: some made me smile, some
brought tears to my eyes - all were very powerful. Congratulations to everyone who
entered and thanks to those tutors who have encouraged such a high standard of
creative writing and to Vicki for pulling everything together and making sure we
judges did our bit.
The theme of ‘Who am I?’ runs through this edition with the inclusion of articles
about how some of our learners past and present are using their developing skills.
Not forgetting our staff: we also feature Family Learning tutors – what has motivated
them to teach?
If any of you – learners and members of staff – are wondering what your next steps
might be, please remember that we always welcome the opportunity to discuss
future learning opportunities. The National Careers Service is also very happy to
provide free, impartial and confidential advice and guidance.
If you would like a meeting with the National Careers Service please speak to your
tutor, email us on [email protected] or email Maggie Satterthwaite from the NCS
on [email protected]. On page 16 we include some quotes from
those who have found this service helpful and supportive.
Please also keep an eye open for our information days – Beauty and Hairdressing
information events will be held in Bude and Camelford this term (see page 5). Other
events will follow and will be promoted at your local centre and via Facebook.
Finally – a thank you from me to everyone who contributes to ‘Our News Your Views’
and to Fran McLean and Vicki Salvidge who work so hard to edit it.
Debbie Buckland, Quality Co-Ordinator
Prince’s Trust Celebration at Eden
Team leader Sam Spooner with her assistant Megan and the 10 delighted young people
The 4th Prince’s Trust Team programme, funded through Adult Education,
has just finished with a fabulous ‘Passing Out’ event held at Eden.
10 young people, most of whom were referred via the Job Centre,
completed the 12 week programme which is run by Cornwall Fire and
Rescue Service.
The programme is for 16-24 year olds and includes a residential week,
two weeks’ work experience, a community project and some classroombased activity leading to an employability qualification. The Cornish
programme is unique as it has fully integrated English and maths, which is
delivered by Adult Ed tutor, Rosie Shaw.
Each team cohort choose their own community project and this group
opted to renovate and develop a patch of rough ground outside
Mevagissey Activity Centre for the use of clients from Scope and the wider
community. They achieved an amazing transformation in two weeks
through team work, creative thinking, hard manual work and excellent
leadership from the team leader Sam Spooner and her assistant leader
Megan.
Two of the young people have gained work with Cormac as a result of
their work experience and it is hoped that several more will be
progressing in to apprenticeships. From the members of this group who
didn’t already have GCSE English and maths, there were 5 English and 4
maths Functional Skills achievements with a further person confirming
that they will continue studying at St Austell Link into Learning.
Families and friends of the young people attended the ‘Passing Out’ event,
as well as representatives of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service,
organisations who support the course and employers who offer work
experience.
The young people received their certificates from Councillor John Wood,
Chair of the Council, and Mark Hewitt, Area Manager of Service Delivery
for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.
At the end of the presentations there was a surprise for Rob and
Morwenna as they were presented with a framed certificate for Adult
Education!
There is another TEAM programme starting in Penzance soon and others
planned for the next academic year.
New premises for Bodmin Learning Centre!
Bodmin Learning Centre is moving to brand new purpose-built premises!
When Bodmin learners start their courses in September, they will be in a brand new
building at the Beacon Technology Park which means that Cornwall Adult Education
will have a substantial presence on the ground floor of
Cornwall Council's new flagship building.
Area Coordinator, Jan Byford, reports: 'It is bright, spacious and finished to a high
standard. We have worked closely with the architects in order to get the best possible
design and we are very excited about this move and expect our learners will be too.
We will be able to run courses, such as Counselling, which we didn't have the space to
accommodate before and we will have a kitchen area with tables and chairs for our
learners to take their breaks in.'
The move is scheduled for July so there will be no disruption to the functioning of the
Learning Centre.
Liskeard - the new classroom is ready!
Learners and tutors are delighted
to see that the new downstairs
teaching room at Laity House is
now open for business.
Wendy Stedman, Quality and
Curriculum Adviser for our arts
and craft courses, was delighted
to be able to ‘open’ the new room
with her tutor meeting
(pictured here).
Other tutors have been quick to
book the light and airy venue
which now hosts a number of
Liskeard courses.
Apprenticeships Work for Everyone
Did you know that for over five years Cornwall Adult Education has been
successfully delivering beauty courses in Camelford and more recently
Bude?
Beauty and Hairdressing Apprenticeships
If you are an employer looking to expand your business or someone interested in
becoming a beautician, then we have some news for you.
We are delighted to announce the start of our Beauty Apprenticeship programme starting
this autumn at Camelford and Bude.
Interested in finding out MORE?
Why not come along to one of our events and take the opportunity to have a chat with
current learners, tutors and business advisers?
Or contact Val Philp on 01872 327509.
15th May 2015 at the Camel Centre, Sir James Smith’s School, Camelford PL32 9UJ
21st May 2015 at the Gregson Centre, New Road, Stratton, Bude EX23 9AP
both from 10:00am until 12:00noon
Hairdressing apprenticeships in Newquay
Building on the success of the hairdressing courses at Yoshimi in Newquay, we have
decided to expand the provision by offering hairdressing apprenticeships.
The course will run over two years and attendance on the course will be on a Tuesday.
For the other 4 days per week, the apprentices will work in a hairdressing salon gaining
valuable work experience.
If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact the local office at Newquay on
01637 874688.
Alternatively, if you know of anyone with a salon who might be interested in taking on an
apprentice, please pass on the details so they can find out about the benefits to their
organisation.
Business Success!
Here at Falmouth we would like to congratulate two of our previous
Diploma in Nail Services Level 2 learners who completed the course
and have gone on to set up their own business as a result:
No99 Nails
Tanya explains:
Doing the course gave me a lot of confidence and made me realise I was good at this
and if I put my mind to it, I could achieve. I had worked in a salon before doing
beauty but gave up to have my daughter. After having my daughter, I felt that I
wanted to combine my new skills with a desire to have my own business that would
also fit in with my family.
We did some research and found a room to rent at No99 Hair Salon. We opened the
No99 Nails on the 1st of December and have been very busy from day one. We have
already built up a very good clientele base. Hopefully in time we will be able to expand
and open a salon of our own.
I would like to say ‘Thank You’ to Deb McCormick, my tutor, for all her support and for
believing in me. If you are thinking of doing a course through
Cornwall Adult Education Service, I would say ‘go for it’!
Why progress to GCSE English?
Most employers and higher education providers will want you to have a
grade C in English and maths at GCSE. In 2013, the government
announced that all students in England have to achieve this (or Functional
Skills at Level 2) and continue studying the subjects until they do.
English is the primary language of communication in the UK. Most of us
grow up speaking it fluently or learn naturally as we enter the classroom
and become immersed in society. It’s also described as a global
language: for example, did you know that approximately 1 in 7 people on
Earth speak English and it is the medium for 80% of all information stored
on all the world’s computers?
Learning to apply the rules of spelling, punctuation and grammar to
written English takes time, study and patience. However, employers say
that one of the most valuable things they look for is good communication
skills, which means writing and presentation as well as talking. Being able
to write a good cover letter which is free from mistakes can be the key to
getting a job in the first place! Essentially, whenever you need to
persuade, inform or connect with someone, you’ll probably use English to
do it. And with approximately one new word added to the English
language every two hours, you’ll want to do it well.
Not only tutors!
Sam Nicoll and Sue Benton, both Access to HE coordinators and Adult Education tutors,
were off on their annual vigil over the bank holiday weekend:
the World Gig Rowing Championships in the beautiful Isles of Scilly.
Sam and Sue have attended this event for over a decade and have rowed their way through
many heats, finish lines and water battles, with much clashing of the oars and even a
podium or two on the way. With 154 boats on the start line, Sam and Sue are looking
forward to the competition and the phenomenal sound of 924 people “pulling” water to get
to the finish line first. This event has been running officially for over 25 years and grows
every year, seeing competitors from across the UK, Europe and America. The islands host
in excess of 4,000 visitors over the bank holiday weekend, a spectacular event set in
wonderful Cornish scenery.
Good luck to Sam and Sue - we are writing this before the event!
Creative writing competition results!
We had more than 50 entries this year and they were superb!
It was tough judging them and coming up with the winners but here they are, unedited.
We have printed each winning entry in full and extracts from the runners-up.
“WHERE IS YOUR BELLY BUTTON TODAY, DADDY?”
Tom’s Dad had a very rare condition called Wandering Belly Button.
Some mornings Tom and his Mom would play a game called Find Daddy’s Belly Button. This all
depended if Tom’s Dad was in a good mood or not.
Today was the 24th of June, which was Tom’s Dad’s birthday, so his mood was sure to be good.
Most mornings this was a very short and quick game, because some days Tom’s Dad’s belly
button would be where it should be, but sometimes Daddy’s belly button would be on his neck or
on his cheek. Sometimes it was more difficult to find because it could be on Daddy’s foot, leg,
back, or even his bottom!
On Toms’ Dad’s birthday everyone was in for a big surprise.
Tom came down the stairs, shouting “where is Daddy’s belly button today, Mommy?” So they
started looking for Daddy’s belly button.
To their surprise Daddy’s belly button was where his ear should be, so instead of looking for
Daddy’s belly button, Tom cried out “where has Daddy’s ear gone?”
Just then, Tom’s Dad looked up from reading his newspaper. To Tom and his Moms surprise his
ear was where his eye should be. This was all very well, but where was Daddy’s eye?
Because it had taken so long to find Daddy’s belly button and other bits and bobs, Daddy was
now running late for work. Tom’s Dad asked him to fetch his sunglasses and earphones.
Tom’s Dad had got used to covering up problems with his belly button so he started to cover
things up. He put sunglasses on to cover up his ear where his eye should be and he put ear
phones over his belly button where his ear should be.
Toms Dad felt quite chuffed with his cover up, but his problems had only just begun. Tom’s
Dad’s belly button had moved to where his foot should be! When Tom’s Dad tried to stand up,
he fell over. Belly buttons are no good for walking on. That’s why Tom’s Dad fell over!
Tom’s Dad did not go to work that day, he worked from home. Poor Tom still had to go to
school, but it had been a good start to the day, watching his dad fall over.
That night at bedtime Tom and his Dad had a good old laugh about his Dad’s condition. Just as
Tom was dropping off to sleep he asked “why do our friends call you Picasso, Daddy?”
“That’s a story for another day” said Tom’s Dad.
“Get a good night’s sleep Tom, because tomorrow will be another great adventure”.
THE END
Thomas Cullen
1st prize in the Creative Writers category
Who am I?
Excerpts from my life, then and now
I am the warm soggy flaky meaty desire of irresistible pasty lunchtimes,
The smile on my wife's face even when I my mood is dour,
I am that now unique colour blue, like my father’s Ford Cortina, once so shiny and proud, so
reliable so true, yet all now so faded, the engine dead, the tyres have lost their tread, filling this
life's memories full of pleasure, fun and dread.
The touch of my daughter’s hand that lightens my heart on a bad day,
I am the thousand mile an hour heart wrenching psycho-billy beat that owns my ears,
The cold, threatening, slush creating snow that visits so randomly.
Robert Batsford
2nd prize in the Creative Writers category
Who am I?
An off white sterile room, a window, a door, a sink in the corner. A black examination
trolley, feels hard. The pale blue paper covering it inadequate. The room smells, of
antiseptic. The nurse is concentrating. The air is heavy with the moment and its
consequences.
My soon to be ex-husband stands nervously. The room was quiet, deadly quiet except for
the scanner turned on to maximum. A shushing sound like the whirring of the wind on a
stormy night. The noise frightened me and made my small child cry, softly. “Mummy,
mummy. I don’t like it.” … I was powerless to comfort her. I heard my voice, it sounded
like an unknown stranger.
“Please, Michael take Rebecca away, take her somewhere happy, take her to Gail’s”. Trying
to arrest his attention, “Please”.
He stared back at me, eyes devoid of emotion…
“Please take her, this is no place for a small child. See if Gail is in.”
I knew Gail would understand, would know what to do. Gail would reassure Rebecca,
cuddle her take her mind off what was happening to me, to the baby sister she had longed
for.
rd
3
Josie Head
prize in the Creative Writers category
Who Am I?
I am the ordinary girl, just an ordinary girl in the world.
I grew up in an ordinary family with the usual pleasures and worries.
Always, I looked for something special in my life and in my personality but I did not find
anything.
I gave up hunting for it and I started to live a little.
After finishing High school, I began to live alone in a flat without my parents.
I was working and getting to know what the adult world is about.
Time for thinking about meaning of life was disappearing.
Now I am a strong woman with a lot of experience, not afraid and I like definite rules. I
am a mother, daughter, sister, partner, woman and I am only human; I make mistakes
but I learn from them.
I am cheerful and entertaining as well. I can also be morose and severe.
Now, my dreams are realistic ideas which I slowly make come true. I believe in me.
Jana Zelinkova
1 prize in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) category
st
Who Am I?
I want to tell you my story.
My parents let me fall down to the earth where I find food and drink.
When I grow up, my first colour is light green and as I grow more, my colour changes from
light green to dark green and then to brown.
I am very different.
Some of us are very tall or very small; our forms are all so different.
I live in peace together with lots of different things around me.
I give lots of shadow to the earth, I look for oxygen, I am your health.
When I grow up, my feet go very deep and wide under the ground.
I am nearly storm resistant because I am very strong.
Bernhard Lohaus
Joint 2nd prize in the ESOL category
Who am I?
Who am I? Sometimes I ask myself. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother, I play every role
in my life, but sometimes I forget myself, I forget who I am.
My name is Tanya, I am Chinese, I am from China, I am a housewife. I have a lovely daughter and a
good husband. I feel happy most of time.
Tao Li (Tanya)
Joint 2nd prize in the ESOL category
Who am I?
I was born in a small village in India, called Mankrai. My family is a large family; everybody in the village
loves me and my family. There are my Nan, Grandad, uncles, aunties, mum, dad, brothers and sisters, so
it is a really large family. I went to the Government school in the village.
Mandeep Kaur
3rd prize in the ESOL category
Who Am I?
My Monday Mornings
I have to get up around 8 o’clock so I
can get ready for my English course. I
dread having to go out on my own.
There are so many feelings and
thoughts that go through my head. I
am so panicky, I start sweating and
shaking and it feels like I can’t walk.
I feel like this until I get down Fore
Street to Link into Learning. Then
everything’s ok. I start feeling like
myself. Both the Vals and I have a
good laugh.
Then at 1 o’clock we finish so I have to
make my way home. Then all the
feelings I have before I go to English I
get back again on my way home.
Sometimes I have to go to Plymouth to
Working Links. I have to catch a bus
and it makes me feel really panicky.
After I finish with Bob I meet my
daughter, then I feel ok. I can’t really
describe how I feel.
This is my Monday morning. The way I
feel.
Today is Monday and I feel a bit
different. I managed to do everything
and kept calm. Writing this has made
me feel a lot calmer and not as panicky.
Margo and Dom made a comment about
me saying I looked well and Margo said
I was glowing.
Joanne Allinson
Joint 1st prize in the
Entry Level category
WHO AM I?
Am I a mammal?
So beautiful are the dolphins as they move
gracefully through our sea. So Intelligent and
free.
NO NOT I!
WHO AM I?
Am I an animal just like my beloved friend?
I once loved so dearly,
Spirit was her name, my faithful friend
companion too,
O how I miss my beloved friend.
NO NOT I!
WHO AM I?
As dusk falls am I a bird gliding up in the blue,
blue sky flying home to roost in the trees so
high?
NO NOT I!
WHO AM I?
Am I a star that shines so bright in the dark sky
at night or may be a meteorite that fell to earth
on one dark night?
NO NOT I!
WHO AM I?
I am human just like you who gets judged and
criticised whatever I do.
I am a woman with a brain with feelings just
like you.
If only you could see, hear and understand me
like I understand you.
Then maybe you would understand the things I
do and say.
THAT’S WHO I AM! I am human just like
you, YES THAT’S ME.
Lyn King
Joint 1st prize in the Entry Level category
Who Am I?
I am a piece of the autism puzzle. All pieces of puzzles are different, they look the same
but when you take a closer look they are all slightly different.
With the autism puzzle it has lots of different colours to try to explain that even though
colours are just colours they are all different. People are the same.
I am fighting with and for people who have autism to be understood by people who do
not have autism and who may not understand it.
Autism is not misbehaving; it is the person not understanding what is happening also
how to cope in different situations.
Christina Hocking
nd
2
prize in the Entry Level category
Who Am I?
We will start off with what my late partner would say about me. I am his bag of cheese and
onion crisps (as that was his favourite), his weed of the cess pool. The song he said would
sum me up would be “Poison” by Alice Cooper. He also called me his flower of the desert (a
cactus) as at times I could be a bit prickly.
All of these terms from him were terms of endearment as he was a fun person and would tell
me I was his soul mate. I was someone he could bounce off and joke with and I’d go places
at the drop of a hat. I was firm but fair. Lastly, he would say the song “don’t wanna close
my eyes” by Aerosmith showed my softer side.
I myself would say I am more like “So What” and “I’m Trouble” by Pink. I know I am a
mother to three wonderful children and a Nanny to three fantastic grandsons and a bump.
Wendy Tarlarini
3rd prize in the Entry Level category
WHO AM I?
I spent my life being pushed into things I really did not want to do. Like when dad made me join the local rugby team.
He was so proud of me that I did not have the heart to quit. Every Saturday I would run around a cold, muddy pitch,
miserable.
Now seventeen, it was time to make up my mind what I wanted to do in life. Dad spoke about me joining the family
business. I listened glumly as he rattled on about how one day the business would be mine. I smiled a weak smile;
how the hell do I get out of this I wondered? My whole life had become a mess. I was simply doing what made my dad
happy. I had lost my identity and no longer recognised the person in the mirror.
I looked at myself in the mirror as dad continued to talk. I had mum’s curly hair and green eyes, dad’s square jaw and
his thick set build. I was popular and had a good social life, yet I was miserable. Gritting my teeth I took a deep breath
and turned back to my dad. “Dad I’m going to go to the open day at the college to see what courses are available,” I
found myself saying.
“Good,” dad replied, “do a plumbing or electrician course,” I looked on in disbelief. “I’ll go with you son,” he added
cheerfully.
“I’m going with Marcus,” I lied.
“Ok,” he answered, clearly disappointed.
The next day I headed off to the open day. At the gates I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. I headed for the
hall where all the stalls were set up. People were moving in every direction. I slowly made my way around and tried to
catch what the stall holders were saying as I passed. That was when I saw my dream job. It hit me like a thunder bolt
and I knew it was for me straight away. I pushed my way through to the front and asked for a leaflet. The lady told me
when the course would be starting. I held onto the leaflet and headed home, finally knowing what I wanted to be.
At home, mum and dad were both in the kitchen. Mum was doing the dishes as dad sat reading the paper, drinking
coffee. I hovered in the doorway still clasping my leaflet as if my life depended on it. I took a deep breath and walked
in. “I’m joining the family business,” I declared.
“Welcome aboard,” said dad.
“I’m going to work with mum at the florist,” I replied.
Dad spat out his mouthful of coffee as mum jumped up and down like an excited puppy.
“I’m so pleased,” she mused. “I have so many plans for the shop and now we can do it together,” she added.
Now I had finally found who I am… I am Ben Drake, a budding florist!
Lesley Hobbs
1st prize in the Level 1 and above category
Who Am I?
I see diversity in culture, language, race and religion.
I see diversity in architecture, music and art.
I see diversity in attitudes.
Who am I to judge?
I see Christians and Muslims.
I see Jews and Taoists.
I see Hindus and Buddhists.
I see Wiccans, Agnostics and Atheists.
Who am I to judge?
I see tramps on the streets begging.
I see those who just walk on by.
I see those involved in charity.
I see those who turn their backs.
Who am I to judge?
I see Goths and Chavs.
I see Mods and Rockers.
I see Punks and Hippies.
I see Poppers and Hip Hoppers.
Who am I to Judge?
I see men who love men.
I see women who love women.
I see men who like to dress as a woman.
I see men who want to be a woman.
Who am I to judge?
I see those who eat meat and those who don’t.
I see those who hug trees.
I see those who chop them down.
Who am I to judge?
James Bassett
2nd prize in the Level 1 and above category
“Who Am I?”
As I sit gazing out of the window at my work desk, I ask myself… Who am I?
Every day, waiting for the phone to ring, I think ‘how much longer can I work in a call
centre?’ With my mind constantly drifting, thinking of the world I’ve barely seen,
sometimes I wish the wind would swallow me up and take me away to places I can only
dream of.
rd
3
Jamie Day
prize in the Level 1 and above category
Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry – we hope you enjoyed the writing process
as much as we enjoyed reading your entries!
All winning entries can be read in full on CALM - www.moodle.cornwall-acl.ac.uk
Comments from learners after meeting
Maggie from NCS
The careers meeting has
opened doors and given me
the opportunity to explore
further development in
teaching or business ventures
for the future.
Empowering - she
understands and takes
time to understand each
individual's personal
needs.
I found it very helpful.
She put me on the right
track on the course that I
wanted to do. I've had a
second appointment with
Maggie in March.
I found it all helpful.
Maggie is going to help
me with a new CV and
has sent me some useful
links.
The meeting has given me
confidence and helped me explore
and evaluate further career
opportunities – information, help
and support which in turn, I can
pass on to my learners.
Has given me
more determination
to succeed in life.
The meeting was
helpful as it paved the
way forward to
employment and taught
CV skills and where to
find sites for jobs.
It helped me to update my
CV. Now doing ECDL
course at Liskeard and I
have successfully found
employment since the
meeting.
Callington learners get help with
their career plans
Five learners from Callington Link into Learning have had 1:1 advice about
training and job opportunities this year from a National Careers Service
adviser. One of these has already found work!
One of the learners, Adam, wrote this article about the experience:
I have been coming to Link into Learning this year to get English and
maths qualifications – mainly because I am thinking about a change in
career. But I wasn’t sure what is around that would suit me and didn’t
really know how to get started.
My tutor, Jane, encouraged me to have an interview with Maggie. She
came to meet me in my local centre and we talked for about 45 minutes
about my skills and interests, existing qualifications, what jobs I might
consider and how much retraining I could take on. Maggie told me about
various routes into working in the fitness industry (amongst other things).
She told me about local colleges and what grades they would need for
different courses.
At the end of the interview, she gave me her contact details. The idea
was that I would think over what she had said, do some more research
and get in touch for further advice if necessary.
Since then, I have emailed with a few follow-up questions and Maggie has
always quickly sent a helpful reply. She will also help with CVs and can
even do a mock interview. I found the experience and the on-going
support really helpful and would encourage everyone to get some advice
from the National Careers Service.
Thinking of learning a second language?
What our learners say…
I had always regretted not taking Spanish ‘A’ level at school and 35 years later I decided to do
something about it. The idea of going straight in to ‘A’ level was clearly going to be a step too
high so I thought an introduction at GCSE the best approach.
This has not only re-ignited my enthusiasm for the language, but also opened up new avenues
in my career. It has enabled me to host several medical trainees from Argentina, allowing
better communication with the expectation of travelling to Argentina to cement a more formal
exchange programme.
I couldn’t have done this without having local and convenient access to excellent teaching in
Adult Education. Once I have a bit more time that ‘A’ level will be back in my sights!
Dr Giles Richards
Spanish ‘A’ Level
As a languages teacher qualified to teach French and German and wishing to return to work in
the secondary education sector, I found that in order to be considered for a job, I would need
to offer Spanish as my second language as schools offering German in Cornwall are now
few and far between.
I studied for GCSE Spanish from scratch but felt that it was essential that I extended my
language skills further to AS and A2 level. I am now Curriculum Leader for languages in a
secondary school and teach Spanish at Key Stage 3 and French to ‘A’ Level. This position
would not have been available to me if I had not been able to work towards further
qualifications in Spanish.
In my current role, I know a lot of teachers and teaching assistants who are looking to
increase their qualifications in Spanish or French in order to better equip them in the
workplace.
Karen Sully
Curriculum Leader for Languages, EAL Co-ordinator
and Primary Languages Course Co-ordinator
at Callington Community College
Eleven years ago my daughter went to work for a year teaching in the British School in
Alzira, near Valencia in Spain. Cutting a long story short, she married the Spanish teacher
and they now live in Valencia with their two children (now 8 and 4 years old).
Although all the family speak English, I wanted to at least learn something of my
grandchildren’s first language and taking the GCSE was a good starting point. I have
continued trying to progress and, although I struggle, I am able to understand some of
what is being discussed when I am over there and can at least communicate a little on basic
issues with the Spanish people I meet.
If that Spanish GCSE course - or something similar - had not been available, I would not
have had the catalyst which set me on the road to learning the language.
Nigel Young
In 2009 I completed the GCSE Spanish course at Laity House. The duration of the course
was approximately 9 months, at the beginning of which I had virtually no knowledge of
Spanish whatsoever. Less than a year later, I had gained an A* Grade at GCSE Level. In
fact, from my class of ten students, six received an A* Grade, and the other four received
an A Grade. This surely speaks volumes for the efficacy of the tutor’s teaching, and the
course itself.
However, it is not just gaining a certificate which was important to me. Many people gain
language qualifications at school, jumping through the hoops to make the top grades, only
to find that they cannot hold a conversation with a native speaker of the target language
afterwards. On this course, we not only learned the grammatical and comprehension skills
required to understand written and spoken Spanish, but there was much emphasis on
getting us to speak, with a significant amount of time each lesson dedicated to oral practice
over a wide range of topics.
The year after my Spanish GCSE, I completed a 2-year A-Level Spanish programme in 9
months, receiving an A Grade, and have since kept up my Spanish with the number of
Hispanic friends I have made since being able to speak their language. Having always been
passionate about languages, this GCSE course gave me the foundation and confidence to
explore the cultures and meet the people of the Spanish-speaking world - a world that so
many who only speak English will never have the joy to experience.
Thomas Marsh
(Below is a picture of me at my graduation at the University of Exeter)
How we found love through Spanish
I had been studying Spanish independently, from books, for a few years before I started
going to Silvia’s wonderful classes in Liskeard, where I was able to practise more
speaking and listening to Spanish, as well as learning more about Spain and South
America’s rich culture.
I decided that what I most needed to improve my writing and speaking skills was a
native Spanish speaker to write and chat to. I found a contact website where I looked
for someone with similar interests to mine, and that’s how I found Maria from Bogota in
Colombia. We began to write to each other about our lives, our countries and our
interests; we both had a love of nature, animals, walking, traveling and so we began
chatting on Skype. Despite my imperfect Spanish we thoroughly enjoyed our Skype
conversations; it was fun telling someone in a different language about my life here and
listening to Maria describe her life in Bogota - and she had a beautiful smile!
During several months of writing nearly every day and chatting once a week, our
feelings for each other were growing stronger and I decided I should travel to Bogota to
meet Maria and her family. In January 2012 I went over to Colombia for 10 days: we
explored the tourist sites of Bogota, I met all her family and we had a brilliant time
together. It was clear that we had each found the love of our lives! We arranged to get
married the following October and I spent the whole winter in Bogota, helping to look
after Maria’s ailing father, and spent the subsequent two winters there as well. In
March 2015 Maria was able to get her visa to visit the UK and so she came over for six
weeks to see my life here in Cornwall. She came with me to my Spanish classes and
finally met Silvia, whose classes helped to unite us through Spanish!
Brian and Maria Milton
Bude News
“Cornish Therapies” in
practice at The Camel
Centre, Camelford
Our Level 3 ITEC Massage
learners are successfully
running weekly clinics at our
Beauty Salon in the Camel
Centre at Camelford. They are
offering a range of massage
treatments to suit the clients'
needs, under the supervision of
their tutor, Angela Lewis.
Angela is extremely pleased
with the learners' progress,
commenting that “they are
gaining lots of valuable
experience by putting into
practice their learning.
Working in a clinic environment
has really helped them to work
together as a team and has
improved their confidence.”
To find out more about the
ITEC L3 Diploma in Massage
course, which is due to start in
October 2015 at the Camel
Centre, please contact
0300 1231 117.
Learner Story
Helen has a lifelong love of horses and has just completed her first year of trading
in her equestrian business at Broomhill Manor at Bude. She has worked
extremely hard and admits her first year has been challenging, but she has stuck
to her vision with true determination.
Helen had struggled with dyslexia and a low academic attainment at school and
realised that the time had come for her to do something about it. She attended
the Gregson Centre in Bude until December 2013 where she successfully achieved
Level 2 Functional English and Maths, as well as completing a Sage Bookkeeping
course and ECDL Level 2. Helen said, “The courses at the Gregson Centre have
given me so much confidence and definitely brought me out of my shell.” Her
advice to anyone in this situation definitely sums up her attitude. She says, “If
you have a dream, don’t give up on it.”
Helen’s plans for the business are going from strength to strength. She is
showing three horses at the Royal Cornwall Show this year and is currently in the
process of starting up a Pony Club for younger riders.
Helen is a shining example of determination and motivation, and on behalf of
everyone at the Gregson Centre, we wish her every success for the future.
Well done, Helen, and long may your business thrive!
Launceston IT Learning Centre working with
the National Farmers’ Union
The Launceston office of the NFU recently used the Flexible Learning Centre in the town to allow
farmers to register for a new government scheme which can only be done online this year.
With varying IT skills and internet access, the NFU were delighted to find that the centre could
accommodate their members and staff for the day. Some members had found that their
broadband is too slow to complete the application process whilst others were glad to have the
guidance of the NFU staff to help them through the process. NFU agent Sarah Potter said, “It
was really helpful to find a venue that allowed us to help everyone register for the scheme.”
This story demonstrates how our IT learning centres provide a valuable resource in the towns
where they are located, helping learners improve their IT skills or learn from scratch.
If you are looking to brush up your computing skills, why not get in contact? We offer a range of
courses that can improve employment prospects and build confidence in all areas of IT.
To find out more contact your local centre today:
Launceston IT Learning Centre
2-4 Church Street,
Launceston PL15 8AP
Tel: 01566 779603
Email: [email protected]
The Camel Centre, Camelford
Sir James Smith’s School, Dark Lane,
Camelford PL32 9UJ
Tel: 01288 356302
Email: [email protected]
Falmouth IT Learning Centre
Tregenver, Tregenver Road,
Falmouth TR11 2QW
Tel: 01326 318370
Email: [email protected]
Newquay IT Learning Centre
Tolcarne Road,
Newquay TR7 2NQ
Tel: 01637 874688
Email: [email protected]
Bude IT Learning Centre
The Gregson Centre, New Road,
Stratton EX23 9AP
Tel: 01288 356302
Email: [email protected]
Liskeard & Torpoint IT Learning
Centres
Laity House, Higher Lux Street,
Liskeard PL14 3DJ
Tel: 01579 340821
Email: [email protected]
Helston IT Learning Centre
Helston Adult Education Centre, Church
Hill, Helston TR13 8YQ
Tel: 01326 565380
Email: [email protected]
Wadebridge
Wadebridge School, Gonvena Hill,
Wadebridge PL27 6BU
Tel: 01288 356629
Email: [email protected]
Gary Kidman has recently embarked on his third ECDL course at Launceston IT Learning Centre.
His success in previous courses has encouraged him and he said, “Coming to the centre has
helped me to become more confident in IT and I’ve enjoyed the challenge of studying for the
courses.” Gary is partially disabled and has found that his weekly session at the centre has helped
him to get out and about and meet people. As a result of the qualifications he has gained he’s
hoping to get back to work and is even considering volunteering as an IT buddy to help others get
the most out of computers.
Family Learning
Family Learning tutors - our routes in to teaching!
All of us teach and each one of us came to this career in our own, sweet,
individual way. We hope to inspire you with our small tales of personal
development. Read on!
As a child I spent lots of time lining my dolls and
teddies up in front of my blackboard and teaching
them! I did a French and Spanish degree at Sheffield
Uni (sparked largely by a crush on my French teacher
at 11 years and a love of Latin American literature).
During that time I volunteered on a "Need to Read"
project helping young people with basic literacy in a
very un-school-like environment; I also helped at
a local comprehensive which led to my decision to
teach.
My PGCE was a challenging year, followed by seven
years teaching languages. When my first child was
born in 2001, I needed more flexible part time work
and joined CAES as a tutor. I joined the FL team in
2008 and have the opportunity to work with adults
and children together, which I find very rewarding.
My route into teaching…
Inspired by the fact that my father was a lecturer, it was
always my plan to teach in FE. Rather than follow a
simple, tried and trusted PCGE, I followed the twisty path
of HND followed by Cert. Ed. After I qualified in 1989 I
taught at Harlow Tertiary College until I moved to Cornwall
and started work for Family Learning in 2004.
My degree in Psychology and Education (completed in ’89)
set me up perfectly for several years of bar work,
waitressing, travelling and generally larking about
throughout my 20s. The decision to do my PGCE in my
30s was the result of three on/off years as a teaching
assistant in a primary school. I never truly wanted to
teach children; the PGCE was my key to getting ‘a real
job’.
Thank goodness for Adult Ed! Soon after I graduated, I
got the job of working with parents, teaching them English
and maths to support their children’s learning. Now I also
teach GCSE English Language. I love my job!
Working as a Link into Learning Project
Manager in 2004, I suddenly realised I
would much rather be doing the tutors’
job! One year on and a couple of courses
later, I found myself working as a Family
Learning tutor and my journey into
teaching began!
In the last ten years I’ve tutored in
church halls, schools, in woods and in
classrooms, most recently embarking
upon a PGCE and teaching GCSE
English. Consequently, my route into
teaching is founded upon a wide range of
experiences which has imbued me with
a versatile, resourceful and creative
approach to the profession!
The market for freelance cameraman
has always been limited in the South
West. A friend was lecturing at
Falmouth University and suggested I
work on the degree course in Broadcast
TV. This led to regular part time work
teaching the journalists and TV crews of
the future how to produce TV
programmes.
I seemed to have an aptitude for
teaching and while I could handle the
subject, I needed to ‘upskill’ and acquire
a teaching qualification. I joined the
Cert Ed course at Truro College and
coincidentally was asked to produce a
promotional video for Family Learning. I
discovered that CAES was expanding
and looking for tutors so with my newly
acquired teaching, photography and
video skills as well as the Cert Ed
everything fell into place and I joined
Family Learning as a tutor!
I left college with three A-Levels, achieved graphic design at Falmouth Art College and enrolled on a
private course painting china in the traditional Wedgewood way. I went on to teach that class and sold
my work, painting and selling for over twenty years. I designed an anniversary plate for Guide Dogs for
the Blind, presented a piece to Princess Anne at Fowey and exhibited at the Chelsea Fine Art Fair in
London, as well as many years at Royal Cornwall!
In the summers I did body painting and henna tattoos at festivals and Eden – and was spotted by the
then ‘Head’ of Family Learning. In 2002 I took my teaching qualification while working for Family
Learning and St Austell College where I taught art in communities. Since then, Family Learning has gone
from strength to strength!
Wordplay at the Echo Centre
These photos show some of the users at a "disability resource centre"
during an Adult Education session of "wordplay" where learners made
words from their names, using cut out letters of the alphabet.
They then created sentences using these words and as a grand finale
the sentences will be strung together using letters from the tutor's
name, Kathie Hoskins, in order to invent a strange tale which is looking
good so far as it expected to be about arrivals, departures, saucy fun,
fights and finally redemption, all at a "Mardi Gras'!
The results will be published in their Echo Centre newsletter.
Our amazing learners…
Tracy Chapman recently received Pirate FM Local Heroes
2015 Parent/Guardian award for looking after her
granddaughter. Tracy moved 250 miles to look after her
granddaughter after she was taken into foster care.
Tracy is at present attending a L3 Diploma course in
Massage and Anatomy & Physiology at the Camel Centre.
.Camelford.
My Story: Iwona Szulinska
I was born 20th November 1986 in Brodnica, in Poland. When I was 18 years old I started
work in a grocery store on the night shift and one year later I got married and gave birth to
two sons. I came to England in 2007 because my husband was offered a job in
Wadebridge, where he has worked to this day.
When I came to England, for the first two years I looked after my children. In 2009 I
started work as a cleaner where I worked for 5 years. I also began education in Link into
Learning in Bodmin. I have attended classes for 3 years and have passed three different
levels of English exams in reading, writing and speaking. I am working towards my last
exam at Level 1 by July 2015.
Last year Diane, my teacher, suggested that I meet with Maggie from the National Careers
Service who helped me a lot about how to run my own business. She is an absolutely
wonderful person on whom I can always count and I am very grateful to her.
Knowing that I have the support of my husband I am sure to succeed in my new business,
which is called Fresh Air Cleaning Company.
Falmouth News
Talented Learners
Once again our arts and craft learners will be holding an exhibition at The Poly in Falmouth
where there will be displays of the work they have created on their courses.
The exhibition this year is being organised by the learners to support their enterprise skills.
The exhibition will be open to all Adult Education learners on Arts and Crafts courses.
Also, we warmly invite all to come and share in the celebration of their success.
The dates are to be confirmed!
A big ‘thank you’ to one of our talented learners who kindly donated this beautiful piece of
art work created on her Oil Painting course with Tamsin Woodford.
This will now be displayed in the Centre.
‘You said, we did’
It was difficult to see the edge of the steps outside.
The edges of the steps have now been painted yellow to make them more visible.
Our amazing learners…
One Drop in the Ocean
Fifteen years ago I said I would never touch a computer! I had a real inferiority
complex about anything remotely technical, especially as my four young children were
already studying some strange new subject called 'IT' at school.
Then I started writing; with two fingers I tapped on my new laptop. First came a story
based on the Cubert murder of 1883 – hours of research went into my work about
Thomas Down who was murdered by the blow of a hammer, wielded by the 'King' of the
Romany Gypsy fraternity. My story was exciting, for the infamous Boswell was a chair
mender of Cubert, my own village, and their argument had started in 'The Hosken's
Arms' which was now my café, The Well.
Then followed my first sad computer lesson: always click ‘save’. My story was lost!
Next came a story about ‘Marmi the Ant’. Now all I'm waiting for before publishing are
the illustrations from South Africa. Then into print it goes (saved!).
Now I'm writing ‘The Hope of Balu’, a true life story, nearly finished, about our project
in India. There's not space to say here what we've been doing, but glance at the
photos and your heart will know.
These children have been born into a dirty, poor and oppressive environment, one that
ruins your self-esteem and tries to teach children that it is 'normal'. They are from the
lowest caste (the Dalits), who have been known for centuries as 'untouchables': denied
benefits, education, and fair employment.
So we are giving a chance to 22 beautiful, talented, loving children: the chance to have
a home, education, food and above all, love. We sold the café and bought the bricks!
Pete (my husband) and I have just returned from a busy time out there in India: it's
very hot and dusty; it's hard work; the language seems impossible to learn (we're
trying); the customs are strange; the food spicy and the mosquitoes bite! But that's
the challenge and we're not giving up.
Thanks to Anne with her strict rule of 'NO LAUGHTER IN CLASS' we are now enjoying
Skyping with our family in India...and my books are safe on memory sticks! Not only
that, we even found the new children's home on Google Earth! New computer skills
can indeed bring happy smiles.
Our goal is to give these children a real chance in life: their education will include
horticulture, animal husbandry, carpentry, tailoring, cooking, and music. With every
'holiday' we take over there we encourage another life skill.
To find out more please visit our Face Book page, ‘Children of Sharon Grace’. Many
people ask 'How can I help?' and I answer: 'Go and see, go and share. Please, help
these children to achieve their potential.' If you can't go, contact me and we'll talk.
We know it's only a drop in the ocean. There are thousands of poor illiterate Dalit
children on the streets of India. But like the dying starfish who was flung back in the
sea, you can make a difference to ‘one’.
Thank you, Anne, for increasing my knowledge with the ECDL course. I WILL become
computer literate by the time you have finished with me!
Theresa Malin
Chance meeting with a past learner – a tutor’s story
I recently ‘bumped in to’ a previous learner whilst shopping in Truro. Last year, she
attended my literacy sessions in Truro and also a maths session in Centre. She had
successfully completed both courses, maintained impeccable attendance and gained a L2
Functional Skills award in both English and maths.
She immediately recognised me and we spent some time chatting about her experiences
and how happy she had been with the teaching and learning with which she had been
supported at Link into Learning.
She was gleaming with pride and very eager to chat about her present situation. I invited
her for a coffee and we shared more of her experiences and life to date. She was keen to
talk about her current learning and emphasised again how very pleased she had been
with the teaching and learning she received with us at Link in to Learning, which
increased her confidence immensely and supported her personal development.
I felt both proud and flattered when she reiterated comments about the challenging and
supportive teaching methods she experienced in her time with us. She emphasised the
fact that the whole process, from entering the Centre and making contact with ‘front desk’
to actually being assessed and introduced to a suitable group, was a really friendly and
supportive experience.
She went on to inform me of her present situation. She is presently enrolled on an
accountancy course at Truro College, as this fits in with her personal life and family. She
is currently making very good progress and claims her confidence boost was down to us
initially.
As we parted, I wished her every success for the future and her final words were:
‘I wish all my learning experiences had been as friendly and interesting as the time I
spent with Link into Learning. If I hadn’t attended there, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
I made some good friends also, who I still stay in touch with. Thank you so much!’
The moral of this short story is that people are often happy to complain but there are
also many people for whom we make a difference. This chance meeting with a past
learner really does make the job worthwhile, wouldn’t you say?
Look at my confidence now!
One of our learners in an Entry Level English group in Truro has made fantastic personal
achievements in attaining accreditation with us and also in boosting confidence.
She has successfully achieved Stepping Stones and Functional Skills awards at Entry Level 1 last
year and is now developing skills at Entry Level 2, initially through the progression route of
Stepping Stones projects.
When she first enrolled on the course, she was extremely shy and really lacked self-confidence.
During the course of her development she has:


Blossomed in the group environment
Engaged with the National Careers Service



Really opened up with her peers
Joined an IT session within the centre
Felt confident enough to engage in planning an exhibition for her artwork at a local venue
in Truro, which she was personally approached to do
Link into Learning staff felt honoured when they received personal invites to attend the private
viewing of Stacey’s art work at the exhibition in Lemon Street, Truro. This learner really was
worthy of support and praise.
The Mayor was also invited and it was inspiring to see this learner confidently engaged, talking
about her art work and explaining where her inspiration came from. This sight would never have
been possible even a year ago. It was so encouraging to watch Stacey stand so proudly. Even
though inwardly she was a little nervous, her disposition didn’t let her down.
Her mother was at the viewing and she thanked staff at Link in to Learning for all the support
they, and the Adult Education Service, have given her daughter; she said how impressed she was
with Stacey’s progress and confidence.
Some examples of Stacey’s
work
Stacey with her English tutor
Eileen
Move into Moodle
Have you Moodled yet?
Many of you have – look at how we have grown!
Our Moodle site (which we call CALM – Cornwall Adult Learning Moodle) is an
online area where we can share:

Our news and your views – this magazine can be viewed or downloaded
from the information bar at the top of our login page of CALM.
 Writing Competition – the results! Login to read the amazing best
entries in each category – the link is on the homepage of CALM.
 Our online gallery – has new pictures of work from our talented
Drawing and Painting, Life Drawing, Photography and the Level 2 NCFE Art
and Design Textiles learners. Take a peek by clicking the link on the
homepage of CALM.
You can learn:

Subject specific words – a glossary specific to your area of study, from
nail technology to maths. A list of commonly used words and phrases and
their meanings. Just one click on the
link on the homepage of
CALM.
 Resource pages – many of our courses have pages on CALM in which
your tutor has uploaded activities which complement your weekly
sessions. Take a look by clicking your My courses link at the top left on
the homepage of CALM – particularly useful for revision as you near the
end of your course.
 Little green books of useful information especially for you - just
click the links at the bottom of the homepage of CALM.
Feedback to us and help us to improve the service that we offer:
The staff at Adult Education work hard
to make sure that everything runs
smoothly during your time learning
with us.
If you would like to say ‘thank you’ to
someone from the team, whether it’s
your tutor, the team on the front desk
or someone who helped you with an
enquiry, please click the ‘Thank You’
link on the homepage of CALM to let
us know.
How did we help you get to where you
are now?
What could we have done better?
What more can we do to help?
Click the link on the homepage of
CALM to let us know.
And for our tutors:
Progression is important – if, as a
result of one of your courses, one of
your learners has now secured a job
or is now undertaking a course at a
Further Education college or studying
at university, please record this in the
Progression Portal on Just4Staff.
(While you are there, why not take a
look at the Tutor Toolkit too!)
Login to CALM: moodle.cornwall-acl.ac.uk
Don’t know your login details? Please email:
[email protected]
Wondering what to do next?
Did you know…?
We can offer help and support, or put you in contact with advisers who can help
you:
Decide which is the best course for you
Find out about other courses you can move on to
Explore possible financial support options
Benefit from additional learning support
Look at employment opportunities
Please ask your tutor about this, enquire at your local centre or e-mail
[email protected] for further information.
We are on
Facebook!
The Cornwall Adult
Education Service now has
its own Facebook page.
Please visit and ‘like’ us on
the link below to receive
regular updates about
events in your area.
https://www.facebook.com/
CornwallAdultEd
Would you like to say thank
you?
The staff at Adult Education work hard to
make sure that everything runs smoothly for
our learners.
If you would like to say 'thank you' to
someone from the team, whether it's your
tutor, the team on the front desk or 'the
person on the end of the phone who took your
initial enquiry', please log onto CALM,
click on the ‘Thank you’ button
and leave your feedback.
For more information – some useful websites
Cornwall Adult Education Service website http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2109
Just4Staff website –
http://www.cornwall-acl.ac.uk/staff/j4slogin.php
CALM website –
http://moodle.cornwall-acl.ac.uk/login/index.php
If anyone has any problems accessing the Just4Staff or CALM
websites, please contact Kay Edwards on [email protected]