Adult Learning Programme

On behalf of Highland Council, we develop and administer a varied programme of Community Classes throughout the year in Skye and Lochalsh, though the majority of classes are held in the autumn to spring period. There are classes taking place in many towns and villages which stimulate interests and provide a wide range of learning and leisure activities.

These informal and enjoyable classes are scheduled subject to demand and utilise the skills and knowledge of local people to provide classes for learning and leisure in an ever-changing range of subject areas from conversational French to Flower Arranging and from Digital Photography to Drawing and Painting.

Would you like to lead a Community Class?

If you have an interest or skill you think may be popular and you would be interested in leading a class - do contact your nearest Learning Centre and we can discuss this further. We can offer you a modest remuneration and advice and support in planning, arranging and marketing your classes throughout the area.

Adult Learning Programme Winter 2008-09

Learning Centres:

Auchtertyre Learning Centre | Portree Learning Centre | Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Learning Centre

Courses:

How to Enrol

AUCHTERTYRE LEARNING CENTRE

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS with Sarah Bruce at Dornie Hall

Reduce the fear of turning on your computer - this excellent (3 week), introductory evening course is for anyone who is terrified of their computer, doesn't know where to start and needs a little help to get going! The use of a computer at home is recommended. Starts February 2009 - call or email us to register your interest.
£20 (£10)

BEAUTIFUL BEADING with Linda Inglis at Kyleakin Primary School

Beading for beginners as well as those who have attended Linda's classes previously. This evening class will run once a month for 4 months. Materials provided for a small cost, to be arranged with the tutor.Starts Thursday 29th January 2009 7-9.30pm for 4 weeks.
£25 (£12.50)

WILLOW WEAVING with Monique Bervoets at Auchtertyre

A fun introduction to working with willow. Learn some basic basket-making skills and make a pea stand to take home. Please bring secateurs if you have them.
One session: Monday, 23rd February 7pm-10pm.
£7.50 There may be a small payment to Monique for materials.

RECYCLE, CREATE AND MAKE SOMETHING GREAT! with Meg Millar at Rag, Tag & Textile, (Unit 3a) Broadford Industrial Estate

We are all looking after the pennies these days and what better way than to reuse fabric? Using recycled materials, learn how to create a new piece of work or several small items to take home. The possibilities are endless! No experience necessary. Materials provided for a small cost, to be arranged with Meg.
Wednesdays starting 18th February 2009, 7-9pm for 8 weeks.
£40 (£20)

WATER COLOUR WORKSHOPS with Barbara Harrild at Auchtertyre

A series of five, fortnightly, day-long workshops (10am-4pm), each focussing on a different aspect of picture making. A basic knowledge of watercolour painting would be ideal.
Wednesdays April 15th & 29th, May 13th & 27th, June 10th, 2009.
£75 (£37.50)

GAELIC AT INTERMEDIATE LEVEL with John Galloway

This will be an evening class in Plockton. Date and time TBC. Please call us to register your interest.

A ONE DAY WORKSHOP IN BEER MAKING with Andy Will

This will be a Saturday in Plockton. Date and time TBC Please call us to register your interest.

PORTREE LEARNING CENTRE

WOODWORK with Neil MacDonald at Portree High School

An intermediate class for those with a few basic skills and wishing to progress. You can take on a project of your own choosing with help and support from the tutor.
Materials for project will need to be supplied, but the tutor can help with this if necessary.
Mondays starting February, 6.30-9.30pm for 6 weeks.
£45 (£22.50)

BRUSH UP YOUR WATERCOLOURS with Lesley Linley at Portree High School

This will be a follow-up course aimed at those who have completed at least one term of watercolour classes and understand basic principles and now wanting to improve their watercolour painting. We will refresh and develop techniques and skills appropriate to painting a variety of subjects including landscape and still life.
Mondays starting February, 7-9pm for 8 weeks, 2 hours per session plus one 4 hour workshop. List of materials required on request.
£50 (£25)

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY BEGINNERS with Jon Pear at Portree High School

This will be a light hearted start to getting the most from your digital camera. Learn how to compose a picture, download and organise images onto your PC. An outside Saturday morning practical workshop will be an option.
Beginners should try and make sense of their camera instruction booklet, bring along a notebook and pencil, and have access to a computer at home.
Thursdays starting January 8th 2009, 6.30-9.00pm for 8 weeks.
£50 (£25)

AFRICAN DRUMMING with Steve Terry at Portree High School

The aim of this course is to learn the basics of African drumming with a view to setting up a permanent Skye Drum Circle. Hopefully the many exciting rhythms of West Africa will energise and inspire, as well as relieve tension and stress. Some instruments available but learners encouraged to bring any percussion instrument if possible.
Mondays starting January 12th 2009, 7.30-9.30pm for 6 weeks.
£30 (£15)

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? with Carol Walker at Portree High School

Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were and where they came from? Is there a skeleton lurking in your cupboard? This will give you some idea of how to get started, and what resources are available. Some basic internet knowledge would be an advantage.
Tuesdays starting February, 7.00-9.00pm for 4 weeks.
£20 (£10)

SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG LEARNING CENTRE

BASIC NAVIGATION AND SAFETY TRAINING with Mark Entwhistle at Sabhal Mor Ostaig

No experience is required for this course but it would suit people with an interest in motor boats or sailing who would like to acquire basic navigation and safety training. A course pack, which is required, will be provided by the trainer at an additional cost of £35.
Two sessions on Saturday January 31st and Saturday February 7th 9am-5pm.
£40 (£20) (Bring packed lunch on both days)

FRENCH CONVERSATION FOR FUN with Daisy Reeves - Sleat Primary School

This course is designed to further your understanding of spoken French and increase your confidence in speaking French. Every week there will be discussion on different topics working from newspaper articles, poems, songs or recipes. Some grammar points are reviewed but the main aim is to have fun, role playing everyday situations and discussing French life and culture. If French is your cup of tea (or coffee) then this is the class for you. Suitable for intermediate level.
Thursdays starting 8th January, 7-9pm for 10 weeks.
£50 (£25)

GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR CAMERA with Steve Terry - Sabhal Mor Ostaig

The camera controls demystified. The aim of this workshop is to explain how the camera controls can be used most effectively to produce sharp, correctly exposed pictures whatever the conditions and whatever the subject. Topics include such things as exposure, shutter speed, aperture, depth of field and filters. One day indoor theory workshop followed by outdoor practical workshop. Suitable for beginners. Bring what equipment you have and a packed lunch!
Saturday in 17th January, 10am-4pm.
£15 (£7.50)

AFRICAN DRUMMING with Steve Terry at Sabhal Mor Ostaig

An introduction to some of the many exciting rhythms of West Africa. The aim of this course is to teach the basics of African Drumming with a view to setting up a permanent Skye Drum Circle. The different instruments will be explored, the sounds they make, the concept of polyrhythms, how to keep the beat and how to read drum music. There will be a chance to try all the instruments. No previous experience is required, but bring any percussion instruments owned.
Wednesdays starting 14th January, 7.30-9.30pm for 8 weeks.
£40 (£20)

CREATIVE WRITING with Rody Gorman at Sabhal Mor Ostaig

Some of the areas covered will include poetry and songs in English and Gaelic, translations, haiku and linked poems. There will be publishing opportunities: editing and submitting work. Bring a pen.
Mondays starting January 12th, 7.30pm-9.30pm for 8 weeks
£40 (£20)

HANGING BASKETS AND CONTAINERS with Ron Johnstone at Sabhal Mor Ostaig

The aim is to prepare baskets and containers followed by planting and maintaining them. Suitable for beginners. Bring baskets or containers – plants and compost available for sale on the day.
Saturday 18th April 9.30am-12.30pm.

SHORT COURSES AVAILABLE FROM JANUARY 2009

As part of the Adult Learning programme, we are offering the following courses, subject to demand in Auchtertyre, Portree, Sleat & Staffin. All courses are 10 weeks x 2 hours per week. 2009.

Rusty Reading and Writing? (can be available in all our college learning centres)

Are your reading skills rusty? Is it ages since you have written more than a note to school? Do you have trouble with reading newsletters or helping your kids with their homework? This is the course for you. We can help you with everyday tasks such as writing letters for your local community group, filling in forms and reading instructions so that you can become confident and well grounded in communication skills. £50 (£25)

Brush up on your Maths (can be available in all our college learning centres)

If you find it hard to work out the basics when it comes to measuring your house for curtains and carpets, working out how much paint you need, whether that "buy one get one free" deal is really worth it, or working out your percentages, then you might want to brush up on your maths. We'll make maths add up for you! Come along and try it. £50 (£25)

Internet Safety (can be available in all our college learning centres)

How to keep your children safe on the internet; Protect your equipment from viruses and malicious emails; How to shop securely; Learn the basics of everyday internet usage so you feel more confident.

£50 (£25)

HOW AND WHEN TO ENROL

You can enrol for all the above classes by calling the relevant Learning Centre when the courses are published in the local press, other publications, or by using the "Contact Us" star on the home page of this website.

All bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis and your place will only be confirmed when you have paid. Telephone bookings will be held for 5 working days to allow time for payment and proof of exemption, where applicable, to be sent to your local learning centre.

If a course is particularly popular we will keep a waiting list and try, if possible, to run the course again. Some of the tutors can be flexible so we can possibly reschedule courses if the ones advertised don’t suit….please let us know. All classes depend on a minimum of 6 people enrolling – if there are insufficient numbers, we will get in touch and refund your payment.

EXEMPTIONS / REDUCTIONS IN COST

A copy of proof of exemption is required.

Under 18 and not in full time education – free.
Registered unemployed and in receipt of benefits or on Income Support – free.
Anyone with a NHS tax credit exemption certificate – costs noted in brackets.
Over 60’s – costs noted in brackets beside each course but if on Income Support, it’s free.

NB: Individuals who qualify for free courses are entitled to only one course free, thereafter the concession rate (noted in brackets) applies