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Tameside Adult and Community Education

Autumn Course Prospectus 2018-2019

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Join one of our courses to develop your employability skills, enrich your life and feel the excitement of learning something new.

You will always get a warm welcome from Tameside ACE. Our learning venues are comfortable and friendly, we give value for money and our qualified and experienced tutors will help you each step of the way.

There are a wide range of courses listed in this prospectus which we hope you will find interesting, challenging and fun.

Jean QuinnHead of Service

ContentsIntroduction.................................................................................................................................................2

Your Learning Journey.................................................................................................................................4

Student Services.........................................................................................................................................5

Course Fee FAQ’s........................................................................................................................................7

Courses.......................................................................................................................................................8

Welcome and Introduction

Information Line: 0161 342 4063

Email: TamesideACE@Tameside.gov.uk

Website: www.tameside.gov.uk/adultlearning

Find us on Facebook Tameside Adult and Community Education

Follow us on Twitter @TamesideACE

Matrix Standard of QualityTameside Adult and Community Education has been awarded the Matrix Standard. In November 2015, the service was successfully re-assessed and was once again granted this unique quality standard, demonstrating the high quality of advice and support services we provide.

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Based in the heart of Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside Adult and Community Education gives you the chance to continue or return to learning. Our small, friendly classes provide a comfortable environment where you can get the support needed to achieve your goals.

Our courses are for those aged 19 or over and focus on the essential skills for life and work such as IT, English, maths and employability skills. Whether you are a beginner or want to improve your qualifications to a Level 2 standard, we have a course for you.

We are committed to helping you achieve success by improving your life chances and employment prospects.

Our aims are to: • Engage and enthuse learners who may have experienced barriers to learning

• Provide learning opportunities that enable learners to gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to secure sustainable employment

• Enable all learners to achieve their full potential

• Support health and well-being

• Have a positive impact on the economic growth of the borough Celebrating DiversityWe welcome all learners regardless of age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, family origin, family circumstances or any other factor.

About Us

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Your Learning Journey Begins Here

We are committed to providing excellent information, advice and guidance. Once we have spoken to you about the course you would like to study, you’ll be asked to complete an initial assessment to help us find out what skills you already have and where some of your gaps might be. Don’t worry it’s not as scary as it might sound! It’s absolutely free and there’s no pressure to enrol on a course. It is just to help you (and us) understand your next steps.

To book your initial assessment call 0161 342 4063.

Our IAG Officer and your tutors will provide you with Information, Advice and Guidance

throughout your journey.

3Agree your

learning goals and career

aims.

2Assess your

skills to find the right level for

you.

1Discuss and decide the course you would like

to do.

5Support

into further learning or the

workplace.

4Regularly review

your progress with you.

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Student Services

We understand that for some learners coming back to learning is not always easy, especially if you have lots of other responsibilities and commitments. You might also feel nervous about studying with us because you have been out of education for many years or perhaps you don’t have the best memories of school.

At ACE, we work only with adults so you’ll be surrounded by people who may feel just like you. All our staff do their very best to make every learner feel welcome and supported.

Our Student Services Officer can provide information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including what help is available for course fees, transport and equipment.

We will work with you to break down any barriers preventing you from achieving your learning and employment goals. If you find yourself in a situation stopping you from attending your classes, please talk to us and we’ll do our best to help.

If we are unable to help, we will put you in touch with one of our partners who can help with issues such as debt advice, counselling, caring for a friend or relative, or support with getting a food bank voucher. Whatever your problems, we will all work together to give you the help you need.

One to one appointments are available to discuss any support you may need to help you work towards your training and employment goals.

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National Careers ServiceIf you are unsure about your career goals and how to achieve them, you can make an appointment with the National Careers Service. Their specialist advisors can help you:

• Review, identify and improve skills

• Get ready for work with job searching techniques

• Identify or change careers

• Manage and develop your career

• Open a Lifelong Learning Account

Routes to Work Routes to Work are a supported employment service within Tameside Council. We offer support for people with disabilities, mental health, drug and or alcohol issues who reside in the Tameside area. Our objective is to help you achieve work based independence. If you’d like to speak to the team, make an appointment at reception or drop in to the Topaz Centre on Catherine Street, on the last Thursday of every month from 2pm until 4pm.

New Charter Work ClubIf you need job seeking support and help with setting up Find a Job or My Work Search accounts, the New Charter Homes Work Club can help. Experienced and friendly staff and volunteers will also be able to support you with updating CV’s, covering letters and help you to improve your job seeking skills.

The Work Club provides a great opportunity to meet new people while you search for work and apply for jobs on line.

No need to make an appointment, just drop in any time on Mondays 9.30am-12pm and Fridays 1.30-3.30pm.

part of

Student Services

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Course Fee FAQs

We understand that money may be a concern so we have put together some common questions and answers.

Will course fees be cheaper if I am in receipt of benefits?If you are claiming some benefits you may be eligible for reduced fees. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, please contact 0161 342 4063.

Is there any help with the costs of my course?Financial support may be available for course fees, transport and childcare if you are enrolling to a qualification course. Your tutor and student services will be able to provide you with more information about how to apply.

What methods of payment can I use?Course fees of between £4 and £25 are paid on your enrolment day and you will need to bring this with you in cash. If your course fee comes to more than £25, you will receive an invoice from us. This invoice can be paid by any of the following methods:

• Calling the number on the back of the invoice and paying over the phone with your debit or credit card

• Sending a cheque to the address on the back of your invoice

• Paying online by visiting www.tameside.gov.uk

• Paying at the Post Office

• Paying by cash at your nearest shop with a ‘Pay Point’

Alan’s Success Story

“Before I came to ACE my reading and writing skil ls were really bad but now I can see a difference; I can see that I ’m improving. I take spell ing home, my Toe by Toe reading book, a l ibrary book and class homework and I do a bit every day.

After I left school I got a job straight away and I ’ve been working ever since but I couldn’t read. I used to store the jobs that needed doing in my head as I wasn’t able to write them down. Now, for the first time, I can write sentences on my own. Last week I had some homework to take a reading book home from the l ibrary. There were a few words that I didn’t know but Michelle explained them last week so now I can read the whole thing on my own. I ’m really happy with how far I ’ve come.”

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Skills for Life: Maths and English CoursesOur Functional Skills maths and English courses can help you get the skills and nationally recognised qualifications you need to boost your CV and job prospects. If you are a parent or carer, boosting your understanding will also help you feel more confident assisting your child with their school homework. Our learners tell us that learning these essential skills have enriched their lives enormously.

We know each learner is different so we will make sure the course is ‘made to measure’, based on your individual requirements and learning goals. As there will be no more than 15 learners in your class, your tutor will be available to give you the encouragement and direction needed to help you progress. We can also provide you with stepping stone units if you need to develop specific skills before progressing to higher levels.

We also have two Learning Support Assistants who can offer additional learning support to those with a recognised learning disability.

Cost: FreeTime: 2.5 hours per week for 20 weeks, daytime and eveningWhere: Tameside ACE, Stamford Chambers, 68 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7RX

Maths and English Courses

Entry Level 1

Entry Level 2

Entry Level 3

Level 1

Level 2

GCSE

Foundation Functional Skills help you to build confidence and improve your skills

to help you progress to the next level.

English at this level will help you improve your writing, reading and wider communication skills.

Learning maths at this level, will give you the essential skills you need for life and work.

GCSEs are for those learners who have established skills and have achieved Level 2 qualifications.

A level 5 pass at GCSE is essential if you want to work in a number of professions. For example, police officer, nurse or teacher. GCSE qualifications are also

valuable if you are considering university study.

Level 2 qualifications are often essential to employers. Achieving

maths and English at this level will help you progress onto a range of professional

training and open up a greater number of

employment opportunities.

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Introduction to MathsThis course will give you the maths skills you need in everyday life such as calculations, fractions, percentages and decimals. If you want to brush up on your maths without the pressure of having to take an exam, this is the course for you.

Functional Skills Maths (Levels: Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2)

This course will help to improve your calculation skills such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Learn how to use fractions, decimals and percentages. Find out how to calculate with money to help you make better financial decisions. Improve your understanding of the metric units of measurement. Explore data and graphs and acquire a knowledge of averages and probability.

GCSE MathsThis course is for anyone wishing to gain a level 5 (equivalent to good grade C pass) or above for their GCSE Mathematics. This course will cover topics on:

• Number

• Algebra

• Ratio, proportion and rates of change

• Geometry and measures

• Probability

• Statistics

Functional Skills English (Levels: Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2)

Improve your reading, writing and speaking and listening skills for work and pleasure. This course will help you to communicate clearly and effectively by developing your spelling, grammar and punctuation. You will also be able to gain confidence in listening for information and responding appropriately.

GCSE EnglishThis course is for anyone wishing to build their knowledge and understanding of the English language. Topics covered include:

• 19th, 20th and 21st Century texts

• Analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts

• Creative writing

• Writing for functional use

• Speaking and listening

Maths and English Courses

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ESOL Courses

If English is not your first language and you would like to improve your English skills, our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses could be just what you need.

ESOL Chatter Group (6 weeks)

This course will help you learn simple words and sentences. You will also be able to practise them in class.

ESOL for Leisure (6 weeks)This course will help you improve your speaking and listening skills for day-to-day use in life and work. Learn how to greet people, ask simple questions and listen to simple replies.

ESOL for Work (6 weeks)

This course will help you understand some of the words used on job application forms and adverts.

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Technology is vital to modern living and being able to use a computer is essential. Not only are computer skills now crucial for applying for jobs but ICT skills are also highly sought after in the job market. Gaining a qualification in ICT is sure to improve your chances of employment.

Using a computer can also enrich your life, enabling you to stay in touch with friends and family, shop online, type letters or do your banking online.

Before you get started on an ICT course, we’ll ask you to come to an initial assessment. This gives us the chance to see what you can already do. We will then recommend the right course for you and invite you to enrol. Just before you get started, you’ll also have an interview with your tutor to help set your learning goals.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced user of ICT, give us a call to find out about the range of ICT courses we have on offer to suit your needs.

ICT Courses

Start IT

Office Essentials

Digital Employability

Get Online

ITQ Qualification

in ICT

Functional Skills in IT

ECDL

Jobs Online

Move IT on Jobs

Your learner journey starts here

Entry Level 1

Entry Level 3

Level1

Entry Level 1

Entry Level 2

Entry Level 2

Entry Level 2

Entry Level 3

Signpost to other providers

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Beginners ICT Courses

Start ICTIf you have never used a computer before, this course will help you learn the basics.

• Use a keyboard and mouse

• Save your work

• Change text (style, size, colour, alignment)

• Use the Internet safely

Get Online SafelyLearn how to communicate online and search using the Internet. You will have the opportunity to learn how to:

• Find information online

• Keep yourself, your information and your computer safe online

• Shop online

• Keep in touch with friends and family online

Jobs OnlineImprove your chances of getting a job by learning the skills you need to search and apply for jobs using the Internet. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to progress to Move IT On Jobs which will help you embed and develop the skills you learned on this course.

Debbie’s Success Story“I completed ICT, Sign Language and Maths in 16/17 which led me to enrol onto a counsell ing Level 3 course at Oldham College. I ’ve nearly finished this now and I ’m now looking forward to going to Salford University. They’ve offered me a place on their Counsell ing and Psychotherapy degree. I feel a bit overwhelmed at how far I ’ve come over such a short time.

As well as going to university in September, I ’m also volunteering at Change Grow Live, the Hospital Alcohol Liaison Services, where I am a before peer mentor and at Tameside ACE where I work on reception and help with the teas and coffees at break time. It feels good that I ’m using all the skil ls I ’ve learned at ACE including people skil ls and computer skil ls in MS Office in all of my volunteering roles.

If it wasn’t for my tutors and Tameside ACE I wouldn’t be going to university this year. It’s been a great journey and I ’m looking forward to the next chapter.”

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ICT Qualification Courses

Functional Skills ICT (Level Entry 2)

This course is for those who have some computer skills but want to improve them for everyday use of computers, or to gain a qualification in ICT. You will learn basic word processing, how to search on the Internet and how to receive and reply to emails.

Digital Employability (Level Entry 3)

If you are considering how to extend your personal development and growth, improve your employability, or fill a skills gap, our Digital Employability qualification is the answer. With its modern, engaging content, Digital Employability qualifications have been designed to give learners the skills they need to be digital citizens.

ITQ (Level 1)

This course will help you develop your knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office to discover the application of a range of ICT user skills. As well as mandatory units, you can choose from a range of optional units to achieve your QCF ITQ at Level 1.

Certificate in IT User Skills (Level 2)

This online course will help you expand your skills to meet the demands of the workplace. You can choose from a range of internationally recognised optional ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) units to suit your interests. Your tutor will support and guide you through the mandatory and optional units.

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Vocational Courses

Caring for Children (Level Entry 3)

This qualification focuses on the personal qualities and skills that are required of the childcare sector. You will develop skills required to communicate with young children, be aware of your rights and responsibilities as an individual, develop knowledge of alternatives to paid work and how you may benefit from participating in these activities, and learn how to self-assess personal strengths, weaknesses, skills and qualities in order to identify goals.

Caring for Children (Level 1)

If you have decided you want to work in the childcare sector, this is an ideal qualification to give you the practical knowledge and skills needed to work with young children. You will cover a variety of topics to include keeping children safe, encouraging healthy eating, understanding how children learn, how to ensure children feel valued as well as planning a number of fun and creative activities.

Phonics for Teaching Assistants This short course provides an introduction to phonics and phonics systems for those interested in becoming a Teaching Assistant. Find out how Phonics is used in schools and practise using them in class and as extended activities. This course is suitable for those who already offer support in schools or for anyone with aspirations to work in this field.

Certificate in Retail (Level Entry 3)

If you’re interested in retail, this qualification course will equip you with knowledge and skills specific to this sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills. It is designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in retail or other related sectors.

Yvonne’s Success Story

“I had no idea how to use a computer when I first came to Tameside ACE. After a number of courses, I have now achieved my L2 IT qualification and am really proud.

My greatest achievement here is how far I ’ve come with my maths. I left school with no qualifications whatsoever. I started at Level 1 and progressed to Level 2, which I passed in July 2017 after a few attempts. It made me realise that you only fail when you give up. I ’m now enrol led onto GCSE maths which I ’m very happy about.

I ’ve really enjoyed my time at ACE so far and am looking forward to this year and seeing what else I can achieve!”

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Life and Living SkillsIf you want to find out more about community engagement, develop your skills in gardening and learn how to work as part of a team, then this course is for you! You will also learn about healthy living, food hygiene and safety, and personal safety in the home and in your community.

Get Ready For Work Are you aged 19 to 24? This course has been co-designed with the Youth Employment Scheme as a supportive route to finding work. This involves completing job application forms, preparing for interviews and sourcing local jobs vacancies and apprenticeships.

Get That Job - how to ACE an interviewThis course is designed to offer you support and advice on overcoming the practical barriers involved in getting a job. You may have an up to date CV and know how to job search, but in the race to employment you may be falling at the last hurdle: the interview. This course will give you an opportunity to gain the skills you need to make sure that it is you who gets that job.

Workout for WorkAre you registered with Routes to Work? If so, this course will help you to assess and develop yourjob searching skills. You will learn how to assess yourself for work, set personal goals, find out aboutthe range of opportunities in work, use your Universal Jobmatch account effectively, complete onlinejob application forms and prepare for interviews.

Confidence BuildingThis course focuses on general coping techniques to build confidence and self-esteem in day to day situations. The course will explore various techniques, such as Mindfulness and relaxation, and will aim to improve general wellbeing. Learners will be encouraged to focus on their individual aims and meeting personal goals throughout the course.

Start SigningThis course will introduce you to basic communication using British Sign Language (BSL). You will learn how to fingerspell the alphabet, greet and take leave of people and ask and respond to simple questions.

Development Courses

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Old Street

Warrington Street

Wellington Street

Delamere Street

Loyds Bank

Shopping Centre

ReceptionFor all general enquiries please call:

Tel: 0161 342 4063

Student ServicesSelina McCann

For impartial information and advice on where to go next and on all of our courses, whether you are learning with us or not:

Tel: 0161 342 4063Mob: 07974 111 676

Email: TamesideACE@Tameside.gov.uk

Head of ServiceJean Quinn

Tel: 0161 342 4028/342 4063Mob: 07855 798 149

Email: jean.quinn@tameside.gov.uk

Learning ManagerAnnette McCone

Tel: 0161 342 4063/342 4027Email: annette.mccone@tameside.gov.uk

Stamford Chambers68 Old Street

Ashton-under-LyneOL6 7RX

Useful Contacts