Our News Your Views Issue 10 – May/June 2016

Welcome to another inspiring edition of Our News Your Views

This term we are celebrating the achievements of another year and are delighted to share

the prize winning entries from our diversity-themed Creative Writing Competition.

Entrants were asked to write about ‘Life in Modern Britain’ and without exception every

entry was interesting and enlightening, making judging both difficult and very rewarding.

This is the third writing competition we have run and as always, I and the other judges

have been overwhelmed by the quality of submissions and humbled by writers’ stories.

Thank you to everyone who entered and to the tutors who encouraged their learners to rise

to this challenge. Extracts from the prize winning pieces are published here and the full

entries can be read on CALM - http://moodle.cornwall-acl.ac.uk/login/index.php.

Also this term we are very excited to announce a new initiative for supporting our learners:

The Dyslexia Deal. You may not know this, but it is estimated that one in 10 of the

population has dyslexia – this means that more than 6.3 million people in the UK potentially

have dyslexia (http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/page/facts-and-figures-about-dyslexia-0).

We have always strived to support learners with dyslexia no matter what course they join.

Many enrol on a functional English or maths course, but they also join other courses such

as Access to HE, counselling, beauty and complementary therapies and GCSEs.

Our aim is always to support them within their learning programme by providing

appropriate teaching and offering strategies for self-support. The Dyslexia Deal takes this

one step further by offering learners with dyslexia something tailored specifically to their

needs – read more about the pilot in this issue and if you know of anyone who you think

might benefit from this, please refer them to their local Link into Learning Centre.

As always, thanks to everyone who has contributed to this edition of Our News Your Views

and of course to Fran and Vicki for their time and fantastic editing skills.

The EU: In, out – what’s it all about?

The European Union (EU) Referendum is on Thursday June 23rd so we thought a little quiz was in order!

Test your knowledge of the EU here – the quiz will be on CALM in 4 languages (we hope!) throughout June as

well.

Question 1: How many countries are currently in the European Union?

a) 32 b) 27 c) 29 d) 28

Question 2: The headquarters of the European Union is in which city?

a) Birmingham b) Berlin c) Bruges d) Brussels

Question 3: What is the largest city in the European Union?

a) Lisbon b) London c) Paris d) Munich

Question 4: Match the capital city to its country!

Romania – Malta – Croatia – Cyprus – Lithuania – Slovakia

Bratislava – Vilnius – Valletta – Bucharest – Zagreb - Nicosia

Question 5: Which language has most native speakers in the European Union?

a) French b) English c) German d) Polish

Question 6: There are 26 official languages spoken in the EU.

True or false?

Question 7: The EEC was first formed in 1957. What do these letters stand for?

a) European Economic Community b) Economic European Community

c) Equal European Countries d) Europe Equality Council

Question 8: The UK joined the EU (then known as the Common Market) in which year?

a) 1973 b) 1972 c) 1970 d) 1971

Question 9: The last country to join the EU was...?

a) Romania b) Croatia c) Bulgaria d) Turkey

Question 10: The six founder members of the EU (then the EEC) in 1957 were...?

a) Belgium, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, West Germany

b) Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, West Germany

c) Belgium, East Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands

d) Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, West Germany

Answers at the end of the newsletter!

Creative Writing Competition

ESOL category – English for Speakers of Other Languages

Joint 1st Prize – Mandeep Kaur

My children enjoy the support they get from their school too, there is no bullying, they

were very frightened and worried about it at first because of the different skin colour and

their cultural hairstyles, and they thought people wouldn’t understand. Actually, they have lots of friends and are accepted for their religion, the teachers are very friendly and

they are ready to help me with any problems. There are always smiley faces on the homework.

Joint 1st Prize – Tao Li

I think most British are good and nice people. They are very friendly and polite. When I walk in the street, some people always smile to me and say “hello”, that make me feel

warm. I think they are very happy to help each other and other people. My husband’s English friends are all very passionate and friendly. At the beginning when I arrived in

Cornwall, they made a “welcome party” at Jenny’s home. And they always give some gifts for my daughter on English festival days. Especially our landlord, they are very kind and affable. They made English food for us and let me know more things about Britain. They

also helped us lots. We always celebrate Christmas together, we are talking, we are

laughing, we make each other happy, we are like a family.

The brief for this year’s creative writing competition was ‘Life in Modern Britain’ which we think ties in very well with all the discussions about Europe and the EU at the moment.

We had almost 40 entries, which was not as high as previous years but still an impressive

number. As usual, well done and many thanks to all who had a go!

We hope you enjoy these extracts from the winning entries:

Level 1 and Above category

1st Prize – Josiah Parris

The beautiful thing is that we have a long

history of successful integration with a

multitude of ‘outside’ cultures. From the

Romans to the Romanians, we are a nation

made infinitely culturally richer by our

various influences and components. For more

than two thousand years we have conquered

and been conquered again and again, and it

has made us into one of the most fascinating

melting pots in the world today. British

culture’s greatest strength is its ability to

willingly accept large aspects of other

cultures and still retain its unique Britishness.

This inclusive spirit has been made

abundantly clear to me and my family since

our return. I have the red passport but a bit

of a funny accent and my wife and children

are all at least half-German, yet every one of

us is made to feel welcome and like we’re

part of the good thing that we all have going

on in this country. It honestly makes me feel

proud to be British!

Entry Level category

1st Prize – Sarah Johnstone

Today I woke up with that

same feeling of anxiousness. What will happen today and will

it be better than yesterday? I’m hoping so! I sit up and listen out for my wife and

wonder if she is happy or agitated. I get out of bed and

catch my reflection in the window. I’ve lost weight since we got married, and seem to

look older somehow, face withdrawn and saggy skin. I

don’t have any mirrors in my house so I don’t have to look at myself. They are a reminder of

how my body has now come to

look.

Creative Writing Competition

Entry Level category

2nd Prize - Hayley Hilder

Once a year we all come together for the festive switch on also known as the Camelford Christmas lights. So much time and effort is put in to make this happen. Rain snow or

wind they are there getting everything ready making sure the lights work arranging food, music even building a sleigh for Santa ready for him to go around our town visiting the

children which for them is extremely exciting and their faces light up every year which leaves you feeling blessed to live here. But it’s not just about Christmas for me it means

more than that.

Creative Writing Competition

ESOL category

Joint 2nd Prize – Anna Kusnierz

When I came to Britain I didn’t have any expectations, only what I know that the life in this country is easier than mine. Even if we earn the lowest salary we don’t have to worry about bills. I heard that the weather on the British Islands is horrible. I think

that in Cornwall it is better than another part of the country. People in Britain smile

more often than Poland. The drivers are more polite than Poland.

ESOL category

Joint 2nd Prize – Monika Fetingyte

Britain gives many reasons why I like it here. For example:

• I like people here, because they are very friendly.

• I like museums here, because in our country we have just a couple of them. • I like the weather here, because I love it when it starts raining.

• I like the shops here, because clothes are cheaper.

ESOL category

3rd Prize – Rita Pukeraba

In Britain we can see diversity everywhere – in the nature, people, culture, places and celebrations. Here, there are modern buildings and also historical monuments – old

castles, Post Office houses and many other buildings. British people respect history; we can see it everywhere, on memorial desks, on the walls of houses, even on the benches

in the parks near the seaside and the trees. In Britain’s nature we can see plains, mountains and rocks, forests, meadows, rivers and lakes. There are white winters in the

north of England and warmer zones in the south of England, where flowers bloom all

year round.

Creative Writing Competition

Level 1 and Above category

2nd Prize – Sue Kliskey

Tarek was a refugee from a small village in northern Syria. He had fled when insurgents came

to the area, killing many of his friends and some relatives. He was a young man in his early

twenties and had been living in the 'Jungle' for nearly seven months.

The Jungle in question is the refugee camp in Calais, France. An estimated 6,000 people are

now resident in this camp which was never meant to cater for this many. Dwellings, shops

and even mosques are now in evidence but the infrastructure to support their everyday

needs, be it health or education, were not in place. Tarek had been sanguine on his arrival,

seeing it just as a short delay on his journey to England. Now however, his initial optimism

was waning fast.

Level 1 and Above category

3rd Prize – Maureen Salter

The streets come alive at certain times of the year: Morris Dancing, Mummers and Maypole

mingle with dragons and clashing cymbals of Chinese New Year. The five day festival of Diwali, festival of lights, is a warm atmospheric festival observed with much joy and

happiness. Holi festival of colours is where people exuberantly throw vibrant coloured powder and water over each other.

In some cities and towns the costumes of the world parade in all their colours, the clash of bright saris, African robes and Hijabs of many hues. Bright turbans adorn the heads of many

of the men. The landscape of the streets has changed with cupolas, minarets jostling with towers and spires of the established churches. People of all races become friends and

everyday understanding of different cultures is grasped.

We like this story from one of our learners who completed the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AE&T) last year. Emma White is a self-

employed massage therapist and moved to Bude from Hertfordshire a year ago with her husband

and 2 children because they love Cornwall and wanted a change in lifestyle.

As well as wanting to build up a massage practice here in Cornwall, Emma wanted to be able to teach

Lava Shells: the first portable self-heating massage tool in the world, like hot stones but with

many more advantages. Emma told us that she had already been involved with promotional work with the product as well as providing Lava Shells

treatments in her own practice before she moved but that she did not have a teaching qualification.

Emma found our AE&T course in an Adult Education brochure and at an open day at the Gregson Centre in Bude, found out more details and also discussed

the possibility of teaching Lava Shells! She was pleased to find that the Area Coordinator, Dionne Peers, was extremely encouraging about the whole idea.

Emma enrolled on the AE&T course which started last September at Laity House, Liskeard.

Emma commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed the AE&T course. It was hard work and challenging at times but I learnt an enormous amount and felt very proud

when I passed. I think Chloe is an exceptionally good teacher; I found her classes to be extremely interesting, dynamic and thought-provoking.”

Emma taught her first Lava Shells course ('Lava Relax' – full body massage with hot shells) to 7 students on the 29th April at the Gregson Centre. Of those

students, some were therapists she had personally approached about the training and others had approached 'Shared Beauty Secrets' (the exclusive distributors and training company for the UK & Ireland for Lava Shells Massage

- telephone 01295 724297 for more information) to find out where they could train locally. Emma said that she absolutely loved teaching her course and she

is very much looking forward to teaching the next one! Look out for her one day ‘Lava Relax’ course that is planned for the Gregson

Centre in Bude on Friday 30th September. You need to be Level 3 massage-qualified to attend the course.

And if you are inspired by Emma’s story of career development, you might be

interested in the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, due to run in Liskeard (01579 345384) and Falmouth (01326 319275) next year. Please get in touch with those centres if so!

Emma’s Journey: how we can help with career development

Norma Bosustow

The Dyslexia Deal

Help us test the new Dyslexia Deal!

This appeal recently went out to dyslexic learners in Callington and Bodmin

Link into Learning and has resulted in a 10-week trial project in both centres.

Learners with dyslexia can sometimes find learning hard work so we’ve been looking for a

way to help learners on all our courses with simple study skills strategies that really work.

First there is a dyslexia screening, which starts to identify any issues you might have and

which strategies are already working for you. Then a reading and spelling assessment tells

you which units from the British Dyslexia Association’s online Units of Sound programme

would help. These units target your individual reading, spelling and memory needs and you

can also do them at home, working at your own pace. In the group, we also look at how to

‘work’ your memory and how to plan, organise and approach tasks of all kinds using

a range of different techniques.

Helen, a learner on Dyslexia Deal, explained, “A lot of maths is different to when I was at

school and I get overloaded really easily, juggling all the numbers and new words and

methods. I’m learning not to jump straight in, but to think about the task and all the

different elements in it. Once I’ve got them straight in my mind, I can use a mind map, a

list or a highlighter pen to get all the steps in order. Only then do I start working things

out. I’m now going to try this technique with more maths-based tasks. I’m hoping this will

make me feel more confident and in control, and if I do make a mistake, I should spot it

more easily. Dyslexia Deal is helping me readjust my thinking.”

Although Helen is focussing on applying the techniques to maths, other members of the

group are concentrating on spelling patterns and rules.

At the end of the course, learners and tutors will discuss which activities worked best and

build resources so that Dyslexia Deal can become something that everyone can benefit

from. If you think you may have some dyslexic issues, ask your tutor about

Dyslexia Deal – coming to your area from September 2016.

Family Learning tutors have worked with hundreds of parents, carers and sometimes their

children in schools and children’s centres across the county this year: giving families time together; putting smiles on faces; raising adults’ confidence in English and maths so they can

support their children; inspiring many ‘lightbulb moments’ and generally sharing our passion for learning!

The summer term is a special time of year for all of us in education as many of us complete courses and sit exams and start looking ahead to the new academic year. In schools, it is a

very important period of transition – especially for the 4 and 5 year olds going up to their first proper class, ‘Reception’, and for the 11 year olds going up to secondary school (Year 7).

That move up to ‘big school’ is perhaps the scariest step of all. Suddenly you’re the

small fish in a very big pond; I wonder how many of us can actually remember our first day at secondary school?

Family Learning delivers ‘transition’ courses centred on these two key periods of change, giving parents and carers the opportunity to consider what these changes mean for the

whole family. Below are some comments from parents of children going up to Reception and up to Year 7, who attended our courses:

“This course makes me want to learn more so I can help my children and myself.”

“We covered a wide range of topics and learnt some useful strategies to assist my

child with his transition to secondary school.”

“It was fun and great to meet other parents in the same position!”

“I am more relaxed – I am giving more time and approaching the learning that

takes place at a child’s pace.”

“I will offer my child more time and patience – allowing him to explore the tools

and what feels is comfortable for him. I will give him chances to write and explore letter formation without pressure to get it right straight away!”

“The course has made us more involved, as I was struggling to figure out how

helpful I could be whereas now there is more progress!”

“I feed back to my husband, and we are all more relaxed with learning and working

alongside the school and their strategies.”

“I now have much more understanding of what to expect when my child starts school.”

So, wherever you are going, whatever you plan do to next – we hope you can look back on this academic year with pride and pleasure and contemplate your next steps with confidence.

Perhaps you will view it as a time of ‘transition’; whatever it means to you,

we hope you enjoy the summer!

Transition: Family Learning helps families move from one year to the next

Questions and Answers?

Questions and Answers Community Interest Company deliver programmes for

16-18 year olds and apprenticeships as a subcontractor of Adult Education. That means the Service funds the delivery and monitors the quality.

Based in Redruth, Q & A have been very successful in progressing young people in to work

from both their 11-week programme of study, ‘Inspiring not Defining’, and their

4-week programme, ‘Managing Transitions.’

S was unsure of a career route when he joined Q & A but through his enrichment sessions he discussed his options with his tutor, visited a number of employers and found out what

employers were looking for and what types of skill different jobs involved.

He chose to do his work experience with Furniture World in Redruth who have now

employed him on a customer care apprenticeship. Q & A are continuing to mentor S and are pleased that he has now passed his driving test!

During his initial interview, JP stated that the programme ‘sounds like something I should be doing because I don’t know what I want to do.’ He was lacking in confidence and didn’t

leave the house much but through his enrichment sessions he worked on his teamwork and personal thinking skills which led to increased confidence.

Despite several setbacks during the course, he continued to complete and now has a full time job as a trainee fishmonger at Tesco. JP said: “I liked that I can get along with the

tutors very well and any help I needed for anything I can ask them for.”

CV writing, job applications and interview skills are key parts of the employability process

as well as work placements – working at a local gym and in a computer repair business are just two of the work experiences the young people have undertaken. Learners are given

the chance to discuss the knocks that life throws at them and develop life skills in money management, teamwork and personal thinking.

It’s an all-round positive experience that has led to apprenticeships and work in areas as

wide ranging as business administration to customer care to fishmongery!

What Our Learners Like Best

I was worried about coming to do the course but was surprised at how much I

enjoyed learning things.

(Functional Skills English)

The tuition, help and advice has

increased my confidence and taught me so much.

(Art)

Very friendly and relaxed; I didn't feel silly if I had to ask for something to be

repeated or explained again. It has boosted my confidence in conversing

in the basics of Spanish. (Spanish)

My tutor was very thorough,

friendly and professional. She helped me believe in my abilities

and was always encouraging.

(Bookkeeping)

A friendly, supportive tutor;

interesting and extending course work; and a productive

atmosphere for learning.

(Creative Writing)

Positive learning environment - the course covered a great

amount of material – well-structured which meant we

were all comfortable. (Textile Art)

Learning with others and being part of a group. That I am

acceptable whatever my ability. (Tai Chi)

The guidance given by the tutor. This was helpful in building

confidence and encouraging me to develop my own style in

watercolour painting. The support of the other learners.

(Watercolour for Improvers)

In our last newsletter we talked about

safeguarding and the Prevent training that all staff working in the education sector must have; we explained that all Adult Education

staff are being trained at the moment. We’re pleased to say that it’s not just governors,

managers, admin staff and tutors undertaking this commitment.

On the left is one of our caretakers, Roger Jewell at Bude, proudly displaying his

Prevent Certificate – he passed with 96% first

time which is a great achievement!

Safeguarding is for everybody!

Safeguarding advocates gain qualification

The Service safeguarding advocates recently attended

training leading to them gaining a Level 2 qualification in ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People’.

The qualification gave the advocates a greater understanding of the indications that a child or young

person may be subject to abuse and the processes which take place when an alert is made.

Gaining this qualification was part of a programme that has seen all the advocates attend a variety of training

events covering issues such as domestic abuse, mental ill health and substance abuse.

Don’t forget, if you have concerns that someone may be a victim of abuse, or you would just like to talk over your

concerns, the safeguarding advocates are there to help.

‘If you see something, say something.’

Safeguarding advocates are:

Viktor Ivanov - 01726 223674

Sara Oliver - 07973 813861 Dionne Peers - 07968 892803

Rob Sweetzer–Sturt – 07968 892923

Morwenna Vernon - 07968 892803

Morwenna Vernon and

Dionne Peers

Our Learners Exhibit!

Above are photos from the Camelford massage group and below you can

see the Bude beauty group.

The attention to detail and the care taken to ensure that clients have a lovely experience is obvious from these pictures – we hope that many

learners and staff have taken the opportunity to have a treatment in centre

and experience first-hand what these learners have put in to practice.

Bude Hub

Late news! Falmouth Complementary Therapy learners are putting on a special day of treatments in

order to fulfil some of their course requirements and raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. On Wednesday 22nd June between 10am and 3pm you can get a hand (£3)

or foot (£5) reflexology treatment and refreshments at Falmouth Ad Ed Centre. What’s not to like?!

Winging it!

Sara Rance, the photography tutor at Bude, was greeted with an unexpected luxury thanks

to one of her new learners! At the start of her Digital Photography Beginners course, she discovered that one of her learners, Sharon Bindon, keeps birds of prey and wanted to

improve her photography skills for business use including her website.

Sharon owns and runs Ancient Art Falconry (www.ancientartfalconry.co.uk) at Bradworthy,

near Bude. She readily agreed to bring in some birds during the course to give a unique experience to the other learners, while also doing herself a favour!

Sharon said: “I have always had a camera but didn’t really know how to use it to its full

capacity. I have completed the beginners’ photography & editing courses and I am currently

doing the intermediate photography course. This is going into the camera and its potential in more depth. I have found all the courses informative and well-constructed with both theory

and practical things to do. I want to take quality photographs to promote my business by making calendars, postcards, cards and sponsorship cards with what I have learnt and what

I am yet to learn from Sara, our tutor.”

The other learners took great delight in this opportunity as most had never been close to

birds of prey. They appreciated the chance to get up close and learn how to take quality photographs of them. The standard was extremely high and the experience was

enjoyed by all.

Answers to the EU quiz!

Very well done if you got 10 out of 10!

Question 1 d) 28

Question 2 d) Brussels

Question 3 b) London

Question 4 Romania and Bucharest Malta and Valletta

Croatia and Zagreb Cyprus and Nicosia

Lithuania and Vilnius Slovakia and Bratislava

Question 5 c) German

Question 6 False – there are 24 official languages and many more

unofficial ones!

Question 7 a) European Economic Community

Question 8 a) 1973

Question 9 b) Croatia

Question 10 b) Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, West

Germany

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

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

kedwards@cornwall.gov.uk

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.

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 iag@cornwall-acl.ac.uk for further information.