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| Ms FRANCES STEPHENSON |
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Mission statement
Adult Learning aims to provide
quality adult-centred learning for people in Co
Longford who want to improve their basic skills
to enable them to access further personal, social,
economic and educational opportunities.
The following section outlines courses offered by
Adult Learning.
Introduction
For adults who
• left education early
• have been away from education for a long time
• have difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, basic mathematics and basic computers,
• want to get basic certification
• want to get back into education
Adult Learning provides a gentle, informal, and flexible starting point. We provide not only key skills training in reading, writing, mathematics and basic computers but also a variety of courses leading to certification. These can not only help adults with basic skills but enable them to access further education and training.
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Main features of Adult Learning are:
- Part-time courses. Learners can attend for as few as two hours per week
- Flexible opening hours. We have morning, afternoon or evening classes to suit people with different work and family needs
- Free tuition. There is no charge for courses.
- Various start dates. Classes may start at different times of the year- not just September or January
- One-to-one classes. Adults who want help with reading, writing and spelling or basic maths can avail of individual tuition tailored to their specific needs
- Small groups. Generally, groups range in size from three to nine people
- Informal and gentle pace.
- Certification. We offer certified and non-certified courses. Certified courses include Junior and Leaving Certificate English and Mathematics and subjects leading to FETAC awards from levels one to four.
Courses are delivered by trained tutors who ensure a quality, adult-centred, professional and personalised service. Both tutors and students contribute to and learn from the tuition process.
Centres
Adult Learning has centres in Ballymahon, Granard and Longford town. Ballymahon and Granard centres are attended on a part-time basis whilst Longford is open from 9.30 to 6pm from Monday to Thursday and 9.30 to 4.00 on Friday.
Classes take place in our centres at different times from 9.30am to 10.00 pm. We also have classes in other venues around the county as we work with a variety of groups and organisations on a range of different programmes.
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Learners
In 2007, more than 1000 adults attended courses with Adult Learning. Ranging in age from 16 to 75, most learners fell into the 30 to 50 age group. Many men preferred one-to-one classes whilst most women opted for group classes. Almost half our students attend English language classes.
One-to-one tuition
We offer one-to-one tuition to adults who want to improve their reading writing and spelling. Each learner works with a volunteer tutor for one and a half hours per week on material that is particularly relevant to the learner’s needs. One-to-one classes may start at any time during the year and may take place in the morning, afternoon or evening.
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Workplace Learning
Courses in basic education are offered to people in the workplace. Course content may include Communications, English and Basic Computer Skills.
Workplace Learning has been promoted as part of Adult Learning since 2000. Employers concerned with staff development are enthusiastic about the benefits to both workers and employers, whilst workers appreciate the interest and investment their employers offer them by allowing them to attend training during working hours. Workplace Learning programmes are funded by employers and FAS under the Skills for Work Programme.
In 2007, programmes were organised in conjunction with Longford County Council, Iarnród Éireann, C&D, Bord na Mona and Tesco. These courses were run one day a week over a number of months. Course content included subject areas such as Communications / English, Computer Studies, Interview Skills as well as material specifically relevant to the workplace.
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Return to Education Programme
In association with FÁS Community Employment Schemes, this programme has been in operation since 1998. Community employment participants are released from their schemes to attend their course for 9 hours per week over a period of 30 weeks. Participants on this ‘Return to Education’ programme prepare portfolios for FETAC accreditation and prepare for Junior or Leaving Certificate examinations.
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Special Needs
Classes are also provided for adults with physical and/or intellectual difficulties.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (E.S.O.L.)
Morning, afternoon and evening classes in English language are offered to non-english speakers. Registration for ESOL courses takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm. FETAC certification at levels 3 and 4 are offered in modules such as Language, Preparation for Work and Communications.
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