Leap into learning for spring
Posted on 25 January 2011
The Centre for Lifelong Learning has launched two new courses at Westfield Primary School in Acomb and at Burton Stone Community Centre, allowing local people to study at university level without the need to visit the University's campus.
The familiarity of a local venue makes this a great way to test the water and find out what higher education is really all about
Lesley Booth, Head of the University's Centre for Lifelong Learning
Students at Westfield are exploring what it means to live in modern Britain through the course 'You and Your Society' while learners at Burton Stone are studying creative writing. Many of the students have not been in a classroom for many years and have no qualifications beyond leaving school.
Mandy McVeighty, from the Chapelfields area, is studying on both courses. She said: "I wanted to improve my confidence, to get used to being with other people and to try and get some up-to-date qualifications. I’m finding it hard work but I’m managing it."
Funded by Aimhigher and supported by the City of York Council's Family Learning Service, the lifelong learning programme aims to engage local people in higher education who may not immediately consider university-level study to be for them. Learners gain University credits for the courses and study at the same level as students on the first year of a degree programme.
Lesley Booth, Head of the University's Centre for Lifelong Learning, said: "Courses such as these are a perfect opportunity for local people to re-engage with the world of education and get the learning bug. Many students use these courses as a springboard for further learning. The familiarity of a local venue makes this a great way to test the water and find out what higher education is really all about."
The Centre for Lifelong Learning will be offering further courses at Westfield Primary School and Haxby Road Primary School after Easter. Taster courses for both venues will be offered in early March. Call 01904 328473 for further information.
Notes to editors:
- The Centre for Lifelong Learning also offers a range of evening and day classes on the University’s Heslington campus which are open to the local community. These explore history, literature, creative writing, music and social sciences. Further details on the programme can be found at www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning
Contact details
Keep up to date
Subscribe to news feeds
