Community Learning offer short courses for adults living in North Somerset (minimum age 19) to help build skills and confidence for work, volunteering and wellbeing.
Priority places are given to those who are in receipt of certain benefits or with few or no qualifications.
All our courses are currently free and held both face to face and remotely.
For remote courses participants will need access to the internet with a laptop, PC or tablet.
ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
Face to Face classes
Learning English as a Second Language for those with no English, Beginners English and Levels upwards.
All courses deliver sessions on speaking, listening and pronunciation with a focus on using English when
out and about. These classes also seek to enable and support social integration supporting language for
shopping, visiting new places, and for meeting and greeting new people. For the higher-level groups
language for employment is covered as well as gaining techniques to improve presentational abilities
when speaking English out loud.
No English Level
Wednesdays 1-3pm from 8 September for 14 sessions.
Pre-Entry Level
Mondays 1-3pm from 6 September for 14 sessions
Entry 1 Level
Mondays 10am – 12pm from 6 September for 14 sessions
Entry 2 Plus Level, Speaking, Listening and Pronouncing
Mondays 4-6pm from 6 September for 14 sessions
All at St Paul’s Church Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1EF
For all enquiries and to book an initial assessment contact:
Iona Gibbons iona.gibbons@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07767 671633
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UhU2OpFB-UDSSmBPM3RTpPPEU5ozd3zT/view?usp=sharing
Goblin Combe Woodland Adventures
Face to face course in the woods
Get your mojo back at Goblin Combe Adventures. Join a small group to take part in lots of outdoor
activities including campfires, woodland walks, archery and orienteering. Relax your mind, exercise
your body and allow yourself time to step back from the stresses of everyday life.
Wednesdays 10am – 2pm from 15 September for 5 sessions.
At Goblin Combe Woodland, Cleeve.
For more info and to book a place contact:
Alice at goblincombeadventures@gmail.com
or JP Evans phone/text 07795 390 667 julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk
Woodwork for Women
Face to face course
An introduction to woodwork for complete beginners in a relaxed non-competitive environment. Learn
hands-on skills and carpentry techniques. Build confidence to safely use hand tools. Information about
options for gaining more skills and/or experience.
Fridays 9.30am -2.30pm from 17th September for 5 sessions
at The South West Skills Campus, Locking Rd, Weston-super-Mare BS22 8NL
For more info or to book a place contact:
JP Evans julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BYV2XPBpuma9RtF3PW887Mldk3N7DJpP/view?usp=sharing
Positive Art
Face to face in the classroom
Use paint, paper, collage, print and positive energy to enjoy and develop your creative skills by
exploring a wealth of art making techniques.
Thursdays 9.30-12.30 from 23 September for 10 weeks
at North Somerset Training Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Jewellery Making
Face to face course
Use bead and wire to create beautiful jewellery for yourself and for gifts
Thursdays 13.30 – 16.30 from 23 September 2021 for10 weeks
at North Somerset Training Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Introduction to Aromatherapy at Home
Face to Face course
Use aromatherapy for health, wellbeing and stress relief. Learn about essential oils, their benefits,
blending, recipes and basic massage techniques.
Mondays 10am-12pm from 27 September for 8 sessions
at The Campus, Weston-super-Mare BS24 7DX
For more info and to book a place contact
JP Evans Julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R8iXMhKNtcI7F5tq3oZnl_F8_aa_os09/view?usp=sharing
Business Skills (1)
Face to face
Gain new IT business skills to help find a job. Basic and Intermediate. Learn how to: format and edit
Word, spreadsheets and presentations; attach and upload files;
On-line security and social media awareness.
Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am from 27 September for 5 weeks
at North Somerset Training Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Office Skills
Face to face
Learn IT skills useful for working in an office or improving your administration skills. Gain skills using
Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Create formal letters, write business email. Learn to use office equipment.
Useful for those who have already have basic IT skills.
Mondays and Wednesdays 12 – 2pm from 27 September for 5 weeks
at North Somerset Training Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Brush up your English
Face to face
This course will help you develop your spelling and grammar skills
Mondays 2.30-4.30 pm from 27 September for 6weeks
at North Somerset Training Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Alliance Care Academy
Face to face
A great opportunity to get into work in adult social care. Learn skills geared toward the care industry
and a range of Level 1 qualifications including Customer Service, Employability and Prepare to Work in
Adult Social Care.
A guaranteed interview with Alliance Living Care for those who successfully complete the course.
Monday – Friday 9.30 am-2.30 pm from 27 September for 3 weeks
Weeks 1 & 2 at South West Skills Campus BS22 8ND
Week 3 at Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1AJ
For more info and to book a place contact:
The Employment Service Team employmentsupport@weston.ac.uk phone 01934 411 147
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XCNgoTaEc3iq9EvfxReGZWIr7Jnwx7Y0/view?usp=sharing
Prepare to Pass the Driving Theory Test
Face to face and remote
Improve your understanding of the rules of driving and the Highway Code. Gain confidence answering
multiple choice questions and learn how to approach the Theory and Hazard Perception Tests.
Remote on Zoom
Tuesday mornings 10am-12pm from 28 September for 7 sessions
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19UeVeqajR9uhu5ZKX-9d4QEAUkS3Vtqm/view?usp=sharing
Face to Face in the classroom
Tuesday evenings 6-8pm from 28 September for 7 sessions
at North Somerset Training Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P3YRUrh4w0ErGyTViRv_pIcnEV3Adye0/view?usp=sharing
For more info and to book a place contact:
JP Evans julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Confidence for Employment
Face to face course
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Do you feel apprehensive about looking for work, or do you feel
you put it off as you don’t feel quite ready? Do you feel that you lack confidence in yourself? If yes, this
may be the course for you! The course includes – confidence, resilience and motivation building to
help you set goals to boldly take the next steps in your search for employment.
One (2 hour) session a week for 6 weeks
September 2021 – dates and venue to be confirmed
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
More creative writing courses for September 2021
On-line courses – you will need a computer or laptop to attend.
Scriptwriting for beginners
Mainly for beginners but experienced scriptwriters are welcome too. We’ll be exploring, plotting,
creating characters, dialogue, conflict, creating scenes, the three-act structure, genre and much more..
A different task will be emailed to you on Monday mornings giving you until Friday evening to return it
to your tutor. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to ask for help.
Developing the Novel
A follow up course to Becoming a Novelist.
Explore the techniques you have learnt by applying them to new extracts from your novel. The course
will cover techniques such as writing cliff-hangers; describing a key moment of change for your mail
character; eliminating plot-holes; writing a strong inciting incident and research. A different task will be
emailed to you on Monday mornings giving you until Friday evening to return it to your tutor. You’ll
also have plenty of opportunity to ask for help.
Watch this space for further information
September 2021 – dates to be confirmed
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Introduction to British Sign Language
Face to face
Learn basic BSL to communicate better with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Learn finger spelling alphabet; how to introduce yourself
and have an initial conversation with someone who uses BSL.
Fridays 10am -12.30pm from 1 October for 8 sessions
at The Campus, Weston-super-Mare BS24 7DX
For more info or to book a place contact:
JP Evans julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11w0CqQNE0MjodBjCDq8xxKnw7nqCXn8w/view?usp=sharing
Introduction to Early Years and Working in the Childcare Sector
Face to face
Explore the range of service provision and roles within early years and childcare. Includes
understanding principles and values, tips on communication and language development through play.
How to progress onto work in childcare. Gain a Level 1 Award in Childcare.
Tuesday and Friday from 5 October 10am -1pm for 6 sessions
at The Campus, Weston-super-Mare BS24 7DX
For more info and to book a place contact:
JP Evans julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Ha7BBBDJEJ38V-66F03Dcg3LeTdFsLz/view?usp=sharing
Fun British Sign Language
Live teaching on Zoom
Learn basic BSL to communicate better with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Learn finger spelling alphabet; how to introduce yourself
and have an initial conversation with someone who uses BSL.
Thursdays 10am -12pm from 7 October for 7 sessions
For more info or to book a place contact:
JP Evans julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mXzxnAzDtlp-kBauaFvoLTZYO7EcUedh/view?usp=sharing
Introduction to Creating a Mosaic
Face to face course
Create your own beautiful mosaic picture.
Design the mosaic and use techniques to create tile patterns. Learn to use tile cutting tools.
Select effective colours and textures. Discover the history and traditions of mosaic making.
Thursdays 1.15-3.15 from 7 October for 8 sessions
at Portishead Youth Centre BS20 7DD
For more info or to book a place contact:
JP Evans julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07795 390 667
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BpiW3231DqDgTU16TBr3_vpzTkicy2v_/view?usp=sharing
Creative Writing – How to Write Short Stories
On-line course – you will need a computer or laptop to attend.
Have you always wanted to write, but don’t know where to start?
This course is suitable for beginners and more experienced writers. Explore the main elements of short
fiction; creating characters, plotting, dialogue, setting and descriptive writing.
A different task will be emailed to you on Monday mornings giving you until Friday evening to return it
to your tutor. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to ask for help.
October 2021 for 6 weeks
Dates to be confirmed
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Managing Work and Business at Home
Face to face course
A level 1 qualification that covers skills you will need to work from home, or to run your own business,
including; customer service skills, communication skills, IT communication skills,
understanding how a business works & health and safety.
Two sessions a week for 4 weeks or individual modules can be taken as required.
Dates and venue to be confirmed
For more info and to book a place contact:
Julie Beynon Julie.beynon@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07385 402 960
Brush up your Maths
Face to face in the classroom
Maths taught in a friendly and supportive way.
One session a week for 9 weeks
Dates and venue to be confirmed
For more info and to book a place contact:
Julie Beynon Julie.beynon@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07385 402 960
Get Growing
Face to face in the allotment
How to grow your own vegetables from planting to eating!
One (3 hour) session a week for 11 weeks
Dates to be confirmed
At the Great Rhyne Allotments (behind Windwhistle School)
For more info and to book a place contact:
Julie Beynon Julie.beynon@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07385 402 960
Becoming a Novelist
Email course
Have you ever fancied writing a novel? Or maybe you’ve started and feel stuck? Let us help! This course
will guide you through the important bits of the craft – planning, character, plot, theme, setting – all
the fun stuff.
The course is suitable for just about everyone, if you are a beginner with a great idea
or an experienced writer who has run out of steam.
This course runs over 8 weeks
Dates to be confirmed
For more info and to book a place contact:
Jo Urch joan.urch@n-somerset.gov.uk phone/text 07920 082952
Covid Safety: as appropriate to guidance when the course runs face-to-face learning will observe social distancing rules and sanitation procedures.