Tutor Awards

A joint awards ceremony was recently held in The Learning Shop to celebrate the success of our newest tutors and also the progression of some of our other tutors.

Volunteer Tutor Training Awards

Our latest group of tutors to complete the Volunteer Tutor Training course were awarded their certificates from the Adult Learning team and these were presented to them by Councillor Margaret Toner.

Professional Development Awards

Our current literacy tutors were given an option of working with Ayrshire College tutor Kate Sangster to take their tutoring to a higher level. These tutors worked towards their Professional Development Award (PDA) in Adult Literacies. These awards came from Ayrshire College and were also presented by Councillor Margaret Toner.


The Adult Learning Team would like to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment given in each of these courses and look forward to working with you all in the future.

Congratulations!!

Gail

Congratulations to all!

New Look Blog!

What do you think of our new look?

We've changed the Blog header to reflect our whole service, which operates out of many locations throughout South Ayrshire, mainly in the towns of Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Maybole and Girvan.

We are a student centred service and, where possible, provide tuition at a time and place which suits everyone concerned.

Tell us your secrets and confessions...!

Do you have a secret? Something you'd like to confess? Or have you ever been asked to keep a secret for someone else?

The Scottish Book Trust are looking for short stories written by students on the theme of "Secrets and Confessions" for their next book.

The stories should be true, about something which has happened to you (but you could change any names if you want to!). They should be no more than 1000 words, but can be a lot less. They can be written as a story, letter, poem, song - any form you like!

Every story entered will be published on the Scottish Book Trust's website and a selection of these will be printed in a free book which will be available later in the year.

Terms and conditions are available on the Scottish Book Trust website here:
http://scottishbooktrust.com/writing/secrets-and-confessions/submit

Fancy giving it a go? You can either e-mail entries directly to the Scottish Book Trust by following the link, or you can pass your story to Gail in The Learning Shop who will do the rest.

Gail

Family Evening in the John Pollock Centre Ayr

What a fantastic evening we all had at the John Pollock Centre Ayr.  On the 24^th February 2016, staff tutors and learners all came together to enjoy a Scottish themed evening.  We also had the company of Greg Cassidy and Arlene Trapp, curriculum managers and Orsyla Dunn, ESOL lecturer from Ayrshire college.

We had plenty to eat, thanks to Joan Samson, Tesco Community Champion who organised the provision of Scottish produces. Campbell the chef at Access to Employment prepared delicious soup followed by haggis neeps and tatties.    We had the pleasure of watching Callum Dunn address the haggis.

There was live Scottish music provided by Ewan Baird and Amy Papiransky .  The dancing was opened up with everyone attempting the Flying Scotsman and after a variety of dances we enjoyed a rest and listened to Julia Britez  recite a poem called the Elephant.  The evening closed with everyone singing Auld Lange Syne.

A big thank you to all who helped and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

Ann Gentilomo 

ESOL Family Learning

Adult Learning has been running a programme in Troon to support some of the families who have recently become residents of Ayrshire. Many of the families are supported through the SEASCAPE housing charity who worked hard to help them integrate and settle in South Ayrshire.    

It’s a mixed level ESOL and ESOL Literacies group.  Some of the ladies have had little or no formal education in their first language.  Some never attended school at all, others left at 11 or 12 years old.   For those who have not learned to read and write in their own language, learning the Roman alphabet is a huge challenge.

There has been great progress made in the short time we have been working together.  Students have shown enthusiasm and determination and most can now write their name and address. Two of them are attending Ayrshire College ESOL classes and it is hoped that others may progress to this in 2016. 

We are grateful to Troon Lighthouse staff for their hospitality and generosity during this pilot phase.  We are moving to Seagate Church in Troon in January where there will be a crèche with qualified child care workers.  This will allow the women to concentrate on their learning, knowing their children are well looked after in the adjacent room.   

We finished off the December teaching term learning about Christmas traditions and singing Carols! 

Susan Wilson

Cash For Kids day

Thanks to everyone who took part in our fundraiser for Cash for Kids, either by wearing something festive or donating to our collection.

We raised a total of £110, with people choosing to wear Christmas jumpers, Christmas hats, a bit of tinsel or Christmas jewellery!

Cash for Kids use the donations to lend a helping hand to disabled or disadvantaged children in the local area.

Thank you all for helping another worthy cause this Christmas!

Gail

The Learning Shop donates to the Food Bank

Instead of spending money on "Secret Santa" gifts this year, the staff decided to make donations to the food bank. The response to this has been great with tutors and students also joining in the spirit of giving! Thanks to all who have taken part in donating to this cause and adding to this fantastic donation for people in need this Christmas!

Gail