New FREE language tasters
We are encouraging you to try your hand at languages in the new year, with the launch of our free…
Be inspired, get creative or learn a foreign language and immerse yourself in culture. Our courses are now available in the classroom, craft studio and online, so whatever way you prefer to learn there’s a course here just for you.
We are encouraging you to try your hand at languages in the new year, with the launch of our free…
Earlier this year, we launched the Green Space Happy Place Photography Competition in partnership with Explore Essex. to promote the positive…
Article by Vicky, Creative Writing learner In my twenties, I took my first short story class. Meeting other writers and…
It’s nearly that magical time of year again, and what better way to celebrate than sharing all your wonderful autumn…
On Wednesday evening, we hosted our 2021 ACL Awards. The last 20 months have been a very challenging time for…
Just over twenty five years ago Jennie Johnson, 53, from Colchester was an English teacher with a love of Italy;…
Article by Sarah, ACL Learner I’m Sarah, I’m 41 and I live near Southend-on-Sea. During the pandemic, I was furloughed…
Back in the Summer, we launched our Summer Scenes Art Competition – we asked you to embrace all things Summer…
We have launched a series of crafty courses this year to help you enjoy the festive season with unique presents,…
As the world faces an urgent need to make good ethical choices regarding environmental sustainability, the floristry industry is committed…
ACL Essex (Adult Community Learning) is welcoming adult learners back into the classroom with a series of open days at…
Lucy, one of our creative tutors, recently created a captivating Pastel and Mixed Media wall exhibition at ACL Chelmsford displaying…
What comes to mind when you think of Summer? Beaches, ice cream, warm evenings with friends or even the smell…
We asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our…
We asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our…
We’re delighted to share with you our new Course Guide for September 2021. It finally feels like Summer has arrived…
We’re delighted to share with you our new Course Guide for September 2021. Browse our full range of courses and…
To promote the positive impacts that being outside has on our mental health and wellbeing, we are launching the Your…
We asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our…
Research shows that participating in creative arts and craft activities can improve your mental health and wellbeing, reduce stress and…
Textiles tutor Debra has shared this quick and easy coaster tutorial so you can make a coaster with materials you…
Article by Rachel, Level 2 Creative Photography Qualification learner I have been passionate about eco concerns for a few years…
Online Fashion and Textiles Course is great hit with learners by Debra, tutor The online Fashion/Textiles Award Creative Craft Level…
I have always doubted my ability but noticed that you had used my picture of Florence Nightingale in your last…
Over the past year, many of our classes moved online. In the comfort of their own homes, our creative learners…
New online courses that give you the chance to receive a qualification and develop a portfolio, whilst expressing your creativity…
It can be very difficult to make decisions about which course to take, or career path to follow. How do…
We’re delighted to announce the launch of our Discover Magazine, available for free online and to pick up from supermarkets,…
ACL is an official #Census21 Support Center. We’re offering free and friendly support to anyone who needs it at locations…
As you will be aware, the government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out…
Have you entered our 2021 Story Competition? Emma, one of our Creative Writing tutors , recently met up with one…
We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 ACL 500 Word Story Competition. This year the theme is…
Should a learner need to self-isolate or local restrictions require them to stay at home and a course is not…
Thinking about enrolling on an online course? But not sure what it might be like? Here’s a look at five…
A craftsman/educator’s life, in one object by Michael Henson, Woodwork Tutor at the Basildon Craft Studios Anyone who has heard…
It’s nearly that magical time of year again, and what better way to celebrate than sharing all your wonderful Christmas…
Whether you’re using a smartphone or digital camera, everyone has the ability to take a great photograph. We met up…
We were amazed by the number of stories we received as part of our Short Story competition. We hope you’ve…
If you are a learner enrolled on a course with Adult Learning with ACL then you can apply. We are…
Ethical framework for the counselling professions A skilful introduction to counselling sessions With open arms, you gave us your trust…
Yes it’s true – a biblical character once decided to visit Colchester (or Camulodunum as it was then known), and…
Hello Everyone, My name is Judith White and I teach printmaking and life drawing at Colchester ACL. I’ve been asked…
It is important to recognise that the online classroom is in fact a classroom and certain behaviours are expected when…
Update: 08/04/2020: Following the latest government guidance, we have moved from classroom-based learning to online and flexible distance learning. We…
by Abbie Cairns Teaching drawing can be daunting, mostly due to our preconceived ideas of what drawing is. My course,…
We are the proud to be sponsoring the EWT photography competition for a third year! It is a fantastic opportunity…
Be inspired and develop your knowledge and skills in these free hour-long sessions, including: Philosophy, Photography, Textiles and Mindfulness – more will be added soon.
We offer a comprehensive range of art, drawing and painting course. You’ll discover new and exciting skills whilst exploring your creative side and sharing inspirational moments with others.
We offer courses that help you to develop essential communication skills and new languages. These can be used to connect with people in the community, and support those with communication difficulties, by providing a way for them to express themselves independently.
Enter the exciting world of creative media where you can develop skills in using a broad range of online and offline tools. Whether you want to make the most of social media, blogging or learn something about the gaming industry, we cover the basics for you to take that initial step.
Learn how to make beautiful arrangements, seasonal wreaths and bouquets with a floristry course. Learn the techniques and tricks of the trade used by today’s professional florists to produce a variety of traditional and contemporary arrangements suitable for both informal and formal occasions.
We offer a range of language courses, whether you’re learning for fun, holidays or work, begin learning today. Improve your vocabulary in a range of languages with help from our professional tutors.
Our History and Philosophy courses offer you the chance to discover a range of interesting subjects including, meeting your ancestors, local history and those big questions around what makes us human there are lots of fascinating courses to choose from at various times in the year.
Stand out from the crowd with your own unique jewellery and handmade artefacts produced in ACLs professional silversmithing studio. You will explore different techniques from soldering to embellishing and polishing to make extra special pieces. You won’t be disappointed.
Explore your musical talents with our range of music courses including guitar, keyboard and saxophone from complete beginners to improving performance. Our music appreciation courses provide a grounding in the theory of appreciation of music, with a focus on attentive listening and breaking down music.
Discover life through the lens developing new and exciting skills whilst exploring your creative side and sharing inspirational moments with others. We have a fantastic range of courses including: Photography and Photo Editing courses from complete beginners to advanced studies that will take you away from the manual setting into a whole new world.
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, join our pottery class! You’ll have the chance to create your very own pottery from home. Discover pottery using hand built techniques, decorating and glazing to produce vases, bowls and so much more. You can be as creative as you want with this versatile medium.
Do you have a project you’d like to complete or want to build something new? Our Woodwork courses are for you! Are you interested in gaining the skills required to be creative with wood using conventional hand woodworking techniques then this course is just for you. Start your journey in learning the skills to build your own unique piece of furniture or crafted artefact in this engaging and rewarding area.
We offer accredited creative courses for people looking to turn their passion into a career. From floristry to woodworking, you will learn a range of skills and gain a recognised qualification to progress in your career of to set up your own business.
Are you looking to try something new or take the next step and embark on a creative qualification? Book onto our Tasters and Try It Out sessions to help you decide what’s right for you.
Explore new ways to be environmentally friendly and sustainable whilst developing your skills with others in a range of intriguing subject areas. This includes discovering the wonderful world of traditional crafts and thrift crafts that incorporate elements of sustainability.
You can find out more about how your information is handled by Essex County Council, including how to make a complaint and contacting the Data Protection Officer, on our website.