Article by Sarah, ACL Learner I’m Sarah, I’m 41 and I live near Southend-on-Sea. During the pandemic, I was furloughed and I decided to use all of this unexpected free time to create irevive.online. This is for people like me, who have found themselves feeling a little lost in these trying times, and need reminding…
DetailsBack in the Summer, we launched our Summer Scenes Art Competition – we asked you to embrace all things Summer and create a masterpiece that portrays how it makes you feel. We received a wonderful selection of artwork and are happy to announce the winner! A huge congratulations to Mark for his winning entry. Here’s…
DetailsWe have launched a series of crafty courses this year to help you enjoy the festive season with unique presents, handcrafted door wreaths, ceramics as well as courses to ensure you cook the perfect roast! Make your home look its seasonal best with festive wreath making and floristry lessons. The wreath making workshop is 90-minutes…
DetailsAs the world faces an urgent need to make good ethical choices regarding environmental sustainability, the floristry industry is committed to using an ever increasing amount of environmental friendly materials. As a florist, we work very close to nature and must focus on our ethical credentials when offering consumer choices. Throughout the NCFE Level 2…
DetailsWorrying what to do with the kids this half term? Need help with your family’s wellbeing? In collaboration with Essex Libraries, we will be running Family Learning Fairs at Rayleigh, Maldon, Colchester and Great Parndon throughout the October Half Term, held as drop-in events. Families will have the chance to learn new methods to support their child’s learning,…
DetailsWe have launched a new programme of courses to support Essex-based residents as furlough comes to an end. Learners can enrol on many of the courses free-of-charge, subject to eligibility criteria.* 1.6 million adults across the UK are currently furloughed; to support adults in Essex, we have developed ‘Find Your Future’ pathways to raise awareness…
DetailsAre you ready for progression to higher education but unsure which pathway to take? Are your results not what you had hoped for and you’re wondering if you can still go to university? Access to Higher Education may be the right choice for you. Here are six reasons to study an Access to Higher Education…
DetailsIt’s #NationalCodingWeek. The aim is to bridge the digital skills gap. Do you know someone who lacks confidence engaging with technology? It’s becoming increasingly important to use technology to stay in touch with one another, buying goods and services, and accessing important information. Some of us need help to feel confident and safe doing this.…
DetailsACL Essex (Adult Community Learning) is welcoming adult learners back into the classroom with a series of open days at its centres across the county from the 7-11 September, 10am-1pm and 5pm-8pm. Centres in Basildon, Brentwood, Clacton, Colchester and Witham will open their doors to showcase their latest range of courses, and with hundreds of…
DetailsLucy, one of our creative tutors, recently created a captivating Pastel and Mixed Media wall exhibition at ACL Chelmsford displaying the work her learners have completed whilst attending online courses this year. “On display in the Chelmsford centre is a selection of work produced by learners on the Pastel Painting and Mixed Media course. The…
DetailsArticle written by Matthew Harrington-Keeton, Access to Higher Education Tutor We’ve put together this guide of tips and tricks for learning so that you can feel confident in your classes and get the grades that you deserve! Even better, all of these tips are backed by psychology, which means that they must work right? We…
DetailsThe results for GCSEs have just been released and ACL Essex (Adult Community Learning Essex) is celebrating another year of outstanding results. Their learners have achieved an overall pass rate of 98.1%, which includes a pass rate of 100% in both English and Maths. You can view a full breakdown on the results below: GCSE…
DetailsWhat comes to mind when you think of Summer? Beaches, ice cream, warm evenings with friends or even the smell of freshly cut grass. We want you to turn these thoughts and feeling into artwork that is inspired by Summer and submit them in our Summer Scenes Art Competition. It could be a watercolour painting,…
DetailsNot all learners going to University this year will have got there following the traditional A-level route. The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is equivalent to A-levels and is recognised by top UK Universities as an accepted entry requirement into undergraduate courses, proving that there is more than one route into University. Twenty students…
DetailsWe asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our writing competition. Our ACL Choice winner and Author’s Choice winner have been selected and we now need your help selecting the ‘People’s Choice.’ In order to select your favourite, simply read the 9 shortlisted stories and vote for one story. You…
DetailsIn line with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, as of 19th July restrictions have now been eased. Although the rules have been relaxed, a careful and measured approach is required for us to ensure a safe return to our centres. Our duty of care to our learners, staff, and visitors remains our highest priority.…
DetailsWe asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our writing competition… and they did not disappoint! This year, the theme of the competition was ‘Awakening’. We are delighted to announce our Author’s Choice winner. Huge congratulations to Clare Shaw who was chosen by local…
DetailsWe’re delighted to share with you our new Course Guide for September 2021. It finally feels like Summer has arrived and so has our Summer Discover Magazine!Grab a cold drink, relax and enjoy some wonderful and inspiring stories from the amazing people who make us who we are. Creative and craft ideas Inspiring stories Learner…
DetailsWe’re delighted to share with you our new Course Guide for September 2021. Browse our full range of courses and discover opportunities to enhance your career prospects, develop new skills, improve your health and wellbeing, whilst connecting with others in your community. We offer face to face courses in our centres and online courses in…
DetailsTo promote the positive impacts that being outside has on our mental health and wellbeing, we are launching the Your Green Space Happy Place Photography Competition in partnership with Explore Essex. Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including anxiety and depression. To be in with a chance of…
DetailsWe asked you to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our writing competition… and they did not disappoint! This year, the theme of the competition was ‘Awakening’. After reading over 70 amazing tales, we have selected the ACL Choice winner (chosen by our Creative Writing Tutors),…
DetailsResearch shows that participating in creative arts and craft activities can improve your mental health and wellbeing, reduce stress and help you regain focus in an often challenging world. “Before starting my pottery course, I believed that I wasn’t an artistic person. For the first few weeks, I would criticise my own work and pick…
DetailsExpanding the use of new technology is crucial to the way in which we are improving lives through learning. However, we also use innovative thinking to help our own tutors to deliver lessons in a more streamlined, effective and inclusive way. Finding the best education technology can also support our team gain skills for themselves,…
DetailsThere has been a strong focus on co-production and there has been great working relationships made with ACL colleagues and their learners who have been part of the journey so far. Sarah Namazzi, Registered Manager ACL Supported Learning learners have been working hard to support a new care home opening in Weeley. Mill Lane is…
DetailsThe education sector has been particularly challenged as we adapt to the ways of living, working, and learning during the pandemic. This year, we will celebrate and name the top 10 finalists because everyone deserves recognition for helping learners to the end of their diploma. Gateway Qualifications Gateway Qualifications announced the winner of the Access…
DetailsTextiles tutor Debra has shared this quick and easy coaster tutorial so you can make a coaster with materials you may have laying around. Experiment using scraps of fabric and upcycle old denim jeans or clothing. Or machine stitch on the sewing machine and stitch a zig-zag stitch around the edge and add beads to…
DetailsArticle by Rachel, Level 2 Creative Photography Qualification learner I have been passionate about eco concerns for a few years now, and as a result have been learning about the need to waste less of resources on the whole. Food waste is recognised a key contributor to climate change, so combined with heightened demand on…
DetailsApprentices make a vital contribution to local government, undertaking a vast array of roles. On the day we saw the enthusiasm and commitment that apprentices bring to their work. It was hard to predict who would win with so much talent on display, as they stepped up to all the challenges thrown at them. Bryony…
DetailsOnline Fashion and Textiles Course is great hit with learners by Debra, tutor The online Fashion/Textiles Award Creative Craft Level 1 Course has been a great success at ACL. Although slightly unsure about starting a course online, learners soon fell into a pattern of participating in weekly lessons with their tutor. The class included a…
DetailsArticle written by Emma, Curriculum Lead for Digital & Science I wanted to feel more confident in using the computer. I was afraid to touch it, afraid to go on the internet to buy something and to research things but now I can buy things and I don’t need to depend on other people to…
DetailsI have always doubted my ability but noticed that you had used my picture of Florence Nightingale in your last ACL Discover Magazine which encouraged me to enter the Explore Essex Park Art Competition. Park Art Competition winner In April we partnered up with our friends at Explore Essex and launched the Park Art Competition.…
DetailsOver the past year, many of our classes moved online. In the comfort of their own homes, our creative learners were able to flourish and explore their talents. Level 1 Creative Art & Design learner Claire recently shared her experiences with us. “Each week my tutor, Abbie, delivered carefully planned lessons which incorporated many different…
DetailsFestival of Learning is the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England. These awards highlight the benefits of learning, celebrate achievements of adults who have used learning to transform their lives, and encourage everyone to embrace lifelong learning. We are proud to announce that our Mental Health Recovery, Family and Community Learning and Supported Learning teams…
DetailsToday we celebrate International Nurses’ Day. We continue to be grateful for the incredible people who work in healthcare and their selfless contribution to the community. At ACL, we have a range of pathways and opportunities that support you to start or progress your career in nursing. “Nursing staff working through the pandemic…
Details“I am going to make myself a care plan, I will continue setting myself achievable goals and know the importance of looking after myself.” Feedback from Mental Health Recovery & Wellbeing Learner It’s Mental Health Awareness week and this year’s official theme is nature. Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health. For most of human history,…
Details“As local businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, Local Business Week was set up to celebrate and advise local enterprises to maximise their potential.” We support local businesses Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to support employers to recognise business needs and skills gaps through our new blended delivery model. We complete an…
DetailsOur ACL Salon’s have reopened for barbering and hair treatments. The Hair Salon provides learners with the opportunity to work in a realistic working environment and provide you with a professional service. Qualified tutors supervise learners at all times. We have Salons within our centres at Brentwood, Colchester, and Witham. There are a range of…
DetailsHuge congratulations to Danielle Nolan who won a Pivot Point competition with these gorgeous hair styles. Her entry was amongst others from fully qualified stylist and her natural ability secured her the win. “My aim from the course is to be able to work part time in a salon or be a mobile hairdresser, eventually…
DetailsNew online courses that give you the chance to receive a qualification and develop a portfolio, whilst expressing your creativity through your love of crafts. Course information Start Date: 26 May – 7 June (an assessment will need to be completed prior to start date, please enrol on course to book your assessment) Start Time and…
DetailsIt can be very difficult to make decisions about which course to take, or career path to follow. How do you find out what sort of employment your favourite interest or subject could you lead you in to? There is a wealth of information to be found on the internet on the internet but…
DetailsWe’re delighted to announce the launch of our Discover Magazine, available for free online and to pick up from supermarkets, our centres and libraries across Essex – while stocks last! Our first edition is jam packed with creative and craft ideas, inspiring stories, showcasing learner work, helpful tips, upcoming courses, and competitions. ACL Discover Magazine…
DetailsAre you over 24? Get a Level 3 qualification fully funded through the National Skills Level 3 Adult Offer. From April 2021, any adult aged 24 and over who wants to achieve their first full level 3 qualification or is unemployed or earning less than £18,525 annual gross salary will be able to enrol on specific fully-funded…
DetailsACL is an official #Census21 Support Center. We’re offering free and friendly support to anyone who needs it at locations across Essex. The Census Support Centres are funded by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and managed by Good Things Foundation, one of the UK’s leading social change charities. This partnership means that people can…
DetailsView the latest Community & Family learning newsletter for upcoming events, activities and other news. Latest courses to support parents, grandparents, carers and anyone supporting young people in Essex based on a thematic offer including: Wellbeing – mental health support, exercise and nutrition, mindfulness, and financial wellbeing Parenting English and Maths Qualifications and Employment Specialist…
DetailsApprenticeships are a great way to grow your workforce and harness talent. They can help you attract and retain the best employees for your business by upskilling employees and introducing innovative ideas and skills into your business – especially with the government offering to fund potentially all the training costs. Employers will receive £3,000 for…
DetailsAs you will be aware, the government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown. Most importantly the roadmap lays out a route to seeing our family and friends, and allowing us to get back out into the real world enjoying face-to-face activities. This includes face-to-face…
DetailsHave you entered our 2021 Story Competition? Emma, one of our Creative Writing tutors , recently met up with one of the judges, local Essex Author Sarah Armstrong. They discussed her recent publications and top tips for Authors. Emma is currently studying for her PhD and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority at…
DetailsMartin is the Managing Director of The Alternative Accommodation Agency Ltd, who have used ACL apprenticeships to give opportunities to young adults so they can learn and gain invaluable real-life skills which are essential for career progression. Martin also wanted someone who could grow with them as the business grew. What impact has the apprenticeship…
DetailsHalf term is upon us and another week in lockdown looms. Unlike last year’s Lockdown #1 when the weather was great, this time round we can’t go anywhere other than on yet another walk – and even the dog is getting bored of that! So what can we do that helps us and our children…
DetailsWe are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 ACL 500 Word Story Competition. This year the theme is ‘Awakening‘. We’re looking for our community to pen a story that quickly grabs our attention and tells a great tale. You can submit an entry as an individual or as a team effort – we…
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