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Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 1
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 2
Contents Page
Page 1 Front Cover
Page 2 Contents Page
Page 3 Introduction
Page 4 Customer Service feedback
Page 5 Celebrating Achievement - Adult Presentation Event
Page 6 Celebrating Achievement - Providing Adult Literacies services (PALS) Event
Page 7 Celebrating Achievement - English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
Literacy Event
Page 8 Literacy project
Page 9 Youth Literacies Research
Page 10/11 Gaelic News/Learners Comments
Page 12/13 Creche services and Learners Comments
Page 14 Castlehead Learning Community News Laura‟s Story
Page 15 Do you Remember Foxlea (P.L.A.N)!
Page 16 Gleniffer Learning Community News - Foxlea Multicultural Group
Page 17 Gleniffer Learning Community News - Michelle‟s Story
Page 18 Gleniffer Learning Community News - Ian‟s Journey
Page 19 Gryffe Learning Community News - Alice‟s Thoughts
Page 20 Johnstone Learning Community News - West Johnstone Multicultural Group
Page 21 Johnstone Learning Community News - Marion‟s Journey
Page 22 Linwood Learning Community News
Page 23 Paisley Grammer Learning Community News - Jane‟s Learning Curve
Page 24/25 Parkmains Learning Community News
Page 26 Renfrew Learning Community News - English for Speakers of other Languages
Volunteer Training Programme
Page 27 Learners Comments
Page 28 Information and Contact Details
Page 29 Contact Details
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 3
Adult Learning News
Hello Everyone
2012 has been a busy and eventful year. In January, Bargarran Learning Centre
roof was blown off by severe gales; the centre has now been refurnished and is
now fully opened to the public with a new exciting programme of learning. In
May over 300 learners celebrated their achievements at the Paisley Town Hall at
the Learning Certificate Presentation Evening. Adult Learning and Literacies
Services also gained the prestigious Customer Service Excellence Award as part
of Community Learning and Development Service Bid.
A major change happened in June 2012 when Adult Learning and Literacies
Service area office moved to West Johnstone Shared Campus. This was due to
the closure of Linwood Community Centre which had housed community workers
for nearly 20 years.
I hope you enjoy reading about all the adult learners events, news, learners
journeys and customers feedback from around Renfrewshire. If you have any
comment or feedback please contact our area office on 01505 335873 or e-mail
als.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Supporting Learners to be: confidence Individuals, Responsible
Citizens, Successful Learners and Effective Contributors
Gordon Giles
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Manager (Acting)
January 2013
Newsletter
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 4
Customer Service Feedback
REPORT ON CUSTOMER COMMENT BOXES IN LEARNING CENTRES
14 DECEMBER 2012
BACKGROUND
Learners/customers were invited to give a score on the service received from Adult
Learning and Literacies Services stating whether it was: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory,
Unsatisfactory, which are documented as follows:
Ninety eight comments cards were anonymously completed and inserted in the Learning
Centre comments boxes which gave the service very valuable feedback. The comments
regarding the service, the classes and tutors were all very positive. The only negative
comments were about housekeeping and the lack of a tutor for one class.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Customer Comments box should be promoted to all Centres again, making it clear who
we are targeting an on what basis. For example, should housekeeping problems be
included?
Relevant groups should be advised how to go about getting funding for their own tutors. It
would be helpful if future printed cards could include which class the learner/customer is
attending so we can tell which classes the comments are about.
All Recommendations will be implemented by June 2013.
80%
9% 9%
2%
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
The centres surveyed were:
Bargarran Learning Centre
Foxlea Learning Centre
Glenburn Learning Centre
Southend Learning Centre
St James Learning Centre
West Johnstone Learning Centre
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 5
Celebrating Achievement
17th May 2012 at Paisley Town Hall Adult Learning & Literacies
Services & Library Service had their annual Learners Certificate
Presentation Event. Over 300 learners came from all over
Renfrewshire to attend this event. Three brave learners Alma
Andrews, Yvonne McKechnie and Sharon Harvie also shared their
learning journey with the appreciative crowd. The evening‟s
entertainment was provided by Matthew Oliver (Guitarist from Paisley
Grammer School), Alison Buchanan (Gaelic singer from Adult Learning
& Literacies Services) and Isobel Drysdale (motivational speaker). The
certificates were handed out by Jacqueline Henry Convener of
Renfrewshire Council‟s Education Policy Board. Great comments from
the night were gathered by the staff.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 6
At Paisley Town Hall Adult Learning & Literacies Services celebrated
PALS (Providing Adult Literacies Services). The day was well
attended with learners, volunteers and invited guests. We had two
guest speakers, Clare El Azebbi (policy manager-Adult Literacies &
ESOL with the Scottish Government) and Mark Thomson a poet from
Dundee, who had poor schooling experience that did not stop him
from becoming an accomplished poet, performer and creative writing
teacher. At the event there was a number of workshops, which
included recipe making table, dyslexia information table, huge big
wordsearch containing the word PALS and much more. A lovely
buffet was put on to sustain everybody and a great day was had by
all.
Celebrating Achievement
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 7
Celebrating Achievement
Adult Learning and Literacies Services ESOL team held a family
literacy event in Renfrew, where 10 families took part. The
families were a mixture of ESOL learners and their children and
local families. The purpose of the day was to give parents a
chance to engage with their children in a fun, and creative way.
The parents and children worked together to come up with a
story and illustrations based on one of 4 themes: pets, monsters,
holidays and the secret garden. Mandy Sinclair, a Renfrewshire
based artist was on hand to give children and parents support in
illustrating their stories and we had support of the councils
Mobile Crèche team who provided indoor and outdoor activities
to break up the day for parents and children alike.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 8
Literacy Project
There is a new literacy project coming to Renfrewshire which will work with families
and young people, and help them to develop their literacy skills and abilities. Funded
by Education Scotland, the Hotspot Literacies Project will target three of the most
deprived communities in Renfrewshire; Ferguslie, Moorpark/Renfrew West, and
West Johnstone Adult Learning and Literacies Team and Youth Servcies Team will
take the project forward, and will focus on encouraging families and young people to
improve their literacy skills and capabilities. It is expected the project will have a
significant impact on participants taking part and will provide a positive and life
changing learning experience
Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council‟s Education Policy
Board said: “This project will not only give support to families with literacy skills, but
it will help improve their confidence and self-esteem. Parents will be encouraged to
develop new skills to support their children‟s learning and help to have a positive
outlook on learning”. The Project will support families through a series of workshops
and events in Cochrane Castle Primary School; St David‟s Primary School;
Glencoats Primary School and St Fergus Primary School. The project will also help
young people aged 16-24 in Moorpark and Renfrew West who need additional
support with their literacies. It will also work with teenagers who are in the transition
stage of leaving school. The teenagers will be identified by working in partnership
with support staff in Renfrew High and Trinity High School.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 9
Between July and October, a group of young people aged between 16 and 24 years, who
attended the youth literacies sessions at the West Johnstone Learning Centre on Monday
mornings, carried out research to find answers to their question
As part of my studies for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Adult Literacies),
this research informed a piece of collaborative work with Youth Services and Renfrewshire
Employability. Initially, the young people felt negative about their own educational
experiences and achievements in learning, and did not recognise the extent of their
engagement with literacies outside of these sessions. By taking photos of their own
everyday use of literacies, and completing the Lflfe literacies activities clock, provided by
existing research (www.lancs.ac.uk/lflfe), the young people were then able to recognise
their everyday literacies, which helped improve their learning and their ability to re-
contextualise or transfer it to employment contexts.
Taking on the role of „Researchers‟, the young people carried out observations and
interviewed staff and managers at Sainsbury Braehead and Renfrewshire Leisure. They
analysed the information gathered using a spidergram.
To avoid the young people saying what they thought I wanted to hear within the group work,
De Bono‟s concept, „parallel thinking‟ facilitated the development of reflection and critical
thinking. This helped question and challenge their thinking and developed mutual learning.
Through the young people‟s involvement in the research and interpretation of findings, we
were able to ensure changes or improvements made to services were genuinely beneficial to
young people. As this was written in academic form the report shall be re-written, and along
with findings shall be made available. Contact me at susan.stewart@renfrewshire.gov.uk
01505 335873 if you wish a copy of the report or further information.
creativity
caution
information
process
feelings
values
Youth Literacies (Research)
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 10
Gaelic Classes
Gaelic Classes are aimed at any adults who are interested in learning to speak the
language and in understanding more about the culture. The classes, which are held
weekly, are informal, practical, and fun, and cater for differing levels of fluency – from
complete beginners through to advanced learners.
We currently have two level classes running in Renfrewshire weekly – an
Intermediate and Advanced class – and our new Beginners Gaelic Class is due to
start back in Early January.
Mòd Phàislig 2013
The Royal National Mòd is Scotland‟s premier Gaelic festival, which aims to
showcase the Gaelic language and culture to the wider world through music, dance,
drama, art and literature. The first Mòd was held in Oban in 1892, and since then
has travelled to many places throughout Scotland. Next year the Royal National
Mòd will be held in Paisley for the first time, and the Mòd Committee will be holding a
number of fundraising events to raise awareness of the Mòd and of Gaelic in
Renfrewshire. To find out more about Mòd Phàislig 2013, or to get involved, please
visit the:
Website at www.modphaislig.org,
Facebook at www.facebook.com/modphaislig2013
Twitter @ModPhaislig2013
Gaelic at Bookbug Sessions
Bookbug Sessions are free, fun-filled sessions of stories, songs and rhymes for
parents and children under 4 years. To raise awareness of the Gaelic language,
Paisley Central Library have agreed to include Gaelic songs as part of their Bookbug
Sessions in the library, which take place on Monday mornings between 11:15 and
11:45am.
For more information, please visit http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/node/70936
Gaelic News
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 11
“I hope to be able to have some sort
of conversation with the locals when I
go back home to Islay.”
Gaelic Learners Comments
“I want to find out more
about the culture of my
home country.”
“I hope to learn the language,
and get exposure to the
culture.”
“I would like to communicate
with Granny Cathie in Gaelic.”
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 12
Crèche Service
Adult Learning & Literacies Crèche Service
The crèche staff continued with the annual training programme, when they
recently completed the next stage of Pre-Birth to Three training taken from
the national guidance document entitled „Pre-Birth to Three: Positive
Outcomes for Scotland‟s Children and Families‟.
The document highlights the four key principles as laid down in UNICEF‟s
International strategy in the „Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989):
Rights of the Child
Responsive Care
Relationships
Respect
The training session covered the key features of the Role of Staff,
Attachments and Transitions. The training programme attributes to the
staffs‟ Post Registration Teaching and Learning as laid down by the
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) with whom the staff are required
to be registered as Childcare Practitioners.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 13
Learners Comments about Crèche
Services
“The crèche has been great for
my daughter; it has meant that
she can mix with other children
her own age”.
“If It wasn‟t for the Crèche
Service I would not have
been able to attend the
course”.
“Staff are so friendly and
approachable. My child goes
to crèche no problem and
comes out happy. I love it”.
“I have no doubts about leaving
my children in the crèche and
love seeing and hearing what
they have been doing all day”.
“It‟s great to know I can go into the course
and not have to worry about my boy”.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 14
Castlehead Learning Community News
Laura’s Story
Laura Anne Foley, who is 24, has been attending PALS (Providing Adult
Literacies Services) at Paisley Library on a Monday morning for 2 ½ years to
help with her dyslexia. With support from PALS volunteers she has
overcome her disability Aspergers Sydrome to achieve an SQA1 in
Introduction to Health and Social Studies. She also gained the confidence
to arrange and speak at an Aspergers Awareness seminar for Reid Kerr
Childcare students and staff, highlighting the problems facing those who
suffer from Aspergers Syndrome. She was then chosen by the Paisley Daily
Express as the case study for an article about lottery funding being allocated
to Aspergers charities. Her Supported Learning Tutor at PALS, Isobel
Sinclair, was so impressed by the progress that Laura had made, that she
nominated her for a Renfrewshire Council Quality Award for Learning in
2011. Laura received a Certificate at this Event and has since become an
Ambassador for the National Autistic Society in raising awareness of the
condition. She has proven that people can, with support, overcome their
disability to improve their lives as well as those of other people.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 15
Do You Remember
Do you remember Foxlea (P.L.A.N.)
Foxlea Learning Centre originally started out as P.L.A.N. (Partnership Learning Access Network) in
April 1998 along with West Johnstone P.L.A.N, with Gordon Giles as the Development Officer. The
original staff at Foxlea were: Liz Hamilton, Secretary, Jan McCafferty, Support Worker, Grace Ann
Morris and Freda Gillick, Outreach Workers.
The programme at Foxlea consisted of Computing for the Terrified, Internet Skills, Word Package,
Desktop Publishing and ECDL. As well as IT, students were also able participate in non IT classes
such as Maths & Business Numeracy, Sign Language and Introduction to Counselling to name but a
few, with students being able to gain SQA and HNC units.
P.L.A.N. also catered for the youth allowing the schools to have a slot in the programme as well as
providing after school classes. P.L.A.N achieved recognition 1999 during Adult Learners Week when
it received a Best Practice Award. It was shortlisted for a COSLA Excellence Award and recognised
by the Scottish University for Industry through Learn Direct Scotland for the quality of provision and
the support given to students at the centre. Following their learning experience with P.L.A.N. many
students moved on to college, improved their confidence and improved their job status. The PLAN
centre became Foxlea learning Centre and part of Community Learning Services in 2001.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 16
Gleniffer Learning Community News
Foxlea Multicultural Group
Foxlea Multicultural Group is a group of women who meet every Thursday 12:30-2:30
at Foxlea Learning Centre. We discuss and explore different aspects of culture,
customs and issues affecting women globally. We also participate in activities in
partnership with other agencies. Our most recent piece of work was in conjunction with
Renfrewshire Effort to Empower Minorities, (REEM) and focused on Black History
Month which covered all of October. We explored the topic in some depth and found it
really interesting and educational. REEM hosted an event to celebrate Black History
Month at Paisley Town Hall and we had a stall showcasing our work. We were
particularly proud of our representation of a, „Freedom Quilt‟ (see photo). Freedom
quilts were made by black slaves as part of an underground movement; they used
pictorial codes to guide escaping slaves to safety. One of our members, Cynthia also
gave a presentation alongside some musical examples of songs and spirituals
originating from the time of slavery. This was very well received.
We‟ve also enjoyed learning about alternative health and beauty remedies, Shagufta
and Zahida passed on their tips and knowledge on this subject. Food also features
quite highly on some occasions and we have sampled Nigerian Yam Balls from Ayisha,
Zahida‟s husband‟s Mushroom Pakora, and Agnes‟s Apple Cake to name but a few!
At the moment we‟re sharing Christmas traditions and practices and have also been
doing some Christmas crafts, we‟re fortunate to have an arty-crafty member of the
group-Stacey who gives us hints, tips and demos. We also have a student, Iona who is
preparing for a volunteering stint in Chile and can I say, our loss will be Chile‟s gain! Do
contact us if you wish to join our group, new members welcome.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 17
Gleniffer Learning Community News
Michelle’s Story
I started Foxlea without any confidence or any experience since leaving
school and I am now 33 years old. I have came out a much more confident
person than I thought I could ever be and I‟ve started other Reid Kerr courses
where I‟ll now receive recognised certificates. Doing this helps my daughter
see me going to different courses, as she‟s now in school which she started
this August. It is really great because she asks me what I have done that day
and I ask what she has done and we share our daily events and stories. I feel
this is very important for both of us and it has made her much more confident
within herself. She is also very proud of my achievements. I want my
daughter to appreciate that she has been brought up in a working
environment that is good enough for us both.
I am so glad I took this opportunity as it‟s helped me and my child become
much happier and so much more confident. I am looking forward to starting
more courses in the future when I have finished these courses as I enjoy
them so much, plus it gets me out and about and I am learning so much while
my daughter is doing the same at school.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 18
Gleniffer Learning Community News
I took an early retirement package from teaching in 2004 after 32 years
working within various local authorities and colleges. However, in 2011, I
decided to re-enter the job market.
I went along to a local Job Club, mainly for assistance in completing a CV, and
sourcing jobs, as I had not been in the job market for almost 40 years.
After a couple of weeks, the staff at the Job Club became aware of my skills in
IT, and I was asked if I would consider doing voluntary work, within the some
classes, which were running at the Learning Centre.
At first I was quite cynical about “Voluntary Work”, looking on it as a form of
cheap labour. However, after some consideration, I agreed to help.
After getting a Basic Disclosure certificate, I started working with this diverse
group of learners, e.g. young mums, job seekers and pensioners.
I now realise volunteering is not all about giving, but also about my own
personal satisfaction.
Another benefit I found from voluntary work is that it has filled a gap in my CV
from when I took early retirement. This, and the assistance from the staff at
the Job Club, has helped me find and commence part time work with
University of Glasgow. I have now also been successful in starting another
part time post with Renfrewshire Council as a Family Literacy Worker. This
will, hopefully, open even more doors to further employment opportunities.
Ian‟s Journey
As a volunteer
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 19
Gryffe Learning Community News
Last year, most of my time was spent looking after my grandchildren and
picking them up from nursery. They are now in school until 3 O‟clock so I‟ve
got time to spend on myself. I decided to do the computer course as this is
something I‟ve always wanted to learn so I could help my grandchildren when
they have to use the computer for their homework. I didn‟t have the skills; I
noticed the flyers for the beginner‟s class in Cargill Hall so I thought I would
enrol. It was a big thing for me as I felt not being able to use the computer at
my age was embarrassing. I was nervous when I went to enrol but staff were
lovely and made me feel welcome and at ease. I think a lot more older people
would benefit from these skills and I am grateful for this chance.
Alice‟s Thoughts
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 20
Johnstone Learning Community News
The West Johnstone Multicultural group meets every Wednesday morning
and is made up of women of different nationalities, cultures, faiths and ages.
We share our experiences of living in Scotland and in other countries around
the world and encourage each other to share our languages, food, customs,
festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
We have lively discussions exploring a range of life issues in a safe
environment where we listen to each other‟s opinions and welcome the fact
that we all come from different perspectives. This helps us solve problems, set
goals and generally support and encourage each other in a friendly and
informal atmosphere. Above all, it helps us increase our confidence, our
knowledge and understanding of others and is lots of fun!
Multicultural Groups Meet:
Foxlea Learning Centre - Thursday 12:30 till 2:30pm
West Johnstone Campus – Wednesday 9:30 till11:30am
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 21
Johnstone Learning Community News
Marion’s Journey
I was first introduced to Adult Learning and Literacies about 12 years ago, at that time
I was a stay at home mum with four daughters, lacking confidence. Many times I saw
leaflets and notices about a group that was being held in Todholm Primary School
with crèche facilities, I wasn‟t brave enough to walk through the door but it didn‟t stop
me hoping one day I would be able to do so. Three months later I attended my first
group and I haven‟t looked back since. I loved all the courses and my daughter
Aimee enjoyed the crèche, I gained friends, confidence and a new found self belief. I
really did matter. While attending the course a job position came up (a sessional
post) within Renfrewshire Council and I was delighted to be offered the position as a
Parent Enabler, this meant I would be working in schools with parents and their
children in the Renfrewshire area, within my time at the post the families were
encouraged to use story sacks, play along maths and curiosity bags, I could see the
children loved spending some special time with their parents. The parent enabler
project was a great success and won many awards, I was so proud to be part of it.
Unfortunately after six years the funding ran out. I was then offered a sessional post
as an outreach worker, within this role I promote free learning for adults within
Renfrewshire, we also promote PALS (Providing Adult Literacies Services) and ESOL
(English Speakers of Other Languages) within the community. I am still taking
advantage of the classes provided within the learning centres; I have taken part in
Computer Classes, Steps to Excellence, Parenting, Speakeasy and psychology, at
the moment I am doing Introduction to Counselling. I love having access to all the
classes and I'm always very excited to see if any new classes are available as the
service promotes lifelong learning. I was recently offered a sessional post with
Renfrewshire Council as a Literacy Group Worker, after training I now feel confident,
excited and ready to give it my best shot!!
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 22
Linwood Learning Community News
Adult Learning & Literacies Services were part of Linwood for many years.
Sadly it is now demolished to make way for a new Sports Complex. The
Linwood Community Centre was opened in 1992.
Many learners were welcomed through our doors and participated in wide
variety of classes including literacies, personal development and computing,
many of which were delivered in partnership with Reid Kerr College.
Linwood Learning centre was a vital community resource for linking people
and groups together and used for a wide variety of activities such as hosting
local clubs, dancing and keep fit and summertime Family Fun Days.
Linwood was also the home of “The Linwood Line” community newsletter
which kept everyone informed of local news and the community cafe was a
central meeting point for many local people.
Special thanks go to the caretaker Andy Love who greeted everyone with a
cheery smile, also thanks to the Management Committee for their hard work,
dedication and years of service to Linwood Community. We would also like to
say a huge thank you to the people of Linwood who made us so welcome.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 23
Paisley Grammar Learning Community News
Jane Learning Curve
In August 2010 I was approached at toddlers group by a woman telling me about
local computer classes for a technophobe like me. Initially I said no, but when the
following week my mother in-law called me to say she was going to wee class and
was getting a laptop, I had to do something. Then Carolann called me about a
beginner‟s computer class with a crèche. It sounded perfect. Southend Learning
centre was just around the corner, and the skills would help with my boys‟
schoolwork. I heard myself say yes.
Carolann was encouraging and patient. I logged on and learned about mouse
control. The class was over too quickly and I started looking forward to Mondays. I
was learning and enjoying myself. After a few weeks Carolann suggested I join
another class in the centre, I thought why not. Within a year I had completed
access3, intermediate 1 and 2 computing.
By June 2011 I had thought I had gone as far as I could go at Southend when
Carolann suggested volunteering. I jumped at the chance and I really enjoy it. I am
helping in 2 classes and have found it really good fun. I am still no expert but I
love enabling people to access more opportunities through sharing my skills. In
February I enrolled at Reid Kerr to do the ECDL, and in October I applied for a
position of Pool Tutor with ALLS and was lucky enough to get it.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 24
Parkmains Learning Community News
After severe storm damage in January 2012, following the completion of a major
refurbishment, Bargarran Learning Centre opened up its doors to the community
on Friday 23 November 2012. Old and new learners were welcomed with a
smile and a warming cup of tea.
Many thanks go to all the people involved in getting the Learning Centre up and
running, to Gordon Giles, Adult Services and Literacies Manager, Kenny
McDonald, Senior Building Surveyor, Wendy Bulloch , Senior Clerical Officer,
who co-ordinated the refurbishment from the start and a special thank you to
the I.T. staff for their fantastic support.
A full programme of learning classes will start again in January 2013 which will
be published shortly in the new Adult Learning Opportunity Brochure. If you are
interested in learning a new skill for example Helping your Child with Homework,
Driving Theory Test, Police Entrance Examination to name but a few, are
courses that will be available at no cost. Crèche facilities may be also available.
This is a brand new facility so, please, give the staff a call on 0141 812 4660
who will be happy to assist you.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 25
‘SMART Women‟ are a Personal and Social Development Group
who are enjoying their Confidence Building course at Bargarran
Learning Centre in Erskine.
Parkmains Learning Community News
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 26
Renfrew Learning Community News
Adult Learning and Literacies Services recently provided an ESOL (English for
Speakers of Other Languages) Volunteer Training programme in order to
recruit further volunteers as the ESOL provision across Renfrewshire has
expanded over the past year. Nine volunteers were recruited onto the
programme; where they explored cultural differences; what it feels like to be an
ESOL learner and how to support learners with speaking, reading, writing and
listening. The training ran over 5 full day sessions.
The training was well received by the participants who provided positive
feedback. Participants commented that the training was:
“Clearly taught, making me aware of how learners may feel when learning
English.”
“Lots of fun, a brill learning experience.”
“It was well delivered with an enjoyable atmosphere.”
All volunteers are waiting to be matched with an appropriate ESOL Session to
put their newly acquired skills into practice.
Adult Learning and Literacies Services are committed to providing
opportunities for adult volunteers; and to train and equip them with knowledge
and skills that they can use in their communities. ESOL provision provides a
particular niche where volunteer support is welcomed. ESOL learners come to
sessions with a variety of differing needs whether this is educational or cultural.
Some learners may have had very little schooling and therefore do not have
literacy in their own language, others may have little English and others may be
at a higher level where they require work to challenge them and all of these
learners may be in the one class. For these reasons volunteer support plays a
vital role in meeting the needs of learners.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 27
Learner’s comments
Providing Adult Literacies Services (PALS)
“I can see an improvement in my reading
however I am still struggling a bit with
spelling. I am also getting better with
numbers. It‟s good coming along to PALS.
I am getting to meet people and I feel very
comfortable within the session. I am
hoping to achieve my goals, hoping that
this will help me in all areas of my life”.
“I needed to learn about measurements as
I was working with chemicals, this was
when I started to go to PALS for help. My
reading is getting better, and my maths,
which is important for the job I do”.
Work Club Participant Feedback
“I came along last week, I thought I knew all about
seeking for jobs, however I have learned so much, I
am in the process of fixing my CV and have learned
how to use a memory stick”.
“When I went to sign on, I got
referred to a personal advisor in
the Jobcentre. My advisor
highlighted the work club to me
and I came along to Glenburn.
This is my first day”.
“It‟s been good to see new faces, the advice has
been very useful, it helps me to talk to others and
hear the routes they have taken. I have learned
about new web-sites to search”.
Open day Guidance Attendee Comments
“Staff saw me straight away and
explained the course I could do. I was
amazed at how many people were here”.
“Lovely to be out in the community,
meeting people face to face”.
“Open day was very helpful, lots of
information, all these classes help
in self development”.
“A worthwhile visit to the open day,
I‟d love to learn more about
computers”.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 28
Information
Future Events to look out for:
January 2013
Adult Learning Opportunities Booklet
8 March 2013
International Women‟s Day.
May 2013
Adult Learners Certificates Presentation.
Adult Learners Week.
August 2013
Adult Learning Opportunities booklet.
Open Day‟s Learning Centres.
8 September 2013
International Literacy Day
September/October 2013
Family Learning Week
October 2013
MOD/Spree
How to contact us:
Adult Learning & Literacies Services West Johnstone Community Learning Centre West Johnstone Shared Campus Beith Road Johnstone PA5 0BB Telephone: 01505 335 873
Email: als.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Website: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk and click on education and
learning and then click adult and community learning.
Adult Learning & Literacies Services Page 29
Main Contacts
Bargarran Learning Centre c/o Bargarran Community Centre
Bargarran Square Erskine PA8 6BS
Tel: 0141 812 4660
Beechwood Learning Centre Shortroods Road
Paisley Tel: 0141 887 8625
Bridge of Weir Learning Centre
Cargill Hall Lintwhite Crescent
Bridge of Weir Tel: 01505 614 012
Foxlea Learning Centre c/o St Pauls Primary School
Orchy Crescent Foxbar
PA2 0NN Tel: 01505 816866
Glenburn Learning Centre
c/o Glenburn Library Fairway Avenue
Paisley PA2 8DX
Tel: 0141 884 8000 or 0141 884 8060
Southend Action Centre 57 Stock Street
Paisley PA2 6NL
Tel: 0141 849 6245
St James Community Education Centre St James Primary School Annexe
Off Brown Street Renfrew
Tel: 0141 886 1604
Renfrewshire Libraries Tel: 0300 300 1188
www.renfrewshire/gov.uk/libraries
West Johnstone Community Learning Centre West Johnstone Shared Campus
Beith Road Johnstone PA5 0BB
Tel: 01505 335873