John Kyrle High School Adult Learning Centre Adult and Community Mobile I.T. Regeneration Through Education

Why did Ross-on-Wye need an Adult Learning Centre? A Community Development Survey carried out in 2005 highlighted the following areas of concern A lack of I.T. facilities Lack of Basic Skills provision Little evidence of working with the local business sector A lack of skills and qualifications needed in the modern workplace Some areas fall within the national 20% most deprived

A Community Development Survey carried out in 2005 highlighted the following areas of concern

A lack of I.T. facilities

Lack of Basic Skills provision

Little evidence of working with the local business sector

A lack of skills and qualifications needed in the modern workplace

Some areas fall within the national 20% most deprived

Immediate Impact From the start the centre proved very popular and now averages over 150 adult learners per week . Adult students enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The latest technology is used in all subject areas. 1248 learners in the first 2 years. 373 learners have gained qualifications. 124 businesses have been assisted. Waiting lists created for future courses.

From the start the centre proved very popular and now averages over 150 adult learners per week .

Adult students enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The latest technology is used in all subject areas.

1248 learners in the first 2 years.

373 learners have gained qualifications.

124 businesses have been assisted.

Waiting lists created for future courses.

Benefits A large number of adults have been assisted into employment or improved their employability. Learning cultures have been developed between parents and their children who attend the school. School exam results have risen by 10% in the last 2 years amongst the children of parents who have taken part in the centre’s initiatives. The equipment purchased with the Market Towns Initiative Grant can be used for the whole community not just those who attend the centre. The centre has now become the focus for adult learning in the area with links to over 30 organisations and is used as a base for some of these groups.

A large number of adults have been assisted into employment or improved their employability.

Learning cultures have been developed between parents and their children who attend the school.

School exam results have risen by 10% in the last 2 years amongst the children of parents who have taken part in the centre’s initiatives.

The equipment purchased with the Market Towns Initiative Grant can be used for the whole community not just those who attend the centre.

The centre has now become the focus for adult learning in the area with links to over 30 organisations and is used as a base for some of these groups.

Challenges Demand for IT courses far out weighed the number of suites available for use. No flexibility as existing computers were fixed. Engaging parents who’s educational experience had been less than perfect. Engaging local employers

Demand for IT courses far out weighed the number of suites available for use.

No flexibility as existing computers were fixed.

Engaging parents who’s educational experience had been less than perfect.

Engaging local employers

The Solution Market Town Initiative Grant provided 40 laptops computers and a wireless network to extend the flexibility of the centre.

Market Town Initiative Grant provided 40 laptops computers and a wireless network to extend the flexibility of the centre.

Engaging parents: Parents have been engaged by: holding regular training sessions for them and their children expanding the range of courses offered selecting appropriate venue for initial meetings Engaging local employers: Introducing appropriate courses for local industry local targeted marketing

Engaging parents:

Parents have been engaged by:

holding regular training sessions for them and their children

expanding the range of courses offered

selecting appropriate venue for initial meetings

Engaging local employers:

Introducing appropriate courses for local industry

local targeted marketing

A benefit to the whole area. Postcode survey of attendees from South Herefordshire in 2007

John Kyrle High School Adult Learning Centre Regeneration Through Education Thank You For Listening

Regeneration Through Education

Thank You For Listening