Monday 6th July will be a big day for Swansea College tutor Ruth Benson and her student Julie Clarke - that's when they'll both head to Cardiff to find out if they've won a coveted learndirect award.
Ruth, who teaches a weekly numeracy class at the The View Community House in Clase, has been nominated for a 'Learner Support' Award while Julie, a student at The View, has a nomination in the 'Outstanding Learner' category.
For two hours a week, a small group of students get together in the relaxed, informal atmosphere of The View to brush up on their maths skills. These classes provide a supported environment for people who have not been in education for some time.
"The classes combine theory with practical sessions so one week the students will have maths worksheets to complete and the next they'll be asked to measure and weigh different items," says Ruth. "They also spend time at the Tycoch campus and the Kingsway Centre where they can use the computers and take online practice sessions."
The numeracy class at The View is now in its second year and Julie, who also works there as a volunteer, has been attending for around 18 months.
"I help to run the local Kids Club, which involves handling money, so I really need to be on the ball," says Julie, who has successfully achieved five learndirect units on top of her previous OCN certificates. "Things have changed since I was in school and I wanted my maths skills brought up to date. I'm really enjoying the course and will come in to help others even when I've finished my own work."
"Being nominated for an award is recognition of my hard work and it's always nice to get certificates although I've got quite a few now!" Julie adds, having also completed courses in First Aid and Child Protection.
Julie's advice to other adult learners thinking of returning to education is to 'go for it.'
"Come along and sit in on a class…see how you go," she says. "It's not as formal as schools so you can work at your own pace and have fun."
For more information on studying at Swansea College please contact
01792 284000 www.swancoll.ac.uk
