Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to the Adult Education College Bexley brochure of courses and activities in our Spring and Summer 2010 programme. Set against the recent economic downturn and a sometimes depressing background, it is important to maintain a balance in our lives and wherever possible to use every opportunity to safeguard our own health and well-being - and what better way than the broad selection of learning opportunities offered in this ‘courseworks’ prospectus. Whether it’s arts and crafts, fitness and dance, or studying for vocational qualifications or gaining new skills for the workplace – we have something that should encourage, stimulate and motivate you in a wide variety of ways. Your biggest challenge may be deciding what you would like to do !

Whatever your reason for choosing to study with us, you will benefit from learning in a friendly, safe and welcoming adult environment – and this was clearly identified in our recent Ofsted inspection report. Similarly, if you are unsure about which course to take or need some help to decide, we can provide free impartial advice and guidance to help you make the right decision – again highlighted as a strength in our Ofsted report. Alternatively, if we don’t cater for your current interests or if you have thoughts and ideas on other subject areas you would like to do, please let us know – as always, we aim to be as responsive as possible to our local learners’ needs.

And when it comes to paying for your course, we have standing orders to help you spread the cost over a longer period via instalments; for learners over 60, we have fee concessions; and for anyone facing financial hardship or needing financial support, we have a Learner Support Fund for accredited courses and the Bexley Trust for Adult Students (BTAS), for non-accredited courses.

Whilst the Adult Education College has its three main centres in Sidcup (Alma Road), Bexleyheath (Brampton Road) and Crayford (Crayford Manor House), we also deliver courses from 3 other satellite centres and up to 48 other community venues, to ensure that learning takes places across the borough and somewhere close to you.

Whatever you choose to do, I am sure you will have an enjoyable and rewarding time with us. We look forward to seeing you in 2010.