Heidi attends two Improve English and Maths classes per week and really enjoys the sessions.
She has recently achieved level one in literacy and wants to pass her level one numeracy this term. Heidi hopes to become a teaching assistant and her long-term aim is to achieve level 2 Lit/Num to help her realise this goal.
She says
"I didn't think that I would ever enjoy doing maths, but now I am. It's totally different to being at School everything is very relaxed. Also it's great being able to help my children with their maths homework. I would really recommend these classes to anybody wanting to improve their skills."
John was severely depressed when Michelle Nolan of the Mental Health Team referred him to the Adult Education Service. After suffering a nervous breakdown, John found himself unable to go outside the house - not even to take out the rubbish or feed the birds. John found working with both the Mental Health Team and Adult Education a life-altering experience! He has achieved Level 2 qualifications, but much more than this John now has the confidence to get out into the community and help other people to improve their lives too.
Over the last three years John has attended Literacy and Numeracy courses gaining Level 2 qualifications in each. He has worked as a volunteer on courses for learners with learning difficulties, and on literacy and Numeracy courses helping others to gain Entry Level and Level 2 qualifications. He says, "I danced round the room when I got the first one! And my wife (Liz) took me out for a meal for each certificate I got - so it was all worth it!" A bit expensive for her, as John achieved first Level 1 and then Level 2 Literacy with ease. Surprisingly, he says, he had more difficulties with Numeracy - but Liz eventually had to pay up for these too!
When asked what he enjoyed about the Literacy and Numeracy courses, John said, "(They are) absolutely brilliant! The tutors are very approachable. Kate in particular was very patient and helpful. She is charismatic - she makes everyone feel special, an individual who matters."
In 2004 John attended most of the City and Guilds 9295 Course in Teaching Basic Skills at the Preston Road Adult Education Centre; unfortunately funding ran out and he was unable to undertake the final modules, but thoroughly enjoyed the first three. The diversity of types of fellow learners surprised him greatly -many of them were 'high-fliers'.
Following this, he attended a Volunteer Tutor Training course at Withernsea Adult Education Centre where he really enjoyed meeting fellow volunteers. The course covered about 90% of the issues he considers relevant to being a volunteer, and also made him very aware of the considerations that need to be made before teaching commences; unfortunately he learnt all about the red tape too!
All the courses John attended were in convenient locations at times that suited him. Because of his life experiences, John has no forward plans. Like many people who have suffered breakdowns, he just lives from day to day. He would like to go on further courses, such as Local History or Creative Writing, but cannot afford them. In the meantime, he thoroughly enjoys his work as a volunteer with the Adult Education Skills for Life team.
Eleven year old John Daniels attends Little Weighton School. His ambition is to be a mechanic, working on "cars, tractors and anything that moves!"
With his father Jack, John took part in the Bridge Building Challenge and Rockets and Wheels family sessions, which were offered in conjunction with South Hunsley School as part of the Engineering and Technology Experience during October half-term.
John particularly enjoyed learning how to make bridges and his favourite activity was Pop rockets.