| “Life, when things are tough, doesn't have to be miserable. People who are satisfied and whose
potential is met through learning are more joyful as a result. Adult education is arguably all the
more important in the current economic climate. There are a lot of studies that show the beneficial
effect adult education has on health and social interactions.”
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| Skills Minister, John Hayes as quoted
in the Guardian. |
With the creation of the new South Essex College, Evening and Weekend College
has undergone major changes aimed at putting the fun into learning. We now offer
over 800 short courses with no exams! No stress, no pressure, just the enjoyment
of learning and completing your course.
We’ve added over 200 new courses featuring a range of cookery courses, floristry
and even more languages to learn such as Portugese, Cantonese and Latin. We are now
offering courses right across Essex at our main campuses in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock.
Many of our existing courses have also been updated to reflect new legislation or up-dates to computer applications.
Courses that lead to a recognised qualification are still offered by South Essex College and can be found
in the Adult Education section of the Website.
Evening and Weekend courses have been divided into Careers, Leisure and Personal Development.
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Careers
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Aimed at improving career prospects for individuals and for businesses
wishing to up-skill their workforce
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Leisure
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For hobbies and general interest – languages, genealogy, photography, acting and much more.
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Personal Development
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To develop your full potential and become the person you aspire to be –
choose just those areas you wish to improve.
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- Many courses can be Career or Leisure depending on the Learners’
proposed use of the skills acquired, but if the subject of the course can be used in the workplace,
we have included it in the Careers section of this guide.
Course For business
South Essex College are supporting local businesses and organisations, especially through these
difficult financial times, where competitiveness, people productivity and bottom line need to be
working to an optimum. Our courses are only one, two or three weeks and are run out of normal working
hours to minimize disruption to your working day. We have expanded the range of courses that are
specifically designed to assist business to survive and prosper through the current downturn. With
courses costing as little as £50 we are sure this will provide a real return on investment!
Courses for individuals
Our Leisure Courses are designed for adults to develop creative skills or pursue hobbies or
interests. Learning can be fun and a great way to relax and socialise. You might want to develop
an existing interest or learn something new, alongside other like-minded people in a relaxed environment.
Learning for leisure can also build your confidence, and act as a stepping-stone back into more academic
learning.
To start a course you do not need any qualifications, just enthusiasm.
If you want to learn a new language, improve your cookery, model-making, acting, writing,
or photography skills, our varied Leisure Programme is designed to provide something for everyone.
There are also many courses in our Careers and Personal Development section that are designed for
individuals thinking of changing jobs or career, or wanting to get back into work. It is vital that
skills are kept up-to-date, and expertise in a subject can give a competitive edge over others going
for the same employment positions.
Evening and Weekend College offers a wide range of short courses that are designed with career development
in mind. Our courses are mostly less than three weeks long so you don’t have to commit yourself long-term,
and many are provided in a series of progressive stages to allow you to gain more in-depth knowledge.
Try before you buy
To assist students who are not sure if a subject is right for them, we have launched a
range of “TRY” courses, this means that you can sample a course for a day for just £25
and you will be given a £5 voucher to use on the full course if you decide to continue with it.
Up to 42 courses are in this scheme.
Course times
Weekend courses run on Saturday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 10am to 1pm and some in the
afternoon from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Longer Evening Courses start at 6.30pm and finish at 9.30pm;
short courses are from 7pm to 9.30pm, giving time for you to get to College after a working day.
Information technology resources
Our vast learner network of PCs and Macs provides access to the latest software, specialist hardware
and online learning resources. All learners have access to email and the internet and it’s possible to
access the College Intranet (C_Space) from home.
C_Space is one of the most comprehensive intranets in the country. A wealth of resources are available
online including interactive media to millions of online journals, periodicals and reference articles.
Through C_Space you can also view library book loans, College news, sports results, announcements, student
polls, calendars and policies.
Award-winning support
So whether you want to change your career, try a new hobby or refresh key skills, we can support you all the
way with award-winning information, advice and guidance. What’s more, you have the widest choice of courses,
taught by some of the most experienced industry professionals.
Library
Our three main campuses have libraries containing a wide collection of books, periodicals (print and online),
journals, magazines, newspapers, careers information, videos and DVDs and computers to access the internet.
There is also a video/DVD viewing facility.
A computerised library system allows you to borrow resources and search for availability and location of
items at the touch of a button. Library advisers will help you get started on the computer network and
borrowing system, and assist in locating research materials.
Food and drink
On Saturdays, hot food, including the famous Weekend College Breakfast is available as are: teas, coffees,
sandwiches, snacks and sweets. In the Evenings, cafés at most Campuses will be open for teas, coffees,
sandwiches, snacks. Alternatively vending machines offer hot and cold drinks and a selection of sweets,
sandwiches and crisps. Our refectories are also great areas to meet up with friends and to socialise.
Pamper yourself
Our beauty academies in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock offer a wide range of treatments for staff,
students and the public at extremely low prices. Offering everything from pedicures to male grooming,
why not treat yourself during your studies. Services are only available daytime during college term times.
Car parking
Basildon and Thurrock campuses offer free on-site parking whilst our Southend Campus has a public car
park located underneath the building (entrance in Elmer Approach). For the benefit of Evening College
students parking at Southend is FREE after 6 pm, and on Saturdays costs £4.20 for up to 4 hours.
Gift Vouchers
The Gift of Learning – a fantastic gift idea for friends or loved ones. Employers can also use them as
staff incentives. Evening and Weekend College vouchers are available in denominations of £5, £25, and
£65, and can be used in full or part payment towards any course in this guide.