General interest Courses


To enrol on one of our courses, please click on the 'Course Search' button on the main menu to the left of the screen.



If you are thinking of taking up a new hobby, or extending your skills in an existing area of interest then choose from one of our wide range of General Interest Courses. We offer courses of differing durations in a variety of subjects and locations. Some courses are offered in conjunction with the Centre for Community Engagement, University of Sussex, and some courses may offer the opportunity to extend beyond the initial period, subject to demand. If you want to know more, telephone ACRES or access the web site and get a course information sheet which will give you all the details. Don’t put it off, enrol today!

If you need any help in choosing the most appropriate course for you, please telephone on 01825 761820 and we will be happy to provide you with further details. Each course has an information sheet which gives further details. This will be sent to you automatically when you enrol. It is also available on request prior to enrolment. Alternatively, you can download them from our website at www.acreslearning.org.uk


History


If you want to develop your knowledge of history, or expand on an existing interest, then why not consider one of our history based courses.

The Age of the Stuarts: Britain’s First Modern Century offers a rounded overview and particular insight into 17th century Britain, the age of the Stuarts, and how England developed from a small nation state into an emerging world power.

We are also running two courses in conjunction with the University of Sussex:

Ancient Egypt: An Introduction investigates one of the greatest and most spectacular civilisations of antiquity covering the main themes of dynastic Egypt and the pharaohs that shaped Egypt.

Women and Design examines the roles that women played in the past and their influence on design in the fields of architecture and the decorative arts, exploring the issue of gender difference.


Literature and Creative Writing


If you enjoy writing for pleasure, why not expand your literary expressiveness on one of our various Creative Writing Courses.

Creative Writing for beginners provides an introduction to a variety of basic writing skills, techniques and genres whilst encouraging experimentation and practice. A student on last year’s course described it as ‘Extremely enjoyable, informative and interesting.’

Creative Writing for improvers is for writers with some experience, building on the basics to explore new approaches and genres, using examples from published literature and students’ own work.

Creative Writing for improvers/advanced is for writers with either some, or quite a bit of experience, who’ve mastered the basics and want to expand their skills, explore different genres, and blow their literary boundaries!

Writing Workshop provides an opportunity to give and receive practical and constructive criticism on improving writing.

We are also offering one day workshops in a range of Creative Writing subject areas - please click on the 'Course Search' button on the main menu to the left of the screen for more information.


Life and Communication Skills


If you would like to develop an understanding of ourselves and improve your communication skills then perhaps one of the following courses is for you.

Introduction to Psychology offers the opportunity to explore the basics principles of psychology and to practice a range of skills aimed at improving active listening and communications which can be used both personally and professionally. One of last year’s students said ‘I’ve really enjoyed the course and it’s given me a lot to think about’.

Stress Buster Workshop offers the opportunity to learn about stress, how we can use it productively, and how to unwind when stressed, both theoretically and practically.

Introduction to Sign Languageis aimed at beginners who want to learn some basic sign language that will help you communicate with the deaf in any environment. A student from a previous course commented ‘I’ve really enjoyed the course and Tracy is a great teacher’.



Food and Drink



Are you inspired by all those cookery programmes you see on the television? Enrol on one of our courses and kick-start your culinary creativity!

Eastern Mediterranean Cookery offers the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to cook different ingredients and dishes from Eastern Mediterranean Countries.



Gardening, the Environment and Outdoor Pursuits



If your interests lie in the great outdoors then consider our diverse range of courses.

Organic and Sustainable Food Growing explores growing your own organic fruit and vegetables, from windowsill to allotment, using sustainable methods, techniques and materials.

Wildlife and Sustainable Gardening shows how your garden can encourage native wildlife, limit use of non-renewable resources and help conserve the global environment whilst still being a great garden for family and friends to enjoy.

Beekeeping – an Introduction provides students new to beekeeping with a sound knowledge of what it takes to become a beekeeper, covering the bee’s life-cycle, types of hives, sites, plant pollination, products and how the honey bee fits into the wider environment. One of last year’s students described the course as ‘instructive and enjoyable’.

Beekeeping for beginners and improvers offers those new to the subject and students with some previous knowledge a thorough grounding in the bee keeping basics.

Beekeeping for the experienced beekeeper builds on existing knowledge of beekeeping, providing sufficient preparation for the theoretical part of the British Beekeepers Association Basic Assessment.

RYA Day Skipper/Watch Leader course offers a comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers giving sufficient knowledge to navigate familiar waters by day.

Bicycle Maintenance for beginners part 1 teaches students how to adjust their bicycle for maximum safety, enjoyment and efficiency including puncture repairs.

Bicycle Maintenance for beginners part 2is a slightly more advanced course for those who’ve got some knowledge or who’ve attended part one, dealing with brakes, gears and cable replacement.

Music


What about developing your musical creativity? We are offering a new course for budding musicians.

Guitar for beginners covers the basics of guitar playing using students’ own guitars. Chords, strums and notes will be taught using easy songs to give the student a firm grasp of the instrument.

Photography


AS Photography is an art and design based course which is both intensive and project based, offering beginners an understanding of modern camera control techniques, the art of seeing, and the practical application of modern photography. The course has been updated to promote digital camera usage but insists on origination of imagery.

A2 Photography is for those who have previously taken their AS Photography. This assignment assessed course encourages a deeper understanding of modern digital image creation supported by historical research and encourages the pursuit of both tutorial and self-guided study to refine personal technique, originality and style.


55 Plus Group



This is an opportunity to join others on a Friday morning for two hours to listen to a different speaker each week on a variety of interesting subjects. You will have the opportunity to participate in stimulating conversation over coffee and have a chance to meet other people wanting to extend their horizons.