Learning

Your guide to 

www.facebook.com/nclcitylearning 

www.twitter.com/nclcitylearning 

Learning 

in Newcastle 

Enrol online at www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 

January – 

March 2017 

Apprenticeship 

opportunities 

available. See 

inside for more 

information. 

Did you know many of our courses are free if you are unemployed and seeking work? Ask for details.

Welcome 

Welcome to Newcastle City Learning’s new brochure for the coming term, where you can 

find out all about the classes we’re offering at the start of 2017. 

It’s an ideal time to begin something new, so why not see what’s on offer and speak to one of our friendly qualified staff for advice 

about which course is right for you and what discounts and financial help are available? Whether it’s to gain a qualification, improve 

your job prospects or simply enjoy your learning and meet new people there is something for everyone. 

This year we’ve been excited to start our provision for young people and for those with learning difficulties and disabilities and 

welcome new learners into our venues. We’re still also offering the great range of curriculum you enjoy, so whether it’s Arts and Crafts, 

ICT, Languages or Access to Higher Education there is something for everyone. We can also offer support with English and maths. 

We’ve also been focussing on progression, and we’ve got some examples in the brochure of people who have used their learning 

with us to go on and secure employment. Whether this is through a more familiar academic route or by completing work based 

learning with an apprenticeship, our aim is to support you to reach your goals. As always, you can see real quotes from real learners 

to tell you what they think about us and what we do. 

So read on, find something you’d like to study and don’t delay. We’re waiting to take your call, greet you at one of our centres or 

confirm your online enrolment. 

Cllr Hilary Franks, Chair of the Governing body for Newcastle City Learning 

How to use this guide 

You will find the courses we offer listed under the following subject headings. 

Page 

Access to Higher Education Diploma 22-23 

Apprenticeships 29-32 

Art, Craft and Design 6-7 

Beauty 8 

Cookery and Catering 8 

Counselling 9 

Creative Writing 9 

Digital Photography 9 

English 15 

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 18 

Family Learning 19 

First Aid 10 

Health and Safety 11 

History 11 

Information and Communications Technology 11-12 

Page 

Languages 12-14 

Learning Difficulties and Disabilities 21 

Maths 15 

Music 14 

New Venture Supported Internships 20 

Passport to Employment 25 

Sport, Leisure and Recreation 14 

Young People 28 

Advanced Learner Loans 24 

Careers information, advice and guidance 26 

Centre information 5 

Progression routes and levels 4 

Progression case studies 14-15 

Support for your learning 27 

The listings will give you the level of the course, the day and time it runs, its location and cost. Our courses are colour coded. Our new ‘How to enrol’ page 

opposite will show you how much your course fees will be, or whether you will qualify for fee remission and get your course for free (No Fee). There is a £5 

enrolment deposit per course on blue courses for non-fee paying learners, which will be refunded on completion of the full course. There is a £5 enrolment 

deposit per course on yellow courses for non-fee paying learners which will not be refunded. This enrolment deposit will be shown as a £5 charge in the 

Concessions column in the listings. 

Many of our courses are funded by the Skills Funding Agency which means that they cost you less. However you choose to pay, if you leave your course after it 

has started, the full course fee is still payable, unless your reason for leaving would entitle you to a refund. If you have already completed this or a similar 

qualification in the past your course fee cannot be subsidised, fee remission will not apply and you could be asked to pay twice the course fee. We will check your 

previous learning and inform you if different charges apply. We also receive funding from the Education Funding Agency. 

If you would like this publication in a different format please contact 0191 277 3520 

2 www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 

January - March 2017

How to enrol 

Book online at www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 

call our centres, or pop into our Gosforth, Heaton, or Westgate 

receptions (see page 5 for our Centre information). 

What do I need to bring with me? 

We are required to verify all learners 

identity at enrolment. When you enrol 

on your course, please bring one of 

the following original copies with you: 

• Passport 

• Photo Driving Licence 

• Armed Forces Service ID 

• National Insurance Card/Letter 

• Bank Credit/Debit Card 

If you are paying for your course with 

an Advanced Learner Loan we will 

need a copy of your entitlement letter 

from the Student Loan Company 

before we complete your enrolment. 

If you enrol over the phone, you will 

be required to bring this identification 

with you before you start your 

course. 

Advanced 

Learner Loan 

Courses that are Level 3 or 

above are no longer funded 

by the Government in 

2016/17. Concessionary 

fees will only apply if you 

are aged 19-23 and it is 

your first full Level 3 

qualification. You may 

qualify for a loan to help 

pay your course fees. You 

can get more information 

about Advanced Learner 

Loans from our staff, on our 

website, and on page 24. 

Green Course 

fees 

These are our full cost 

courses. There are no 

concessions or discounts. 

Most of these courses are 

£6 per hour. 

Did you know many of 

our courses are free if 

you are unemployed 

and seeking work? 

Ask for details. 

Blue Course Fees Most of these courses are £3.20 per hour 

Yellow Course Fees Most of these courses are £3.20 per hour 

The following groups of students are 

eligible for full fee remission (pay no fees – 

see table below for further details): 

• Those aged 16-18 

• Adults taking specific English and Maths 

qualifications 

• Eligible adults aged 19-23 taking their first 

full level 2 qualification or first full level 3 

qualification 

• Eligible adults aged 19-23 taking Entry or 

Level 1 qualifications excluding English, 

maths and ESOL 

• Adults in receipt of specific income related 

benefits (see next column) 

Specific income related benefits: 

• You are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance 

(JSA), including those receiving National 

Insurance credits only. 

• You are in receipt of Employment and 

Support Allowance (ESA) and are in the 

work-related activity group (WRAG). 

• You are in receipt of Universal Credit, earn 

less than 16 times the National Minimum 

wage per week or £330 a month and are 

determined by Jobcentre Plus (JCP) as 

being in one of the following groups: 

• All Work Related Requirements Group. 

• Work Preparation Group. 

• Work Focused Interview Group 

We can also use our discretion to fund 

other learners if all of the following apply: 

• The learner receives other state benefits 

and earn less than 16 times the National 

Minimum Wage a week or £330 a month. 

• The learner wants to be employed and we 

are satisfied that the learning is directly 

relevant to your employment prospects and 

the local labour market needs. 

For further details ask our Centre 

Reception staff 

Course Levels 19-23 Year Olds 24+ Unemployed 24+ Other 

English and Maths up to and including Level 2 (Intermediate) No Fee No Fee No Fee 

Level 2 (Intermediate) No Fee (first and full*) No Fee Fee applies 

Learning to progress to Level 2 (Intermediate) No Fee No Fee Fee applies 

Level 3 (Advanced) No Fee (first and full*) Loan funded Loan funded 

Loan funded** 

(if you have previously 

achieved level 3 or above) 

Traineeship 

No Fee 

(Including 24 year olds) N/A N/A 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learning up to Fee applies No Fee Fee applies 

and including Level 2 (Intermediate) 

No Fee for unemployed 

Learning aims up to and including Level 2 (Intermediate), where Fee applies No Fee Fee applies 

the learner has already achieved at Level 2 or above 

(Intermediate/Advanced) 

No Fee for unemployed 

*if you have never studied this level before then the course is free providing it is a Full Level 2 

**availability of loans at Level 3 does not replace a 19-23 year old’s legal entitlement to full funding for a first full level 3 

January - March 2017 Enrol online at www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 

3

Progression Map 

At Newcastle City Learning we want to help 

you reaching your learning goal. 

The Level of each course 

is shown in the course 

listings. 

Whether it be for employment 

skills or in developing a skill 

or hobby, we can offer you 

advice on the right course or 

progression route to take. 

Advanced 

(Level 3 and 

above) 

Intermediate 

(Level 2) 

An example of 

a qualification 

at this level 

would be 

GCSE (grades 

A*-C) or 

equivalent 

Improvers 

(Level 1) 

An example of 

a qualification 

at this level 

would be 

GCSE (grades 

D-G) or 

equivalent 

Beginners 

(Entry Level) 

Ideal for those 

returning to 

learning 

3 

2 

1 

3 

2 

1 

3 

2 

1 

3 

2 

1 

Examples 

of our 

courses 

Access 

to HE 

Diploma 

Level 3 

Diploma in 

Beauty 

Therapy 

Level 3 

Award in 

Education 

and Training 

ECDL 

Essentials 

and Extra 

Food Safety 

in Catering 

Level 2 

Award 

French 

Improvers 

Certificate 

Introduction 

to 

Counselling 

Get started 

with 

Spanish 

Come and 

try Local 

History 



Centre 

Information 

Newcastle City Learning at Gosforth 

Gosforth Library and Learning Centre, 

Regent Farm Road, Newcastle, NE3 3HD. 

Phone: 0191 277 1630 

Email: ncl.gosforth@newcastle.gov.uk 

Web: www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 

Room Hire available - ask for details 

Newcastle City Learning at 

Heaton Centre including 

Skills for Life office 

The Heaton Centre, Trewhitt Road, Heaton, 

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5DY. 

Phone: 0191 278 2818 

Email: nclheaton@newcastle.gov.uk 


Newcastle City Learning at Westgate 

including ESOL and Family Learning 

offices 

Westgate College, West Road, Fenham, 

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9LU. 

Phone: 0191 277 3520 

Email: newcastlecitylearning@newcastle.gov.uk 


Our opening times 

Gosforth Library and Learning Centre 

Term time 

Holidays 

Heaton Centre 

Term time 

Holidays 

Westgate College 

Term time 

Holidays 

Monday to Thursday 

8.30am – 9pm 

Friday 8.30am - 4pm 

Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm. 

Please note we are closed on Bank Holidays. 

Monday, Tuesday and Friday 

8.30am – 4.30pm 

Wednesday and Thursday 

8.30am – 8pm 

Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm. 


Monday to Thursday 

8.30am – 8pm 

Friday 8.30am – 4pm 

Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm 


All centres will close on 23rd December 2016 and re-open on 

3rd January 2017, however online enrolment will still be 

available at www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk for most courses. 

Facilities Key 

Disabled Parking 

Lift 

Accessible Crèche 

Minicom 

Room Hire available - ask for details 

Wheelchair Access 

Hearing Loop 

We also run classes at other centres 

such as 

• City Library 

• Gosforth Academy 

• Laing Art Gallery 

Ask at enrolment for the location and 

facilities of your chosen venue. 

Accessible Toilets 

Accessible Café/ 

Refreshments 

These symbols show which accessibility features each venue 

has to offer. 

If you have any other accessibility requirements please 

contact us to discuss your individual needs on 0191 277 3520. 


5

Course listings 

Key Course Title Level Day Time Weeks Venue Enrol Full Conc Course Start 

Online Fee £ £ Code Date 

Access to Higher Education 

Preparation courses starting now for our February 2017 intake. Please contact us as soon as possible. See pages 22-23 for more details. 

Apprenticeships 

See pages 29-32 

“Well structured and interesting. Applicable to a wide range of art work” 

Art Craft and Design 

Crafts 

Creative Jewellery Improvers 2 We 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3E2246B 18/01/17 

Making Skills 

Learning Centre 

Get started with Print Making Beginners 2 Mo 10am - 12.30pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 88.00 5.00 I1A2203B 16/01/17 

Get started with Radio Beginners 3 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Westgate College Yes 70.40 5.00 Q2E2228Y 17/01/17 

Production 

Improve your Glass Making Improvers 1 Tu 1 - 3pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2P2225B 17/01/17 


Improve your Print Making Improvers 1 Mo 1 - 3.30pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 88.00 5.00 I1P2204B 16/01/17 

Improve your Sculpture Improvers 1 Mo 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1E2213B 16/01/17 


Upholstery: All Levels Mixed Mo 6.15 - 8.45pm 8 Gosforth Academy Yes 120.00 120.00 G1E2216G 16/01/17 

Upholstery: All Levels Mixed Mo 6.15 - 8.45pm 8 Gosforth Academy Yes 120.00 120.00 G1E2217G 16/01/17 

Upholstery: All Levels Mixed Tu 6.15 - 8.45pm 8 Gosforth Academy Yes 120.00 120.00 G2E2235G 17/01/17 

“Jason was always helpful and his demonstrations are always excellent” 





Drawing 

Get started with Children's Beginners 2 Fr 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G5A2256B 20/01/17 

Book Illustration 


Improve your Children's Improvers 1 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2E2232B 17/01/17 

Book Illustration 


Improve your Drawing Improvers 1 We 3 - 5pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3P2243B 18/01/17 


Improve your Drawing Improvers 1 Th 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4E2255B 19/01/17 


Perspective: Drawing Improvers 2 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2E2234B 17/01/17 

Buildings 


Painting 

Creative Painting Skills Intermediate 1 Tu 1 - 3pm 22 Gosforth Library and Yes 140.80 5.00 G2P2224B 17/01/17 


Figures in Acrylics Beginners 2 Tu 1 - 3pm 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G2P2274Y 11/04/17 


Flowers with Watercolour Beginners 2 Tu 10am - 12noon 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G2A2273Y 11/04/17 


Get started with Art Beginners 1 Fr 1.30 - 3.30pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 70.40 5.00 I5P2261Y 20/01/17 

Get started with Painting Beginners 2 We 1 - 3pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 70.40 5.00 I3P2241B 18/01/17 

Get started with Painting Beginners 2 Th 2.30 - 4.30pm 11 Laing Art Gallery Yes 70.40 5.00 G4P2252B 19/01/17 

and Drawing 

Improve your Water-Soluble Improvers 1 Mo 2 - 4pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1P2209B 16/01/17 

Oil Painting 


Painting Movement with Mixed We 10.15am - 12.15pm 10 Laing Art Gallery Yes 120.00 120.00 G3A2240G 18/01/17 

Watercolour 

Painting Rivers with Mixed Fr 10am - 12noon 10 Heaton Centre Yes 120.00 120.00 I5A2259G 20/01/17 

Watercolour 

Painting Trees and Foliage Improvers 2 Fr 1.30 - 3.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G5P2260B 20/01/17 


Textiles and Needlecraft 

Come and try Crochet Beginners 1 Fr 10am - 12noon 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G5A2268Y 20/01/17 


Improve your Garment Making Improvers 1 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2E2231B 17/01/17 


Come and try Needle Felting Beginners 1 Fr 10am - 12noon 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G5A2272Y 03/03/17 


Get started with Patchwork Beginners 2 Th 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4A2248B 19/01/17 

and Quilting 


Improvers Patchwork Improvers 1 Th 12.15 - 2.15pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4P2249B 19/01/17 

and Quilting 


Come and try Proggy Beginners 1 Fr 10am - 12noon 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G5A2271Y 10/02/17 

Mat Making 


Get started with Sewing Beginners 1 We 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3A2236Y 18/01/17 


Improve your Sewing Improvers 1 Tu 10am - 12noon 11 Westgate College Yes 70.40 5.00 Q2A2222B 17/01/17 

Improve your Sewing Skills Improvers 2 Mo 10am - 12noon 11 Westgate College Yes 70.40 5.00 Q1A2205B 16/01/17 

Get started with Soft Beginners 2 Th 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4E2254B 19/01/17 

Furnishings 


Improve your Soft Furnishings Improvers 1 Mo 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1E2214B 16/01/17 


“The sessions were mind broadening, interesting, and the atmosphere was friendly 

and relaxed” 


7



“Good venue and very good rapport with teachers” 

Beauty 

Level 1 Certificate in Hair Improvers 1-2 Tu 9.30am - 12.30pm 15 Westgate College Yes 144.00 5.00 Q2A3501B 28/02/17 

and Beauty 

Level 1 Certificate in Hair Improvers 1-2 Tu 1 - 4pm 15 Westgate College Yes 144.00 5.00 Q2P3502B 28/02/17 

and Beauty 

Level 2 Diploma in Intermediate We 9.30am - 5.30pm 27 Westgate College Yes 652.80 5.00 Q3P3504B 18/01/17 

Beauty Therapy 1-3 

Level 3 Award in Body Massage Advanced 1 Tu 6 - 9pm 10 Westgate College Yes 180.00 180.00 Q2P3503G 17/01/17 

Level 2 Certificate in Intermediate Th 10am - 2.30pm 10 Westgate College Yes 144.00 5.00 Q4P3505B 19/01/17 

Manicure and Pedicure 1-2 

“Better environment for me, I learned different things compared to other colleges” 

Cookery and Catering 

Chinese food made easy Improvers 1 We 5.30 - 8.30pm 1 Gosforth Academy Yes 9.60 5.00 G3E2266Y 18/01/17 

Curries from scratch Improvers 1-3 Tu 6 - 8.30pm 10 Gosforth Academy Yes 80.00 5.00 G2E2229Y 17/01/17 

Get started with Baking Mixed Tu 1.30 - 4.30pm 5 Westgate College Yes 48.00 5.00 Q2P2226Y 17/01/17 

Gluten-Free Recipes Improvers 1 Tu 5.30 - 8.30pm 1 Westgate College Yes 9.60 5.00 Q2E2265Y 10/01/17 

Get started with Sugar Craft Beginners 2 We 10am - 12noon 11 Westgate College Yes 70.40 5.00 Q3A2219B 18/01/17 

Improve your Sugar Craft Improvers 1 Mo 1 - 3pm 11 Westgate College Yes 70.40 5.00 Q1P2207B 16/01/17 

Make your own Pasta Improvers 1 We 5.30 - 8.30pm 1 Gosforth Academy Yes 9.60 5.00 G3E2264Y 11/01/17 

Make your own Yule Log Beginners 1 We 5.30 - 8.30pm 1 Westgate College Yes 9.60 5.00 Q3E2262Y 14/12/16 

Meals from around the world Beginners 2 Mo 6 - 8.30pm 10 Gosforth Academy Yes 80.00 5.00 G1E2215B 16/01/17 

Passport to Employment: Intermediate 1 Tu 10am - 2.30pm 2 Westgate College Yes 48.00 5.00 Q2A4445B 28/02/17 

Food Safety in Catering 

Professional Chopping Skills Improvers 3 Mo 5.30 - 8.30pm 1 Westgate College Yes 9.60 5.00 Q1E2263Y 09/01/17 





“Lyndsey was friendly and engaging. She animated the course with lots of energy 

and was very informative too” 

Counselling 

Increase your Confidence Beginners 2 Th 1.30 - 3.30pm 5 City Library Yes 32.00 5.00 M4P2251Y 19/01/17 

Introduction to Counselling Improvers 1 We 10am - 1pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 105.60 5.00 G3A2238B 18/01/17 


Introduction to Counselling Improvers 1 Th 5.45 - 8.45pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 105.60 5.00 G4E2253B 19/01/17 


Level 2 Certificate in Intermediate 3 Mo 5 - 9pm 15 Gosforth Library and Yes 192.00 5.00 G1E2211B 06/03/17 

Counselling Skills 


Level 3 Diploma in Advanced We 10am - 4pm 15 Gosforth Library and Yes 1,800.00 5.00 G3A2237B 15/03/17 

Counselling Skills 


Creative Writing 

Get started with Creative Beginners 2 Th 10.30am - 12.30pm 11 City Library Yes 70.40 5.00 M4A0085Y 19/01/17 

Writing 

Creative Writing Improvers Improvers 2 Th 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 64.00 5.00 G4E0082Y 19/01/17 


Creative Writing Intermediate Intermediate 2 Tu 10 - 11.30am 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G2A0083G 17/01/17 


Creative Writing Advanced Advanced 3 Mo 10 - 11.30am 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G1A0084G 16/01/17 


Digital Photography 

Get started with Beginners 1 Mo 3.30 - 5.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1P2210Y 16/01/17 

Monochrome Photography 


Get started with DSLR Beginners 2 Tu 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2A2223B 17/01/17 

and Photoshop 


Get started with DSLR Beginners 2 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2E2233B 17/01/17 

and Photoshop 


Improve your Digital SLR Improvers 1 We 3 - 5pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3P2244B 18/01/17 


Digital SLR Level 2 Intermediate 3 Fr 10am - 12noon 22 Gosforth Library and Yes 160.00 5.00 G5A2257B 20/01/17 

Certificate in Photography 


“I liked the variation of the course” 

English 

See page 15 

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 

See page 18 


9



“The tutor was very helpful and understanding” 

Family Learning 

See page 19 

“Tutor was excellent and the option for electronic submission was useful” 

First Aid 

Level 2 Award in Emergency Intermediate 3 Th 9.30am - 4.30pm 1 Westgate College Yes 48.00 5.00 Q4A3335B 26/01/17 

First Aid at Work 

Level 2 Award in Emergency Intermediate 3 We 9.30am - 4.30pm 1 Westgate College Yes 48.00 5.00 Q3A3338B 08/03/17 



Level 2 Award in Emergency 


Level 2 Award in Paediatric Intermediate 3 Sa 9.30am - 4.30pm 2 Westgate College Yes 84.00 84.00 Q5A4450G 21/01/17 

First Aid 

Level 2 Award in Paediatric Intermediate 3 Tu 5.30 - 8.30pm 3 Westgate College Yes 84.00 84.00 Q2E4449G 31/01/17 

First Aid 

“Everybody participated” 

“I just like coming to college to learn” 





Health and Safety 


Health and Safety in the 

Workplace 


Safe Moving and Handling 

(restrictions apply, please ask 

for details) 

“I learned a few new things about employability and came a few steps 

closer to a new future” 

History 

2000 Years of Tyneside Mixed Tu 10 - 11.30am 5 Gosforth Library and Yes 45.00 45.00 G2A0109G 17/01/17 


Advertising in Victorian Britain Mixed We 1.30 - 3.30pm 1 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.00 12.00 G3P0102G 08/03/17 


A History of Italian Mixed Mo 1.30 - 3.30pm 1 City Library Yes 12.00 12.00 M1P0113G 06/02/17 

Immigration in the North East 

Law and the individual Beginners 3 Tu 1.30 - 3.30pm 5 Gosforth Library and Yes 32.00 5.00 G2P0064Y 17/01/17 


More flashpoints in History: Improvers 2 Th 10.30am - 12.30pm 11 City Library Yes 70.40 5.00 M4A0110B 19/01/17 

Major 20th Century Events 

More Sociological ideas for Improvers 2 Tu 10.30am - 12.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2A0113B 17/01/17 

the 21st Century 


Open all hours: a historical Beginners 3 Th 1.30 - 3.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4P0070Y 19/01/17 

perspective of local retail and 


business 

The horrors of the Victorian Mixed Mo 10.30am - 12.30pm 1 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.00 12.00 G1A0112G 16/01/17 

household 


The life and times of the Improvers 2 We 10.30am - 12.30pm 11 City Library Yes 70.40 5.00 M3A0110Y 18/01/17 

historical Geordie 

The people that made Mixed Mo 1 - 3pm 5 Gosforth Library and Yes 32.00 5.00 G1A0074Y 16/01/17 

Tyneside great 


Get started with Trace your Mixed We 11am - 1pm 5 City Library Yes 32.00 5.00 M3A0112Y 18/01/17 

Family Tree 

Trace your family: Improvers 2 We 1.30 - 3.30pm 5 City Library Yes 32.00 5.00 M3A0111Y 18/01/17 

Dig a bit deeper 

Information and Communication Technology 

Computing for the terrified Beginners 1-3 We 1.15 - 3.15pm 11 Westgate College Yes 70.40 5.00 Q3P2242Y 18/01/17 

Creative Design with Beginners 1 Mo 1 - 3pm 6 Gosforth Library and Yes 72.00 72.00 G1P2208G 16/01/17 

Photoshop 


“The tutor made me comfortable and it’s the first time ever that I’ve 

enjoyed learning computers” 


11



File Management: Next Steps Improvers 1 Th 12.45 - 2.45pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4P2250Y 19/01/17 


Get started with Computers Beginners 2 We 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3A2239Y 18/01/17 


Get started with Computers Beginners 2 We 6 - 8pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 70.40 5.00 I3E2245Y 18/01/17 

Get started with Internet and Beginners 2 Th 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4A2247B 19/01/17 

Mobile Technology 


ICT and Communication Beginners 2 Tu 1.30 - 4.30pm 5 City Library Yes 48.00 5.00 M2P2227B 17/01/17 

Skills for Employment 

You can enrol on our ECDL programmes all year round. You may also be able to study OCR Text Production (Business Professional) Levels 1, 2 and 

3.The OCR Text Production (Business Professional) is now becoming essential for administration and secretarial jobs across the North East, 

especially in the Health Sector. You may often see jobs advertised stating that you "must have RSA 2 or 3 or equivalent". This course will give you that 

qualification. To find out more call any of our contact numbers or email maria.hawthorne@newcastle.gov.uk 

We also have a number of programmes to help learners with ICT skills for job searching. You can get help with using Universal JobsMatch or gaining ICT 

qualifications. Please call any of our contact numbers or email maria.hawthorne@newcastle.gov.uk for more details and to arrange an initial assessment. 

We can also arrange customised ICT private tuition – prices vary. 

Languages 

Chinese Mandarin 

Get started with Chinese Beginners 2 Th 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4E0080Y 19/01/17 

Mandarin 


Chinese Mandarin Beginners 3 Mo 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1E0101B 16/01/17 

Post Beginners 


French 

Get started with French Beginners 2 We 12.30 - 2pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 52.80 5.00 G3P0106B 18/01/17 

over lunchtime 


French Post Beginners Beginners 3 We 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3E0107B 18/01/17 


French Improvers Certificate Improvers 2 Tu 12.30 - 2pm 20 Gosforth Library and Yes 96.00 5.00 G2A0114B 17/01/17 


Let's speak French Improvers Improvers 2 Tu 7.30 - 9pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 48.00 5.00 G2E0108Y 17/01/17 


French Intermediate Intermediate 1 Tu 6 - 7.30pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G2E0104G 17/01/17 


“Antonella is a great teacher, her lessons were interesting and I enjoyed the language 

and also the cultural things we discussed” 





“The course content was suited to my level of experience” 

German 

Get started with German Beginners 2 Tu 12.30 - 2pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 52.80 5.00 G2A0087B 17/01/17 



German Post Beginners Beginners 3 We 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3E0090B 18/01/17 


German Improvers Award Improvers 1 Th 6.30 - 8.30pm 20 Heaton Centre Yes 128.00 5.00 I4E0089B 19/01/17 

German Intermediate Intermediate 1 We 8 - 9pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 60.00 60.00 G3E0088G 18/01/17 


Italian 

Get started with Italian Beginners 2 We 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 70.40 5.00 I3E0097B 18/01/17 

Get started with Italian Beginners 2 Tu 12.30 - 2pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 52.80 5.00 G2P0091B 17/01/17 



Italian Post Beginners Beginners 3 Th 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 70.40 5.00 I4E0092B 19/01/17 

Italian Post Beginners Beginners 3 Mo 1 - 2.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 52.80 5.00 G1P0093B 16/01/17 



Italian Improvers Award Improvers 1 We 6.30 - 8.30pm 20 Gosforth Library and Yes 128.00 5.00 G3E0096B 18/01/17 


Italian Advanced Advanced 1 Mo 10.30am - 12noon 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G1A0095G 16/01/17 


Italian Advanced Advanced 1 We 7 - 8.30pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G3E0094G 18/01/17 


Italian Grammar for Improvers Mixed Th 7.45 - 8.45pm 10 Heaton Centre Yes 32.00 5.00 I4E0097Y 19/01/17 

and Intermediate 

Italian Grammar for Advanced 1 We 6 - 7pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 32.00 5.00 G3E0097Y 18/01/17 

Intermediate and Advanced 


Japanese 

Get started with Japanese Beginners 2 We 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G3E0086Y 18/01/17 


Japanese Post Beginners Beginners 3 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2E0087B 17/01/17 


Japanese Post Beginners Beginners 3 Mo 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1A0088B 16/01/17 


Japanese Improvers Improvers 2 Tu 7.30 - 9pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G2E0089G 17/01/17 

Conversation 


Japanese Intermediate Intermediate 2 Tu 5.45 - 7.15pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G2E0090G 17/01/17 


“Relaxed friendly atmosphere conducive to learning” 


13



“Great class discussions” 

Russian 

Get started with Russian Beginners 2 Mo 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1E0091Y 16/01/17 


Russian Post Beginners Beginners 3 Th 7.15 - 8.45pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 52.80 5.00 G4E0092B 19/01/17 


Russian Intermediate Intermediate 1 Th 5.30 - 7pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G4E0146G 19/01/17 


Spanish 

Get started with Spanish Beginners 2 Tu 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2A0101B 17/01/17 


Get started with Spanish Beginners 2 Th 4.45 - 6.15pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 52.80 5.00 I4P0103B 19/01/17 

teatime 

Spanish Post Beginners Beginners 3 We 6.30 - 8.30pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 70.40 5.00 I3E0100B 18/01/17 

Spanish Post Beginners Beginners 3 We 4.45 - 6.15pm 11 Heaton Centre Yes 52.80 5.00 I3E0098B 18/01/17 

at teatime 

Spanish Post Beginners Beginners 3 Th 10am - 12noon 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G4A0099B 19/01/17 


Spanish Improvers Award Improvers 1 Tu 12.30 - 2pm 20 Gosforth Library and Yes 96.00 5.00 G2P0101B 17/01/17 


Spanish Improvers Award Improvers 1 Mo 6.30 - 8pm 20 Gosforth Library and Yes 96.00 5.00 G1E0103B 16/01/17 


Spanish Intermediate Intermediate 1 Th 12.30 - 2pm 10 Gosforth Library and Yes 90.00 90.00 G4P0102G 19/01/17 


Learning Difficulties and Disabilities 

See pages 20-21 

Maths 

See page 15 

Music 

Get started with Guitar Beginners 2 Tu 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G2E2230B 17/01/17 


Get started with Ukulele Beginners 2 Mo 6 - 8pm 11 Gosforth Library and Yes 70.40 5.00 G1E2212B 16/01/17 


Jazz Workshop: Beginners 1 Fr 1.30 - 4.30pm 1 Gosforth Library and Yes 9.60 5.00 G5P2269Y 20/01/17 

'Sing that Swing' 


Sport Leisure and Recreation 

Come and try Geology Beginners 1 Th 6.30 - 8.30pm 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G4E2267Y 19/01/17 


Discover fascinating Fossils Beginners 1 Th 6.30 - 8.30pm 2 Gosforth Library and Yes 12.80 5.00 G4E2270Y 02/02/17 


Young People 

See page 28 



English and Maths 

Functional Skills are the skills you require for everyday life in English and Maths. 

These courses are delivered in a friendly, relaxed adult environment and will help you develop new skills which you can use in a variety 

of contexts; at home, work, college or further study. 

Courses are FREE unless you already have a Level 2 or equivalent qualification in the subject already 

and qualifications are available at a variety of levels: 

Brush up your English and maths – develop your 

spelling, reading and writing or your basic maths in 

our Entry Level 2 and 3 courses 

Improve your English and maths - improve the skills 

you need to achieve a qualification equivalent to a 

GCSE in our Level 1 and 2 courses. You will be 

working at a higher level and will gain a qualification 

equivalent to a GCSE 

GCSE English and Maths - build upon your existing 

Level 2 skills and achieve your GCSE in English and/ 

or Maths 

“I enjoyed learning maths and English 

and working on the computers” 

Dyslexia Support – develop your reading and writing 

skills by working towards a structured programme 

Free morning, afternoon and evening English and Maths 

courses for learners at Heaton Centre and Westgate College. 

For learners we can: 

• update your skills for work, college or university 

• offer national qualifications at various levels 

• improve your CV 

• offer flexible and intensive programmes to suit your needs 

• offer learning in friendly, local venues 

For employers we can: 

• refresh employees’ skills 

• offer national qualifications at various levels 

• train at the workplace to minimise disruption to the 

working day 

You will be assessed at the start of your course to make sure you study the best qualifications at the levels appropriate for you. 

If you would like to learn with us - don’t delay, call today on 0191 278 2818 (Heaton) 

or 0191 277 3520 (Westgate). 

All of our English and Maths courses are roll on roll off. This means that you can start learning at any 

time. Typically it takes 12 weeks to achieve your first qualification but you can negotiate this with 

your tutor. Please check our website for further details of our courses. 


15

Progression stories 

At Newcastle City Learning, our aim is to help you achieve your learning goals, whether that is to learn a new skill, secure a new job, or 

enhance your career prospects. Whether you start out improving your English and maths, or join us through helping your child learn in one of 

our family learning settings, or simply join a class that interests you, we aim to help you continue your learning journey until you reach your 

target, or set a new one! Whether this is through a more familiar academic route or by completing work based learning with an 

apprenticeship, our aim is to support you to reach your goals. Even after you leave, we’re still keen to hear about what you are now doing. 

Here, we tell you about some of our learners and what they have gone on to do with the skills and qualifications they have gained with 

Newcastle City Learning. 

Counselling success 

We were recently thrilled to have 6 learners 

who started with us by taking a Level 2 

Counselling course become fully qualified as 

practitioners. The group, comprising of Matty 

Bower, Siobhan Coogan, Magda Jazeri, Mark 

Ross, Christine Somers and Jeremy Stobbart 

progressed from their Level 2 Counselling 

course to attend a Level 3 Counselling course 

here at Newcastle City Learning, both with 

our counselling tutor Louise. They then all 

successfully completed a foundation degree 

in Counselling at Tyne Metropolitan College. 

“I had always been interested in ways to 

engage with others therapeutically within my 

role as a support worker in order to increase 

my effectiveness within the helping 

relationship. Completing the Level 2 and 3 

courses opened many doors for me. The 

qualifications enabled me to gain a higher 

position within my work and gave me the 

skills and confidence to work at a much 

deeper level with clients presenting many 

challenging issues. Progressing onto the 

Foundation Degree at Tyne Met took both 

my personal and professional development to 

new heights. This gave me the confidence to 

work as a counsellor with both adults and 

children which I would never have considered 

previously. None of this would have been 

possible without the dedication and support 

of my tutors throughout level 2, 3 and my 

Foundation Degree. 

I am currently in the process of developing 

my own private counselling practice. I also 

have a position as a counsellor within two 

large UK charities.” 

Mark Ross 

“Words cannot begin to describe how much I 

have learnt and achieved with Louise in 

Levels 2 and 3. Through learning about 

theories and techniques I was able to gain 

awareness into my own personality, 

behaviour and emotions, which enabled me 

to clarify my own obstacles and deal with 

difficulties in a more effective way. If I was to 

describe in a sentence what it did for me 

personally, I would say "I finally got to know 

myself and developed self-confidence". 

On a professional level, I began to see it as a 

Mark Ross, Magda Jazeri 

and Siobhan Coogan. 

possible career path for myself. After 

completing Level 3 I embarked on a 

Foundation Degree at Tyne Met College, 

which was equally a life enhancing journey. 

Louise's high quality of teaching, over the 

Levels 2 and 3, gave me a great foundation 

and really prepared me for the Foundation 

Degree level. I had two placements, one 

with Place2be, working with children and 

the other with QE NHS, Occupational 

Health, working with their employees. 

I graduated in 2016, with a distinction. All of 

what I was able to accomplish, since 

commencing my Level 2 in 2012, have been 

beyond what I could have possibly imagined 

or envisaged when I set out, but it has 

proved to me at the age of 50, that with 

self-belief, commitment and great teaching, 

we can develop a drive and tenacity to 

achieve. I don't know what the future holds, 

but I know that this journey has changed my 

life and raised my aspirations. 

Following a successful completion of 

placement hours at NHS QE hospital, I was able 

to secure continuation with them on a 

voluntary basis, which allows me to continue 

to gain experience in client work and work 

towards my accreditation with the BACP. I am 

also looking into establishing a private practice 

with other counsellors from my FD Course” 

Magda Jazeri 

“My initial reason for accessing Level 2 and 3 

in Counselling was building a foundation in 

education, however once I started Level 2 it 

was obvious how much I enjoyed the 

learning environment. Following the 

achievements within education on Level 2 

and 3 in Counselling, I also completed an 

advanced diploma in Health and Social Care. 

Many years ago I had a dream to progress 

onto University. In January 2014, I applied to 

do a Foundation Degree at Tyne Metropolitan 

in Counselling. During the two years to follow 

I had placements at North East Counselling 

Service and SomeOne Cares, a specialist abuse 

service. In May 2016 I completed my 100 hours 

placement and graduated with a Foundation 

Degree in Counselling. 

Since completing my Foundation Degree I 

have a new job role within Changing Lives; I 

am the Deputy Manager of the Multiple 

Exclusion Service in Newcastle. I was 

successful in been given two volunteer roles 

at NECS and SomeOne Cares, and I am 

currently working towards accreditation and 

in practice. 

My summer has been life changing, I have 

set up my own private practice up in 

Counselling and in September I start my top 

- year BA Honours in Counselling. Today, I 

believe anything is possible.” 

Matty Bower 



Naljets 

Naljets is an international aircraft and aviation asset management company, with headquarters here in the North East. In total Naljets has 

had seven apprentices from Newcastle City Learning, all of whom are still at the company and are progressing their careers in the aviation 

industry. Naljets are proud to support employment as a North East based company, and we are really pleased to have had such a 

successful relationship with them which we hope will continue for many years to come. All of Naljets apprentices started off doing their 

Business Administration Level 2 qualifications. Here is a bit more about some of them. 

Stephanie Parkin 

Stephanie started at Naljets as an Operations 

Assistant over 4 years ago. Throughout the 

work placement she felt supported by 

Newcastle City Learning (NCL) from the 

continuous on site visits. She has gone on to 

complete her Level 3 qualification to focus 

on management skills and has progressed to 

‘Training Co-ordinator/Operations 

Supervisor’ within the company. In this new 

role she is responsible for the training needs 

of the company’s flight crew. She is working 

towards expanding this role to manage 

training and the health and safety 

environment for the company. Stephanie 

said, “I am very grateful to the opportunities 

that NCL provided and the support provided 

by my Tutor was excellent”. 

Andrew Barnett 

Andrew began his career at Naljets as an 

Operations Assistant 3 years ago. NCL 

helped to build his confidence within the 

workplace environment and his office based 

skills, which have become essential tools 

throughout his career development. Andrew 

spent the first year within the operations 

department, then progressed to a new role 

as ‘Safety and Compliance Monitoring 

Manager’. Andrew has developed his career 

and feels fulfilled within the aviation 

industry; with the further support of Naljets, 

he now plans to work towards his aircraft 

engineering qualifications and work within 

another area of the company. Andrew said, 

“NCL provided a great foot in the door for 

my career, with administrative skills that 

have proved very useful”. 

Matt Huddart 

Matt started at Naljets as an Operations 

Assistant 3 years ago. Since then he has 

recently progressed into his new role as 

Operations Supervisor. Matt is very grateful 

to the workplace scheme and the 

opportunity it has provided, he would like 

to gain his Private Pilots Licence (PPL) in the 

future with Naljets. 

Lee Blackburn 

Lee joined Naljets nearly 2 and a half years 

ago. He learnt many valuable basic skills from 

NCL and they helped to build his confidence 

within the workplace. He enjoys his role within 

the operations department at Naljets, with 

every day being different and rising to the 

challenge that this brings. He would like to 

continue within the operations environment 

as he feels this is a good fit for his skills. 

Lee Anderson 

Lee is the newest recruit from NCL, only 

recently completing his placement and 

becoming a Full time Operations Controller 

at Naljets. Currently he has been with the 

company 18 months and enjoyed the 

experience NCL provided and what has been 

learnt over a short space of time. Lee would 

like to progress his career in aviation and 

plans to become a commercial pilot. 

Pictured below: Andrew Barnett, Beth Winter, 

Stephanie Parkin and Mathew Huddart. 


17

ESOL 

English for 

speakers of other 

languages 

Do you need help improving 

your English? 

We offer English classes at Westgate College and at 

our centre in Heaton. 

We can help you with reading, writing, speaking and 

listening. 

All our teachers are qualified and we offer Skills for 

Life ESOL qualifications at all levels, from beginner to 

advanced. 

We provide: 

• assessments 

• information about courses 

• help looking for work 

• courses for international students 

Most courses are free. 

If you are interested, contact us on: 0191 277 3520 

(Westgate) 0191 278 2818 (Heaton) 

Or come and see us at: 

Westgate College, West Road, NE4 9LU or 

Heaton Centre, Trewhitt Road, NE6 5DY 

Are you an ESOL learner and want to work, but not 

sure where to start? 

Jet is a registered charity who work with Newcastle City Learning's ESOL service. We can give you support 

and help if you are feeling unsure of how to look for a job. 

JET is a FREE service that can help you by: 

• Providing advice from a qualified Personal Adviser 

• Advising you how to job hunt more effectively 

• Discussing opportunities for further training 

• Finding work placements to help you learn relevant work skills 

• Introducing you to employers 

• Helping build your confidence 

• Looking at volunteering opportunities 

• Helping you integrate into the community 

JET (Jobs, Education and Training), 34 Grainger Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8RY. 

Tel: 0191 273 5761. Email: julie22@jetnorth.org.uk Website: www.jetnorth.org.uk 

Company Number: 5775686 l Charity Number: 1117026 



Family Fun with Family 

Learning 

“Working one to one with my child 

and the different types of activities 

to learn through play was good” 

“It gave me more things to do at 

home with my child. I feel more 

confident in learning with my 

child” 

Family Learning encourages families to become involved in their children's learning. It gives mums, 

dads, carers and grandparents the chance to learn new skills and help children learn in a fun and 

friendly way. All courses and workshops are free and are delivered in schools, children's centre, 

libraries and community settings. 

What kind of things can I learn? 

There are a wide range of Family Learning opportunities available 

from 2 hour taster workshops to longer 20 and 30 hour courses. 

Some courses even run for a full term. 

Our English and Maths courses also offer the opportunity to work 

towards a nationally recognised qualification. 

Courses include: 

• Science for Families 

• Healthy Eating 

• Learning through Play 

• Crafts 

• ICT including Internet Safety and Using Apps to Support Learning 

• Family Spanish 

• Story Sacks 

• Getting Ready for School 

• Early Start 

• It’s Only Words 

• Count on Me 

• Keeping up with the Children 

• SAT Boot Camp for Parents in 

English and Maths 

How do I join a course? 

To find out if there is Family Learning in a venue near you, contact: 

• Your local school or children’s centre 

• Newcastle City Learning - 0191 277 3520 

Do you want to offer a Family Learning Course? 

If you work in a Newcastle school, children’s centre or community setting and you are either 

new to Family Learning or you haven’t delivered any courses for a while, we would love to hear 

from you. Please e-mail anna.brown@newcastle.gov.uk for further information or to arrange a 

meeting where we can discuss family learning opportunities. 


19

New Venture provides real work experience for Newcastle residents aged 16-24 years 

with learning difficulties and disabilities on a supported internship programme. You will be 

fully supported within employment, currently at a large employer within Newcastle. 

New Venture also provides the opportunity to gain valuable employability skills with 

Newcastle City Learning. 

As an intern with New Venture you will: 

• improve and develop skills 

• gain real work experience 

• build self-esteem, confidence and independence which can improve health and well-being 

• develop friendships and relationships leading to a positive, interactive social life 

• expand your CV 

For more information or to apply contact: 

Dianne Holliday, New Venture Coordinator, Westgate College, West Road, 

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9LU. Telephone: 0191 277 3611. Mobile: 07785 458 531. 

Email: dianne.holliday@newcastle.gov.uk 



Learning Difficulties 

and Disabilities 

We offer programmes for those aged 16-25 years and for those aged 25 and above 

Pictured left: Dan Percival, 

Shamsul Haque, Brian Johnson. 

Pictured right: Terence 

Lamming, Omar Mohammed, 

Koyer Miah, Audrey Nettleton. 

New Trax 

New Trax is our programme for 16-25 year olds who 

have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. It's a study 

programme which focuses on preparing you for 

adulthood. Learners will work towards a Certificate in 

Personal Effectiveness at Entry 3, Level 1 or Level 2 as 

well as identifying a work placement opportunity. The 

course is fully funded through the Education Funding 

Authority for Learners who have an Educational 

Healthcare Plan in place. Activities will include: 

• Engaging with the world around you: Events 

• Encountering experiences: Being a part of things 

• Healthy living 

• Using technology in the home and community 

• Environmental awareness 

• Developing learning skills: Learning to learn 

• Communicating with others at work 

• Customer service 

• Dealing with problems in daily life 

• Making the most of leisure time 

• Managing own money 

LDD Provision 25+ 

For those aged 25+ we offer 

a variety of programmes 

from Pre-entry to Level 2 in 

a variety of qualifications 

focusing on Independent living skills, community 

involvement and work experience: 

• Dip in Lifeskills 

• Certificate in Personal Progress 

• Certificate in Personal and Social Development 

• Certificate in Employability 

• Certificate of Personal Effectiveness 

• Diploma in Occupational Studies for the Workplace 

• Functional Maths 

• Functional English 

Pictured below: Luke Scott, Terence Lamming, John Hardy 

(Support), Bethany Wallwork, Audrey Nettleton. 

For more information 

Please contact: 

Samantha J Riley, Adult Learning and Skills Manager LLDD, Newcastle City Learning, Westgate College, 

West Road, NE4 9LU. Tel: 0191 277 3574. Mob: 07788 337 254. Email: Samantha.riley@newcastle.gov.uk 


21

Thinking of University? 

Find out about our 

February 

2017 Diploma 

starts 

available 

Access to HE Diploma 

Make your enquiries now and attend our free December 2016 

introductory courses in preparation for your February 2017 start. 

Who is the course for? 

The Access to HE Diploma has been designed for those adults who 

want to access Higher Education. It will help to build your 

confidence and develop your social and communication skills as 

well as increasing your knowledge of particular subject areas. It 

offers an alternative route into Higher Education for learners without 

the appropriate qualifications. Most learners go on to take further 

study at university or college while others simply want to improve 

their job prospects. Whatever your reason for starting, you will find 

that you will be learning with other adults who all want to learn. 

Over the years we have progressed hundreds of learners into 

universities all over the country. 

You will require good communication skills and literacy and 

numeracy at Level 2. We will ask you to undertake an initial 

assessment so that we can determine your best route into the 

Diploma. It may be that you will need to do something different 

before you start, and your initial assessment and interview will help 

us to determine this. 

In preparation for your Diploma, you will need to attend one of our 

free introductory courses in English and Maths to brush up on 

skills you may have forgotten, so that you are ready and confident 

to start your Diploma. 

How does the course work? 

Our Access to HE Diploma gives you 5 pathways to choose from. 

Your choice of diploma will be determined by the degree course or 

future career you wish to follow. Sometimes it will be determined by 

the subjects that you need to study. 

If you are unsure, further details and advice on diplomas will be 

given during your induction interview. 

Our current pathways are: 

• Health 

• Humanities 

• Maths and Engineering 

• Science 

• Social Sciences 

Important Note 

It is essential that you research your degree course and 

university requirements before starting your Access to HE 

programme. This will ensure that your subject choices and previous 

qualifications meet the universities’ entry requirements. 

Many undergraduate degree courses require GCSEs at grade C or 

above. If you do not have these, you may have to study them 

separately. 

Who can I ask for advice? 

There are a number of experienced and qualified staff to help you at 

Newcastle City Learning. They are available throughout the term 

and on our open days and enrolment events. 

Our Access to HE Coordinator: 

Sabine Gretscher 

Our Learning and Skills Managers: 

Maria Hawthorne 

Debbie Griffiths 

For enquiries and to arrange an interview, please contact: 

0191 277 3520 or 

newcastlecitylearning@newcastle.gov.uk 

You can also find general information at: 

www.accesstohe.ac.uk 



Access to HE Diploma – Course Fees 2016-17 

Learners starting the full Diploma 

Access to HE Humanities 

Access to HE Maths and Engineering 

Access to HE Health 

Access to HE Science 

Access to HE Social Sciences 

Aged 19+ £3384.00 

Aged 19+ £3022.00 

2. Single units only 

Learners who only wish to 

study one or two units, 

regardless of age 

£450 per unit 

(£50 per credit) 

Learners aged 19+ 

Bursary fund available to help with the cost of resources, travel and 

childcare – these funds are limited (for those taking out an 

Advanced Learner Loan only). 

Payment options available including instalments and Advanced 

Learner Loans. Please ask for further information. 

If you are 19-23 years old and have no first full Level 3 qualification, 

a Concessionary Fee will apply for you. Please ask for advice on 

this fee remission eligibility. 

Important Note: 

Full course fees are payable if you withdraw from your course, 

unless the reason for your withdrawal would result in a refund. 

“Very friendly supportive atmosphere. Great learning experience” 

“I enjoyed everything, all the lessons were good and getting to achieve the 

qualifications” 


23

Thinking of taking a college 

or training course? 

If you are aged 19 or over and want to take a course with Newcastle City Learning, you may 

now be entitled to a loan to help you pay for the course fee in 2016/17. 

The Advanced Learner Loan is easy to apply for, doesn’t involve a credit check and you don’t 

have to pay it back until you’re earning over £21,00 a year. 

Eligible courses include the Access to HE Diploma, Level 3 and Level 4 Certificates and 

Diplomas, and study up to Level 6. 

For more information about the Advanced Learner Loan and the courses on offer at 

Newcastle City Learning, visit www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk, or call 0191 277 3520. 



Passport to 

Employment 

If your answer to these 

questions is yes, then the 

free Passport to Employment 

course is the one for you. 

• Unemployed? 

• Want to enhance your 

options by gaining real 

qualifications? 

• In receipt of Jobseekers 

Allowance, Employment 

Support Allowance (Work 

Related Activity Group) or 

Universal Credit? 

Increase your chances of employment by 

building a portfolio of work based skills. 

You can gain the following qualifications: 

• Level 2: Emergency First Aid at Work 

• Level 2: Health and Safety 

• Level 2: Safe Manual Handling* 

• Level 2: Food Safety 

*Only available if you undertake all four subjects. 

Check main listings for days and times of 

the courses. 

If you are employed you can still attend the courses at a cost of £48 per subject 


25

Don’t know where to start 

with finding a job or just tired 

of getting disappointed? 

Why not come and have a chat with one of our Newcastle Futures Advisers. 

They can help find the job that’s right for you! 

They know about: 

• How to find jobs 

• How to sell your skills and experience through a CV and covering letter 

• The practical and effective ways to apply online 

• Universal Credit and how it could help you 

• The practical Interview tips that will help you do better in the future 

• The right training or apprenticeship for you to get the career you want 

Newcastle Futures know how hard it is to find the right job but they also know it can be done! 

Don’t give up or struggle to do it by yourself – the right help could be just one phone call away 

To meet one of our Advisers call: 0800 587 0478 or 0191 230 2970 (eligibility applies) 

or Email: info@newcastlefutures.co.uk 

Further information can be found on www.newcastlefutures.co.uk 

The National Careers Service (formerly Next Step) provides information, 

advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and 

work opportunities. The service offers confidential, helpful and impartial 

advice, supported by qualified careers advisers. 

How can the National Careers Service help? 

A personal National Careers Service adviser can help you to plan your future. They can 

offer you a variety of services - which ones you choose will depend on what you want to do. 

Your National Careers Service adviser can help you: 

• develop your CV 

• search and apply for jobs 

• understand the job market 

• search for courses and training schemes 

• find funding to support any learning 

• identify your key strengths and skills 

• explore your career options 

• choose training routes that fit your lifestyle 

• develop an action plan to help you achieve your goals. 

Telephone 0800 100 900. www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk 



Support for your learning 

Support 

When you sign up for a class, you are asked to fill in an enrolment 

form. This gives us all the information we need to contact you and 

the details we need for our funding body (the cost of your course is 

subsidised by them). But it is also an opportunity for you to tell us 

about the support you may need to help you with your course. 

You will be asked if you consider yourself to have a disability, 

learning difficulty or health problems. The information you give us 

if you say yes will only be shared with those who need to know, 

like your tutor. They can then discuss your needs with you, and put 

things in place, where possible, to make it easier for you to 

succeed. Disclosing this information to us as soon as possible also 

gives us the best chance of getting these arrangements in place 

for the start of your course. 

We also ask everyone if they would find learning easier with 

support such as help with English and maths, careers guidance 

and course expenses and have specialist tutors who can help. By 

giving us as much information as you can, we will work with you in 

confidence to give you the best possible chance to do well. If at any 

time on your course you need assistance please talk to your tutor. 

Finance 

We have limited funds available to help people on low incomes to 

study. 'Discretionary Learner Support' (DLS) may be available to 

help with your course fees, travel costs, childcare, books and 

equipment. This applies to blue banded courses only. 

To qualify you must: 

• claim an income based benefit and/or 

• have a household income of less than £14,000 if you have no 

dependants, or less than £21,000 if you have one or more 

dependants. 

To claim assistance with your childcare costs your child or children 

must be under 15 years of age, and being cared for by a 

registered childminder or nursery. If you get financial assistance 

but decide to leave before the course ends you may have to repay 

the money. Check with your centre to see if you can get support as 

there are other conditions too. 

The Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund may be available to help 

eligible learners with childcare and other costs. Please ask for details. 

Learner Voice 

We want to involve learners and potential learners in shaping the 

opportunities that are available to them. Newcastle City Learning 

are using a number of ways to communicate with learners: 

• Learner Focus - our Learner Newsletter can be found on our 

Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle), and is distributed 

through registers and at centres. 

• Facebook and Twitter - search for Newcastle City Learning, 

and share your photos of what you have been doing in your 

class or give us your views. 

• Comments Boards - these can be found at our centres at 

Westgate College and at the Heaton Centre at Trewhitt Road. 

We will respond to your comments with our You Said, We Did 

posters outlining the changes we have made in response to 

your views, or explaining where and why we cannot take action. 

• Learner Voice - throughout your learning programme you will 

be given the opportunity to feedback to us any comments, ideas 

or issues in relation to the teaching, learning and assessment 

you are experiencing. We value all comments and the 

information received will be used to improve the quality of our 

service. 

• Survey Monkey - we use Survey Monkey to gather learner 

feedback by using online questionnaires and analysing the 

results. 

• Moodle - our Virtual Learning Environment where you can 

access resources but also engage in discussions with other 

learners and staff about relevant topics. You can find the link at 

our website www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 

• Class Cancellations and SMS messaging - we use SMS 

messaging as one of the ways to update our learners, so please 

give us your mobile number when you enrol. 

• Learner Liaison - we now have a tutor dedicated to liaise 

with the learner community and represent the learner voice. 

If you have any ideas for events, improvements to your learning 

experience, social activities or you need any 

advice and guidance, please contact our Learner Liaison 

Co-ordinator. Please ask at the Westgate College reception 

to find out more. 

Facilities for learners 

We have a variety of facilities for our learners to use. 

• Westgate College has the Corner Café; open from 8.30am to 2pm. 

There are also vending machines in the café available all day. 

• We have an internet café at Westgate College also located in 

the café for learners to use throughout the day. Reception staff 

can help you get online. 

• Drop in IT sessions are available for all learners at Westgate 

College, regardless of which centre they study at. The times and 

dates are available from the reception staff. 

• We have a quiet room/prayer room at Westgate College for our 

learners to use. 

• We operate a strict no smoking policy across all our centres. 

• NUS cards are now available to Newcastle City Learning’s 

learners. Simply register with NUS online (www.nus.org.uk) and 

quote ‘Newcastle City Learning’ as your place of study. 

• We are running a ‘borrow a book club’ to raise donations for St. 

Oswald’s Hospice, all learners are invited to join in. Please see 

learner information board at Westgate College for more details. 

Telephone counselling 

Our learners can now access a free 24 hour confidential telephone 

counselling hotline. Please ask any member of staff for details. 


27

Provision for Young People 

Newcastle City Learning is now offering a range of study programmes for those aged 16-19 years. 

What curriculum areas do we offer 

study programmes in? 

Business and Administration 

• Business and Administration 

• Customer Service 

Health, Public Services and Care 

• Children and Young Peoples Workforce 

• Health and Social care 

Retail and Commercial Enterprise 

• Beauty Therapy 

What is a 16 – 19 study programme? 

A study programme is made up of 4 key components 

providing each learner with their own individualised 

timetable. The core aim of a study programme could be 

a substantial academic or vocational qualification or work 

experience. 

The study programme is tailored to each learner, and has 

clear study and/or employment goals reflecting the 

learner’s prior attainment, and also includes 

• Maths and English for students who have not achieved 

grade A*-C GCSE in these subjects 

• High quality work experience and work preparation 

• Enrichment activities that support the students’ goals 

and are integrated into the study programme for 

example personal presentation skills, money 

management 

Why choose to study with us? 

• Pastoral support that will develop essential life and work skills 

• Develop and gain English and maths qualifications 

• High quality work experience with recognised employers 

• Individualised timetables 

• Individual and creative teaching 

• Young person’s centred facilities 

Extra 

Curricular 

Activity 

Work 

Experience 

Qualification 

English 

and Maths 

For more information contact our 16-19 Coordinator Kelly Storey on 0191 277 3604 or kelly.storey@newcastle.gov.uk 

28 

www.newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk 


Wellbeing 

Apprenticeships 

Employers can become involved in the Wellbeing Apprenticeship Fund, which was recently set up by Newcastle City 

Council to create work based study programmes and Apprenticeships for individuals who may need additional support 

in order to enter the job market. 

We may be able to offer a financial incentive to help support the recruitment and training of a young person. 

Individuals supported by the Wellbeing Apprenticeship Fund will be employed whilst participating in a structured learning programme 

that could be either an apprenticeship or study programme or both. 

Applications will primarily be invited from businesses that can offer a workplace opportunity to support and nurture a young person. 

For more information, please call Elaine Withycombe 0191 277 3506 or email wellbeingapprenticeships@newcastle.gov.uk 


29

Apprenticeship Plus 

If your business is based in Newcastle and you need support with 

recruiting an apprentice, we may be able to help you. 

Apprenticeship Plus can offer a range of support for your business such 

as help with advertising, recruitment, training and salary subsidy. 

Why should you use Apprenticeship Plus? 

• It’s an initiative unique to Newcastle that makes it easier for you to recruit apprentices. 

• Apprenticeship Plus helps Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). 

• We have funding to help with your apprentice’s salary if it can lead to permanent employment in your business. 

• Our apprenticeships are for 16-18 year olds who live in the City. 

• We help with recruitment, training and employment of an apprentice and we tailor this help to your 

business needs. 

• We support apprenticeships across a wide range of roles and careers. 

• We are committed to ensuring our involvement from start to end. 

“ 

It has helped us build and 

develop new areas of 

work. The Apprenticeship 

Plus scheme has been 

crucial in helping us 

to achieve this. 

Jamie Sadler 

Managing Director 

Food Nation 

“ 

“ 

Access to a new team member 

through support through the scheme 

has been a great help to us as we 

grow. It has allowed us to speculate 

a little, to help a bright young 

person get started in the world of 

work and to start to improve 

systems at our business which time 

challenges meant we often 

couldn't focus on. 

Gavin Knight, Director 

Three Motion 

“ 

Call 0191 277 3506 or email apprenticeship.plus@newcastle.gov.uk 

This initiative is supported by Newcastle City Council 




31 

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