Not only is learning a new skill a great way to engage your brain and flex your creative muscles, but a rewarding opportunity to find a new hobby, improve your CV and boost your mental wellbeing, too.
From line dancing to creating stained glass windows, discover SoGlos’s round up of 14 interesting courses to sign up to at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in 2023.
Beginners life drawing with Jake Pond at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
This observational drawing course will enable budding artists to develop their own visual language and experiment with some varied ways to draw - and it's suitable for all abilities, showing that everybody can create art.
The fun experience covers a broad range of techniques and materials, encouraging students to experiment and hopefully continue to create art as part of their daily routine.
Introduction to Electronic Music Production at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Students new to electronic music production will have the chance to explore a wide range of genres and engage in practical production, supported by listening exercises, discussions and demonstrations - led by sound engineer and musician, Howard Williams.
Over 10 weeks, this course will see students draw on a variety of creative techniques and disciplines to create individual or collaborative music tracks.
Women into training at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
This free course is designed to provide women with the know-how to develop their performance in the gym and during physical activity, in addition to boosting their overall health and wellbeing.
Split into two sections - the formal qualification and bitesize performance support workshops - the course provides comprehensive understanding of the key topics in training and health for women.
Discussions on Identity: It's Not just Black and White at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Encouraging participants to think critically about race and identity in a world of media saturation and fake news, this course will help people to better understand how identities are formed, revised and maintained through discussion, personal anecdotes and analysis.
On completion, students will have a deeper understanding of how cultural visibility can be seen as a mark of progress or a way in which our expressions of our identities are both celebrated and contained.
Computer confidence at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
With everything from banking, booking holidays and even the weekly shop being accessible online, the use of computers can seriously enhance your life – with this course teaching computer novices the vital IT skills they might need to use day-to-day.
Working at their own pace, students will cover switching on the computer, using a mouse and navigating the desktop; before moving on to using the internet to search on Google; storing information safely on the computer; as well as learning how to stay safe online, use emails and send photos.
DIY Plastering Taster at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Those looking to get into the trade industry who might be having a difficult time pinpointing which area they'd like to specialise in may want to try their hand at a six-week plastering taster at SGS College.
Students will learn a range of practical skills such as applying sand and lime to a block wall; hard-wall backing plaster to a wall and fixing beads; finishing plaster to a wall; and small patching repairs.
Adult GCSE English at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Whether you're looking to gain qualifications to progress your career or help children with their homework, this adults-only GCSE English course is designed for those wanting to pass the latest GCSE syllabus exams.
Sat with the Pearson examination board, the English language course combines both learning in the classroom with virtual support packages and additional needs support to help students get the grades they're after.
Creativity for Wellbeing at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
SGS College offers a range of fully-funded Creativity for Wellbeing courses, which include disciplines like pottery, textiles, drawing and print – ideal for improving mental health.
With expert support from a team of professionals, all abilities are welcome to explore the world of creativity and its positive effects. These courses are especially relevant for those experiencing stress, anxiety or mental health related issues, perhaps undergoing major life changes, or living with chronic pain or illness.
Line dancing at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
This free six-week course is designed to be an introduction to line dancing – aimed at people who are completely new to it, or as a refresher course for rusty dancers.
As well as enjoying line dancing as a social activity, students will be taught how to dance along to repeating sequences of steps, learning all the skills they need to progress to further line dancing.
Floristry Practical at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
An interactive learning environment will see students learn the practical skills of floristry, including how to design and create hand-ties, reception flowers, bridal bouquets and more.
Suitable for people of all skill levels, there are no entry requirements for this course, other than a willingness to get hands-on with the beautiful blooms.
Beginners Spanish at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Learning a new language is a brilliant way to expose yourself to a new culture and increase your cognitive health. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and it's often used as a gateway to learning other tongues, due to its similarities with European languages like Italian, French and Portuguese.
After completing this language course, students will be able to provide personal information, greetings, courtesies and introductions in Spanish; as well as know the lingo to buy food, drink and clothes, ask for directions and book accommodation – ideal for travel lovers!
Certificate in Counselling Skills at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
The first step on SGS College's counselling training programme, the L2 CPCAB course is designed to help students gain the core knowledge and skills needed for counselling, as well as how to use them ethically and safely in a variety of situations.
Assessments for this certified course include submitting a complete portfolio of evidence and sitting an external assessment.
Stained glass beginners at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
If you're passionately creative and enjoy working with your hands, the stained glass course at SGS College could be for you.
Through a series of short demonstrations and workshops, students will learn how to make a beautiful leaded stained glass panel, taking it step-by-step with a focus on design, cutting line drawings, selecting and cutting coloured glass, leading, soldering, cementing and finishing techniques.
Supporting teaching and learning in schools at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
As a reflection of the ever-changing environment for support staff, this course has been created as a useful introduction for candidates looking to discover the new skills and core knowledge you need as a teaching assistant.
Classes are available at the Filton and Stroud campuses, as well as in the form of remote live sessions on Microsoft Teams, to fit around work and life.
