January Highlights

January marked a positive and busy start to the Spring Term at the Learning Exchange, with strong engagement from both new and returning learners.

Key Activities

We began the year by continuing the distribution of our prospectuses and welcoming learners to our Enrolment Day on 7 January. This event brought together new students registering for the first time and returning students who enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect over a chat and a cup of tea.

The Spring Term officially started on 12 January. Towards the end of the month, we were also pleased to host an occupational therapy student from the Glenbourne Unit, who spent the day shadowing our team.

Throughout January, a wide range of courses were delivered, including:

  • IT & Tech Support
  • Creative Speaking Club
  • Cabin Sessions
  • 7 Ways to Think Differently
  • Literacy
  • Gothic Horror
  • Recycling: Trash to Treasure
  • Introduction to 3D Printing and CAD
  • Introduction to Botanical Art – Painting Snowdrops
  • First Steps in Gardening
  • Pickling and Fermenting – Sauerkraut and Kimchi

Learning and Development

Two courses were adapted due to changes in tutor availability, offering valuable learning around flexibility and responsiveness. This term, we are also trialling a new course reminder system to improve communication and attendance.

We continue to be humbled by the wide range of knowledge, skills and lived experience shared by both students and tutors, which greatly enriches the learning environment.

Participation and Reach

  • 29 courses are running this term
  • 57 people attended Enrolment Day
  • 84 learners registered for a total of 235 courses, averaging 2.87 courses per person
  • 98 students attended courses in January

Learner Feedback

Feedback from January highlights the positive impact of our creative and practical sessions.

Botanical Art – Painting Snowdrops

“Really enjoyed the art today, Karen was an excellent teacher who thought of everything, and we all came away with a lovely piece of art.”

Pickling and Fermenting – Sauerkraut and Kimchi

“I enjoyed the session so much. I wanted to do this for years! I love the informal style of teaching in friendly atmosphere.”

“I learned to make both recipes, sauerkraut and kimchi. I loved meeting like-minded people, and it is always good to learn something new. I’m looking forward for the next session.”

“Learning healthy recipes (I LOVE fermented food) and the company of participants were the best thing of today’s session. Thank you for this. It was brilliant. Keep it going please.”

“I learned how to make fermented food which enhances digestion and the gut. It was also brilliant to meet such friendly people. Please run another class.”

“The Pickling and Fermenting course had good instructions, and it is great to have a jar to take home. Thank you for preparing the session and getting all the ingredients. Brilliant!”

“I enjoyed learning something new. Kimchi is my favourite food, and I can’t wait to eat the one I made today. It was fun and a useful experience.”