InBriefSTUDENT NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2018

FREE

www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Festival of Learning

Spring Theme ‘Celebrating

Reading’

Universal Credit

Contents01 Introducing the new

Head of Adult Education Wolverhampton

02 Student Services

03 Universal Credit

04 Spring Theme - “Celebrating Reading”

06 British Values - ‘Remembrance’

07 Let’s stop extremism and terrorism together

09 Feeling peckish?

10 Your views

12 Festival of Learning

16 Christmas ‘Frost Fair’

17 French courses

18 Dates for your diary

20 Student Spotlight

InBrief

Issue 2 | Spring 2018

CONNECT WITH USConnect with Adult Education Wolverhampton on Facebook and Twitter for all of our latest news, events and pictures.

@AEWolverhampton

DisclaimerThe information published in this newsletter was correct at the time of publication. However Adult Education Wolverhampton reserves the right to revise times, dates, fees, locations and qualifications of courses for business reasons. Because courses may be subject to unforeseen change, alteration or cancellation, the information in this newsletter cannot be considered as binding or final.

www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk01902 558180enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

90.2%Overall

achievement rate

96%Would recommend

AEW to others

CONTACT US

I joined Adult Education Wolverhampton as Head of Service on 13th November 2017. I am passionate about adult learning and the power of education to change lives, so I am thrilled to be joining Wolverhampton to play my part. I have a long history in adult learning previously working in Birmingham, Walsall and Stourbridge over the past 20 years. I have had a very warm welcome from everyone here and I am really enjoying getting to know the service and the city. I intend to be out and about in the coming months and look forward to personally meeting as many students and staff as possible.

Joanne KeatleyHead of Service

INTRODUCING THE NEW HEAD OF ADULT EDUCATION WOLVERHAMPTON

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“I am so grateful to everyone for all their help and support so far. I cannot recommend Adult Education enough, thanks to them, my life has changed so much in the last 12 months and I am excited to see what else is to come.”

Rebecca HickieTeaching Assistants - Level 2

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

READ MY STORY AT WWW.AES.WOLVERHAMPTON.GOV.UK

Always wear your ID badge

GETTING CONNECTED

We’ve been revamping our IT systems.

Have you collected your personal ICT username and password to log on to all our AEW computers and Wi-Fi? Don’t delay, visit our reception staff who will be able to provide your own personal details. We are always exploring ways to improve the safety of all our students and this is just one of them.

When you are connected remember to practise these important online safety rules:

• keep your personal information private

• stay protected

• share safely

• be secure

• be alert

• be respectful

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ID BADGE ARE YOU WEARING YOURS? Wearing your ID badge helps us to know who’s who. Help us keep Adult Education Wolverhampton safe by remembering to wear your badge so we can see it.

Wear it with pride!

STUDENT SERVICES

BE SAFE - BE SEEN - BE AWARE

Universal Credit launched in Wolverhampton from 13th December 2017 and it replaces:

• Child Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.

From 13th December 2017 if you live in Wolverhampton, you will need to apply for Universal Credit if:

• you need to start claiming any of these benefits

• you are already claiming any of the benefits listed and you have any changes to your circumstances

Gradually everyone else will move over to Universal Credit by 2022

• you will need to have access to an email to create an account to apply online

• once you have created an account you will be sent a 6 digit code to activate your account – this needs to be used within 1 hour

• you then have 28 days to apply

When you apply, the information you will need to hand includes:

1. Partners details (if applicable)

2. Nationality (must have lived in the UK for 2 years)

3. Landlords details (if applicable)

4. Council tax liability

5. Children’s names and date of birth

6. Work and earnings

7. Income and other earnings

8. Education and training

9. Health (med 3 Fit Note)

10. Doctor’s details

11. Caring responsibilities

12. Bank details

13. Your claim will only go forward when you meet with your work coach and after you have completed your online application.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

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STUDENT SERVICES

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

We’re based in the Foyer, just ask at reception enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk 01902 551658

It’s World book day on Thursday 1st March 2018 which is inspiring us to celebrate everything to do with reading. We are keen to celebrate authors, illustrators, books and reading.

Don’t be shy, share your work with us.

Introducing our Spring term theme ‘Celebrating Reading’

COMPETITIONWe’re launching a competition, so get writing about what learning means to you. You could be in with a chance of winning a £20 book voucher!

Entries to be sent to Leanne Cooper in Student Services (Foyer) to enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Deadline: 9th March 2018Competition open to AEW students only

SEE MORE BY CLICKING ON WWW.WORLDBOOKDAY.COM

WIN £20BOOK VOUCHER

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SPRING THEME

What is your favourite

book?

What books inspired

you?

Do you have

aspirations to

be a writer or a poet?

“The ability to read awoke inside of me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.”

Malcolm XThe Autobiography of Malcolm X

“I do believe something magical can happen when you read a good book. ”

J.K Rowling

“The whole world opened to me when I learned to read”

Mary Mcleod Bethune

“Only a generation of readers will spawn a generation of writers.”

Steven Spielberg

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SPRING THEME

Who to contact in the first instance:Suzie Lowe

Student Services Manager 01902 551545 Kate EmmersonBusiness Services Manager 01902 558172

Email: safe@aes.wolverhampton.gov.ukFor more information check your Student Handbook

or visit our website: www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Health and Safety

Help us to ensure we have a safe, healthy and secure

environment by being aware of our processes for:

• evacuating the building

• reporting accidents, incidents and hazards

• not smoking or vaping in or near our buildings,

and

• using IT responsibly

Please speak to a member of staff if you have any

health and safety concerns

Be Safe @

www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

OLD HALL STREET, WOLVERHAMPTON WV1 3AU01902 558180 | enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

March 2017

Pick up your

‘Be Safe’ card

today!

You can’t miss our colourful posters around the buildings promoting British Values. You will have been learning about these values as part of your learning too. In case you need a reminder, our British Values are:

• democracy

• individual liberty

• the rule of law

• mutual Respect and tolerance of different faiths

AUTUMN THEMEOur autumnal theme to reinforce these values during last term was ‘Remembrance’. All term we reflected upon what remembrance meant to us and its’ importance. You may have designed or produced some poppy art work or read poetry.

We have proudly been exhibiting our students’ work illustrating the theme of remembrance in the Foyer, so why not take a look.

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BRITISH VALUES AND ‘REMEMBRANCE’

Look out for your “Safe Card”. You should be given one during your course induction but if you haven’t had one yet, ask a member of staff who will ensure you do. It has useful information about your safety and those important contact details. So come on, help us to make it a safe place to learn and work.

Have you got yours?

Let’s stop extremism and terrorism together

Sadly all too frequently we turn on the news and there are images and reports of another terrorist attack somewhere in the world. Some people are at risk of being drawn into extremism and it’s important we get them the help they need to get them back on track before they commit a crime.

HAVE YOU NOTICED SOME OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN SOMEONE YOU KNOW:-

• more withdrawn

• depression

• closed to new ideas

• changes in words they would normally use – ‘scripted speech’

• saying inappropriate things – suggesting violent action

• angry and short-tempered

• increase in time spent on the internet

• changes in routine

• new circle of friends

• changes in appearance

• not regularly attending class

If you are worried about anyone you know get in touch with our Safeguarding officers, Suzie Lowe or Siobhan O’Mahony on safe@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk or phone 01902 551655 or 551545.

Angry

?

Withdrawn

?

Depressed

?

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Why not try the delicious food served in the Foyer Café. OPENING TIMES:

Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 15:00

Friday 9:00 - 14:00

• breakfast (vegetarian option available)• fresh Sandwiches• jacket potato (choice of fillings)• salad bar • toast (choice of toppings)• snacks sweet and savoury• hot and cold drinks

You can pre-order meals between 9:00 and 10:30

Free drinking water is available at the cafe vending machine and there are designated tables for students to eat their own food.

FEELING PECKISH?

nus.org.uk/extra£12 for 12 months

Wolves WorkBox Wolves WorkBox is a website that will provide you with everything you need to know if you’re looking for work, a student (young or old) looking to learn, already in work, a trainer or a business owner.

To find out more visit the website:

www.wolvesworkbox.com

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YOUR SATISFACTION COUNTSEvery year we ask our students to complete a national learner satisfaction survey. It tells us how you rate your different experiences with us. We’d like to thank all our students who participated last year. Check out the table on the right to see what our students said about us. We can’t wait to see how you have rated us this year!

We are keen to hear your feedback, so grab a ‘views comments, and suggestions’ card and get writing. Ask your teacher for a card or drop in to reception. We’ll write a reply and post it on the board in the Foyer. If you’d prefer a personal reply, simply write your name and contact details on the card and we’ll get back to you directly. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Why not share your views, comments or suggestions about your experience with us. Simply fill out the reverse of this card, then post your reply in the yellow box nearby or hand in to reception.

We want to hear...

your viewsyour comments

your suggestions

Date dd mm yyyy

Your view Our reply

If your comment is about a general matter, look out for the reply on the noticeboard. Alternatively remember to leave your contact details for a personal reply.

GOT SOMETHING

TO SAY?

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LEARNER VIEWS

Last year 597 students participated in the Education & Skills Funding Agency national on-line student satisfaction survey.

Here are the results of how students rated the quality of our services (out of 10):

Results 2016/2017

Quality of teaching on the course

How you are treated by staff

Advice given about what you can do after

the course

Support you get on the course

How well AEW responds to students’ views

Does your course meet your expectations?

9.2 9.4

8.6 9.1

8.88.7

Overall rating for AEW

Likely to recommend us to family/friends

8.9 96%

Thank YouIf you would like to compare the scores of different providers you can do this by

searching “FE Choices” on the GOV.UK or the National Careers Service website.

Thank you to everyone who took part in last year’s survey and a very big thank you for rating us so highly. We want to continue improving the service we offer to our students. Please continue to give us your feedback and let us know what we could do better to support you in achieving your goals.

Your Views Learner Satisfaction Survey

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LEARNER VIEWS

Festival of Learning Celebration Last year Adult Education Wolverhampton nominated 4 students and 1 teacher for the ‘Festival of Learning Awards. The awards acknowledge the growing confidence and learning achievements of students on our Life Skills independence courses. The event was attended by students, their families and friends and was hosted by Sue Knottenbelt former Head of Service. Certificates of recognition were presented by Councillor Claire Darke, Cabinet Member for Education. It was wonderful to hear about the individual achievements.

Find out more about the Festival of Learning: www.festivaloflearning.org.uk

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FESTIVAL OF LEARNING

ALISON PRICE GCSE MATHS

NOMINATED BY: TERRY MILLSTeacher (Maths)

Alison had encountered negative experiences of Maths at school. Alison had developed a block, like a brick wall when attempting new topics or topics she had previously struggled with. A big part of her success was her ability to disassemble this brick wall, brick by brick and replacing it with a curtain so that she could at least open it gradually rather than be faced with a solid block. Eventually she started to engage with the education process and even though there were several times when she despaired, she started to gain victories which gave her the belief that she would eventually succeed. Alison said, “Maths was probably one of my biggest life hurdles. After various efforts to pass I sincerely believe that this time my result was down to my brilliant tutor who finally managed to teach in such a way that I could retain methods. As a result I conquered one of my biggest academic obstacles. Since successfully obtaining my GCSE Maths I am now able to progress on my learning journey and am working towards my Teaching Assistant Level 3 qualification.”

HALA AKHRAS ESOL & CHILD CARE LEVEL 2 NOMINATED BY: RACHEL ORATAYO Teacher (Steps to Working in a School)

When Hala moved to the UK she had moved to a country that was very different to the one she had grown up in and her initial concerns were how she was going to communicate with those around her. Her first language is Arabic. This led to issues of low confidence and self-esteem. Her decision to start studying English was one that took a lot of courage and personal strength but was one she knew she needed to do to break down the barriers she had in being able to communicate and integrate in the new community she was living in.

Hala said, “When I arrived in England I was a stranger in a strange country and always hesitated to communicate because I was afraid of making mistakes. Additionally this prevented me from engaging with the community which made me very depressed and pessimistic about my future. I believed that it would be impossible to find a job unless I spoke English fluently like a native English speaker. Therefore I decided to overcome all of these barriers and started by learning English and developing my speaking skills.”

This year Adult Education Wolverhampton has nominated yet another group of worthy students.

The new nominees include: Alison Price GCSE Maths Hala Akhras ESOL and Child Care Level 2Kate Hubbard Like Minds, Arts and CraftsRosemary Davies Teaching Assistant Level 3Washington Shearer Entry Level EnglishAnd a nomination for the Life Skills progression group.

2018 NOMINEES

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FESTIVAL OF LEARNING

KATE HUBBARDLIKE MINDS, ARTS & CRAFTS NOMINATED BY: Bethune Matthews Teacher (Hat making)

Kate was shy and very reserved, but willing to share her story and how these courses were going to help. Her answer about how Adult Education Wolverhampton would assist in her learning journey really impacted on me her tutor. Visually you would not know the debilitating illness Kate is enduring, she comes into her learning environment with a glowing smile, equipped with her tools and equipment required for comfort and addresses the whole class with a good morning. Her family, friends and fellow peers recognise her growth as she concentrates on perfecting her crafts, whilst contributing to classroom discussions, offering support, meeting her peers outside her learning environment and creating crafts to give to family and friends.

Kate said, “I believe now that things happen for a reason. I’m meant for something new and learning is giving me the options to discover what that might be (something creative I’m sure). The craft activities are helping with my dexterity, I am learning more and more, learning to live with and accept my disabilities and my confidence has soared. The support I have had from the Adult Education staff and my teachers been fantastic, today nothing is impossible.

I aim to get back to work in a creative field someday soon.”

ROSEMARY DAVIES TEACHING ASSISTANT L3 NOMINATED BY: Tara DingleTeacher (Teaching and Learning L2) What is remarkable about Rose’s journey is that she is now beginning to realise her full potential. For whatever reason, when she commenced her journey she was very unsure about her abilities and direction. She has worked hard to overcome challenges and low levels of confidence and is beginning to look towards an exciting future. Rose doesn’t find studying easy although she enjoys it and gains a great deal from independent study and research. Rose said, “Learning has made a difference to me mentality by allowing me to become more confident. I have spoken in front of thousands of people at my union conference, I would not have been able to achieve the confidence I had for that moment without all the speaking and listening exams and presentations I have done. I feel that when I learn something new my memory also gets better. It helps me be happier because while I learn I also remember more fun activities I have had with my family.”

WASHINGTON SHEARERENGLISH ENRTRY LEVEL 1

NOMINATED BY: Pam Lavendar Teacher (English) Washington joined my English Entry Level 1 class in September 2016, and was very reserved and aware that he lacked the English skills to progress with his life as he wanted to. He had admitted that he needed help, which was a big step for him. I would observe him looking round and seeing if everyone else was having trouble, which, of course, they were. This helped Washington relax and as relationships developed with his peers, his confidence grew stronger and I could see the progression in his learning.

Washington said, “All my adult life I had hidden the fact that I couldn’t read or write; I felt ashamed and embarrassed when faced with endless forms to fill in. I finally had to admit my failure. It was at this point that my life started to turn around. I now have ambitions and one day I hope to work with kids and adults as a mentor.Perhaps sharing my story will save them from having to make the same mistakes that I made and help them to take the right path in life. I want to achieve more now and make my family, and especially my mum, who still lives in Jamaica, proud of me. Everyone should be allowed a second chance…this is my chance!”

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LIFE SKILLS PROGRESSION GROUP

NOMINATED BY: Michelle Bishton Teacher (Life Skills) As well as clasroom activities students are given the opportunity to put the life skills they learn about into practice. They get the chance to leave the classroom and go on visits which they also decide upon and plan. This gives many students the chance to experience a more independent day out and learn skills they can take out of the classroom into ‘real’ life. This course allows students to develop and expand on their everyday life skills, their independence and social skills while also exploring the world of work through the use of real life projects. Students are given the opportunity to work as a team exploring the basic principles of self-employment from project planning to problem solving and the creative process. They are given the opportunity to take control of their own development and learning with the support of staff.

EMMA HUNT

“For the first term at college my friends and I were set the task of holding a craft stall at Christmas. The class made a lot of cool stuff to sell. I am enjoying learning new skills and gaining confidence in reading and spelling. My class is cool because I have lots of friends in my class. My teacher Michelle is so good, I like her teaching me and my class mates.”

MARCO FUSCO

“I have learnt new skills. I have learnt numeracy. I have learnt to work in a group and my confidence has got better. My teacher is very good at understanding my disability.”

Adult Education would like to congratulate all nominees on their achievements and wish them all the very best of luck for their future.

JAMES MILLARD

“Being on this course has helped me to improve my confidence in handling money and working out change. It has given me the opportunity to learn lots of different things and to achieve our goals. I love being part of this class; it’s very friendly and welcoming.”

PICTURED: LIFE SKILLS PROGRESSION GROUP

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NEWS

Christmas ‘Frost fair’ A class project Students attending Life Skills classes planned for the ‘Christmas Frost Fair’ since September 2017. Whilst planning for the fair, students learnt the basic principles of business from project planning to problem solving and the creative process. As they developed their merchandise they learnt about design, production, pricing, marketing, merchandising and front of house sales.

The fair took place on Monday 4th December in the Foyer Building and it proved to be a great success with both staff and students. During the day the group sold an array of handmade Christmas crafts and raised a grand total of £118.00. A donation of £50.00 was made to the Royal British Legion in support of our Autumn theme ‘Remembrance’ and the remainder will fund their next class based business venture planned for March 2018.

A round of applause is due for a job well done, congratulations to all who contributed to a very successful day.

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French courses are going well! Classes have recruited well for French this year but it’s not too late to join, especially if you have studied French before! There are spaces in the intermediate class at Tettenhall Wood Institute (Mondays 19:30 – 21.00) and beginners at Beckminster House (Wednesdays 19:30 – 21:00). There are also workshops available daytime and evening where you can learn the French you need with the tutor to help you (Monday evening 17:55 - 19:25 or Thursday 10:00 -12:00, both at Tettenhall Wood Institute).

To request a free trial or find out more, please contact: debbie.woodmass@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk Telephone: 07966 250858 À bientôt!Debbie

Ann wins and reconnects with art"I started art at Adult Education with the Art for Health classes a few years ago and found I loved it. So last year my tutor suggested I did a main stream class for beginners. I then moved on to do Level 1 Painting and Drawing class from January to June 2017. Although I wanted to do the Level 2 qualification I knew it would be a more expensive course as it runs for 30 weeks. So I told my tutor I would have to think about it.

Over the summer a friend gave me details of a competition being run by Skoda to help people share a prize pot of money to let them "reconnect" with something they enjoyed or a place they wanted to see again. I entered and said I wanted to do a Level 2 Art course but was not sure I could afford the cost.

I was amazed and ecstatic when the day after I had enrolled I got an email to say I was one of the lucky winners. It was the answer to my issue with the cost of the art course. I cannot thank Skoda enough for helping me pursue my dream, to develop my art skills at such a great college with fantastic art teachers."

Ann SmithNCFE Level 2 Painting and Drawing

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NEWS

York University and Keele University.

Over the course of a year, our “fast track” Access to Higher Education Level 3 programmes develop your skills in English, Maths, IT and Study Skills alongside your main subject area. This will increase your confidence and prepare you for study at university.

If you are not yet ready for Level 3, our Level 2 Pre-Access course will get you started. You will also get the opportunity to improve your Maths, English and IT - essential skills if you want to go on to a higher level study or gain employment.

IN 2016-17, 100% OF COMPLETING STUDENTS WENT ONTO HIGHER EDUCATION.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY…

SPRING INTO ACTION Monday 19 March 9:30 - 14:30

The Way, School Street Wolverhampton WV3 0NR

Try something new in Wolverhampton in March 2018 as part of Residents week.

Wolverhampton has so much to offer, and there’s even more going on this spring during a week of activities aimed at you - the residents. Come along on Monday 19 March to find something new.

There are activities focussed on supporting you, find out more about learning, take a step into the world of volunteering or become more active. It’s all made possible by partners across the city working together to make Wolverhampton an even better place to live, learn, work and get support to achieve your potential.

Join Adult Education at the Way on Monday 19 March and try something new.

Wednesday 16 May 13:00 - 15:00 & 17:00 - 19:00 Thursday 17 May 10:00 - 13:00

Foyer Building, St Georges Parade, Wolverhampton

Access to Higher Education courses are aimed at adults aged 19+ who would like to undertake degree level study, but don’t yet have the formal qualifications needed.

Each year, a high number of our Access to Higher Education students successfully gain entry to universities of their choice, including the University of Wolverhampton, Birmingham City University, Coventry University, Worcester University, Newman College, Staffordshire University,

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ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMA OPEN DAYS

FAST TRACK YOUR WAY TO UNIVERSITY

We offer the following Pathways on our Access to Higher Education and Pre-Access courses:

ART & DESIGN

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & LAW

EDUCATION

HEALTH (INCLUDING MIDWIFERY, NURSING)

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY WORK

INTERESTED?If you are interested in starting a programme with us please contact 01902 551658 to book a time for your interview and screening assessment.

Please bring with you proof of your ID with your photograph, current address, as well as your national insurance number and qualification certificates.

OPEN DAYSaturday 23 June 10:00 - 14:00

If you are looking to take a new direction, improve your existing skills, learn new ones or gain additional qualifications, come along to our Open Day on Saturday 23rd June. You’ll be able to get information and advice about the courses Adult Education Wolverhampton can offer you for our courses starting in September 2018. The Open Day will take place between 10.00 - 14:00 at our main centre in Old Hall Street.

Adult Education Wolverhampton, Old Hall Street, Wolverhampton WV1 3AU

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY…

CONNECT WITH USConnect with Adult Education Wolverhampton on Facebook and Twitter for all of our latest news, events and pictures.

@AEWolverhampton

www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk01902 558180enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

CONTACT US

PATHWAYS

Get the latest news, events and course updates straight to your inbox.

News | Events | Courses

ONLINE NEWSLETTER

“I am so grateful to everyone for all their help and support so far. I cannot recommend Adult Education enough, thanks to them, my life has changed so much in the last 12 months and I am excited to see what else is to come.” Seong Ngoh Chua ESOL Level 1

Sign up on our website: www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Open daysEnrolmentExhibitionsCoursesSign up now!

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STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

“Adult Education has helped me to have a better perspective for a happier and healthier life. Learning really is the key.” Bernadette Francis Bookkeeping Level 1

Adult Education Wolverhampton wants to hear YOUR views on our marketing, publicity and information. If you are interested please contact Val Sadkowska by email or call to register your interest.

01902 551660

val.sadkowska@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Adult Education needs you!

HAVE YOUR SAY...JOIN OUR FOCUS GROUP

“Adult Education is the place to go whatever level of education you are. This place has turned my life around. My health, wellbeing and job prospects are back on track.” Steven Spencer Steps to an Office Career

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READ MORE AT WWW.AES.WOLVERHAMPTON.GOV.UK

www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

OLD HALL STREET, WOLVERHAMPTON WV1 3AU01902 558180 | enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

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