Discover Learning in the Community - But Not in Broughty Ferry

The latest newsletter from the Council's Adult Learning Team is called discover learning in the community but unfortunately there's not any Adult Learning in this newsletter to be discovered in Broughty Ferry. While every other electoral area in Dundee gets a mention and a sprinkling of classes, the Ferry has been left out.
This seems unfair on adults in Broughty Ferry who may also be interested in classes in local history, psychology, computing for beginners, a Jobshop and help your children learn which all run in other areas of Dundee.
While I appreciate that the same department does provide some financial support for the evening class programme run by Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA), the Discover Learning programme from the council is mainly daytime classes and it's here that there are some gaps in The Ferry.
I have written to the head of Community Learning in the City Council to ask whether this can be addressed for the next programme starting in the Autumn. Additionally, I think classes that are organised in The Ferry should be publicised in the Council's quarterly newsletter.

BERA Announce new Classes for the Autumn

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) have recently announced some new classes to run in their regular programme of evening classes at Grove Academy during the autumn.

These extra classes include:

ZUMBA
'The ZUMBA® program is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating and effective fitness system. It is a class for dancers and non-dancers.’

Exploring the Internet
The class will cover some aspects of using internet sites, including some of the following: Shop/trade safely on line – Tesco, etc; plan a holiday; visit price comparison and money saving sites; consult CAB, DVLA, public utilities and your local council; look for jobs; use of Yahoo for email and Google for information. NB This is not a class for complete beginners to computing. 

Art Appreciation
A fun, informal and informative course on artistic styles and movements in the development of western art history. May include a gallery visit.

Stich and Bitch
Give tired textiles a new lease of life - upcycle and refurbish into bags, cushions, accessories, patchwork etc.

Pilates
Pilates is a complete exercise method that builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body, changing the way it looks and feels. Improve your body shape, posture, flexibility; reduce stress; find relief from aches and pains.

Drawing and Painting
Gain basic skills before moving on to draw and paint still life studies, or brush up on prior skills. Use still-life set-ups provided, or bring your own objects/materials to set up.

For full details of their new programme of classes for the Autumn click on this link.

Enrolment for this classes running in the Autumn will be on Mon 29 August from 7pm at Grove Academy.

Classes will run during the Autumn Term for ten weeks starting in week beginning Monday 5 September 2011 and concluding in week beginning 24 November 2011. There will be no classes between 10 and 20 October.

For further details, please do not telephone the school, consult the BERA website.

BERA to Receive Grant From City Council

Yesterday evening the Education, Arts and Communities Committee,at their final meeting, decided to award the Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) a grant of £2,850 towards the costs of their running adult education classes at Grove Academy. This grant recognises the many hours of unpaid work undertaken by BERA committee members organising a diverse and successful programme of adult education classes for folk in The Ferry. 


The BERA annual accounts indicate that they have already paid over £4,800 to the City Council and Dundee College to rent classrooms, halls and swimming pools for their classes in 2010/11.

Adult Learners' Achievements Recognised at Civic Reception

Earlier this evening I attended a Civic Reception in the Council Chambers to recognise and celebrate the learning achievements of adult learners in Dundee. This event was part of the European wide Adult Learners' Week.

Among the adult learners whose achievements were honoured were 'The Menolej Experience'. In the picture, above right, the men can be seen leading the singing of some popular songs from wartime Britain. This group of men, who meet at the Mitchell Street Centre, have drawn together and published an impressive volume of their reminiscences of life during World War Two. They have also been nominated for national recognition at the Scottish wide awards ceremony to be held in Dumfries on Thursday evening.

The Committee of Broughty Ferry Education & Recreation Association (BERA) were also given an honourable mention for their work organising an annual programme of adult learning classes at Grove Academy.

There was also special mention for the Adult Learning staff of the Leisure and Communities Department who support and facilitate the learning groups whose learning achievements were celebrated tonight.

Evening Classes at Grove Academy 2009/10 - enrolment night Mon 31 August

The new programme of evening classes organised by Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) will commence on Monday 14 September 2009 at Grove Academy. Public enrolment will be held at Grove Academy on Monday 31 August 2009 at 7pm-8.30pm via the entrance on Seafield Road. Check out the full programme of classes.