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Courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities
CALAT has an exciting range of courses to help you work towards employment and gain qualifications, develop English, maths and creativity skills and improve your wellbeing. You’ll also make new friends and have lots of fun!
We offer courses in four areas:
This course is for anyone who is interested in using essential oils to improve their general health and well-being naturally.
If you bring your phone remember to charge it before the lesson!
If you do not have a phone you can use a computer at CALAT.
Apron, pen and folder
You will:
Strand House
This course is for learners who are interested in art and would like to learn about different collage and printmaking techniques. You will make a wide range of artworks and explore colour, shape and pattern in different ways. Self-expression and working from the imagination will be encouraged alongside more structured projects. The course is suitable for beginners and more experienced learners.
Your own apron and pen each week.
You will:
Strand House
This 15 week course is for learners who would like to improve their general well-being in mind and body. You will develop flexibility and strength, improve your posture and learn ways to relax through different breathing techniques. Exercises will be based around Chair Yoga, and you will work within your own ability and at your own pace. You will also learn how to use yoga props such as belts and blocks to support you in your yoga practise. Each session will finish with a simple relaxation or meditation.
A yoga mat if you have one and wear loose clothing.
You will:
There are no special requirements for this course and it is open to all.
Strand House
This course is for learners who would like to get fit by dancing and following a weekly healthy eating plan.
A large bottle of water, an exercise mat and a small towel.
You will:
You must be able to follow simple instructions.
This short 5 week textile course is for learners who would like to develop their design and sewing skills in this one off personal project. Express yourself by experimenting with colour, shape and pattern. Learners, who like to paint, draw and make things, will enjoy this course.
Your own apron and pen each week.
You will:
Strand House, Thornton Heath
This course is for learners who would like to work outdoors planting their own fruit, vegetables and flowers and tasting what they grow.
To make your own compost and use tools safely. To grow plants in soil and in water. To save your own seeds and to grow flowers and vegetables from seeds.
Folder, pen, gardening gloves. Something for the compost bin each week.
You will:
There are no special requirements for entry on to this course.
This course is for learners who would like to learn skills in baking, decorating and presentation
How to measure and weigh ingredients, to decorate cakes, work as part of a team and independently, food hygiene, health and safety in the kitchen and healthy options in baking.
An apron, folder, pen, ingredients, tea towel and container.
You will:
You must be able to use a sharp knife correctly with or without support. Follow a simple instruction sheet with or without support.
The course is for learners who want to improve their digital photo skills and take photos as a hobby.
A smartphone or tablet, folder, pen and inquiring mind.
You will:
This course is for learners new to digital photography.
Strand House
The course is for learners who have completed an Introduction to Photography. If you enjoyed it and think you can learn more techniques and work hard together, then bring your camera and some ideas and let’s go!
A smartphone or tablet, folder, pen and inquiring mind.
You will gain:
This course is for learners who have completed the Introduction to Digital Photography course or have good smartphone skills and own a good, working smartphone, tablet or digital camera.
Strand House
This course is for learners who would like to learn about looking after their hair and skin.
A folder, a pen and a notebook.
You will:
You must be able to follow simple instructions.
Strand House
This course is for learners who would like to design and make mosaics. The course is suitable for beginners and more experienced learners, who want to develop their mosaic skills through working on their own more challenging projects.
You will learn how to make a range of mosaics projects using the correct equipment and following health and safety rules.
All the necessary equipment will be provided for you to complete this course.
You will develop:
There are no special requirements for entry on to this course.
Strand House
This course is for learners who would like to like to sing music, play some rhythms, share musical ideas and preferences and would like to record music or play back.
A folder to keep lyrics and notes in.
You will:
There are no entry requirements and you do not need to think of yourself as a good singer, BUT an interest in music would be helpful.
Croydon Clocktower
This course is for creative and imaginative people who would like to listen to and make up stories and then turn them into a film for show to family and friends. It is for people who feel they need their self-confidence and communication skills improved. You will create and express yourself in a safe and supportive environment.
A folder to keep any papers we use to plan.
You will:
There are no entry requirements: open to those who can communicate with words, gestures, facial expressions, or other signs, and to those who can’t.
Strand House
The course is for learners who want to learn how to sew and improve their sewing skills – and sew as a hobby!
A sewing box, pen and folder, enthusiasm and an inquiring mind.
You will:
You must be able to follow simple instructions and commit to come to the 30 weeks of the course on time each week unless there is an emergency.
Strand House
This course is for learners who would like to improve their fitness, learn more about their environment, become more confident and have fun.
A hands free rucksack, bottle of water, healthy snack, (optional) packet of tissues, hand sanitiser and face mask.
You will:
You must be able to walk outdoors for up to three hours without access to toilets. You must be able to travel on public transport with or without support.
Out and about, meet up at Croydon Clocktower
This course is for learners who want to develop their computer skills and their written and spoken communication skills.
A folder and pen.
You will:
be able to transfer your skills to use at home
develop your confidence in using IT
You must have basic IT skills and know how to use a mouse and a keyboard.
New Addington Library
This course is for learners who would like to develop their confidence in learning how to use new technology such as a video camera on smartphones and iPads/tablets.
A smartphone or tablet, folder and pen.
You will:
be able to transfer your skills to use at home
develop your confidence in using multi-media
You must have access to a smartphone or tablet for use at home and on the course.
Strand House
This course is for learners who want to improve their knowledge of the world around them.
You will learn about the geography of the UK, different climates and weather around the world, how climate change is affecting us and what we can do about it. You will also learn about map reading.
A folder and pen.
You will:
You must be working towards entry 2 English or above.
New Addington Library
This course is for learners who want to improve their knowledge of the past and how the past affects us today.
Folder and pen.
You will:
You must be working towards entry 2 English or above
Online
This course is for learners who wish to be an ambassador for CALAT in the local community and an advocate for CALAT ALDD learners.
A pen, notepad and your voice.
You will:
Strand House
This course is for everyone who likes to participate in group discussions and activities.
Folder and pen, phone and newspapers.
You will:
New Addington Library
This course is for learners who want to improve their social skills and learn how to form and make new relationships.
A folder, notepad and pen.
You will:
develop the confidence to form and manage personal relationships
improve your problem-solving, speaking and listening skills and employability skills
You must be working at entry 2 English or above.
Strand House
This course is for learners who would like to develop their cookery skills to enable them to cook independently.
Folder and pen, apron, tea towel and ingredients.
You will:
You must be able to use a sharp knife safely and make a sandwich on your own. You must be able to follow two steps of a recipe independently.
This course is for learners who would like to cook and create delicious dishes from all over the world, making anything from Indian delights to classic British favourites.
Folder and pen, apron, tea towel and ingredients.
You will:
You must be able to work with sharp knives and equipment safely. Have experience of using the hob and oven. You must be able to follow two steps of a recipe independently.
This course is for learners who would like to develop their maths skills and have the confidence to purchase items giving the correct amount of money or checking change.
To add 2 or 3 numbers together. Work out the change from £10.00. Share items into fractions. Understand Special Offers in the supermarket. Read a timetable and programme times.
Folder, pen and writing paper.
You will:
Working towards entry 2 maths level.
Strand House
This course is for learners that want to learn how to shop for their own ingredients and cook easy basic meals.
Apron, folder, food container, money, tea towel, shopping bag
You will:
You will be able to work with sharp knives and equipment safely and follow simple instructions.
Cherry Hub, Whitehorse Road
This course is for learners who would like to gain employment in the field of hospitality, especially in the catering industry.
An apron and a smile.
You will:
Strand House
This course is for learners who want to learn how to care for themselves and others around them in the local community and Croydon area.
Folder and pen.
You will:
New Addington library
This course is for learners who want to improve their employability skills and find a job or voluntary work with a local employer.
Folder, notepad and pen.
You will:
Strand House
Courses take place at our 3 centres across Croydon: Strand House in Thornton Heath, Croydon Clocktower in Katharine Street in Central Croydon and New Addington Library.
We also deliver some classes at Thornton Heath library, Good Food Matters (New Addington) and Cherry Hub (St James’s Rd).
To apply for any of our courses call us on 020 8604 7061 or email independentliving@croydon.gov.uk
New learners will have an interview and assessment to find out your starting point and assess which courses best meet your needs.
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