Independent Living

Who is this course for?

Art Space is a course designed for learners who love making art and want to explore new ideas in a relaxed, supportive setting. We shall experiment with different printing techniques on paper and fabric, as well as painting, collage and drawing. There will be lots of opportunities for self-expression and developing your own creative style. We’ll enjoy relaxed group discussions where you can chat about your work, share thoughts, swap inspiration and offer friendly feedback to others, creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere for everyone.

What will I learn?

• Experiment with a mix of creative techniques to make bold, exciting artworks
• Explore a wide variety of art materials
• Build your skills in colour, pattern, shape and composition as you create
• Learn about different artists and how their work can inspire you
• Use your imagination to express yourself in fun and personal ways
• Make art alongside others and enjoy being part of a creative group
• Share ideas, chat about your work and develop your communication skills
• Join in group discussions and practise giving friendly, helpful feedback
• Reflect on your work and find new ways to develop your ideas

How will this course benefit me?

• Enjoy expressing yourself through hands-on artmaking
• Strengthen your skills in colour, shape, pattern and composition as you create
• Stretch your imagination and discover new creative possibilities
• Improve hand–eye coordination through practical, engaging activities
• Relax, unwind and use art as a way to reduce stress and boost wellbeing
• Learn more about artists from different backgrounds and broaden your understanding of the art world
• Try new techniques while keeping your existing skills active and growing
• Meet new people, share experiences and build friendships
• Grow your communication skills and feel your confidence increase as you take part
• Experience a real sense of achievement and pride as you complete each project

Entry Requirements:

To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:

• Show an interest in the subject
• Commit to attend each week
• Follow simple instructions

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable all learners who enjoy creative, hands-on artwork and prefer working on shorter projects. Throughout the course you will explore how to turn your artwork into cards, decorative paper items and a small handmade book. You will experiment with lots of different techniques including printmaking, watercolour, paste papers, collage, and folding and cut-out methods. By the end of the course, you will have a selection of handcrafted items that make thoughtful gifts or personal keepsakes.

What will I learn?

• Explore a range of creative ideas to produce your own images, patterns, pictures.
• Have fun trying out lots of different techniques to create your artwork
• Use making and creating as a joyful way to express yourself
• Build your confidence as you try new ideas and see your creative skills grow.
• Meet new people, share ideas and chat with others in a friendly group
• Take part in group discussions and offer positive feedback to classmates
• Reflect on your creations and identify ways to develop your ideas

How will this course benefit me?

• Enjoy a creative space where you can express yourself through making and experimenting
• Grow your design skills as you play with colour, shape and pattern in new ways
• Stretch your imagination and discover new ideas
• Maintain existing skills and develop new ones
• Meet new people, share and build friendships
• Boost your communication skills and feel your confidence grow as you join in
• Feel proud of yourself as you complete each project and see what you’ve achieved
• Connect with others by creating cards and handmade pieces you can share with friends/family

Entry Requirements:

To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:

• Show an interest in the subject
• Commit to attend each week
• Follow simple instructions

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who would like a gentle, creative space to relax and feel calm. Together, we will explore simple art activities and soft movement to support wellbeing in both mind and body. We will use mindful drawing and easy creative tasks to help you slow down, focus and express yourself. Each session will also include gentle movement and calming breathing to help you feel settled and calm. At the end of every class, we will finish with a short relaxation so you can leave feeling peaceful and refreshed. We will also spend time visiting local gardens and other outdoor places, giving you the chance to enjoy nature and support your general wellbeing.

What will I learn?

• Gentle movement and breathing practices that brings calmness to your body
• How to move and stretch in a slow, relaxed way that feels good for you
• Simple and mindful drawing techniques to help you slow down and focus
• Ways to use creativity to help relax and express yourself
• How to enjoy being creative without pressure, perfection or expectations
• Ways to notice what helps you feel calm and reflect on your experience

How will this course benefit me?

• You’ll have a calm space to relax, unwind and take time for yourself
• Creative activities will help you express your feelings in a safe, enjoyable way
• Gentle movement and breathing can ease stress and support your overall wellbeing
• You’ll learn simple relaxation techniques that you can use at home
• Regular creative practice can help reduce stress and improve your mood
• You’ll build confidence as you try new ideas at your own pace
• Being part of a friendly, relaxed group can help you connect with others
• You’ll leave each session feeling more peaceful, focused and refreshed

Entry Requirements:

To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:

• Show an interest in the subject
• Commit to attend each week
• Follow simple instructions

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is inspired by the idea that we live in a diverse, multicultural and democratic society and that this is important and brings many benefits. It is suitable for all learners who would like to learn more about and discuss the importance of being respectful and tolerant of differences of all kinds within their society.

What will I learn?

• Traditions, beliefs and customs of a variety of faiths
• What a diverse society is and why it is important.
• How disability is celebrated in the UK
• What democracy is and why rules and laws are important to help us
• What liberty means and identify the rights of British people.

How will this course benefit me?

To support learners to think about and explain:

• Why showing respect and being tolerant of others is important
• How respect of differing opinions and ideas to their own can be shown
• What being British means to them and to others
• Empathy for situations where people are not living in a democracy
• What society would be like without rules and laws
• Their own thoughts on human rights

Entry Requirements:

To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:

• Show an interest in the subject
• Commit to attend each week
• Follow simple instructions

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

Learners who enjoy being creative and want to practise mindfulness through colouring. Come along, relax and have fun!

What will I learn?

• How to use colouring to feel calm and relaxed
• Tips for staying focused and mindful while colouring
• Easy ways to choose colours and create beautiful patterns
• How mindfulness can help you feel happier and less stressed

How will this course benefit me?

• Feel calmer and more relaxed
• Feel less stressed
• Build confidence in your creativity
• Enjoy time in a friendly group and make new friends!

Entry Requirements:

To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:

• Show an interest in the subject
• Commit to attend each week
• Follow simple instructions

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is for learners who want to get fit and have fun along the way.

What will I learn?

• You will learn healthy eating habits
• Different dances
• How to keep track of your weight safely
• Healthy recipes

How will this course benefit me?

• You will make healthy food choices
• Have fun dancing and keeping your heart healthy
• Make new friendships
• Learn interesting things every week about dancing for fitness
• Become a more confident you

Entry Requirements:

To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:

• Arrive to class on time every week
• Always be ready to learn
• Be able to follow simple instructions

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

• Learners that want to know more about food and nutrition
• Learners that want to know about making healthy food choices
• Learners who enjoy making easy, simple, healthy foods
• Anyone that has an interest in learning about healthy foods

What will I learn?

• What Nutrition is and what to look for on food packets.
• You will learn to choose foods that are healthy.
• How to eat things in moderation.
• How to make simple but healthy meals.

How will this course benefit me?

• Healthier eating habits (making healthy choices).
• More energy, by following a healthy eating plan.
• Better mood, with good nutrition.
• Weight management (how to keep a healthy weight).
• Food safety and hygiene

Entry Requirements:

• To be considered for this course you, you must be able to:
• Be ready and willing to learn.
• Come to class every week and on time.
• Be willing to use what you have learned outside of class.
• Show at least three healthy meals you eat every week.
• Have basic kitchen skills.

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course if those who want to become more independent in everyday life, look after themselves, make good choices, and feel more confident doing things on their own

What will I learn?

You will learn:

• How to take care of yourself (hygiene and self-care)
• How to stay safe at home and when out
• How to manage money (spending and saving)
• How to plan simple meals and make healthy choices
• How to use transport and travel safely
• How to communicate with others and ask for help
• How to organise your time and daily routines

How will this course benefit me?

You will:

• Feel more confident in your daily life
• Become more independent
• Make your own choices
• Stay safe and healthy
• Build skills for the future
• Feel proud of what you can do

Entry requirements:

To be considered for this course you must be able to:

• A willingness to learn and take part
• Ability to follow simple instructions
• Be respectful to others in the group

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for beginners and those with more experience, who would like to express their creativity through the art of making mosaics. Learn about colour, shape, pattern and sequence through mosaic making. Create personal mosaic projects over a longer period of time, using a range of tiles and textures – ceramic, glass, and recycled items in a workshop environment.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

• How to prepare the surface for your mosaic
• To follow correct health and safety guidelines when making mosaics
• To discuss and share your mosaic ideas with the tutor and the group
• Design your mosaic by researching your ideas using the computer /books/imagination
• How to use a variety of different mosaic tiles, textures, colours and shapes
• How to use tile cutters safely
• How to grout your finished mosaic
• To contribute to group discussions and offer feedback to others
• To reflect on your own work and explore ways to improve

How will this course benefit me?

You will:

• Increase your well-being through the creative process
• Express yourself through personal mosaic projects
• Explore your imagination
• Develop maths skills through shape, space, pattern and sequence
• Learn new skills, maintain and develop previous skills
• Develop communication skills and confidence through group discussions
• Develop planning skills as you plan your work each week
• Practise patience as you work through your projects over a longer period of time
• Meet new people and build friendships with others
• Gain a sense of achievement through completed projects
• Make mosaics that you can take home and keep for yourself or offer as gifts

Entry requirements:

To be considered for this course you must be able to:

• Show interest in the subject
• Commit to coming to class each week
• Follow simple instructions
• Follow health and safety instructions (wearing goggles when cutting tiles, wear a mask and gloves when grouting)

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is for people who enjoy listening to music and would like to either sing or take part on group music-making (with voice, action or percussion).

What will I learn?

• About the importance of your own and others’ music choices
• Playing musical tunes and rhythms (how to tune your voice and ‘do music’ in time)
• About body percussion and playing music that is simple and all around us.
• About recording music (we will produce an online album of work)
• Listening to each other as part of a group
• About reading and understanding musical words
• About world music and different types of music (we don’t just look at pop music)
• How to perform and use your voice to express meaning in music.
• About performing clearly and loudly (we may perform to a small internal audience of friends and family, but you do not have to perform if you don’t want to)
• How to be self-critical (of your own singing and performing)

How will this course benefit me?

You will:

• Develop your well-being (music is good for your mental health).
• Develop group and interaction and listening skills (music is all about listening and communication)
• Get active (singing and body percussion in particular is a physical activity)
• You will develop your self-confidence and self-esteem
• You will enjoy being part of a happy musical band
• You will have pride in your performance and recordings of your music
• You may develop your music creativity (with song-writing).

Entry requirements:

You need no musical skill. But you need an interest in music (any type at all). We work together. An ability to use words and your voice to express is preferable, but this is a safe and comfortable learning environment and you will never be made to feel uncomfortable or be put on the spot to perform to the tutor, your classmates or to an audience. You can, should you wish, simply come along and participate in the group.

• If you play an instrument bring it along (if it’s the piano, then we have one!!)
• Commit to coming to class each week and on time!

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Strand House

Who is this course for?

This course is for learners who would like to improve their fitness, health and wellbeing, learn more about their environment, become more confident and have fun.

What will I learn?

• What to wear and what to bring on a ramble
• How to keep yourself safe walking in different environments and conditions
• To track your walk using an app and estimate distance walked at different stages of the walk
• To use spotter sheets to identify different plants and wildlife during the different seasons

How will this course benefit me?

• Experience a variety of walks in the local area
• Improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing
• Become more aware of the sights, smells, movement and sounds on your walks
• Increase your stamina
• Develop your knowledge of flowers and plants
• Learn to work towards goals
• Identify and use correct health and safety procedures needed for walking in different environments
• Feel less stressed and sleep better
• Build friendships with other learners

Entry Requirements:

• To be considered for this course you must be able to:
• Wear suitable clothes for rambling each week
• Follow instructions to keep safe on the rambles
• Commit to come to class on time each week
• Be able to travel on public transport with support or independently
• Be able to walk at a moderate pace for up to three hours with a short break
• Walk without access to toilets for up to three hours

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

Croydon Clocktower

Who is this course for?

This course is for learners who want to improve their confidence in managing their mental wellbeing for a healthy lifestyle.

What will I learn?

• What a healthy mind is
• How you can maintain and develop it
• A basic introduction to Mindfulness and how it can help us in everyday life
• What the aspects of wellbeing are
• How to grow our ability to be well
• How to be kind to others and ourselves
• How to identify and handle different emotions
  

  How will this course benefit me?

• You will develop everyday strategies to look after your mind and general health
• You will develop the confidence to form and manage relationships with others
• This course will improve your problem-solving, speaking and listening skills and employability skills.

Entry requirements:

This course is open to all learners

Assessment:

This course will be assessed by the completion of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

Location:

New Addington