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Community learning courses

If you are interested in a subject not currently listed please let us know, we are always open to new ideas.

If you organise, or are part of a group that would like a course personalised to your needs please do get in touch. 

All participants will need to be minimum age 19 and Live in North Somerset. Most will either be in receipt of certain means tested benefits or have a low income. 

Priority is given to those who wish to develop skills and confidence for work, further learning or to improve their health and wellbeing.

How to register

Details on how to register for any of our courses are available in the Community Learning newsletter. 

We also have a series of courses to help you develop skills and confidence for work, volunteering and wellbeing. Please see our Skills for Life newsletter for more details. 

Upcoming courses

Below is just a selection of our upcoming courses. A full list is available in our newsletter, including those with dates to be announced.

If you don't see what you're looking for, check there for further information.

Upcoming courses - starting January 2025

Creative writing - short stories

Suitable for beginners and more experienced writers. Explore techniques such as character creation, setting, descriptive writing and much more. 

Writing tasks are sent out on a Monday morning to be completed by Friday afternoon. Support is available during the week and detailed feedback is given.

See our Creative Writing Short Stories flyer

  • course duration: over 6 weeks - access to a laptop or computer is required
  • start date: 6 January 2025

ESOL - English for speakers of another language

Learning English as a Second Language for Pre-Entry (no English) to Entry 2 (some conversational English) in Weston-super-Mare, Portishead and Clevedon. 

The courses are designed for those with no confidence and those taking their first steps into classroom learning. Participants will learn about other existing provision and have help to progress to higher levels with Weston College.

See our ESOL courses flyer

Mondays - 10 Sessions - from 13 January 2025 

  • At The Studio, The Stables, 3-6 Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1JY
  • Pre Entry Plus 9.30 - 11am 
  • Entry 2 Plus 11.30am – 1.30pm 

Tuesdays - 10 Sessions - from 14 January 2025

  • Venue to be confirmed
  • Entry 1 Plus 7 - 8.30pm

Wednesdays - 10 Sessions - from 15 January 2025

  • St Paul’s Church Hall, Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1EF
  • Pre-Entry (Group 1) 12.30 - 2pm (Main Hall)
  • Pre-Entry (Group 2) 12.30 - 2pm (Alden Room)
  • Below Pre-Entry 2.45 - 4.15pm (Main Hall)

Thursdays - 10 Sessions - from 16 January 2025 

  • Seetec Pluss Training Room, The Stables, 3-6 Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1JY
  • ESOL Computers 9.30 - 11.30am
  • ESOL Job Club - Contact Iona for further info (see below for details)

Fridays - 10 Sessions - from 17 January 2025 - Portishead

  • The Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead BS20 6PR
  • Entry 1 9.45 - 11.45am
  • Entry 1 Plus to Entry 2 Plus 9.45 - 11.45am

Fridays - 10 Sessions - from 17 January 2025 - Clevedon

  • Clevedon Children’s Centre, The Barn, Great Western Road, Clevedon BS21 6HB
  • Pre-Entry Plus 12.30 - 2pm 
  • Entry 1 & 2 Plus 12.30 - 2pm 

For enquiries for current and future courses contact 

Introduction to IT

A great course for anyone wanting to build up their confidence with computers!

Learn new skills - from using the mouse/ touchpad and keyboard to how to create an email address; using the free Google document resources and keeping safe online.

There is plenty of advice and support on offer from our knowledgeable staff.

  • where can you take it: In person at North Somerset Community Hub, 31 Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
  • course duration: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am for 5 weeks
  • when can you start: from 13 January

Office Skills

This short course can give you the tools for a career in administration. 

You will learn skills around Word, PowerPoint and Excel - to improve skills for work. This includes how to insert tables and charts, create presentations, and add formulas and functions.

You will also learn how to create ‘signatures’ and ‘out of office’ replies used in business emails and further tips for proof reading, avoiding scams, and staying safe online

  • Where can you take it: in person at North Somerset Community Hub, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
  • course duration: Mondays and Wednesdays 12-2pm for 5 weeks
  • When can you start: from 13 January

Community Learning trail walks

Improve your English-language skills while enjoying the local beauty spots of Weston-super-Mare with Community Learning walk-and-talk films.