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Adult Learning Celebration

The 9-15 May is Adult Learners’ Week and all week, Walsall College students have been celebrating the power of learning and promoting the benefits of education to others.

Now in its 18th year, Adult Learners’ Week is a celebration of the energy and inspiration that adults bring to their learning. It seeks to use the achievements of learners to inspire others to have to go – whether it be learning a new skill, learning for fun, or catching up on learning missed at school.

Walsall College Access Tutor Anne Wylie said, “Adult Learners’ Week is the UK’s largest festival of learning, and is a great way of making local people aware of the learning opportunities available to them. It encourages thousands of adults, whatever their age and background, to embrace learning”.

Access to Humanities student Paula Reed (40) said, “I left school as soon as I could at 16, I just didnÂ’t like learning in that environment. I hadnÂ’t been in education since then, but decided to come to Walsall College to better myself and to make my children proud. The best moment for me would have to be when I passed all my assignments first time – I was amazed, I didnÂ’t know I had that ability. The tutors are brilliant; the feedback they give you really helps to push you further. IÂ’m going to university in September to study Psychology and I eventually want to become a Substance Abuse Councillor. I love what I’m doing – it’s been hard work but I wouldn’t change any of it.”

Fellow student Carol Webb (25) said, “I was a teenage mum and I left school without any qualifications. I decided to come back into education because I realised I wasn’t employable the way I was and I knew I was capable of achieving more than factory work or stacking shelves.

Studying at Walsall College has given me a sense of empowerment and has given me something to get out of bed for, other than the washing up. After completing my course, I will stop on at Walsall College to take a Foundation Degree. I eventually want to get a job in the Care Profession, possibly a Community Welfare Officer. I really want to work with people and I feel that I’ve got something to give. I’m approachable and patient and it makes me feel good to think I might put a smile on somebody’s face for the day.

Anyone thinking of returning to education should jump in with both feet! Life’s too short to doubt yourself and you shouldn’t let your insecurities stop you. I have made friends with a variety of people from all walks of life here – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done”.
  • Ofstead Good
  • Matrix
  • Positive About Disabled People
  • Training Quality Standards
  • National Skills Academy
  • Investors in People
  • Ofqual
  • Department od Children Schools, and Families