From creative writing workshops to cookery classes, Cambridge has opportunities for education at any stage of life
Words by Alex Fice / Image Cambridge Cookery School
Hills Road Cambridge Adult Education
What does it offer?
Hills Road Cambridge Adult Education has courses across a range of recreational, academic or vocational subjects, with classes running throughout the spring term in 2022. Brush up on your language skills or get creative with book illustration, dressmaking and creative writing. There are also classes focusing on physical activities, such as performance skills or ballroom and Latin dancing, not to mention handy life lessons like bicycle maintenance for beginners.
Is it for me?
These classes will appeal to anyone looking to pursue a new hobby in warm and friendly surroundings. With talented tutors on hand to lend their expertise in a broad variety of fields, you’ll receive lots of guidance, whether beginner or seasoned.
Sign me up!
Classes take place at Hills Road Sixth Form College, with prices ranging from £32 for a single introduction to photography class, to £168 for eight sessions of ceramics. You can enrol by calling the college’s Adult Education office.
Cambridge Regional College
What does it offer?
Find a range of adult learning opportunities at Cambridge Regional College, including leisure courses on hair and beauty, dog training and DIY. There’s also the chance to develop professional skills such as counselling, childcare, marketing and policing, as well as employability classes that help participants to upskill, retrain or return to work.
Is it for me?
These are aimed at anyone searching for a hobby, new skill or improved job prospects. Past students have achieved promotions and been offered apprenticeships after completing CRC courses, and one former student is even on the way to setting up their own business, having completed a fully funded business start-up course.
“The college is welcoming, the environment relaxed, and the class sizes small, giving the group time to get our heads around the topics,” says Fheron Cheru, student of HNC electrical and electronic engineering. “There is no pressure, we are given responsibility for our own study, and I find this a positive way to learn.”
Sign me up!
Classes are taught online and/or in person, ranging in duration and cost. Depending on your eligibility, some may be free or subsidised. Contact the student administration team for info.
Adult Learn & Train
What does it offer?
“With Adult Learn and Train, you’ll find expert tuition in an intuitive, nurturing environment,” says Zoe Sweet, Adult Learn and Train officer. “We are always evolving. This year we have added a lot of fresh provisions, including everything from acting, face yoga, and dance for fun, to musicals, pottery, furoshiki wrapping, British Sign Language, Japanese bread making and counselling. We have also reintroduced our successful Chinese beginners course, and offer an excellent Functional Skills and GCSE route for English and maths.”
Is it for me?
Courses are aimed at anyone aged 19 or above. “We have a wide demographic,” says Zoe. “The oldest students are in their 90s and doing a language course!” These classes have opened doors for many, helping them get a place at their chosen university – or even start their own business. Previous learners have gone on to become jewellers, pattern cutters, dressmakers, upholsterers, florists – and much more. This really is a wonderful route for anyone looking to switch up their career.
Sign me up!
Classes are held at Coleridge Community College and various other locations across the city. The cost and duration varies; head to the website for more information and to apply.
Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)
What does it offer?
“The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) provides short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in a broad range of disciplines. These include creative writing, English literature, arts and sciences, and professional studies,” explains Dr James Gazzard, director of ICE. Its Cambridge summer programme, returning in-person this year from 10 July to 6 August, also lets individuals explore a variety of subjects, taught by leading Cambridge academics and guest speakers.
Is it for me?
“Our adult students, of all ages, are drawn from diverse backgrounds across the east of England, nationally and globally,” says Dr James. “Students come to study with us for a variety of reasons. They might be in an established career and want to improve their knowledge, or need new skills to change paths. Others may hope to study something for their personal enjoyment. Regardless of motivation, the Institute provides opportunities for students to learn at all life stages, irrespective of their previous educational attainment.”
Sign me up!
Visit the website to explore the full catalogue of courses on offer and to book your place.
Cambridge Cookery School
What does it offer?
“We are an award-winning cookery school powered by a team of chefs trained at Leiths and Le Cordon Bleu, with heaps of experience,” says chef Tine Roche, director of Cambridge Cookery School. “We offer a wide range of classes, from knife skills and fish filleting to bread making and pasta masterclasses. We also organise wonderful corporate team-building activities that involve cooking and eating together.” Refreshments are provided throughout the class, be it an invigorating cup of coffee at the start of a morning session, or a refreshing glass of wine as you enjoy the fruits of your labour at the end of the day.
Is it for me?
If you’re looking to build confidence in the kitchen, or unlock recipes previously thought impossible, these classes are for you. Cambridge Cookery School welcomes cooks of all abilities, and will support you in hitting targets – be that baking classic French pastries or preparing the perfect scrambled eggs!
Sign me up!
Classes are held on weekday evenings (6.30pm to 10.15pm) or weekends during the day (usually 10am to 2pm). The typical lesson costs £150-£160, but this can vary. Courses fill up quickly, so booking well in advance is essential.
Cambridge University Language Programme
What does it offer?
The Cambridge University Language Programme offers an impressive range of language courses that are aimed primarily at current students and staff at the University of Cambridge, but which are also open to members of the public. Each course consists of 30 hours of online schooling, delivered by experienced teachers from the university. Take your pick from Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Modern Greek, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and more.
Is it for me?
CULP is an excellent option for anyone learning a language for personal or professional reasons, with the benefit of world-class teaching and invaluable resources. As you might expect from a Cambridge University course, sessions provide a stimulating challenge for the academically inclined; in addition to weekly two-hour classes, students are expected to spend an extra two to four hours studying independently each week. But rest assured, the results are guaranteed!
Sign me up!
Contact the CULP administrator to enrol. Courses cost £350, with the option to claim a refund up until the start of the second session of the course, if it’s not quite right for you.
