Young and old can make the grade

by Mairi Mallon© The Herald
Originally published: 08.08.2006



FLEXIBLE learning for all ages and a strong support system for students are the backbone of Glasgow's Cardonald College. And for any students who may not have made the grades they needed or wanted, the college may have just the solution, either in the courses it offers or as a place to re-take qualifications.

The college is holding open days on Thursday this week, and Monday, August 21, from 2pm-7-pm. Staff will be on hand to give expert advice on everything there is to offer on a full or part-time basis.

With a campus just a few miles south-west of Glasgow city centre, at 690 Mosspark Drive, the college boasts a range of students from as young as 14 right up to those in their 80s. It attracts people from many races and cultures who attend its diverse programmes.

"What we offer at Cardonald is a very welcoming and supportive environment where people can continue to study or come back into education, " says college principal Eleanor Harris. "We offer a lot of support, whether you are a school leaver, someone older who wants to get back into education, or people looking to move or change careers."

Students can start at a range of levels from the most basic to HNC/HND and in a wide variety of subjects, from building trades to fashion, from journalism to childcare. There is also a large selection of leisure classes to choose from so students can come and learn for fun in a relaxed environment.

Most courses start in September, but others begin at various times throughout the year. While many full-time courses are now booked, there are still places in subjects including adult basic education courses such as Return to Study (full-time). Aimed at adults who have no formal qualifications, this is a flexible programme for people who require extra support, preparation and guidance before embarking on a mainstream course. It focuses on communication, numeracy, IT, problem-solving and working with others.

Students are provided with tasters of various subjects to help them make decisions about progression on to other college courses. There are also full and part-time, day and evening places in the college's general education courses, including mathematics and Spanish, biology and photography, and Higher art and design.

The college believes that the Intermediates and Highers are stepping-stones to further and higher education, including HNC/HND and degree-level courses.

There are also places on HNC/HND courses in electronics (full-time), with entry requirements either NQ electronic engineering or two Highers from English, maths or physics or electronics SGA Intermediate 2 or equivalent.

Consideration will be given to mature students with experience, willing to complete a short academic bridging course.

The college is also in the middle of a GBP22m improvement of its buildings and facilities. The first stage of the redevelopment, a new Skills Centre and Children's Centre, will be opening shortly. The Skills Centre will provide facilities for construction and related trades, as well as new facilities for electronics, ceramics and jewellery.

The Children's Centre will more than double the number of childcare places available, eventually leading to 96. The final stage will be the upgrade of facilities in the tower block, to be completed late next year. These include a lecture theatre with multimedia equipment, refurbished catering facilities, and ICT infrastructure including a TV, graphics and journalism suite.

For more information, call 0141 272 3333 or visit www. cardonald. ac. uk.