19+ Adult Learning

Welcome to our Adult Learning section. You will see that we are running a wide range of courses at the College and at a large number of centres in the city of Portsmouth and beyond.

Our adult learning courses run on both a full and part-time basis and include:

Full Time
We are happy to enrol any student over the age of 19 on any appropriate course at College - AS/A Level, BTEC, GCSE, Access (for those who wish to attend university). In many cases students over 19 can study without having to pay tuition fees. Where fees are payable our charges are very reasonable.

Contacts:

• A Level Programmes/GCSE - Kim Bogard ext 370
• NVQ in Childcare - Karen Hills ext 344
• Courses in Health and Social Care - Kerry Jagger ext 365
• Access to HE - Caroline Smith or Karen Hills ext 344

For further information contact the college on 02392 667521

We also offer full-time courses for people with support needs:

Towards Independence - a personal development and effectiveness course for students with learning disabilities - contact Kay Hill ext 396 or Ginette Kriche 02392 296657.

We also offer a very full range of on and off-site full-time ESOL programmes with a good range of mother-tongue support-workers available to assist as necessary. Please contact Simin Walton who will be able to advise you about courses and fees on 02392 667521 ext 309.

Part time
For people would like to brush up on their Skills for Life can enrol on our friendly and popular free courses in:

Adult Maths (Numeracy) - Contact Karen Hills ext 344.

Adult English (Literacy) - Contact Karen Hills ext 344.

ESOL - part time - We run a range of courses in response to community need at centres such as the Wesley Centre, Southsea Community Centre, Brambles Nursery and at schools. Please contact Simin Walton for details on 02392 667521 ext 309.

Towards Independence - Individual learners who wish to attend this programme on a part-time basis, please contact Ginette Kriche 02392 296657 or Kay Hill ext 396.

A wide range of adult learning opportunities - For general information about other adult education courses please see out list of courses for adults via this website and/or our adult learner brochure. Alternatively, please contact the main college reception by telephone 02392 667521, email karen.hills@tpc.ac.uk or calling into College in person.

Language Courses - for further information about language courses, please contact Portsmouth College on 02392 667521.

Fees
Some courses in adult learning are free. Fees on a range of both full and part-time are subject to status and can be discussed with Reception Staff who can help you with these details.

Information, Advice and Guidance
We are able to provide you with advice and guidance on any of our courses.

Portsmouth College has a range of staff qualified to provide you with information and advice on courses, and careers guidance. Whether you want to find out more about the best course(s) for you, links to specific careers or higher education opportunities, we can help.

We can also refer you to financial, welfare, special needs or language support specialists and have extensive links with other external education, advice and support agencies if we are unable to deal with your enquiry.

Careers Guidance
For detailed careers guidance on work and further educational opportunities please contact Oona Taylor, Head of Guidance, to make an appointment (023 9266 7521 ext 427). oona.taylor@portsmouth-college.ac.uk.

Additional Support for adult learning courses
Extra help in the form of additional support is on offer. If you have a problem with reading, writing, spelling or maths you can ask for an assessment and, depending on the results, you may be able to get some extra help in your course. If you have a medical problem or a disability and have the paperwork to prove it, the College may be able to give you extra help, for example, in the form of enlarged text to help a visual impairment. If you think you may be dyslexic and are willing to undergo a college assessment, then we may be able to arrange an Educational Psychologist's assessment, which could give you extra time in examinations. When you enrol, do let the College know of any problems and we can discuss how we can best support you.

The Facilities
The College has excellent accommodation and equipment. Our specialist facilities are modern and are regularly updated, ensuring the best opportunities in all subjects.

Our Learning Resource Centre offers an extensive range of reference books, newspapers and magazines, and also Internet access. You can also purchase all your stationery needs from the Learning Resource Centre, including computer accessories. Black and white and colour photocopying is also available. (Please note the LRC is not open on Saturdays or Sundays).

The College cafeteria provides a range of vending machines for light snacks and hot and cold drinks. There is also a College shop providing a wide range of stationery, snacks and sandwiches, open 8.00am to 2.30pm.

Access for People with Disabilities

1. At Portsmouth College
The College benefits from good wheelchair access and there is always help on hand. There are two lifts providing access for wheelchair users to all floors of the College campus. Reserved extra-wide parking bays, disabled toilets, and ramps in and out of the building are provided. For advice on physical access or other support please contact Reception on 023 9266 7521.

Public Funding and Overseas Students
The course fees listed in our adult learning brochure are those charged to students who are UK or EU citizens and who have lived in an EU country for the past three years. These standard fees will also apply to students who have the right to reside and remain in the UK and who have lived in the UK for the past three years (proof of residency will be requested). Students who do not qualify under these criteria will be regarded as overseas students and will be liable for a fee of £12.00 per hour for all courses. The rules on eligibility for funding are complex and various exceptions to the above do apply. If you think you might be an exceptional case please contact Simin Walton at the College on 02392 667521 ext 309 who will be able to advise you about fees.

Fee Refund Policy
Please note that fees are not normally refundable to students who withdraw from their course. In very exceptional circumstances, such as illness supported by a medical certificate, fees will be refunded but will incurr an administration charge of £10.

Cancellation of Courses:- Please note that:
Courses may be cancelled at short notice if there are insufficient enrolments
You should not purchase any items for your course until after the first meeting
Cheques may not be cashed until the courses have commenced.