GoLearn! 22/23 Courses
Discover a new passion in 2023 with hundreds of GoLearn! adult learning courses, available in community venues across Leicestershire.
You can enrol online or by calling us on FREEphone 0800 988 0308. Alternatively you can email us at adultlearning@leics.gov.uk for more information.
Support for Ukraine: English Courses
GoLearn! and Leicestershire County Council are offering FREE ESOL courses (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for Ukrainian refugees in Leicestershire. Details for how to make contact are on the Support for Ukraine page. Contact can be made by a friend, sponsor, support worker or the refugee themselves.
Information, advice and guidance
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Learning for Independence (adults with learning difficulties/disabilities)
Learning for Confidence and Better Mental Health
Information, Advice and Guidance
Not sure of the right course for you?
If you’re looking for a little direction and guidance on your next steps in learning or work you can get free and impartial 1-to-1 advice from our Learning and Work advisors. They can help you with:
- finding the right course
- improving or writing your CV
- looking for job opportunities
- advice on possible career choices.
To get information advice and guidance call us to book an appointment or complete the Adult Learning general enquiry form.
Linda helped me to work out what I needed to do when I was low in confidence and didn’t know what I could do. The courses I have taken were really useful to me and I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am now without the skills and confidence I have gained.
Person:JulieJulie, Loughborough
Digital Skills
Coding – Scratch and Python
Both Scratch and Python are being taught in schools to young people aged 9-16. Scratch covers the basics of computer programming whilst Python is the follow on, which covers text-based programming and allows users to write small scripts of computer programming.
Essential Digital Skills
More than ever before key aspects of our lives are moving online with the use of computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital devices. This course is accredited at entry level 3 and is for learners who do not feel confident with transacting or keeping themselves safe online.
HTML & CSS
This course is for learners who are interested in learning HTML and CSS and understand how it can be used to format your website. You will be learning about the formatting of HTML with CSS, creating and using classes and ID’s and using inspect mode in a browser to achieve changes to a WordPress website.
Introduction to Internet and Email
Internet and email are essential tools in the modern world. Perhaps you need to carry out research on a hobby or work-related topic. You may need to use email regularly in your work or simply want to keep in touch with friends and family. This course will give you the confidence and key skills necessary to be successful with Internet and email use in both home and work situations.
Introduction to Photoshop
Want to learn how to resize a photograph, add text or enhance colours? This taster course will allow you to use Photoshop Elements to understand basic editing techniques to enhance your images.
Introduction to SAGE
Interested in learning about computerised accounting software? Try our short course and get an idea of how the industry standard Sage accounting software is used by small and large businesses across the country.
Introduction to Website Development
This short course will give you an introduction to website development using the free software WordPress. Gain an understanding of how to plan and set up an interactive website.
ITQ Level 1 or 2
This course covers a range of computer skills that are widely used in the workplace or home – Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, Access databases, internet and email. Learners can progress at their own pace and gain skills at ITQ Level 1 or 2. This is an accredited course and learners will work towards an award or certificate.
Online Safety
A short course explaining the hazards that you may face online. Gain an understanding of basic online security and have an opportunity to look at and discuss malware, scams, phishing, and viruses.
Photoshop Editing
This 5-week course will give you an opportunity to explore Photoshop editing software. Learn how to add text to an image, use a variety of selection tools, edit and remove unwanted objects and apply a selection of filters to enhance your images.
SAGE
Thinking about boosting your career prospects or wish to develop your computerised accounting skills for your own business? Learn how to carry out routine (focused) book-keeping tasks using the popular Sage accounts software. Previous computer skills and a good level of literacy skills are required.
Smartphones
An introduction to using a smartphone – learn how to adjust settings, connect to WiFi, general security and a range of useful apps. Learners need to bring their own, charged smartphone and be prepared to connect to WiFi.
Social Media
This 3-hour session will give you an introductory look at some of the more popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and others.
Spreadsheet Advanced
Already a reasonably confident user of Excel spreadsheets? Want to further your skills and knowledge to be able to step up to the next level? This course will cover Learn more about pivot tables, advanced filtering, functions, formulas, formatting, macros and other features.
Tablets
A one off 3-hour course to enable you to use a tablet device with confidence. Learn how to set up a tablet, use WiFi, understand security settings and use a range of everyday apps.
Website Development
This 12-session course will give you the opportunity to plan, design and build your own Website using free WordPress software.
Find and apply for our digital skills courses
Employability courses
Business Admin
Thinking about working in an office environment? This packed informative course will give you an awareness of the functions of a business administration role in an office environment.
CV - Create or Update
Having a CV when you are looking for a new job is a real advantage – it’s a document that lists your experience and work history and can help to promote your skills to potential new employers. Learn how to construct a productive CV that can really get you noticed! This module covers effective CV writing and producing cover letters.
Emergency First Aid at Work
This is a nationally recognised qualification at level 3 that covers the required elements to pass this level 3 qualification. Covered topics: CPR, dealing with emergencies and responding to situations. Learners will have to be able to take part in all practical elements.
Food Safety
Develop your skills to work safely in a food environment. This is a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 and there will be a test at the end.
Interview Skills
The work ‘interview’ can strike fear into many people – What will they ask? What should I say? Explore a range of successful approaches and be ready for any interview with enthusiasm and confidence.
Online Job Applications
Most vacancies now require you to ‘Apply Online’ or visit a website for further details on the job on offer. Learn how to research and find specific jobs advertised online. Discover how to efficiently complete online application forms and post your CV to let employers know you are ready for hire.
Find and apply for our employability courses
English and Maths
Functional Skills
Get a qualification in English and/or maths whilst developing the skills and confidence you need at work and at home. You can apply for a beginner level or level 2 (which is the same skill level as a GCSE). Before you enrol you can discuss the skills you’d like to develop, and which will be the right course for you.
GCSE
Get a GCSE in English or Maths in this fast-paced course aimed at people who are confident in everyday English and Maths skills. These courses start once a year in early September - unfortunately no late enrolments can be accepted.
Find and apply for our English and Maths courses
Languages
You can choose to learn French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish. Each level takes about 2 years to complete.
Beginners - A Taster
Learn some basic ‘holiday’ language such as introducing yourself and others, numbers, shops, ordering food and drinks. This is a short course for complete beginners to try out learning the language you have picked. You would then do the ‘Beginners part 1’ course below to complete your first year of this level.
Beginners - Part 1
Part 1 is a follow-on from the taster course for complete beginners. Learn practical phrases that can help you with shopping, finding your way around, the time and booking accommodation.
Beginners - Part 2
In part 2 you can join this course if you already know the basics covered in the courses above. You will learn topics such as: shopping, using transport, tourist information, dining out, home and leisure activities, weather, and speaking about your daily routine.
Level 1 - Part 1
In part 1 you need some knowledge to join this course, ideally as listed in the entry level courses above. You will learn how to talk about things in the past and going to do in the future. You will use different learning materials to help you such as practical activities, games and the internet.
Level 1 - Part 2
Part 2 is suitable for learners who have started to use the present, past and future tenses. You will develop your talking skills about what you did / used to do and would like to do in the future.
Level 2 - Part 1
Part 1 develops your confidence and ability to speak with ease using present, past and future tenses and conditional forms. For example, I go to town every day, I will go to town tomorrow or I would prefer to go to town tomorrow. You’ll speak about and read formal letters, authentic text and tourist information leaflets, and give your opinion.
Level 2 - Part 2
Part 2 improves your language skills in everyday topics / current affairs using the imperative forms (eg ‘mix these ingredients together’), adjectives and adverbs, and common phrases. Suitable for those who have 4-5 years of part-time study or approximately GCSE/O Level standard gained elsewhere.
Year 5+ Advanced Conversation Courses
You must have at least 5 years previous study, or the knowledge detailed for the language courses above. You can gain confidence in giving your opinion and understand other people’s opinions; discuss topics such as current affairs, personal interests, films, travel and culture
Find and apply for our language courses
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Learn or improve your English – this course is for learners whose first language is not English. You will learn how to speak, listen, read and write in English. New learners can enrol on existing courses if there are spaces. More courses may be offered through the year if people want to attend.
Find and apply for our ESOL courses
British Sign Language (BSL)
Our BSL courses are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about D/deafness and how better to communicate with someone who has hearing loss. We offer introductory 2-week courses which include deaf awareness information as well as basic signs and longer programmes for anyone looking to continue with more detailed study.
Find and apply for our BSL courses
Learning for Independence
You can apply for our courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities to help with living and working such as:
- communication
- health, personal safety and wellbeing
- skills for employment and volunteering
- sensory learning
- independent living skills
- creative skills and leisure
- literacy and numeracy
We also have a specialist Transition Learning Programme for young adults with learning difficulties and complex health needs leaving specialist school, making the transition into adult services and education.
Apply for Learning for Independence courses
Learning for Confidence and Better Mental Health
Designed for adults recovering from, or experiencing, mental health difficulties this course aims to support you to improve your health and wellbeing through learning. We offer learning opportunities in friendly, supportive and safe groups with learning personalised to support your needs.
For more information or to be enroled on this course please complete our online referral form and a member of the team will be in contact.
Learning for Wellbeing
Wellbeing Saturdays
Our Wellbeing Saturday courses are one day courses aimed at giving you a basic introduction to that craft. This year our courses include:
- Astronomy
- Patchwork
- Card Crafts
- Chocolate Craft
- Creative Cushion Covers
- Flower Craft
- Indian Cooking
- Make Your Own Bread
- Photography
- Upcycling Furniture Techniques
Art
Our Art courses are delivered in both ‘Beginners’ and ‘Mixed Level’ formats where the learners in the class may all be working at different levels with tutors providing expert support and tuition.
- Drawing and painting
- Botanical drawing and painting
- Watercolour painting
- Life drawing
Crafts and ceramics
These courses may be delivered as either workshops or ‘taught’ sessions. With workshops learners bring in projects which are completed with the expert advice of their tutor. Jewellery making
- Pottery
- Upholstery and soft furnishings
- Floristry
- Fused Glass
Cookery
- Healthy Cooking – Zero Waste
- Baking
- Indian Cooking
- Cooking for One
Fitness and health
- Ballet for wellbeing and fitness
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Adult Tap Dancing
- Dance Fitness (for those aged 50+)
- Drama for Confidence
Special interest
- Astronomy
- Photography
Sewing
- Patchwork and quilting
- Reuse Fabric – Tote bags, shift dresses and skirts
- Sewing Project workshops