Birkbeck marks Adult Learners’ Week 2010

This year’s Adult Learners’ Week runs from 15-21 May 2010, and Birkbeck, University of London will be at events across the capital to raise awareness of part-time Higher Education.

Birkbeck is involved in more events than ever before. Initiatives planned by the team include free taster sessions, information stands in adult colleges, libraries and education and training organisations, as well as a drop-in coffee morning and a free film screening of Educating Rita.

“As the economy emerges from recession the need for adult learning is more important than ever,” says Caroline McDonald, Head of Outreach and Widening Participation, Birkbeck. “Many people may want to think about re-training and re-skilling and our efforts during Adult Learners’ Week will be to inform and inspire Londoners. The events are a perfect way for those making their first steps into HE to learn more about university life and the opportunities it offers.”

There will be free taster sessions in Psychology, Counselling, London Studies and Higher Education Introductory Studies. As Adult Learners’ Week coincides with Birkbeck’s Arts Week, there will also be taster sessions in Acting, Archaeology, and Language, as well as a Voice workshop.

Adult Learners’ Week is the UK’s largest and longest running festival of learning. It aims to encourage more adults to take part in learning activities and events across England as well as celebrating the outstanding achievements of inspirational learners through the Adult Learners’ Week Awards. For the fourth year running, Birkbeck is sponsoring the ‘Access to Higher Education’ award.

Birkbeck has also joined up with the University of East London to host an awards ceremony of their own on Wednesday 19 May. The event will recognise the achievements of students at both UEL and Birkbeck Stratford, either for their own academic performance or for inspiring others.

The two institutions are also running a six-week higher education preparation programme, called Starting Out. Sarah Potter, Learning Co-ordinator at Birkbeck said: “The programme is designed to increase the confidence and knowledge of people who are interested in returning to education or training.” The programme consists of six two-hour workshops which will take place over six weeks at UEL’s Stratford campus from early June. The course will cover topics such as preparing a CV, interview techniques, and application procedures, include mini lectures and highlight educational opportunities at both institutions.

Visit www.bbk.ac.uk/tryit for full details of all the Birkbeck events taking place during Adult Learners’ Week. For more information about Birkbeck’s involvement or to register for a taster session email Penny Collantine on p.collantine@bbk.ac.uk

For more information about the Starting Out course email advisors@uel.ac.uk

Learn more about Adult Learners’ Week at www.alw.org.uk