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Classes at the Wider Access to School Project at Denny High School

These are descriptions of classes not only for current classes but those that may be offered in future.

 

Advanced Computer Maintenance Group This is a self-supporting group for students who have already completed Building Local Area Networks, PC Frontline Support, Building a Network PC and Hardware Installation & Maintenance.

Alternative Therapies An Introduction to numerology, meditation, colour and crystal therapy, affirmations boards and breathing techniques to instil calmness, and their use in promoting a stress free life.

Art Club This is a self-supporting club for students who have completed at least two years of Art.

Art - Beginners A course covering basic drawing and painting techniques using a variety of materials from pencils, chalks and pastels to inks and tempera paint and working with a variety of subject matter including landscape and portraits. We welcome students with no experience, a little experience or those who have done some art in the past and would like to resume. All materials are provided but please bring a sketchbook or medium size notebook.

Art - Advanced This class will provide students who have already completed Beginners and Intermediate Art Classes an opportunity to build on the experience already gained and achieve new levels of competence, gain confidence in areas with which they are already familiar, expand on the techniques involved, and explore new areas of artistic expression, whilst enjoying this creative time in the company of others at a similar level.   It is also planned to set aside times for class discussion/critique of work and demonstrations.  A sketchbook to use as a visual diary to record new information and techniques is required.

Art - Water Colour Painting An introduction to using watercolours and different techniques involved to create your very own artwork. Learn how to create textures and depth in addition to using a range of tools open to the watercolour painter.

Aquacise A ladies only exercise session in the pool to build fitness and flexibility without straining joints.

Basic Computer Installation This introductory course will look at basic system hardware and software installation/upgrades and modifications along with typical problems. Topics may include how to install/configure/remove application software. Microsoft operating systems and printers/scanners. Attendeees will be encouraged to discuss problems they have encountered. These topics are suggestions only and can be changed if necessary.

Beginners Computing Introduction to the workings and use of computers, including packages such as word processing and file management.  No experience required.

Beginners Genealogy  An introduction course on how to trace your family tree and make the most efficent use of computer resources available for genealogical research.

Beginners French An introductory course designed to teach the basics of the language.

Beginners German An introductory course designed to teach the basics of the language

Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Taster This session will explore the concept of mental health, how to promote positive wellbeing, early brain development and teen brain development and behaviour. The taster will include time for discussion and questions. If sufficient interest, a four week course will take place later in the year.

Christmas Crafts Students will be introduced to a range of craft techniques and materials and will have the opportunity to experiment and create decorations and crafts for Christmas.  This course has previously included gift wrapping and flower arranging sessions.

Communications This course focuses on improving communication, numeracy, ICT, problem solving and team working skills which can help you cope with today's quickly changing world. It will make you more confident, help you to learn more easily and improve your career prospects.

Cookery - Basic Basic steps in cooking and baking, including making and decorating a Christmas Cake.

Cookery - Healthy Eating Scotland has a very poor health record, so let's try to improve it by following a few simple alterations to the food we cook and eat.  All skill levels catered for as demonstrations will be given at each stage of practical work.

Cookery - Sweet treats A little bit of what you fancy does you good! Learn easy to make recipes for cakes, biscuits and traybakes.  Yum!

Crafty Gifts This course gives participants the opportunity to create lovely gifts using a variety of crafting  techniques including decopatch, a modern twist on decopage and using fimo clay for jewellery making. Other crafty gifts include a decorated candle holder,origami gift box, felt flower corsages and shrink plastic key ring. These topics are flexible and new subjects can be introduced if requested.

Crafty Jewellery Create your own wonderful accessories using a range of materials and techniques, perfect for beginners and those who want to try something different.  From beaded rings and necklaces to safety pin angels and bracelets there's something for everyone.

Cross Stitch Club Bring your own cross-stitch work and enjoy socialising with those who share your hobby.  This club is not for absolute beginners.

Digital Photography Introduction Are you a complete beginner as far as digital photography is concerned?  This course is for you!

Drama Taster Develop basic drama skills in role play, improvisation, scripted drama and performance. Increase your confidence and self esteem, communication and team work skills. If sufficient interest, there will be a longer course later in the year.

Family History Group Have you started to research your family history and would like to meet others who share your hobby ? The group meet monthly in an informal setting to share knowledge and experience gained. Computers are available for the group to use.

Family History (Scottish) (1) This course is intended for people new to Scottish Family History who require information on where to begin.  Following a general introduction to the subject, it covers the use of and access to the Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths, Old Parish Records, Census Returns and Gravestone Inscriptions throughout Scotland.  The course also includes a one day visit to the Strathclyde Area Genealogy Centre at Park Circus, Glasgow (entrance charge and travel costs not included in the course fee).

Family History (Scottish) (3) A course designed as a follow on to Course (2) and aimed at assisting students to document their research findings in a suitable form and encouraging them to investigate the wider range of sources available throughout Scotland.  The course also includes a one day visit to the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh (travel costs not included in course fee).

Felt Making An opportunity to discover the basic skills of felt making to create your own unique jewellery and artefacts.  No experience necessary.

Film Making This course will look at the basics of film production from inception to completion - planning and story boarding, use of camera and tripod and basic editing on computer will be covered.

First Aid Workshop/Certificated Course on Emergency First Aid covering managing an incident, priorities, CPR, disorders of airway and circulation, control of bleeding and burns and scalds.

First Aid: 3 Day First Aid at Work  This is acertificated course is which may help you in upgrading your C.V. or as part of your personal work development plan!

Fitness Programme An introduction to exercise in a gym/studio environment. This class will improve your confidence and knowledge of using gym equipment and also warmups/cooldowns, stretching routines, bodyweight training for beginners.Taught by a Qualified personal trainer.

Flexible Learning This is organised by Forth Valley College and prospective students should contact them on (01324) 403322.

Flower Arranging - Advanced This course is a follow on for those students who have already attended beginners' courses. Students are required to bring flowers and materials each week.

Flower Arranging for Beginners No experience necessary as demonstrations are given for each arrangement. Students are required to bring flowers and materials each week.

Flower Arranging on a Budget Learn how to display flowers and foliage to best effect with as little financial outlay as possible. Students are required to bring flowers and materials each week.

French Club: A group of people getting together to keep their French conversation alive.  Good conversation and good fun.

Glass slumping Produce stunning pieces of glass art by slumping and fusing glass in a kiln. Create unique pieces of jewellery, glass panels and platters using coloured art glass and recycled materials such as wine bottles.There will be a small charge for specialist materials.

Guitar/Keyboard If you enjoy music and have a keyboard or guitar lying around gathering dust, or maybe you would just like to try them before you buy, then this is the class for you. The class will give you the opportunity to learn to play purely for enjoyment or should you feel confident you may wish to complete an SQA Performing Unit. No previous experience necessary.

Health Issues in the Community What affects your health?  What health means to you?  Where you live, how you live, finding out about health!

(Information, Technology & Office Applications1) ITOA1 This is the next step in basic computing skills after Beginners.  Learn how to use Microsoft Office 2003 Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Database packages. This course is certificated by SQA

(Information, Technology & Office Applications1) ITOA2 This is the next step up from ITOA1 and you learn how to create your own documents within Word, Spreadsheet and Database.  After ITO2 the next step would be ECDL.  This course is certificated by SQA.  Note that you cannot particpate in ITOA2 until you have successfully completed ITOA1.

Intermediate Italian Increase your skills in conversation and written work.

Internet & Email Course for beginners which will provide tips and hints on using the Internet and on sending messages and attachments via email.  No previous experience necessary.

Internet & PC Safety These are 2 hour sessions led by PC Chris Devlin who will highlight the dangers of children using the Internet and how parents can help their children to minimise the risks.

Jewellery Making Learn the basic techniques of jewellery making and produce unique and individual items using a selection of materials.

Lifestyle Changes This course has been designed by the Dietetic Dept, NHS Forth Valley and will enable you to examine your lifestyle and the influence that the media, retailers and manufacturer's have on our decisions. You will set personal goals and achievable targets to improve your lifestyle and mental, emotional and physical health thus improving confidence and self esteem.

Local Heritage Group Would you like to visit somewhere you have always been meaning to go?  Explore the local area?  Share your local history knowledge?  Get out and meet new people?  Explore new ways to enjoy history and the local area?  Join the group which meets monthly on a Friday afternoon.

Money Management Whether you feel that you are managing your money well or not, this course will help you gain a better understanding of your finances.

Mounting and Framing Gain hands on experience of picture frame making and mount cutting. Create a bespoke frame for a particular image or as a hand crafted gift for someone special.

Paint Shop Pro 1 Use this popular software application to adjust, retouch and restore, combine and enhance your digital photographs.

Parenting - Baby Massage This course is for babies from 8 weeks to crawling and their parent or carer and provides relaxation time for both.

Parents, Children & Drugs This course raises awareness about drugs and the drug problem in the Falkirk area.  It also focuses on the importance of communication between parent and child and is ideally suited for parents, grandparents and/or carers of primary school age children.

Personal Development Do you want to change direction, relieve stress or boost your confidence?  This course is designed to help you explore your experiences, thoughts and feelings and prepare for the future you want.

Pottery Try your hand at making and glazing your own work of art.

Psychology Intermediate The course will suit those individuals who wish to learn more about how the human mind works and who wish to take their studies further.

Relaxation Techniques Meditation/Indian Head Massage/Thai Foot Massage/Breathing Exercises/ Acupressure.  Hopefully one or more of the above will help you cope with day to day pressures.

Scotland's Mental Health First Aid One in four people in Scotland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life.  Chances are you know someone who may need help.  This is a 12 hour course which will teach you the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Scrap Booking and Card Making You too can display "here's one I made earlier" - different ways of making cards for those special occasions and exciting ways of using scraps and the wealth of material available for these hobbies.

Sewing Machine Basics Find out how to use your sewing machine for basic dressmaking, craftwork and creative embroidery.  All machines are basically the same.  Bring your own or use the limited number we have available.

Spanish: Evening basic conversation class for beginners and another for those with a basic knowledge of the language.

Sugarcraft If you are interested in improving your cake decorating skills look no further! Our sugarcraft classes are ideal for those who would like to decorate their own celebration cakes using royal icing, marzipan and sugarpaste to create piping, figures and flowers.

Swimming/Learn to Swim For beginners and to improve your technique. Qualified swimming instructor.

Swimming/Open An opportunity to enjoy a leisurely swim or build up the laps on your own doorstep.  This is not a taught class but will provide swimming facilities for those who are already confident in the water.  A lifeguard will be present at all times.  Open to men and women.

Square Foot Gardening Taster A new way to garden in less space with less work - no heavy digging or all at once harvesting, less watering, weeding and thinning.  Ideal for anyone who would like to grow their own fresh, healthy, seasonal fruit and vegetables but needs the "know how" to start.

Square Foot Gardening 4 week course in the Spring including introducing the student to the benefits of Square Foot Gardening, assembling materials and building the garden, planning crops, sowing/planting and maintenance, harvesting and using the results and post-harvest planning.

Time Out For Parents This course looks at ways of building rewarding relationships with children, providing skills for boosting confidence, handling common behaviour problems and tips for positive discipline.

Weight Management This course incorporates theory, practical and physical exercise to set individual targets to help make small changes to increase fitness levels and weight loss.

Word Processing/Home Use of the Computer Information Technology - an holistic approach, including spreadsheets, word processing, database, posters, etc.

WASP Computer Group This is a self supporting group for students who meet to share an interest and range of knowledge, in computer hardware (and a little bit of software).Flexible class discussing a range of computer related topics. All are welcome. Please note that some hardware and/or software knowledge is required as this is not a taught class.

Your interests not covered?  Tell us about them!

Suggestions for new courses always welcome.

For more information contact WASP on 01324 822895.