Spark - Community Resource Tool Kit
The Spark Community Resource Tool Kit aims to engage with adults who have long been away from formal education environments, and with community practitioners who guide and support adult learners, to aid in the progression to further education.
The programme builds upon work done by the CALL West (Community Access to Lifelong Learning) project, the uDecide project and earlier community engagement and "preparation for college" work of the Scottish Wider Access Programme.
The programme consists of three components:
- Videos
- Worksheets
- Guidance notes
There are five sessions outlined (see links on left) and although they are arranged to flow in order from Session 1 to Session 5, you may opt to run only the sessions you think are most relevant and useful.
In each session, participants may:
- Watch a brief video (or videos)
- Complete the relevant worksheets*
- Receive guidance
Videos:
The videos are brief (generally around 8-10 minutes each). They are not designed to provide all of the answers per se, but to encourage reflection and discussion of the issues surrounding the decision to return to education as an adult, to raise awareness of existing support services that are available, and to encourage action.
*Worksheets:
The worksheets may be completed as a written exercise or, if preferable, used as a basis for reflection and discussion, either in a one-to-one guidance session or as a group activity.
Guidance:
Upon conclusion of each session, learners should decide whether or not to continue with the rest of the programme. Some may be ready to take action (e.g. to contact a local college or submit an application), while others may wish to continue with the sessions as outlined.
All participants should be encouraged to begin identifying their own support needs and, with guidance, to identify possible sources of support. The SWAPWest team are very happy to be contacted for additional information, guidance and support. Our telephone number is 0141 564 7206.
Before running a session:
Before running a session, you may wish to arrange for internet access (in order to watch the videos online) or you can request a hard copy of the videos from the SWAPWest team (see contact details below). The hard copy (DVD) can be viewed on any computer equipped with a DVD drive (but not on a stand-alone DVD player).
You may also wish to download the required number of relevant worksheets and read the guidance notes for the session before you run it.
If you have any questions or need help with accessing any of these materials, please contact the SWAPWest team at the number below.
SWAPWest Team:
Telephone: 0141 564 7206
Email: swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org
Spark - Session 1
Below you will find links to download the worksheets and to view the videos for Session 1 of the Spark programme.
If you have any trouble accessing these materials or questions about the sessions, please contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 for assistance.
Session 1 - Worksheet A - About Me (2 pages)
Click the link below to download the "About Me" worksheets. They are designed to be printed on a single sheet of A4 paper (back and front), then folded to A5 size to make a booklet
This exercise is especially
useful in groups or in situations where the participants don't know each other very well.
Download Worksheet A - About Me
Contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 or by email at swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org to request further Guidance Notes to be emailed to you.
Session 1 - Worksheet B - College Quiz
Click the link below to download the College Quiz worksheet. It is a True-False quiz and should take just a few minutes to complete.
You may use the worksheet as a guide for discussion about each question, or print it out and complete it as a written exercise.
Download Worksheet B - College Quiz
Session 1 - Video - College Quiz
After you have completed the College Quiz (or participated in a discussion about the questions), click the link below to view the video:
View the College Quiz video
Contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 for further Guidance Notes
Session 1 - Worksheet C - Choose Video(s)
Participants may opt to watch all of the introduction videos or (especially if time is limited) to choose from the list on this worksheet. The second page of the worksheet provides space to jot down notes or questions that may arise as a result of watching the video(s). (See below for links to the Introduction videos)
Download Worksheet C - Choose Videos
Contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 for further Guidance Notes
Session 1 - Action Plan (Optional)
Some participants may require very little additional support in order to progress in education. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Other participants may not yet feel ready to take action, in which case the Action Plan can be reserved for a future session.
Download the Action Plan
JADE Jade is a 25-year-old single mum from Bridgeton. Jade believed that because she did not do very well in her school exams, she would not be able to get into college. She is now thoroughly enjoying being a student at Clydebank College, studying Makeup Artistry.
Watch Jade's Introduction
GARY
Gary is a 38-year-old man from Easterhouse. He admits that he hated school and skipped as often as possible. After leaving school, he battled problems with addiction but is now in recovery and doing well. He has studied for his ECDL and has achieved SVQs in Social Care through John Wheatley College.
Watch Gary's Introduction
MARIA
Maria is a 52-year-old married mother of two from Coatbridge. She had difficulties with writing and spelling, to the extent that she was not comfortable even writing out a birthday card for a friend. She got help from the Big Plus, then enrolled at Coatbridge College. She earned her HNC in Social Care and is now working in that field.
Watch Maria's Introduction
REGIS
Regis is a 38-year-old married father of two. He is originally from the Congo but has been in Scotland for many years. He graduated from Stow College with an HNC, and is now in his second year at the Open University.
Watch Regis' Introduction
ALEX
Alex is a 45-year-old man from Drumchapel who has recently returned to formal education after a long absence. He really enjoys studying history and has achieved very good marks on his history essays. Alex is currently adding to his computing skills through the flexible learning provision at Anniesland College.
Watch Alex's Introduction
JACKIE
Jackie lives and works in the Bridgeton/Dalmarnock area of Glasgow. She is a facilitator for the “Steps to Excellence” programme which is offered at Bridgeton Community Learning Campus.
Watch Jackie's Introduction
If you have any trouble accessing these materials or questions about the sessions, please contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 for assistance.
Session 1 - Worksheet A - About Me (2 pages)
Click the link below to download the "About Me" worksheets. They are designed to be printed on a single sheet of A4 paper (back and front), then folded to A5 size to make a booklet
This exercise is especially
useful in groups or in situations where the participants don't know each other very well. Download Worksheet A - About Me
Contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 or by email at swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org to request further Guidance Notes to be emailed to you.
Session 1 - Worksheet B - College Quiz
Click the link below to download the College Quiz worksheet. It is a True-False quiz and should take just a few minutes to complete.
You may use the worksheet as a guide for discussion about each question, or print it out and complete it as a written exercise.
Download Worksheet B - College Quiz
Session 1 - Video - College Quiz After you have completed the College Quiz (or participated in a discussion about the questions), click the link below to view the video:
View the College Quiz video
Contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 for further Guidance Notes
Session 1 - Worksheet C - Choose Video(s)Participants may opt to watch all of the introduction videos or (especially if time is limited) to choose from the list on this worksheet. The second page of the worksheet provides space to jot down notes or questions that may arise as a result of watching the video(s). (See below for links to the Introduction videos)
Download Worksheet C - Choose Videos
Contact the SWAPWest office on 0141 564 7206 for further Guidance Notes
Session 1 - Action Plan (Optional)Some participants may require very little additional support in order to progress in education. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Other participants may not yet feel ready to take action, in which case the Action Plan can be reserved for a future session.
Download the Action Plan
SESSION 1 - INTRODUCTION VIDEOS
JADE Jade is a 25-year-old single mum from Bridgeton. Jade believed that because she did not do very well in her school exams, she would not be able to get into college. She is now thoroughly enjoying being a student at Clydebank College, studying Makeup Artistry.Watch Jade's Introduction
GARY Gary is a 38-year-old man from Easterhouse. He admits that he hated school and skipped as often as possible. After leaving school, he battled problems with addiction but is now in recovery and doing well. He has studied for his ECDL and has achieved SVQs in Social Care through John Wheatley College.
Watch Gary's Introduction
MARIA Maria is a 52-year-old married mother of two from Coatbridge. She had difficulties with writing and spelling, to the extent that she was not comfortable even writing out a birthday card for a friend. She got help from the Big Plus, then enrolled at Coatbridge College. She earned her HNC in Social Care and is now working in that field.
Watch Maria's Introduction
REGIS Regis is a 38-year-old married father of two. He is originally from the Congo but has been in Scotland for many years. He graduated from Stow College with an HNC, and is now in his second year at the Open University.
Watch Regis' Introduction
ALEX Alex is a 45-year-old man from Drumchapel who has recently returned to formal education after a long absence. He really enjoys studying history and has achieved very good marks on his history essays. Alex is currently adding to his computing skills through the flexible learning provision at Anniesland College.
Watch Alex's Introduction
JACKIE Jackie lives and works in the Bridgeton/Dalmarnock area of Glasgow. She is a facilitator for the “Steps to Excellence” programme which is offered at Bridgeton Community Learning Campus.
Watch Jackie's Introduction
Spark - Session 2
First Steps, Expectations & Fitting In
In this segment, Jade, Gary, Maria, Regis, Alex and Jackie talk about their first steps back into education after a long absence, what they expected college to be like and what it was actually like.
They also discuss what it was like to be in a classroom again, working alongside other students of various ages and from different backgrounds.
Watch Session 2
If the link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://youtu.be/ZI2plP8qISQ
After you have viewed the video for Session 2, download and complete the following worksheets:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Session 2 - Worksheets A1 and A2 - Local Colleges
Download worksheets A1 and A2 to be used together.
Do you know where your nearest college is? Can you identify a few alternatives that are within easy travelling distance for you?
Download Worksheet A1 (the list)
Session 2 - Worksheet B - Visiting a College
How do you feel about visiting a local college? Depending upon how you answer this question, you may find a quick way forward towards your goal of returning to education.
Download Worksheet B - Visiting a College
Session 2 - Worksheet C - Thinking About It
This exercise is designed to focus sharply on some of the main issues surrounding a decision to return to education.
Download Worksheet C - Thinking About It
Session 2 - Action Plan (Optional)
Some participants may be ready to take action at this point. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Those who do not yet feel ready to take action can simply omit this step.
Download the Action Plan
Session 3 - (Part 2) - Adult Literacy and Numeracy
Getting support for reading, writing, spelling and using numbers
In this segment, the students talk about what it was like to struggle with reading, writing, spelling or maths and how they accessed support to improve their skills.
Watch Session 3 - Reading, Writing, Spelling and Numbers
If the above link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this text into your browser: http://youtu.be/4joo9-sbjC0
Session 3 - (Part 2) - Adult Literacy and Numeracy
Most of the learners who appear in the videos have experienced some difficulties with reading, writing, spelling or numbers at some point in their studies. This handout provides quick reference to Glasgow's Learning and The Big Plus to get support for these issues.
Download Session 3 (Part 2) - Adult Literacy and Numeracy (handout)
In this segment, Jade, Gary, Maria, Regis, Alex and Jackie talk about their first steps back into education after a long absence, what they expected college to be like and what it was actually like.
They also discuss what it was like to be in a classroom again, working alongside other students of various ages and from different backgrounds.
Watch Session 2
If the link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://youtu.be/ZI2plP8qISQ
After you have viewed the video for Session 2, download and complete the following worksheets:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Session 2 - Worksheets A1 and A2 - Local CollegesDownload worksheets A1 and A2 to be used together.
Do you know where your nearest college is? Can you identify a few alternatives that are within easy travelling distance for you?
Download Worksheet A1 (the list)
Session 2 - Worksheet B - Visiting a College
How do you feel about visiting a local college? Depending upon how you answer this question, you may find a quick way forward towards your goal of returning to education.
Download Worksheet B - Visiting a College
Session 2 - Worksheet C - Thinking About It This exercise is designed to focus sharply on some of the main issues surrounding a decision to return to education.
Download Worksheet C - Thinking About It
Session 2 - Action Plan (Optional)Some participants may be ready to take action at this point. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Those who do not yet feel ready to take action can simply omit this step.
Download the Action Plan
Spark - Session 3
Academic Work, I.T. and Impact on Family
In this session, Jade, Gary, Maria, Regis, Alex and Jackie talk about what it was like to do academic course work again and how they felt about using computers and improving their I.T. skills.
They also discuss the reaction that family and friends had to their decision to return to education.
Watch Session 3
If the above link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this text into your browser:
http://youtu.be/PSxlQVlHCAY
Session 3 - Worksheet A - Academic Work
This worksheet encourages reflection upon the types of subjects that might be of interest and also touches upon academic issues, such as completing written assignments, having work marked by a teacher, stepping outside of a "comfort zone" and asking for help
Download Session 3 - Worksheet A - Academic Work
Session 3 - Worksheet B - Computer Parts (Optional)
Basic I.T. skills are essential to the completion of most college courses. This worksheet is designed for absolute beginners but it can also be used as an icebreaker to introduce the topic of computing and I.T. in college.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet B - Computer Parts
Session 3 - Worksheet C - I.T./Computer Skills
While most college courses will require some degree of ability with computers, few courses will call for a huge variety of skills, or indeed a very advanced level of capacity. This quick quiz is designed to encourage discussion around the need for I.T. in college and to highlight any particular areas of competency that could be a starting point for returning to education.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet C - I.T./Computer Skills
Session 3 - Worksheet D - How do you feel about IT? (Optional)
A strong reluctance to engage with I.T. may present a barrier to education. This worksheet may be useful to encourage reflection on the topic and to identify aspects of I.T. that might be more appealing than others as a subject of study.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet D - How do you feel about IT?
Session 3 - Worksheet E - Impact on Family & Friends
Student case studies indicate that adults who return to education after a long absence can face a variety of reactions from partners, children, friends and colleagues. This worksheet is designed to encourage reflection on this topic, and to identify any action steps that may need to be taken to secure the support of family and friends.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet E - Impact on Family & Friends
Session 3 - Action Plan (Optional)
Some participants may be ready to take action at this point. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Those who do not yet feel ready to take action can simply omit this step.
Download the Action Plan (Optional)
In this session, Jade, Gary, Maria, Regis, Alex and Jackie talk about what it was like to do academic course work again and how they felt about using computers and improving their I.T. skills.
They also discuss the reaction that family and friends had to their decision to return to education.
Watch Session 3
If the above link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this text into your browser:
http://youtu.be/PSxlQVlHCAY
Session 3 - Worksheet A - Academic Work This worksheet encourages reflection upon the types of subjects that might be of interest and also touches upon academic issues, such as completing written assignments, having work marked by a teacher, stepping outside of a "comfort zone" and asking for help
Download Session 3 - Worksheet A - Academic Work
Session 3 - Worksheet B - Computer Parts (Optional)Basic I.T. skills are essential to the completion of most college courses. This worksheet is designed for absolute beginners but it can also be used as an icebreaker to introduce the topic of computing and I.T. in college.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet B - Computer Parts
Session 3 - Worksheet C - I.T./Computer SkillsWhile most college courses will require some degree of ability with computers, few courses will call for a huge variety of skills, or indeed a very advanced level of capacity. This quick quiz is designed to encourage discussion around the need for I.T. in college and to highlight any particular areas of competency that could be a starting point for returning to education.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet C - I.T./Computer Skills
Session 3 - Worksheet D - How do you feel about IT? (Optional) A strong reluctance to engage with I.T. may present a barrier to education. This worksheet may be useful to encourage reflection on the topic and to identify aspects of I.T. that might be more appealing than others as a subject of study.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet D - How do you feel about IT?
Session 3 - Worksheet E - Impact on Family & FriendsStudent case studies indicate that adults who return to education after a long absence can face a variety of reactions from partners, children, friends and colleagues. This worksheet is designed to encourage reflection on this topic, and to identify any action steps that may need to be taken to secure the support of family and friends.
Download Session 3 - Worksheet E - Impact on Family & Friends
Session 3 - Action Plan (Optional)Some participants may be ready to take action at this point. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Those who do not yet feel ready to take action can simply omit this step.
Download the Action Plan (Optional)
READING, WRITING, SPELLING AND NUMBERS
Session 3 - (Part 2) - Adult Literacy and Numeracy Getting support for reading, writing, spelling and using numbers
In this segment, the students talk about what it was like to struggle with reading, writing, spelling or maths and how they accessed support to improve their skills.
Watch Session 3 - Reading, Writing, Spelling and Numbers
If the above link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this text into your browser: http://youtu.be/4joo9-sbjC0
Session 3 - (Part 2) - Adult Literacy and NumeracyMost of the learners who appear in the videos have experienced some difficulties with reading, writing, spelling or numbers at some point in their studies. This handout provides quick reference to Glasgow's Learning and The Big Plus to get support for these issues.
Download Session 3 (Part 2) - Adult Literacy and Numeracy (handout)
Spark - Session 4
Choosing a Subject to Study
In this segment, the students talk about their chosen subject(s) and explain how they went about finding more information and selecting a college to attend.
Watch Session 4 - Choosing a Subject
If the above link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://youtu.be/5A4Uo0A2sf0
Session 4 - Handout A - College Contact Details
A handy reference to all colleges in the Greater Glasgow area, with post codes, telephone numbers and web addresses.
Download Session 4 - Handout A - College Details
Session 4 - Handout B - Prospectuses
A brief guide to prospectuses - what they are, how to get them and how to use them
Download Session 4 - Handout B - Prospectuses
Session 4 - Worksheet A - I Like...
If you're not quite sure exactly which course you would like to study, you may find it useful to discover which broad academic area you favour (e.g. Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, I.T. or Engineering).
Download Session 4 - Worksheet A - I Like...
Session 4 - Worksheet B - Choosing a Subject
The SDS (Skills Development Scotland) web site called "My World of Work" offers a way to search for specific college courses offered at all colleges or at a particular college. You can also search for ILA Scotland courses that are available near you.
This worksheet will show you the basics of performing a search, and you will find lots more interesting and useful information on the web site that can help you with your decisions.
Download Session 4 - Worksheet B - Choosing a Subject
Session 4 - Action Plan (Optional)
Some participants may be ready to take action at this point. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Those who do not yet feel ready to take action can simply omit this step.
Download the Action Plan
Practical Steps:
Applying, Interviewing and Finances
In this segment, Jade, Gary, Maria, Regis, Alex and Jackie talk about the process of applying to college, what the interviews are like and how they coped financially.
Watch Session 5 - Practical Steps
If the above link does not work, copy and paste this text into your browser:
http://youtu.be/p3YfMFmoUWw
Session 5 - Handout - Academic Year
Wondering when to apply? Want to know when classes will start? This handout gives a general overview of the typical academic year.
NB: Some colleges offer intake throughout the year, however, so it's worth contacting your college of choice to find out when you could begin studying.
Download Session 5 - Handout - Academic Year
Session 5 - Handout - Finances
The cost of studying may be far less than you would expect - many courses are free of charge, and you could qualify for a bursary or other student benefits.
This handout offers very general information about finances but your local college can supply you with detailed information that pertains to your particular circumstances.
Download Session 5 - Handout - Finances
Session 5 - Handout - How to apply
Every college is different, but every college application has a number of things in common. This handout provides general information about the application process.
Download Session 5 - Handout - How to apply
Session 5 - Action Plan
Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
In this segment, the students talk about their chosen subject(s) and explain how they went about finding more information and selecting a college to attend.
Watch Session 4 - Choosing a Subject
If the above link does not work for you, you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://youtu.be/5A4Uo0A2sf0
Session 4 - Handout A - College Contact Details A handy reference to all colleges in the Greater Glasgow area, with post codes, telephone numbers and web addresses.
Download Session 4 - Handout A - College Details
Session 4 - Handout B - ProspectusesA brief guide to prospectuses - what they are, how to get them and how to use them
Download Session 4 - Handout B - Prospectuses
Session 4 - Worksheet A - I Like... If you're not quite sure exactly which course you would like to study, you may find it useful to discover which broad academic area you favour (e.g. Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, I.T. or Engineering).
Download Session 4 - Worksheet A - I Like...
Session 4 - Worksheet B - Choosing a SubjectThe SDS (Skills Development Scotland) web site called "My World of Work" offers a way to search for specific college courses offered at all colleges or at a particular college. You can also search for ILA Scotland courses that are available near you.
This worksheet will show you the basics of performing a search, and you will find lots more interesting and useful information on the web site that can help you with your decisions.
Download Session 4 - Worksheet B - Choosing a Subject
Session 4 - Action Plan (Optional)
Some participants may be ready to take action at this point. Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
Those who do not yet feel ready to take action can simply omit this step.
Download the Action Plan
Spark - Session 5
Practical Steps: Applying, Interviewing and Finances
In this segment, Jade, Gary, Maria, Regis, Alex and Jackie talk about the process of applying to college, what the interviews are like and how they coped financially.
Watch Session 5 - Practical Steps
If the above link does not work, copy and paste this text into your browser:
http://youtu.be/p3YfMFmoUWw
Session 5 - Handout - Academic Year Wondering when to apply? Want to know when classes will start? This handout gives a general overview of the typical academic year.
NB: Some colleges offer intake throughout the year, however, so it's worth contacting your college of choice to find out when you could begin studying.
Download Session 5 - Handout - Academic Year
Session 5 - Handout - Finances The cost of studying may be far less than you would expect - many courses are free of charge, and you could qualify for a bursary or other student benefits.
This handout offers very general information about finances but your local college can supply you with detailed information that pertains to your particular circumstances.
Download Session 5 - Handout - Finances
Session 5 - Handout - How to applyEvery college is different, but every college application has a number of things in common. This handout provides general information about the application process.
Download Session 5 - Handout - How to apply
Session 5 - Action Plan
Those who already have a course and/or college in mind may benefit from completing an Action Plan to focus their next steps, after which they may feel more able to get support directly from their college of choice. They may also be referred directly to the SWAPWest office (0141 564 7206) for impartial information, guidance and advice.
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