General interest Courses


To enrol on one of our General Interest courses, please click on the 'Course Search' button on the main menu to the left of the screen.



If you are thinking of taking up a new hobby, or extending your skills in an existing area of interest then choose from one of our wide range of General Interest Courses. We offer courses of differing durations in a variety of subjects and locations. Some courses are offered in conjunction with the Centre for Community Engagement, University of Sussex, and some courses may offer the opportunity to extend beyond the initial period, subject to demand. If you want to know more, telephone ACRES or access the web site and get a course information sheet which will give you all the details. Don’t put it off, enrol today!

If you need any help in choosing the most appropriate course for you, please telephone on 01825 761820 and we will be happy to provide you with further details. Each course has an information sheet which gives further details. This will be sent to you automatically when you enrol. It is also available on request prior to enrolment. Alternatively, you can download them from our website at www.acreslearning.org.uk


History


If you want to develop your knowledge of history, or expand on an existing interest, then why not consider one of our history based courses.

Family History for Beginners Designed for those setting out on the trail of their ancestors, this course will explore the many sources of information available to the amateur family detective and in a series of hands-on exercises demonstrate how they may be used to uncover your family's unique history.

History: The High Middle Ages Offers a rounded overview and particular insight into the High Middle Ages, examining the period 1066-1485: the Normans to the coming of the Tudors, and examining how Europe evolves from a feudal society to the beginnings of the nation state.'

We are also running three courses in conjunction with the University of Sussex as follows:

The Iron Industry of the Weald Iron was produced in the Weald from pre-Roman times to the early nineteenth century. This course looks at the technology, history and economics of the industry, together with its landscape and personalities.

What the Victorians Really did for use: Reform, Innovation and Improvement Presents case studies of historically significant London and Sussex locations, aiming to characterise the impressive developments of the Victorian period, a vigorous era which continues to strongly influence us.

Arcadia: Art, Architecture and Gardens Delights in English gardens through examining writing and art from the 17th century and discovering the many influences including new plants, designs and the devotion of the English to their estates.




Literature and Creative Writing


If you enjoy writing for pleasure, why not expand your literary expressiveness on one of our various Creative Writing Courses.

Creative Writing for beginners provides an introduction to a variety of basic writing skills, techniques and genres whilst encouraging experimentation and practice. A student on last year’s course described it as ‘Extremely enjoyable, informative and interesting.’

Creative Writing for improvers is for writers with some experience, building on the basics to explore new approaches and genres, using examples from published literature and students’ own work.

Creative Writing for improvers/advanced is for writers with either some, or quite a bit of experience, who’ve mastered the basics and want to expand their skills, explore different genres, and blow their literary boundaries!

We are also offering one day workshops in a range of Creative Writing subject areas - please click on the 'Course Search' button on the main menu to the left of the screen for more information.


Life and Communication Skills


If you would like to develop an understanding of ourselves and improve your communication skills then perhaps one of the following courses is for you.

Introduction to Psychology offers the opportunity to explore the basics principles of psychology and to practice a range of skills aimed at improving active listening and communications which can be used both personally and professionally. One of last year’s students said ‘I’ve really enjoyed the course and it’s given me a lot to think about’.

Next Steps in Psychology This course introduces further principles of psychology and develops existing skills in listening and communicating as well as providing an understanding of the theoretical rationale behind those skills.

Introduction to Sign Languageis aimed at beginners who want to learn some basic sign language that will help you communicate with the deaf in any environment. A student from a previous course commented ‘I’ve really enjoyed the course and Tracy is a great teacher’.



Food and Drink



Are you inspired by all those cookery programmes you see on the television? Enrol on one of our courses and kick-start your culinary creativity!

Eastern Mediterranean Cookery provides an opportunity to explore different ingredients and learn the skills required to cook dishes from Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Morocco, Greece, Spain, Turkey and Tunisia.

Vegetarian Cookery provides an opportunity to learn alternative techniques for cooking vegetables rather than just steaming or boiling, and to create tasty and nutricious vegetarian dishes from Mediterranean countries.

Wine Tasting for Beginners offers a basic introduction to wine tasting, giving an understanding of main still and sparkling wine styles, grape varieties, how to store and serve wine and how to pair with food.




Beekeeping – an Introduction provides students new to beekeeping with a sound knowledge of what it takes to become a beekeeper, covering the bee’s life-cycle, types of hives, sites, plant pollination, products and how the honey bee fits into the wider environment. One of last year’s students described the course as ‘instructive and enjoyable’.

Beekeeping for beginners and improvers offers those new to the subject and students with some previous knowledge a thorough grounding in the bee keeping basics.

Beekeeping for the experienced beekeeper builds on existing knowledge of beekeeping, providing sufficient preparation for the theoretical part of the British Beekeepers Association Basic Assessment.

Bicycle Maintenance for beginners part 1 teaches students how to adjust their bicycle for maximum safety, enjoyment and efficiency including puncture repairs.

Bicycle Maintenance for beginners part 2 is a slightly more advanced course for those who’ve got some knowledge or who’ve attended part one, dealing with brakes, gears and cable replacement.

Bicycle Maintenance for Beginners Part 3 provides an opportunity for students with previous experience of bicycle maintenance to tackle specific tasks on their own bikes with guidance and assistance available from the tutor as necessary.

Photography for Beginners This course aims to aims to give learners an opportunity to explore the basics of traditional photography and is aimed at individuals wishing to explore the pre digital and develop an understanding of the artistic side of photography.


55 Plus Group



This is an opportunity to join others on a Friday morning for two hours to listen to a different speaker each week on a variety of interesting subjects. You will have the opportunity to participate in stimulating conversation over coffee and have a chance to meet other people wanting to extend their horizons.