Festival of Learning
Discover new interests or refine old talents with over 50 workshops for adults (19+)
South Devon College are excited to host the Festival of Learning across our campuses. It’s a great opportunity for you to gain new skills or develop existing ones!
Discover five days filled with over 50 three-to-six hour workshops developing skills in a whole range of areas, from new hobbies and crafts, to professional skills and trades; from jewellery making and carpentry to developing your management skills to improve your prospects at work!
Help is at hand
Our team are ready to help and give you any information, advice and guidance that you need. If you have any questions, you can get in touch by emailing [email protected] calling 01803 540865 or you can visit us when you come to your workshop.
Whilst you’re here, you may discover a new passion and want to take your studies further. Our Helpzone team will also be on hand to support you in your journey to apply and enrol on our wide range of courses.
Where is the Festival happening?
Our workshops vary between being online and taking place across our Paignton and Torquay campuses to utilise the incredible facilities we have, such as our Hi Tech & Digital Centre, Animal Unit, and Health Care suites. The addresses for each of the locations are below.
South Devon College
Vantage Point
Long Road
Paignton
TQ4 7EJ
Freephone: 08000 380123
Main switchboard: (+44) 01803 540540
[email protected]
University Centre South Devon (UCSD)
University Centre South Devon
Long Road
Paignton
TQ4 7EJ
Freephone: 08000 21 31 81
[email protected]
Centre for Health and Care Professions (CHCP)
187 Newton Road
Torquay
TQ2 7FT
*Please note that there is no parking at this site so we would encourage you to take public transport or lift share where possible. The number 12 bus stops along Newton Road and the number 13 bus stops at Torbay Hospital.*
Is there a cost?
There is a small booking fee of £2.50 per workshop, which will be charged when you make the booking. Please note this fee is per workshop, not per person.
Timetable for the week
Click or tap on the days below and each of the courses to find out a bit more information. If you find something you like, book using the button underneath the course description.
Monday 24th June
9:30-12:30
Printmaking – College, Paignton
We aim to provide a dynamic, hands-on introduction to printmaking techniques that will ignite creativity and allow participants to discover new modes of artistic expression. Over the course of 3 hours, you will be guided as you explore either mono printing or screen printing. No prior experience is necessary. The workshop will nurture individual creative development while facilitating collaborative learning in a studio environment. Students will develop core competencies from conception to execution of original prints. Our goal is for participants to come away with an example of finished artwork, new skills, and an appreciation for printmaking as a creative outlet that they can continue to explore. The workshop promises to be an explosion of colour and imagination.
Silver Jewellery Textured Silver Band – CHCP, Torquay
Introduction to Silversmithing. Make a textured ring band with a name stamp. No previous experience required.
Due to popular demand, bookings are limited to one workshop per person.
Woodcarving – College, Paignton
This hands-on workshop will give you an introduction to the craft together with using a range of tools and timbers. The aim is to go home with a small, completed carving.
13:00-16:00
Introduction to Video Editing – College, Paignton
This course will introduce some theory and practice of video editing. Sample content will be provided. We will be using Premiere Pro on Apple iMacs.
10:00-14:00
Ceramics – College, Paignton
Our lively ceramics workshop aims to instil a passion for working with clay in people of all skill levels. Over the course of one day, an experienced ceramicist will guide participants as they learn fundamental hand-building techniques. No prior clay experience is needed – beginners will start with basics while more advanced students can work on honing their skills. The workshop focuses on igniting creativity through clay, allowing each person to discover their own unique ceramic style. Students will be encouraged to experiment, problem-solve, and collaborate as they progress from raw clay to finished pieces ready for display. Participants can expect to leave with new abilities to envision and produce initial ceramic works and experiments.
DIY Around the Home – Carpentry Focus – College, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide the opportunity of gaining basic trade experience, skills and knowledge to undertake minor repairs and conduct common domestic work, such as decoration and home updates. Tutors will share commonly used and current techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment where students will get plenty of opportunity to put this into practice using high quality tools and equipment. Areas covered will be basic carpentry, tiling, bricklaying and decorating.
Tuesday 25th June
9:30-12:30
Basic Vehicle Maintenance – College, Paignton
This short session will be a hands-on introduction to routine maintenance activities that can be carried out on your vehicle.
Attendees will gain the knowledge and skills to be able to carry out routine checks to a light vehicle (car).
Introduction to Studio Photography – College, Paignton
A basic introduction to the equipment and techniques of studio photography, including portraiture and still life work. It will introduce you to the important camera functions and how to use them in a wide range of situations including an introduction to basic studio lighting.
Needle Felting – Animal/Teddy – CHCP, Torquay
Using a barbed needle we will use the dry or needle felted method to created a 3D animal shape which will be enhanced and made to look more realistic with detail and embellishments.
10:00-14:00
DIY Around the Home – Tiling Focus – College, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide the opportunity of gaining basic trade experience, skills and knowledge to undertake minor repairs and conduct common domestic work, such as decoration and home updates. Tutors will share commonly used and current techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment where students will get plenty of opportunity to put this into practice using high quality tools and equipment. Areas covered will be basic carpentry, tiling, bricklaying and decorating.
17:30-20:30
Woodcarving – College, Paignton
This hands-on workshop will give you an introduction to the craft together with using a range of tools and timbers. The aim is to go home with a small, completed carving.
Wednesday 26th June
9:30-12:30
Learn How to Use Your Sewing Machine – College, Paignton
Learn how to use your sewing machine. You will need to bring your own sewing machine, leads, attachments and manual. Please also bring some plain fabric, thread and scissors.
13:00-16:00
Free-Motion Embroidery – College, Paignton
Come and learn how to do free motion embroidery using your sewing machine. You will need to bring your own sewing machine with drop feet option. A choice of patterns and fabric will be available.
Introduction to Creative Fictional Writing – College, Paignton
This half day course will be presented in HTS07 on the top floor of the Hi-Tech building. It will be broken down into the following sections, this is designed to give you an introduction to the course and an understanding of Creative Fictional writing. An overview of the course and what you can expect to do in the 6 weeks:
- How to use and submit work via Microsoft Teams.
- Content of the 4 units you will be doing.
- A introduction task of character design and how you can translate it into literature.
- A small writing task with character that you have developed.
Introduction to Web Design – College, Paignton
This half-day course will be presented as an interactive workshop. It will be broken down into the following sections, to guide you through the process of understanding websites and how to most effectively use WordPress:
- A WordPress and Website overview
- Site Structure – Adding Posts, Pages, Media and Menus
- Content – Updating and editing Posts and Pages
- Themes, Customisations and Plugins
- Settings, Updates, Hosting and Maintenance
Silver Jewellery – Hammered Silver Cuff – CHCP, Torquay
Make an open bangle using silversmithing techniques. Hammering, filing and polishing.
Due to popular demand, bookings are limited to one workshop per person.
10:00-14:00
DIY Around the Home – Bricklaying Focus – College, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide the opportunity of gaining basic trade experience, skills and knowledge to undertake minor repairs and conduct common domestic work, such as decoration and home updates. Tutors will share commonly used and current techiniques in a friendly and relaxed environment where students will get plenty of opportunity to put this into practice using high quality tools and equipment. Areas covered will be basic carpentry, tiling, bricklaying and decorating.
DIY – Basic Plumbing – SWEC, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide students the opportunity of fitting kitchen and or bathroom plumbing fixtures and fittings. Tutors will share skills and knowledge with you in a friendly and relaxed environment where you will have plenty of practical opportunities.
Thursday 27th June
9:30-12:30
Wet Felting – Handbag or Oven Glove – CHCP, Torquay
Learn the ancient art of wet felting and create your own bespoke usable bag or oven glove with beautiful merino wool, soap, water and agitation. We will use a plastic resist to create the shape and decorate it with embellishments.
10:00-14:00
DIY Around the Home – Painting and Decorating Focus – College, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide the opportunity of gaining basic trade experience, skills and knowledge to undertake minor repairs and conduct common domestic work, such as decoration and home updates. Tutors will share commonly used and current techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment where students will get plenty of opportunity to put this into practice using high quality tools and equipment. Areas covered will be basic carpentry, tiling, bricklaying and decorating.
DIY – Basic Plumbing – SWEC, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide students the opportunity of fitting kitchen and or bathroom plumbing fixtures and fittings. Tutors will share skills and knowledge with you in a friendly and relaxed environment where you will have plenty of practical opportunities.
Friday 28th June
9:30-12:30
An Introduction to Hand Embroidery – UCSD, Paignton
This workshop is for Beginners. You will learn basic hand embroidery stitches and produce a little sample. You will learn about materials and equipment you need to set yourself up with a new hobby.
DIY Around the Home – Carpentry Focus – College, Paignton
The intention of this taster is to provide the opportunity of gaining basic trade experience, skills and knowledge to undertake minor repairs and conduct common domestic work, such as decoration and home updates. Tutors will share commonly used and current techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment where students will get plenty of opportunity to put this into practice using high quality tools and equipment. Areas covered will be basic carpentry, tiling, bricklaying and decorating.
Silver Jewellery – Silver Disc Earrings – CHCP, Torquay
Students will make dangly drop earrings out of 1.5cm silver discs which will then be filed and textured using a hammer and punches. Students will also make their own ear wires and patinate and polish their pieces.
Due to popular demand, bookings are limited to one workshop per person.
10:00-14:00
Mental Health Awareness – UCSD, Paignton
This full day course will raise awareness of issues surrounding mental health difficulties whilst also exploring myths and misconceptions around mental ill health. Students will also explore the rights of those with mental health issues