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.
Discover apprenticeships
This Festival is also an opportunity for those interested in becoming an apprentice, or an employer who is considering hiring an apprentice to ask questions.
If you want to know what you can earn as an apprentice, what that involves, and what career opportunities apprenticeships can offer then pop in for a conversation.
If you’re an employer considering hiring an apprentice, we can assist with how to do this, provide advice on funding, what your responsibilities are, and any other apprenticeship queries you may have.
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.*
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 form below.
Monday 24th June
9:30-12:30
Introduction to Criminology – UCSD, Paignton
Discover the secrets of human behavior and criminality! Our session delves into psychology, exploring social behavior, brain processes, and learning mechanisms. In criminology, explore offending behavior, crime prevention, and punishment. Join us for a captivating insight into these intriguing fields and learn more about the courses South Devon College and UCSD have available.
Introduction to Mentoring – UCSD, Paignton
This workshop will introduce you to some key areas of mentoring. You will learn what mentoring is, its benefits and the roles of responsibilities of a mentor. This might interest you, if you’re a new mentor or would like to start mentoring others.
Management Engagement Skills – Communication and Body Language – UCSD, Paignton
The aim of this bite-sized course is to help to equip you with an understanding of effective skills to engage with both internal and external stakeholders. Customer service skills play a key part in this process along with strong communication, engaging body language and listening skills. Upon completion of this course you will have enhanced your managerial skills, enabling you to confidently present and actively listen.
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 color 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.
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
First Aid Awareness – College, Paignton
This session will provide an introduction to basic life support, the recovery position and management of bleeding. Students will be able to gain hands on learning in this interactive session using First Aid mannequins. Students can progress onto the Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid in the Autumn term (charges apply).
Introduction to Video Editing
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 instill 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.
Mental Health Awareness
This full day course will raising 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
17:30-20:30
Managing Change – Leading Teams through Change – Online, Microsoft Teams
This bite-sized course will provide you with a deeper understanding of approaching changes in work, discussing them and implementing actions to make the change happen. You will be introduced to various models of change and gain an understanding on how to use them to apply helpful approaches to the change process. This will lead to initiating the change and planning the change in your organisation. You will gain an understanding that managers support change and explore how to lead teams through this process.
Tuesday 25th June
9:30-12:30
An Introduction to Project Management – UCSD, Paignton
What is a project? Where do they come from? How does an organisation accommodate them? What does a project manager do? What does a sponsor do? Why does it matter? What are the key elements required? What goes wrong?
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).
Gel Polish Application – College, Paignton
Dive into the basics of anatomy and physiology relevant to nail care, equipping yourself with essential knowledge to elevate your skills. Through hands-on practice, you’ll master the art of gel polish application, learning techniques that ensure stunning and long-lasting results. . This short session is a great taster for you Level 2 Nail Technology course commencing in September, each Tuesday evening.
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.
Introduction to Wet Felt Making
Wet felt making is a creative craft that combines wool fibres to create a bespoke piece of art work. You will learn the skill of wet felting through tuition and support.
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.
Recruitment and Interviewing Skills – CHCP, Torquay
13:00-16:00
An Introduction to Massage
Basic Vehicle Maintenance
Introduction to 3D Graphics and Animation
Introduction to Charcoal Drawing
Introduction to Studio Photography
Needle Felting – Felted Book Cover
Problem Solving and Decision Making – Data Driven
Wednesday 26th June
9:30-12:30
Aspiring Cabin Crew
Functional Skills English/Maths Initial Assessments
Fundamentals of Stretching
Introduction to Counselling Skills
Introduction to Health and Social Care
Learn How to Use Your Sewing Machine
Managing Difficult Conversations and Conflict
Teaching and Remembering the Holocaust
13:00-16:00
Core Stability
Free-Motion Embroidery
Introduction to Creative Fictional Writing
Introduction to Web Design
Silver Jewellery – Hammered Silver Cuff
Thursday 27th June
9:30-12:30
Awareness of Alcohol and Substance Misuse
Effective Leadership – Coaching and Mentoring
Introduction to Suicide Awareness
Wet Felting – Handbag or Oven Glove
Yoga for All
13:00-16:00
Introduction to Working in Health and Social Care
Managing Menopause
Sports Performance Massage
Wet Felting – Wall Hanging
Friday 28th June
9:30-12:30
An Introduction to Child Development and Wellbeing
An Introduction to Hand Embroidery
DIY Around the Home – Carpentry Focus
Enhancing Resilience, Social Skills and Confidence
Silver Jewellery – Silver Disc Earrings
13:00-16:00
Introduction to Accounting and Budgets
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Approaches
Pre-Access to Access to Higher Education (Health Professionals) Taster Session
10:00-14:00
Mental Health Awareness
Bookings close at 12pm on Friday 23rd June
Use the button above or scroll down and click ‘start now’ to book onto any of the courses. We will email you to confirm your booking. Feel free to select as many courses as you would like.