Surrey Adult Learning is a place of discovery where learners often reveal new talents and surprise themselves! Here our learner Laura shares in her own words her learning journey and highlights the rewards of lifelong learning.
"I never expected to find myself enjoying pottery so much, learning so many things, being part of such an inspiring community and even taking my first steps to selling some work at a village Christmas Fair.
Many years ago, I walked into the Woking centre with the intention of enrolling on a First Aid course and when that wasn't possible, I decided on the spur of the moment to try pottery "for one term only". I soon realised how much I enjoyed and benefitted from being out of my comfort zone, playing with clay and trying something creative. One term, flowed into the next and now more than a decade later it's developed into an interest and supportive community that I wouldn't wish to be without. It's been a very slow burn, with a busy life with a child and many other commitments, I simply looked forward every week to the 2 hours of "me time". The sessions enabled me to relax, do something completely different and re-charge my batteries so that I was ready to face the other more stressful aspects of my life.
Our tutor was fantastic, and the diverse range of fellow learners added to the stimulating environment. Indeed, the balance and perspective obtained through shared life-experiences, pottery skills and the valued friendships formed, have enabled me to contribute positively in my "non-pottery" world in so many ways.
Inevitably, the pandemic inflicted unwelcomed changes. No chance to "touch" clay for weeks but our community kept in touch. Finally, we were able to return to class but many things had changed, including new tutors.
I would have never chosen to move to an alternative tutor but I can honestly say it has been a really fun and rewarding next stage. It has taught me the benefit of learning from everyone and everything. I have now experienced many tutors' different approaches, a variety of knowledge and each one has challenged me to develop my pottery further. My fellow learners have also been supportive and encouraging and it was a gentle nudge from one which finally led me to selling at a Christmas Fair. Rewarding in so many ways and great fun!
I would encourage anyone reading this, to consider enrolling on a creative class. It will enhance your well-being and I'm confident that you'll be surprised and amazed at what you can achieve."
Learning something new is exciting, so why try out one of our new term courses or perfect your existing talents with our team of friendly experts at Surrey Adult Learning!
More from adult learning news
- Save the date!
- English, Maths and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses
- Surrey Adult Learning congratulates its GCSE achievers
- Courses with Family Learning help to create a better family life
- Creative writing learner submits work to the Bridport Prize
- Healthy living and a passion for adult learning
- Special Olympics World Games Achievement
- Modern foreign languages
- Autumn Term enrolment now open!
- Keep your mind and body active with Surrey Adult Learning
- GCSE Achievers 2023 are unstoppable!
- GCSE Results 2023
- National Safeguarding Adults Week 2023
- Surrey Artists Open Studios 2023
- Bringing Art to Life
- Family Learning Achievement
- SAL Tutor Inspires Learners
- New Essential Digital Skills Courses
- Local Government Apprentice Award
- Spring Craft Fair at Guildford Tunsgate Quarter
- ESOL courses help guests in Surrey adapt to life here and boost vital skills needed to live and work in the UK
- Surrey Library Colleague joins SAL Apprenticeship programme to gain management skills and boost her career
- Textile Artist and SAL tutor attracts local community with Wellbeing Exhibition
- Supported Learners in Camberley are excited to share their passion for learning
- Suzukis, safaris and Spanish lessons with SAL!
- Supported Learning Easter Pottery Sale
- Supported Learners run Christmas Pottery Sale to raise money for charity
- Art tutor Roger Hutchins wins competition and recognition
- Empty Bowls Project 2022
- Learning Italian with Surrey Adult Learning - una richiesta da SAL!
- Learner takes up art class and inspires Woking community group
- Zornitsa's learner story
- October Craft Month
- GCSE results 2022
- Outreach ‘I Can’ Courses Inspiring Learners
- Supported Learning and their Fantastic Achievements
- Supporting Surrey Residents Looking For Jobs
- Ofsted Report 2022
- Random Acts of Kindness Project by Surrey Adult Learning artists
- Sculpture learners attend the annual Surrey Sculpture Society exhibition
- SAL learner awarded top grade in GCSE Italian
- Expression of care for Ukraine
- Henrietta Parker Trust courses support the NHS
- Supported Learning Pottery Sale for charity at the Guildford Centre
- Social Media for Business course helps to boost the performance of a travel company
- Tutor inspires the community
- Learning pottery at 90 years young
- The Passport to Wellbeing Programme - a positive experience
- Surrey Adult Learning gets PPE together for front-line workers
- Completing an EPA during COVID - with a lot of resilience
- Surrey Adult Learning marks VE Day 20 in lockdown
- From learner to teacher support
- Pottery enthusiast turns her amateur hobby into a professional job after attending classes with us
- Our ESOL classes help speakers of other languages grow in confidence for everyday life and work
- Free courses for families from January 2023
- Surrey County Council Long Service Award for History Tutor Colin Parrish
- Saturday workshops and summer short courses for personal and professional development