What’s On!

Cottingham Adult Learning

Gain a qualification, develop life skills or try something new. We’ve got something to help you on your journey.

Join us at the Cottingham Adult Learning Centre, Hallgate, Cottingham HU16 4DD. Check out our courses, qualifications and fun Learning for Leisure workshops down below.

Cottingham Courses & Qualifications

  • 🕒 17 September until 1 October, 1pm - 4pm

    This 3-week preparation course offers a supportive foundation for those who would like to start working towards a Functional Skills qualification in English.

    This short course will give you the opportunity to meet an English tutor and one of our Learning Experience Advisors, who will work with you to discuss your goals and how we can help you to reach them.

    In the sessions, you’ll take part in various activities that will help you to work out which level of English is right for you and give you a taste of what you can expect to learn on an English course with us. Your advisor will chat with you about any support needs you may have and how we can help you with these, so we can make sure you have everything you need to get started on your next step.

  • 🕒 18 September until 2 October, 9.30am - 12.30pm on Thursdays

    This 3-week preparation course offers a supportive foundation for those who would like to start working towards a Functional Skills qualification in maths.

    This short course will give you the opportunity to meet a maths tutor and one of our Learning Experience Advisors, who will work with you to discuss your goals and how we can help you to reach them.

    In the sessions, you’ll take part in various activities that will help you to work out which level of maths is right for you and give you a taste of what you can expect to learn on a maths course with us. Your advisor will chat with you about any support needs you may have and how we can help you with these, so we can make sure you have everything you need to get started on your next step.

  • 🕒 23 September, 9.30am - 12.30pm on Tuesdays

    Our 5-week digital device gifting programme gives you everything you need to thrive in today’s connected world (including the device!).

    Choose a computer and learn to set up and personalise it. Gain confidence using email, apps, and staying safe online. Work towards personal goals like creating CVs, managing budgets, and accessing online services — empowering you to make the most of your computer in everyday life.

    Following the successful completion of the 5-week course, you will be gifted the computer to take away with you, armed with the skills to make the most of your new kit.

  • 🕒 11 September until 16 October, 9.30am - 12.30pm on Thursdays

    Are you interested in working or volunteering in schools as a teaching assistant so you can inspire and support children and young people to learn? If so, then this six-week course is an essential starting point for the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification.

    This Introduction course is designed to give you an insight into the different roles available in schools, as well as the skills and knowledge you’ll need to achieve your qualification and to take up a career in supporting teaching and learning in schools.

  • 🕒 16 October, 9.30am - 12.30pm on Thursdays

    During this four-week course you will identify and develop your employability skills in cookery, helping you to improve your chances and options in the job market.

    In the first three sessions you will work with a cookery tutor to cost out and prepare economic meals to take home and enjoy. You will take part in cookery workshops, follow instructions and take advice from the tutor as you prepare meals in a catering environment.

    During the final session you will work with your tutor to identify the skills you have used during your learning and add them to your C.V.

  • 🕘 Roll-on, start anytime

    Our English classes are friendly, welcoming spaces, designed to support you to develop your English skills and to gain a nationally recognised Functional Skills qualification.

    If you’re ready to start gaining your English qualification, enquire now and a member of team will be in contact to have a chat about your next step.

  • 🕘 Roll-on, start anytime

    Our maths classes are friendly, welcoming spaces, designed to support you to develop your maths skills and to gain a nationally recognised Functional Skills qualification.

    If you’re ready to start on gaining your maths qualification, enquire now and a member of our team will contact you to help you on your next steps.

  • Our Improve your Essential Digital Skills classes aim to enable you to boost your digital skills and to gain a nationally recognized Essential Digital Skills qualification at Entry Level and Level 1. You will work towards improving a range of digital skills against the national recognized Essential Digital Skills standards.

    You will develop essential digital skills in 5 key areas:

    1. Using devices and handling information

    2. Creating and editing

    3. Communicating

    4. Transacting

    5. Being Safe and Responsible Online

    Enquire now to get started.

  • Our new Digital and IT Skills qualifications focus on developing computer and digital skills linked to employment. This includes using office-based applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software to complete a range of tasks in different contexts.

    Our computer and digital courses are available in all of our centres and online too, so you can choose whether you’d like to join us in the classroom or to log in from home and learn virtually. There’s no time like the present, so take the first step and apply today.

Learning for Leisure Workshops

Accessible and fun workshops, try something new with Learning for Leisure by Adult Learning.

Our workshops start from as little as £10 per week when block booking!

  • An introduction to Aboriginal art

    • In this session you’ll learn about traditional Aboriginal art, which is used to pass on important cultural stories through the generations with no written language. You’ll find out about the patterns and symbols used, and the techniques associated with the Aboriginal people.

    • 8 September, 1.15pm - 3.45pm

    • 10 September, 6pm - 8.30pm

    • Just £20 including materials

    An introduction to Dot painting

    • Dot art is a style of painting created by dotting paint, rather than using brush strokes. The dots can be applied with a stick, but various household objects can be used to create this type of art.

    • This technique creates images that seem to leap off the page, almost creating an optical illusion.

    • 15 September, 1.15pm - 3.45pm

    • 17 September, 6pm - 8.30pm

    • Just £20 including materials

    An introduction to Mandala art

    • On this session, you’ll learn about the Mandala – a geometric design based around circles and symmetry – that holds a great deal of symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist cultures.

    • 22 September, 1.15pm - 3.45pm

    • 24 September, 6pm - 8.30pm

    • Just £20 including materials

    An introduction to Mexican folk art

    • On this course you’ll get to explore the history and techniques of Mexican folk art and look at famous examples. You’ll then spend time experimenting with colour, texture, and pattern to create your own unique piece of art to take home and keep.

    • 29 September, 1.15pm - 3.45pm

    • 31 September, 6pm - 8.30pm

    • Just £20 including materials

  • All of our cooking sessions are £29.99 including all the ingredients and materials you’ll need to make these delicious recipes.

    • Homemade desserts: Cheesecake - 2 September, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

    • Sticky toffee pudding & creme brulee - 9 September, 1.30pm - 4.30pm

    • Italian cookery: making fresh pasta - 16 September, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

    • Italian cookery: Risotto, Gnocchi, Tiramisu - 23 September, 1.30pm - 4.30pm

    • Thai – Easy Thai green chicken curry, Thai fishcakes, jasmine rice, sweetchilli dipping sauce, Thai cucumber and peanut salad - 30 September, 9.30am - 12.30pm

    • Vegetarian and vegan meals - 30 September 5.30pm - 8.30pm

    • Vegetarian Indian cookery - 7 October 1.30pm - 4.30pm

  • 5 Week patchwork panel course

    • This beginner’s course will equip you with the basic skills to make a cushion panel or other small item to take home with you and enable you to go on to make colourful quilts, throws, wall hangings and more.

    • Start date: 7 October | Time: 1pm - 3pm on Tuesdays | Only £85 for 6 workshops and materials

    • Join our friendly and inspiring sewing group, where creativity and community come together! Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced stitcher, this is the perfect space to bring your sewing projects to life.

    • Want to make a garment from scratch? Finish that quilt? Upcycle some old clothing? Create a beautiful patchwork cushion, a stylish bag, or adorable baby gifts? Whatever your project, you’ll have the space, support, and guidance to make it happen.

    • Each week, you’ll learn new skills—from machine stitching to reading and interpretating a pattern to tacking to patchwork—helping you build confidence and expand your sewing know-how. With a welcoming atmosphere and like-minded people, you’ll be inspired to stitch, create, and have fun.

    • Start date: 9 September | Time: 10am - 12pm on Tuesdays | Just £46 for 4 workshops and materials

  • 5 Week Getting Started with Spanish

    • Only £10 a lesson, when block booking 6 workshops.

    • Have you ever wanted to speak Spanish but didn’t know where to start? This opportunity is perfect for those with very little experience of Spanish. You will learn in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment how to introduce yourself, have simple conversations – whether ordering at a café, asking for directions, or making new friends. With fun and supportive sessions, you will build confidence in your pronunciation, essential vocabulary and basic grammar in a friendly and supportive group. Start your language journey today!

    • Start date: 1 September | Time: 10am - 12pm on Mondays | Just £60 for 6 workshops

  • Are you ready to turn your passion into a profit? Whether you're selling handmade products, offering local services, marketing your air B&B, or building a personal brand, this opportunity is designed to help you effectively market your side hustle in the digital space.

    • Wednesday 20 August, 10am - 2pm

    • Just £25 for this 4 hour workshop

  • Our tutor will be on hand to offer support and guidance, helping you to perfect your own designs and advising on the techniques needed to create your final items. You will also have the opportunity to develop your hand building, throwing and decorative techniques.

    Come and join us on this 5 workshop course.

    • Just £136.25 for 5 workshops (Including over £50 of materials)

    • 8 September, 6pm - 9pm on Mondays

    • 11 September, 9.15am - 12.15pm on Thursdays

Our Learner Stories

Dave, Photography

I wish I’d done something like this 30 years ago. I’d have been able to enjoy taking a lot more photographs for a lot longer.

Susan, Self-esteem and Confidence Building

I’ve come out in myself, being here and meeting new people. It’s helped take me out of my little comfort zone. Doing my course is making me feel better in myself.

Shirley, a bit of everything

It’s not just a warm space. It’s the comradery and the friendships. Since I’ve come here I’m a better person, my family has noticed a huge change in me. I love it, it’s wonderful. In fact, I even book my holidays around my courses.