Learner News Winter Newsletter DECEMBER 2025
WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF LEARNER NEWS! We are excited to share the very first issue of Learner News, your go-to place for course updates, learning inspiration and news from our centres. This term we have new courses starting, important term dates including the Christmas holidays, and plenty of ways to get involved such as sharing your feedback or joining our new Learner Forum. You can also find information about our Learning Support sessions, where our team is ready to help with any learning, physical or mental health needs. We hope you enjoy reading, learning and staying connected with us.
LEARNER HANDBOOK Our new Learner Handbook is now available on our website! It’s an easy-to-use digital guide packed with useful information to help you get the most out of your learning experience. Visit our website to take a look or click on the photo. 1
Learner News Winter Newsletter
LEARNER SUPPORT NEWS Meet Becca King, Our Learner Support Manager Becca has been part of Skills & Learning for three years, and her favourite part of the job is supporting learners to reach their goals and grow in confidence. Learners with a learning, physical or mental health need are encouraged to speak to their tutor, as they may be eligible for additional support. More information about Learner Support is also available on the LearnerHub.
Here is a photo of Becca with her dog, Winnie, who loves walks and adventures!
Three facts about Becca: Becca loves football and says that she was a striker for Southampton Women’s Football Club until the age of 16, scoring plenty of goals. She enjoys cooking, especially making a tasty chilli. She loves spending time with friends and family, and she has recently found out that she is going to be an aunty for the first time.
LEARNER SUPPORT DROP-IN SESSIONS FOR LEARNERS We are pleased to offer drop-in opportunities for learners to discuss any support needs. This includes support in class, access arrangements for exams, or finance queries. Becca King, our Learner Support Manager, will be on hand to answer any questions. Laura West, our Admissions & Progression Officer, will also be available to provide Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG). These friendly sessions will take place on 13th January at Poole Adult Learning Centre and 19th January at Kings Park Learning Centre. No appointment needed. If you do not live in this area and would like to speak to Becca or Laura, please email Learnersupport@salbcp.com and Becca and/or Laura will arrange a suitable day to talk to you. 2
Learner News Winter Newsletter TOP TIP FOR LEARNING TRY THE LEITNER SYSTEM!
LEARNING FACT
Want to make your revision more effective? Try the Leitner System — a clever way to use flashcards to boost your memory.
When you learn, the structure of your brain changes and reorganises itself. This is called neuroplasticity.
It was invented in 1872 by a science journalist named Sebastian Leitner. He came up with a simple but powerful idea: divide your flashcards into three boxes. Box 1 – Everyday: Put in the tricky topics you need to review daily. Box 2 – Twice a Week: These are the things you know a bit better, but still need regular practice. Box 3 – Occasionally: Keep your easier topics here — just check in now and then to stay sharp.
HAVE YOU EXPLORED LEARNER HUB YET? Did you know that Learner Hub is packed with useful resources for all your learning needs? From study materials to helpful guides, it’s available to all learners and can support you wherever you are on your learning journey. Make the most of it today!
By reviewing the cards in your Everyday box often, and moving cards between boxes as you improve, you’ll learn faster and remember longer. 3
Learner News Winter Newsletter NEW FOR JANUARY 2026 JOIN OUR LEARNER FORUM! We’re excited to launch a brand-new Learner Forum at Skills & Learning and are looking for enthusiastic learners to get involved. As a Learner Representative, you’ll have the chance to share your success stories and ideas for the future, help us review learner feedback to make positive changes, and ensure our surveys and forms are accessible to everyone. You’ll also be able to connect with staff and our governing body while receiving updates on new initiatives and resources. Meetings will take place either online or at Poole Adult Learning Centre and will last up to an hour. This is a voluntary role that offers valuable experience you can add to your CV, as well as an opportunity to meet new people and make your voice heard. To register your interest, please contact enquiries@salbcp.com or call 01202 123444.
HOW IS YOUR COURSE GOING? We are keen to hear from you to find out how your course is going. You can find the ‘Learner Experience – Have your say’ survey on our website, or alternatively, there are postcards at our centres where you can provide feedback.
COMPLETE OUR WINTER LEARNER EXPERIENCE SURVEY We are keen to hear from you about your experience at Skills & Learning. Please complete our Winter Learner Experience Survey to tell us your thoughts! 4
Learner News Winter Newsletter UPCOMING COURSES We’ve highlighted a selection of courses starting soon, but there are many more available on our website. If you’d like to browse courses by location, simply click on “See all courses.”
POOLE ADULT LEARNING CENTRE
Click here to see all courses at PALC
Italian Beginners
PL1638H | Tue 15:30–17:30 | 20/01/2026 | 15 weeks
Bookkeeping -AAT Level 2 Certificate AA1108 | | Fri 09:30–12:30 | 16/01/2026 | 21 weeks
Introduction to Sage Accounting ZN1673H | Thu 18:00–21:00 | 08/01/2026 | 6 weeks
Introduction to Counselling - Gateway Level 1 Award AA1173H | Thu 17:30–21:00 | 16/04/2026 | 12 weeks
KINGS PARK LEARNING CENTRE
Click here to see all courses at KPLLC
Word and PowerPoint Level 1 Award AT1644H | Tue 13:30–16:30 | 06/01/2026 | 5 weeks
Bookkeeping - AAT Level 2 Certificate AA1110H | Wed 13:30–16:30 | 21/01/2026 | 21 weeks
Digital and IT Skills – Gateway Level 2 Award AT1158H | Tue 18:00–21:00 | 24/02/2026 | 16 weeks
Introduction to Counselling – Gateway Level 1 Award AA1170H | Fri 09:30–13:00 | 17/04/2026 | 12 weeks
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Learner News Winter Newsletter DORCHESTER LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTRE
Click here to see all courses at DLLC
Psychology Taster PP1463H | Tue 18:00–20:45 | 27/01/2026 | 1 week
Discover Psychology AA1465H | Tue 18:00–20:45 | 24/02/2026 | 12 weeks
Local History and Creative Writing AA1675H | Thu 10:00–13:00 | 26/02/2026 | 11 weeks
Word and PowerPoint Level 1 Award AT1672H | Wed 10:00–13:00 | 25/02/2026 | 10 weeks
WEYMOUTH LEARNING CENTRE
Click here to see all courses at WLLC
Explore Photography Using a Phone or Camera PT1461H | Wed 09:30–12:30 | 25/02/2026 | 4 weeks
Bookkeeping - AAT Level 1 Award AA1523H | Mon 10:00–12:00 | 25/02/2026 | 18 weeks
Family Learning: Spring Arts & Crafts – Parent and Child FN1321H | Wed 13:30–15:30 | 25/02/2026 | 1 week
Urban Sketching for Beginners PL1065H | Tue 14:00–16:30 | 24/02/2026 | 1 week
UPTON COUNTRY PARK EDUCATION CENTRE Nature Connections: Wellbeing in the Park AA1119H| Thu 13:15–15:15 | 16/04/2026 | 13 weeks
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Learner News Winter Newsletter Click here to see all courses at CLLC
CHRISTCHURCH LIBRARY Master your Android Phone or Tablet PT1121H | Tue 09:30–12:00 | 26/02/2026 | 5 weeks
Explore Photography Using a Phone or Camera PT1456H | Thu 13:00–16:00 | 26/02/2026 | 5 weeks
Digital Photography PT1446H | Thu 09:30–12:30 | 26/02/2026 | 10 weeks
ONLINE COURSES
Click here to see all our Online Courses
Italian Beginners PL1636H | Wed 18:30–20:00 | 21/01/2026 | 16 weeks
Counselling – CPCAB Level 2 Certificate Fast Track AA1182H | Tue 09:30–13:00 | 13/01/2026 | 24 weeks
Bookkeeping - AAT Level 2 Certificate AA1109H | Tue 09:30–12:30 | 20/01/2026 | 21 weeks
Introduction to Counselling – Gateway Level 1 Award AA1172H | Wed 18:00–21:00 | 15/04/2026 | 13 weeks
Introduction to Counselling – Gateway Level 1 Award AA1171H | Wed 10:00–13:30 | 15/04/2026 | 12 weeks
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Learner News Winter Newsletter SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL LEARNERS FROM JANUARY Treat yourself this season! Our talented hair, barbering, beauty and nails students are offering 50% off all treatments at the centre. It’s a great way to relax and support our learners as they develop their professional skills. Appointments will be available to book from January, so don’t miss out! Book your appointment by clicking on the voucher. Spaces fill up quickly!
STAR AWARDS At Skills & Learning, we want to celebrate our learners, tutors and staff who go above and beyond in their work. If you have had an experience with anyone at Skills & Learning where they have gone above and beyond to do a great job we would love to hear about it! Please go to this link on the website to nominate your star:
TERM DATES Christmas Holidays Monday 22nd December 2025 to Friday 2nd January 2026 8