ACL Courses

A practical class for all levels to experiment with a wide range of ceramic techniques. Explore sculpting, modelling, coiling, press moulding, slab-building, and wheel-throwing. Keep a sketchbook for your ideas and designs. Surface decoration techniques including slip colours, oxides, and glazing are also covered.

This course is ideal for those who have already made several garments but want to improve their clothes-making skills. In this course, you build your skills by making samples and working on your own chosen project. In this course, you will: -Make samples of sewing techniques such as zip insertions, various pocket styles, various sleeve insertions, collars -Work on your own project -Learn about fitting You will need the following Materials: -Sewing Kit containing pins, fabric scissors, paper scissors, sewing needles, unpicker and tape measure. -An A4 folder will also be needed for notes, handouts, and pens. -You will be advised what tools and materials you need to buy during the first session. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

This is an advanced level course for people with previous experience of drawing and painting. By the end of the course, you will be able to practice your own style of painting and drawing, to be self-critical, to work independently and to promote your work. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

During this course, you will investigate, explore, record and develop art techniques through drawing, painting and mixed media activities. There will be opportunities to experiment with materials, including pencils, charcoal, paint, pastels, collages and other media. The tutor will set up projects that include observational skills and working from the imagination. You will be encouraged to express your preferences in different materials. You will be inspired by the work of other artists and current exhibitions and share ideas, artwork and your creative process with the other students. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Shoot, process and print your own black and white film photographs to a high standard with access to one of the last remaining, fully equipped darkrooms in London. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

The cake decorating beginners course teaches a learner how to cover a cake with fondant and marzipan. Make marzipan roses and fruits. Learn sugarpaste techniques such as crimping, embossing and inlay. You will make royal icing and learn basic piping skills. You will learn the basic skills of modelling and simple flowers. You will learn hints and tips of cake decorating and much more. Understand the theory of cake decorating. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

This course is perfect for students who have successfully completed the "Cake Decorating – Intermediate" course or for individuals who are self-taught and already have a solid foundation in cake decorating techniques and materials. Designed to enhance your existing skills, this advanced course will take your creativity and precision to the next level. You’ll explore more complex decorating methods, work with a wider range of tools and mediums, and gain confidence in designing and executing professional-standard cakes. Whether you're looking to elevate your hobby or move towards a career in cake decorating, this course offers a supportive and inspiring environment to help you achieve your goals. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

This course is for learners who have completed beginners or who are self-taught if you would like to enhance on skills you know already. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

For those with experience in hand-building who want to refine skills and work on self-directed projects. Explore advanced techniques including assembling complex forms, sculpture, and professional practice elements like project planning, and online marketing and promotion. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

A relaxing class for all levels where you can explore creative ceramic projects in a calm, meditative environment. Sessions begin with a short breathing or meditation exercise, followed by quiet working time with gentle music. Projects focus on hand-building, modelling, and surface decoration techniques to encourage slow, focused making. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

An ideal starting point for complete beginners. Learn basic throwing techniques from preparing the clay to forming small vessels like bowls, cups, plates, and plant pots. You’ll also explore adding handles, surface decoration, and glazing to finish your creations. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Designed for experienced wheel throwers ready to experiment and elevate their practice. Work with different clay bodies, develop new glazing and decoration techniques, and refine your throwing skills to build a cohesive portfolio of work. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Perfect for beginners wanting a broad introduction to ceramics. You’ll explore key techniques including wheel throwing, hand-building with coils and slabs, surface decoration with slips and oxides, and basic glazing. A great way to build confidence and discover which aspects of pottery you enjoy most. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Suitable for beginners and experienced makers. Studio time offers access to facilities and materials to work on your own projects, with tutor support available as needed. Facilities include throwing wheels, a hand-building room with slab roller and moulds, a broad selection of clay bodies, slips, oxides, glazes, and a spray booth. Your work is fired and stored between sessions.

For beginners and improvers looking to develop wheel-throwing skills. You’ll learn to create bowls, cups, and more complex forms such as teapots. The course covers throwing, trimming, basic glazing, and surface decoration, while building your understanding of ceramic processes. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

For makers with ideas and designs they wish to pursue independently, whether hand-built, wheel-thrown, or sculpted. The tutor provides guidance on techniques, materials, and creative problem-solving. Facilities include wheels, a slab roller, moulds, a wide range of clays, slips, oxides, glazes, and a spray booth. Technician support is available for firing and storing your work.

This course covers the following skills: Batik: Master the Indonesian art of wax-resist dyeing to create intricate patterns on fabric. Tie-Dye: Experiment with hand-dyeing techniques, including indigo and Japanese shibori, to produce unique variegated patterns. Embroidery: Learn both hand and machine embroidery to create raised and ornamental designs on various materials. Silk Painting: Dive into the Asian art of applying vibrant, translucent paints or dyes directly onto silk fabric. Felt Making: Discover how to create non-woven textiles by matting fibres together, using materials like wool, alpaca, and cashmere. You will have the opportunity to create pictures, hats, scarves, cards or small gift items * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Explore the art of storytelling by learning about plot, structure, and dialogue. Build your confidence in writing short stories, novels, and other creative forms. Bring your characters to life on the page and let your imagination run free. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

In an emergency, every second counts. Our Defibrillator Training Course equips you with essential skills to respond effectively and use a defibrillator with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course is perfect for you. This hands-on training is ideal for workplaces, community groups, and individuals who want to be prepared for real-life emergencies. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Learn how to use your camera and develop your creative skills. This course will cover white balance and ISO, freezing or blurring moving subjects, creative composition techniques, controlling exposure and basic editing in Photoshop. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

If you are looking to learn and gain essential knowledge about epilepsy and effective seizure management, then join our Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management course to develop a clear understanding of epilepsy, its causes, and how to respond to different types of seizures with confidence. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

ESOL Elementary is lively interactive course which provides an amazing start to speaking English and also covers the language and grammar to cope with everyday situations that you will face. The course is aimed at those who have very little knowledge of the English language (below A1 Level) and it is suitable for students who have completed the ACL Complete Beginners or any other Entry 1 Level course. The sessions will take place once a week, every Wednesday. Please note that you will need to attend the sessions every week. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Our Intermediate AM course is designed to help students improve both spoken and written English. It will consolidate and improve your previous knowledge of the English Language. We will learn how to use more complex grammar structures and advanced vocabulary and we will practise Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

The ESOL Advanced course is designed to help students improve both spoken and written English. This a practical course for motivated adults who want to develop all four key English skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking through a variety of materials and activities.

ESOL Elementary is lively interactive course which provides an amazing start to speaking English and also covers the language and grammar to cope with everyday situations that you will face. The course is aimed at those who have very little knowledge of the English language (below A1 level) and it is suitable for students who have completed the ACL Complete Beginners or any other Entry Level 1 course. The sessions will take place once a week, every Wednesday. Please note that you will need to attend the sessions every week. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

The ESOL Upper-Intermediate course is designed to help students improve both spoken and written English. This a practical course for motivated adults who want to develop all four key English skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking through a variety of materials and activities.

This Essential Digital Skills course is designed to help you gain the practical computer and online skills needed for everyday life and work. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence, improve your employability, or update your IT knowledge, this course offers hands-on training in a supportive environment. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

A three day course to help people to deal with emergencies that may arise at work. It focuses on the basic principles of preserving life, preventing the condition from getting worse and promoting recovery for adults. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Join this very popular, mixed ability group and learn how to create a wide variety of flower arrangements for different occasions whether you are new to flower arranging or an 'old hand'. Your tutor will demonstrate new techniques and help you to develop your skills. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

This course is suitable for students of all levels who want to learn, refine, or further develop their skills in jewellery making. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to explore the craft or an experienced artisan aiming to enhance your techniques, this course offers a comprehensive learning experience tailored to your needs. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

This course is suitable for students of some knowledge who want to learn, refine, or further develop their skills in jewellery making. Whether you're looking to explore the craft or an experienced artisan aiming to enhance your techniques, this course offers a comprehensive learning experience tailored to your needs. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Develop the skills and techniques necessary to use silver, copper, brass, gold, and aluminium to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewellery. You will learn to recognise and use a range of appropriate materials to produce your pieces of jewellery worn on the body or applied to surfaces, and how to remedy any problems encountered during the making of the pieces. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Our Making Decorative Ceramic Sculptures course is designed to help you create unique decorative sculptures inspired by natural forms for displaying indoors or outdoors while learning techniques in shaping, building, and finishing. It’s a fantastic way to explore your creativity. Please note: you will produce one maquette and one small sculpture during this course. Sculptures cannot exceed 30x30cm approx. Your teacher will provide full guidance during induction, in line with our scheme of work. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Enrol and explore, record and demonstrate portrait art techniques in practical studio classes. You will have opportunities to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques including drawing, painting, pastel, collage and other media. The tutor will set projects that include developing observational skills, as well as drawing from the imagination. You will be encouraged to convey expression; as well as to explore preferences for different media. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Join us and explore different workshops during the year ranging from painting, sandblasting fusing and slumping. Beginners will learn the necessary techniques to design their own abstract leaded panel. Returners will continue to develop their learnt skills and incorporate the workshops into personal projects. There is also an optional project designed termly into the scheme for those preferring to follow a specific project.

The course outline is designed for people looking to further improve their skills at creating beautiful stained glass artwork. Throughout the term, there is also a series of workshops including sand-blasting, painting fusing and slumping which will be incorporated into the scheme as the learner progresses. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Join us and learn all the necessary techniques to design and make an abstract stained glass panel and more. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

This course will include traditional and experimental watercolour methods and how they can be applied to landscape, still life and portrait.

This course is ideal for beginners who want to start their clothes-making journey. You will learn how to set up a sewing machine, and once you can sew confidently, move on to make a simple garment. This course covers; -How to set up and use a sewing machine -How to read and use a commercial pattern -How to layout and cut fabrics -Various sewing techniques, including inserting a zip, gathering, adding a collar, inserting sleeves, sewing darts, adding a facing, pockets, etc. Materials required A Sewing Kit containing pins, fabric scissors, paper scissors, sewing needles, an unpicker, and a tape measure will be needed. An A4 folder for notes and handouts and a pen will also be needed. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.

Discover the transformative power of yoga with our inclusive and invigorating community yoga classes. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, our classes are designed to meet you where you are and guide you towards more significant physical and mental wellbeing. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Sign up for a class and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to wellness and growth. Whether you seek physical fitness, stress relief, or a deeper connection with yourself, our yoga classes offer something for everyone. * Fees will be payable if you have already completed this course at the same level or if you are not eligible for government funding.