Families benefit from mums returning to learning

A group of Rhondda mums have benefited from English and Maths courses provided by their local college in their school community. 

A determined group of mums have enrolled on English and Maths Adult Basic Education courses, aiming to not only develop their skills, but also arm themselves with the ability to support their children with their education. Many of the parents have overcome significant difficulties to ensure their children achieve their full potential.

The partnership between Darran Park Primary School and Coleg y Cymoedd has enabled a small group of parents to start on a journey to gain skills and build up confidence in Maths and Literacy. Courses were based on Maths and Literacy scenarios relevant to real life, for example the Maths needed for investigating nutritional values of diet.

The adult learners even enjoyed a day at the Ystrad Mynach Campus of Coleg y Cymoedd at the beginning of the year where they officially became learners! This was an important step for some members of the group, who had openly admitted that ‘school’ wasn’t for them. The group’s confidence has grown massively over the months, and has been witnessed by both tutors and school staff.

The literacy and maths group continue to meet weekly and initially worked to develop basic skills in each subject. The group’s confidence has greatly improved over time and they have now gained and are working towards further qualifications. 

Parent learner Clare Jones said: “I joined both maths and literacy at the start of the year and have become much more confident in helping my son with his homework, the groups are really friendly and I’m actually quite enjoying learning again!”

Karren Hurley, Family Engagement Officer at Darran Park Primary School said: “Our groups have felt totally at ease in the learning environment and have been given the confidence to further their education in other areas.  The commitment shown from our small group of parents has been nothing short of amazing! The attendance rate for both courses has remained steady throughout the year and our students are even looking forward to more sessions during the new school year. On behalf of our parent learners and the School would like to express our sincere thanks to both college tutors, Beverley Yeoman and Maureen Potter who have and continue to work with our groups.  They have been warm, welcoming and extremely caring in their approach.”

Parents at Ferndale Primary School have also sought guidance from Coleg y Cymoedd to provide to help their children with a ‘Big Write’ project. After completing an eight week engagement course each mum came away with ideas and confidence in literacy and permanent Literacy classes were requested from the college for the mums to work towards Level 2 qualifications.

Nancy Harris, Community Learning Officer at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “The mums in both projects have not only proven that it is never too late to learn, but also that learning can be fun. By giving them the confidence to express and address their own fears in an adult learning environment, they are confident in developing the progress of their children at home, to enhance what they learn at school.”

Interested in Literacy classes? ‘Learn to read, read to learn, back to basics!’ To find out more come along to Hafod Deg Resource Centre, Rhymney on Thursday 30th June at 1.30pm until 3.30pm or call  Nancy Harris on 01443 810128.

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