Amateur detectives to join the ranks of adult learners in Gorey CS(I)
IF you’ve ever watched an episode of CSI, and fancied a career in crime solving, then the evening classes at Gorey Community School might point you in the right direction. Classes in ‘understanding forensic criminal science’ begin soon, and provide an introduction to the various aspects of crime scene analysis.
If this isn’t your idea of a relaxing evening, you might be better served by the Zentangle classes which allow you to create beautiful images and reawaken your love of art through Mindfulness.
Gorey Community School’s adult education department is one of the few providers of hobby and leisure evening courses in Co Wexford, and it certainly offers the largest selection. New offerings this year include the aforementioned forensic criminal science; alongside song-writing for beginners; Chinese Mandarin; how to publish your own book; and how to make your own steam engine.
Adult education director Fintan Kemple said that new courses tend to book up quickly and advised people to go to www. goreyadulted.ie or to attend the registration evening on Wednesday, September 20, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There are longer courses for QQI certificates in areas such as childcare, healthcare, animal care and business, as well as an accounting technician course, but it’s variety of leisure and hobby courses that sets the venue apart.
For those looking to explore their creative side, they might take up art, flower arranging, digital photography, or creative writing. Those who love travel might find it useful to learn some Spanish, French or Italian, with German scheduled for January.
If you want to brush up on your culinary skills, there’s a class devoted to creating starters; another on how to make a Christmas dinner with a difference; or you might want to try cake decoration; or take a look at nutrition.
Those who like to stay active can try Tai Chi, modern jive dancing, Zumba, or Walk In Dance Out - improving your dance confidence. To help look after your health why not try reflexology, homeopathy, psychology, mindfulness and meditation, or yoga?
Take up on a new skill with ECDL, interior design, guitar, computers for beginners, or learn how to trace your family history. Or work with your hands with cabinet making, carpentry, metal craft, wood carving, wood turning with the renowned Robert O’Connor, or furniture restoration.
There are also one-off classes including a wine tasting evening, or a full day mindfulness retreat. Or you can spend five Saturdays learning how to make a radio programme. There’s also a new programme for seniors with a variety of activities.
‘Demand for adult education courses is huge at the moment and you never know what will be popular from one year to the next,’ said Fintan. ‘We always try to offer as broad a mix as possible so that there is something there for everyone.’
‘People choose night classes for a variety of reasons, whether that’s meeting others or following up on an interest and the night class provides a relaxed and friendly environment,’ he added. ‘Others attend for specific reasons, to gain certification or start themselves on a career path.’
He revealed that last year over 1,000 people attended a night class of some nature in Gorey CS. ‘We have people coming down from South Dublin all the way down to Hook Lighthouse, and inland as far as Tullow easily,’ he said. ‘We have some people come here every year. It’s a night out for people, and they build up great friendships.’
The social interaction is a big part of the evening for many people, and students from the various classes gather in the canteen during the break half-way through the evening.
Night classes run on Monday or Wednesday nights from September, and from January. ‘Crafts are coming back big time,’ said Fintan. ‘You’d be surprised how many people want to get back to learning how to do things with their hands. We offer 70 courses every term, and we would run about 50.’ They vary in length from five to ten weeks or more, while the certificate courses can run for a year or two.