Testimonials/student stories

I really like the friendly environment at The Institute: from the start I did not feel shy, I felt able to express myself in class as if I was among friends. I have been studying here for the past two years. I began with an ESOL course to improve my English and then went on to do a BTEC Level One Art & Design course, choosing the Digital Art pathway. I am happy to say I gained a Merit. Next I took an IELTS course for students who want to go to university in an English-speaking country. Now I am planning to go on to do a Master's degree in Translation at Westminster University and in the meantime I am taking a Philosophy course here at The Institute which is absolutely fascinating.

Wednesday mornings have become a highlight of my week, first on the Basic Cookery Course and then on the Further Aspects course. Not only have I learned techniques such as knife skills, sauces, bread making, pastry, pasta, fish and many more; there are many dishes which are now part of our regular meals. Unbelievably I am now one of those mothers who can whip up a batch of cup cakes (professionally iced!) for school and can put together a Sunday lunch or dinner party with confidence. The courses have not only been highly enjoyable but very well organised and taught. Lisa really goes above and beyond to cater for everyone as individuals, with amazing patience and humour. My only problem now is which one of Lisa's courses to do next.

I started making jewellery as a hobby about 9 years ago and I have been running my own successful knitted wire jewellery business for the past five years. I came to study at The Institute because I wanted to learn new skills that would enhance my jewellery making. I learnt to crochet for the first time and by the end of my first term I had managed to make crystal encrusted crocheted key rings and also crocheted corsages/brooches which proved very popular and sold very well. My tutors were excellent. From their experience in the field, they were able to give good advice to those of us wanting to go on and make a career out of textiles. For those just wanting to learn a new craft, they were enthusiastic and patient. One of the best things about the course was meeting people with a similar interest to your own and swapping ideas with them. As well as learning to crochet, I also learned how to make felt. I thought I knew all there was to know about knitting but, thanks to my tutors, I have picked up quite a few tips. I have incorporated everything I have learnt into my jewellery making business. I absolutely recommend The Institute; it is a great place to learn a new craft and it has a lovely atmosphere.

This has been a really rewarding and very enjoyable course. For a long time I'd wanted to write but felt I didn't have the ideas and ability. It was a revelation to find that, with the stimulating teaching ideas and constructive advice, I was quickly writing stories, scripts and dialogues and am full of ideas for future projects. Working with other members of the class is great fun and a wonderful way to gain confidence and ideas as is hearing their work or getting feedback from them on my own. I now have the self-belief to approach a longer work and perhaps fulfil my dream of writing a book.

I chose The Institute because it was conveniently located for me and because the choice of evening classes meant that I could learn Spanish without interfering with my work commitments. I started out with a Spanish Improvers course (2nd year level) and went on to sit my Spanish GCSE. With surprisingly little effort on my part outside of the class, I managed to get an excellent grade. I have always found the classes interesting and engaging and I am now studying for my A2 exam. I appreciate that exam courses are not for everyone but, for me, the exams provided a focus for my study. I would recommend that anyone interested in studying a language “ be it for a qualification or simply out of personal interest “ come along to The Institute and attend a class. When you experience the relaxed and friendly learning environment, you'll be getting fluent before you know it.

I wanted to develop new skills and get a better job so I went to the Open Day and was informed of the PTLLS Course by a very enthusiastic teacher. After a lot of thought, I applied to do the course. I really enjoyed learning again and found the course very interesting. The handouts and photocopies supplied were very informative. The teacher provided guidance and encouragement so that I felt I was learning to do things I had not done before without feeling completely out of my depth. I attended the Self Esteem and Assertiveness Course and found it extremely beneficial. The techniques taught by the teacher and the class discussion was very interesting. I got a lot out of the course.