New college leisure programme offers everything from Italian to Instagram

A new adult learning programme will offer people the chance to study everything from Instagram to Italian.
A new autumn programme has just been launched at Suffolk New College and will start in September.
Other options include everything from French to photography and printmaking to painting.

Future courses planned will give people the chance to learning about British Sign Language or find out how to upcycle clothes.
Last year around 500 people participated in these relaxed and informative short courses that teach people new skills.

Tracey Macdonald is a business development co-ordinator at the college. Tracey said: “We are delighted to launch our new autumn programme. The short affordable options offer the chance for people of all ages to learn, socialise and make new friends.
“Most recently pottery and Japanese have been two of our most popular offerings – but new courses like our two-hour Instagram masterclass sessions are also proving to be of great interest.”

Elene Marsden is the teacher of the Instagram course. Elene – who is also a radio presenter, stylist of second-hand clothes, DJ, writer and social media star – said: “The course is a two hour online session for people who want to get in to Instagram but don’t know where to start. I help them create ‘a stunning profile’ and we also look at the power of reels and techniques for creating engaging content.
“I think leisure learning is great as you get to try something that is new to you – and it can lead on to other things that may even change your life.”
Adam Green, 55, from Needham Market is a project manager and leisure learning student. So far, he has studied on printing and ceramics courses with Suffolk New College.

Adam said: “I’ve got a creative background so it’s a great outlet for me to have something to look forward to during the week.
“I just love learning new skills, the tutors are very engaging and the facilities are amazing.
“I’m now doing ceramics a course in September. I’ve not done ceramics for 35 years since I was at school and really wanted to get back into it.

“I’ve enjoyed returning to something I love and rediscovering that passion for creativity.
“It’s been stimulating and I’m very proud of the work I’ve created.
“Sometimes you get bogged down in your work – so having two or three hours in the week where you have something to look forward to – where you can decompress – is brilliant.”

If you’re interested in learning for fun visit https://www.suffolk.ac.uk/leisurelearning to sign up today.