Case Studies

Below are some brief case studies from courses run in the past year. Please note that names have been changed.

Laptop Library course

Michael is a single parent father. He came to the course with some computer knowledge but wanted to explore the more creative side of using the laptop. From this he went on to begin writing his book which focused on being Black and his personal journey and growing self esteem and positive attitude. He said that he enjoyed using Microsoft Word and Publisher to import his pictures and edit. He is now more confident with the computer. He works as a full time builder and does not have much time for socialising. He remarked that "I will walk away from here knowing that for once I have learned with other parents that have the same thing in common as me, a teenager and other children". He commented on how the group were a support to him and a way to exchange stories and solutions. He says he will keep in touch with the group to continue the friendships as well as going on to other courses in the future.

Toyin works for a school dinner contractor and came to the course with very little computer knowledge. She is now able to "use the computer with confidence and without asking work mates for help when I do my reports". She also commented that she has a better relationship with her daughter since the course and that they now spend at least half an hour each evening together working on the laptop. She was able to support a troubled learner who was concerned about her own daughter's behaviour and made her realise that "It is just a phase". She will be moving on to UNI4U.

Language and Play

Sharon came to the course with little confidence and a reluctance to speak in a group. Through the 1-1 conference we saw that she has some literacy issues. She was reassured that she would get consistent support and that we would all help each other. Over the weeks she gained confidence and was able to discuss the history of her recipe with the group. She commented that "this has helped me and I now do cooking with my son". By the end of the course she had approached the school about helping out and did so at meal times on a regular basis. She has also volunteered to read with the children and has enrolled in a course at UNI4U.

Family Literacy Course

Shikeria is a parent at the school as well as a childminder who also works in the crèche. She has literacy needs and has difficulty reading in English and her home language. She was most reluctant to stay on the course but was encouraged and supported by the tutors and the rest of the group. She was keen to express herself in the group and could tell stories about her culture and family with humour and expression. She has been able to submit work in order to gain a literacy accreditation through NOCN (National Open College Network) at entry level. At the end of the course she told us that she had always been scared when asked to read stories to a group in the crèche. Now she knows that she can use the pictures to tell the story and will volunteer to lead a group.

Family Film Project

Family Film workshop - adult session

In the Summer Term 2008 we worked with Lark Hall Primary School on an 8 week Family Animation project. The 9 families met once a week with their family learning tutors plus a professional animator to create a wonderful film. The inspiration for the course came from a trip that the group made along the river Thames, visiting many historical sites along the way.

During the 8 weeks the families learned about storyboarding, creating backdrops and figures, recording sound, Stop Frame animation and the whole process of making an animated film.

The project ended with a private screening of the film for the families and tutors at BFI Southbank. The film was also shown at the Ritzy Cinema during the Annual Lambeth CLC Animation Festival.