Lessons for life

This resurgence in the popularity of extra-curricular activities emerged last year, thanks to the hit Channel 4 series, The Book Group. A Friday night favourite, the programme immediately transformed the once-scorned literary pastime into the leisure pursuit of cultivated, bright young things. But as with most media-inspired crazes, the novelty has worn off this particular trend and attention is now turning to other, more practical methods of self-enrichment.

Whether you are a mum hoping to go back to work, or a pensioner looking for intellectual stimulation, an evening class could be the perfect solution. There are courses available in every imaginable discipline, not to mention many that have probably never crossed your mind.

Perhaps the best way to find the most appropriate course for you, is to contact Learn Direct Scotland (LDS), the government-sponsored initiative, dubbed the "Gateway to Learning". The service provides information on around 70,000 learning opportunities, which include both evening classes and short courses as well as full-time degrees. The freephone information line receives around 700 calls every day, seven days a week, from people seeking to both pursue a new interest for leisure and those looking to further their career.

Frank Pignatelli, Chief Executive of LDS, says that although the organisation is only two years old, it has already proved very effectual.

"We launched our service in 2000, so for the first time in Scotland we have a gateway to learning," says Pignatelli. "We get calls from people in all walks of life, some who just want to take up a new hobby, and others who for whatever reason, would like to re-enter the education system. It doesn’t matter what your interest is, if you want to study it, we will find the most convenient course available and if an opportunity does not already exist for you, we are also in a position to commission its set up."

The courses on offer range across all fields. Whether you are keen to update your IT skills, or want to learn photography, there will be a class to suit your needs. In Edinburgh there are a variety of venues for community learning, including Edinburgh University, Telford College and Stevenson College. There are also centres for specific interests, including the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and the Therapy Academy.

One person to experience the range available is Joe Matthews, who has taken a number of classes at the Office for Lifelong Learning at Edinburgh University.

"It was simply the interest factor which attracted me to taking an evening class," he explains. "My professional background had been quite technical, as I trained as an engineer, and as a consequence of various factors in my childhood, I had missed out on learning about literature and history in school. I wanted to learn more about those subjects and was also looking for an opportunity to meet new people.

"Since joining the OLL, I have taken courses in European history, music appreciation and philosophy. I’ve met a lot of people through taking the courses, in most instances we will go on for a drink after the class or meet at another time during the week."

Aside from this social aspect, Matthews has found the educational impact of his studies to be very satisfying.

"You can pitch the studies at any level you wish. You can choose whether to simply turn up on the night and take what you can from the lesson, or you can do the extra reading or studies during the week to learn further. The degree of homework will depend both on your own goals and the course you choose, as with the more practical subjects you may lack the equipment to work at home."

The most popular courses at the OLL include psychology, film studies and archaeology, although the introductory course to IT also fills quickly. The price of a nine-week course of evening classes here varies according to subject area, but average at around 65. Some of the language courses that demand intensive tuition, for example, Chinese for Beginners, cost 76 per course. Most of the evening classes in the coming term last for two hours and are held once a week, from Monday to Thursday.

For those with greater time or economic constraints, there are shorter and more affordable courses at other city centre venues. Cookery for Beginners at Leith Academy costs 41 per term and an introductory course in Reflexology costs 41 at Liberton High School. The City of Edinburgh Council has launched an Adult Learning Programme, which runs courses at a number of community learning centres across the city, and their website provides information on all of the opportunities available.

For many people these evening classes open the door to further study, rejuvenating their interest in an education system that proved less than inspirational the first time round. Some of the courses taken at a college will fulfil the entry criteria for full-time degrees, and offer an alternative access route for those who may not hold the relevant qualifications.

Susan Aghaie-Jaladerany found herself in just this situation when she approached Edinburgh University about enrolling in an undergraduate degree.

"I realised that I did not have the necessary qualifications to apply but the university was very helpful and directed me to the OLL," says Aghaie-Jaladerany. "I was interested in the philosophy degree and I found that if I spent one year studying for the Philosophy certificate, I would be in a position to move onto the degree course. Taking that option meant that I could tailor my programme according to my interests and requirements, so I also took classes in Scottish Women and Social History."

Although Aghaie-Jaladerany took her selection of courses as a formal qualification, she felt that the mix of students in her class contributed to her success.

"There were people there just for fun and then others, like me, who were using it as a route to further education, but we all mixed together and supported each other," she says. "The tutors are very good at making you interact, so that you can share ideas and chat about aspects of the course.The centre really is superb, as they have everything from introductory courses, which are elementary and designed for those with no background knowledge, to in-depth courses for people with a specific and detailed interest. It really is a case of you get out what you put in."

For more details on courses around Scotland, call Learn Direct Scotland on 0808 100 9000, or visit www.learndirectscotland.com. The Office for Lifelong Learning can be contacted on 0131-650 4400 and details are available at www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk. Information on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Adult Education Programme is available at www.ces.egfl.net