Whether it’s learning a new skill or just finding something to pass the winter months, Bristol wants to teach you something

What is it about being a grown-up that suddenly makes us want to go back to school? I often think that if I did my A levels now, I’d be much more interested in the unification of Italy than I was at the time… although equations will never hold my attention. If the desire to learn something new has taken hold of you too, then Bristol is a brilliant place to get your adult learning on.

I’m sure a lot of us would rather have a better grasp of the language when we’re trying to order a glass of wine on holiday. Ever wanted to make your own clothes? How about learning the ins and outs of nutrition? Adult education ranges from recognised qualifications that can further your career, to simply providing a way of meeting new people or keeping busy when it’s cold and dark outside. What better time to take a course on finally writing that novel you’ve been thinking about? From long-established organisations like The Folk House and the council, to small businesses and individuals, there is a huge range of courses on offer in Bristol.

Broaden your horizons
It was a combination of business and pleasure that finally persuaded Bristol-based business analyst Tom Hind to take Italian lessons. “I’d always wanted to learn a language, but I hadn’t got around to it,” he says. “Then my office announced there was potential for working in Italy, so I thought it was about time. And it saved me the difficulty of deciding which one to learn.” Tom opted for an evening course at International House Bristol (ihbristol.com), in Clifton, because it was on at a convenient time after work. “It’s really satisfying being able to speak another language, and to join in with a nice group of people all doing the same thing. There’s a wide range of abilities. It might be more efficient to have more focused one-on-one lessons, but it wouldn’t be as much fun. Molto buono!”

For piano teacher Jesse Hodgson, teaching provided a more fulfilling alternative to the part-time jobs she was doing. Jesse says: “I already had my grade eight qualification, which means you can teach and piano teaching is so flexible that I could fit it around illustrating, which is my other job. Two years on, I have 18 students of different ages. I love teaching because everybody’s different, and it’s so rewarding. I just had a group of students pass their grade one exam this term.”

Learning for pleasure
Set back from the hustle and bustle of Park Street, The Folk House has been running since 1870, making it the oldest education centre in town. In its relaxed atmosphere, not only can you learn hula hooping and to how to start your own business, but you can also get a bowl of soup or a damn fine cup of coffee in the cosy organic café. According to Claudia Ascott, manager at The Folk House, the benefits of learning new skills are endless. “It boosts confidence and self-esteem, supporting both mental and physical health,” she says. “Students are able to express and explore new ideas, make friends and discover hidden talents, often developing a passion for a new subject. After attending a course people often go on to set up their own groups.”

There are also other unexpected benefits: “One former student met their husband in a ballroom class in the late 60s,” Claudia adds. “There are many lovely stories from students.” The Folk House’s motto is ‘learning for pleasure’, which is something that recent graduate Hannah Tribe was looking for in a pottery course. Having completed a degree in drawing and applied arts, she wanted to do something creative without the constraints – and she wanted to get her hands dirty. “Since I finished university, I’ve missed making things and having contact with art,” says Hannah. “I already knew ceramics quite well, but I wanted to fill the gaps in my knowledge and learn some new techniques. It was very freeing to make something just for the sake of making it. And it was nice to have somewhere to go in the evenings and to come out feeling fulfilled, having made pieces that I will keep and use forever.” She’s going back for another course in January.

A number of courses at The Folk House fill up in the first couple of days of enrolment. Pottery, dressmaking, silversmithing and art history are often the first to go. Out of the 200 or so courses last term, most were full. “This last year has been very exciting for us,” says Claudia, “there seems to be a real enthusiasm for adult learning.” The Folk House moves with the times, taking suggestions from students and adding new courses each term. See the full list at bristolfolkhouse.co.uk. It’s never too late to take up something new, be it for a hobby or a total change of direction. With so many different subjects and venues available in our fair city, the hard part is choosing one.

Take your pick from these and learn something new:
Knitting: learn to knit with crafter extraordinaire Kimberlee Daly, who offers small classes and private tuition around Bristol: thehomemademama.co.uk
Piano: learn your choice of music at your own pace with grade 8 qualified teacher Jesse Hodgson, in her piano room in South Bristol (she also teaches beginners the piano accordion): jessespianolessons.wordpress.com  
Sewing: at the Café Sewciety in Clifton Village you can learn the basics and take on dressmaking, quilting and home furnishings, and have a nice cup of tea while you’re at it cafesewciety.co.uk
Wall art: graffiti workshops and mural painting lessons are on offer from a husband-and-wife team of qualified teachers, Rob and Sophie graftworkshop.co.uk
Glass craft: choose from more than 30 courses in the Creative Glass Guild’s fully equipped designed studio spaces, from stained glass to fusing and lampwork glass bead making. creativeglassguild.co.uk

Bristol Adult Learning Services
A wide range of courses are available through the council, including:

Arts and crafts
Computing
Cooking
DIY
Gardening

Go to www.bristol.gov.uk/adultlearning for the full range of courses on offer

Creative Bristol is a great place to find courses in the city: creativebristol.org/places

Dr Seuss
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”