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Please note that this list of questions is
continually being expanded. If you have a question that is
unanswere here, please e-mail
the Training Manager for personal response or telephone
(0161) 212 1973 during normal office hours.
If you have a question about a specific course
offered by the City Learning Centre, please read the information
page about that course before contacting us. You can jump
easily to the relevant page by clicking below:
New
CLAIT -- CLAIT Plus --
A+ Computer Maintenance -- ECDL
Questions currently in this
list
What
is Resource Based Learning?
Resource Based Learning is a very flexible
way of study. Instead of a traditional tutor-led course where
the group works at the same rate, and missed sessions mean
the pressure of having to catch up on missed work, Resource
Based Learning puts all of the materials you need in your
hands right at the start.
Each student is issued with their own highly-detailed
workbook, which takes each step of a practice assessment in
turn and shows you how to do it. The workbook is yours, which
means you can add your own notes, revise parts of it as you
wish, and study at home or work if it's more convenient for
you than attending additional practice sessions at the Centre.
Of course, there is always a fully qualified
tutor in the room to help out if you get stuck and to administer
assessments as and when you need them. You sit assessments
only when you feel ready, and there are lots of practice assessments
to help you gain confidence.
Top
What
is Open Learning?
We realise that 90 minutes per week, or even
three hours for our advanced courses, isn't a lot of study
time. We also recognise that it can be difficult to juggle
your other commitments with studying. So at the City Learning
Centre we have an Open Learning suite, open each evening that
the Centre runs courses for adults, for you to come along
for additional practice.
There is no requirement to attend these additional
sessions if you'd rather not. They are simply offered to allow
students who perhaps don't have access to a computer at home
or elsewhere the opportunity to gain extra confidence and
skill.
At Open Learning, you can expect to find exactly
the same equipment and software as is used for your regular
class, and technical and tutor support from qualified staff
in the room with you. There is no minimum or maximum amount
of time you can spend in the Open Learning suite, and naturally
there is no charge -- not even for making use of the internet
or printing facilities, providing it is for work relating
to your studies here.
Open Learning is currently available on Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings each week, from 5.30pm until
8.45pm (last admission 8.15pm).
Top
Am
I considered 'unwaged' or do I have to pay for my course?
For the purposes of Central Manchester
City Learning Centre, 'unwaged' means anyone in receipt of
one or more of the following benefits, regardless of other
income:
- Asylum Seekers (receiving means-tested
benefits);
- Job Seekers Allowance;
- Income Support;
- Working Families Tax Credit (formerly
Family Credit);
- Disabled Persons Tax Credit (formerly
Disability Working Allowance);
- Housing or Council Tax Benefit (except
Single Persons Council Tax Discount).
In addition, the following groups are
eligible for free tuition on proof of their status:
- Unwaged dependents of parent(s) in
receipt of any of the benefits listed above;
- Individuals aged 60 or over.
Top
How
can the Centre offer proper tuition for such low fees?
The Centre is subsidised by MANCAT (the
Manchester College of Arts and Technology), which in turn
derives its funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
The small fees we charge to students simply cover the administrative
costs associated with completing the enrolment procedure,
which the LSC does not finance. We are justifiably proud of
the standards of care and tuition which we provide for our
students, which include:
- a confidential, personal interview;
- groups which consist of small numbers;
- respect for students' gender and
cultural identity;
- a negotiated Learning Agreement;
- regular reviews of progress;
- at the completion of your course,
advice and guidance about moving on;
- the option of a qualification;
- access to suitable learning materials;
- and properly trained tutors and volunteers.
Top
How
do I apply for a course?
You can enrol for New CLAIT, CLAIT Plus and
ECDL at any time during the year. If you know which course
you want to apply for, you can do so by filling
in this online pre-enrolment form. By completing the pre-enrolment
form, you are expressing a wish to join a computing course
at Central Manchester CLC. Actual places are allocated on
a first-come, first-served system based on the date of receipt
of the pre-enrolment form at the CLC.
If you have not certain which course would
be most appropriate and would like a copy of our information
pack, please request one by completing
this short form or telephoning (free of charge) on 0800
542 9922 and leaving your details. The information pack
contains detailed instructions on how to go about enrolling,
and tells you more about your chosen course.
Once you have returned your pre-enrolment
form, you will receive a letter offering you an interview
date. If you cannot attend this interview you must let us
know as soon as possible so that we can arrange a more convenient
time for you. After you have attended your interview and completed
the necessary paperwork (which enrolls you formally on your
course), you will be given a starting date and instructions
on where to go and what to bring.
Do remember that at any time you can contact
Mr Jodi Cook, the CLC Training Manager, if you have any questions
about your enrolment on (0161) 212 1973. You can also
e-mail [email protected]
or use a webform.
Top
What
if I am going to be absent from one or more classes?
We recognise that there will naturally be
times when you won't be able to make your class. As long as
we know in advance by telephone (on (0161) 212 1970)
or by email ([email protected])
we can authorise your absence and this will not count against
your tuition record.
Do remember that a minimum 75% attendance
is required for free entry to course examinations.
Top
Do
the courses stop for school holidays?
The Centre is open year-round and therefore
does not stop for school holidays. We do, of course, close
for the major national holidays such as Christmas and bank
holidays.
If you have planned to be away on holiday
during a time when your course is running, there is no problem
as long as you make us aware of the dates you will be away
in advance. See the section on absence
for more information.
Top
Where
is the Centre?
The Central Manchester City Learning Centre
is on the site of Trinity Church of England High School site
on Cambridge Street in Hulme, about a mile outside of Manchester
city centre. It is behind the University Dental Hospital and
next to the McDougall Sports Centre.
Click here for maps
and directions.
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