Download Name of Project WEA Reach Out Project Code TBC Duration of

Name of Project
WEA Reach Out
Project Code
TBC
Duration of Project Code
Reach Out offers 3 termly programmes annually, each of which includes, on average, 10 courses of
9-10 weeks duration. In addition it offers a short summer programme and 2 residential events
annually.
Mode of Delivery
Each course is facilitated by either a full time member of staff or by an appropriate tutor or a
mixture of both. The courses are student-centred and are either classroom-based or involve outdoor
activities.
Number of Sessions
There are usually 10 courses, each of 9-10 weeks - every term for our spring, autumn and winter
programme and the summer programme can be up to 5 weeks in length.
Hours per Session
Most courses are 2 hours per week in duration but this depends on what is being facilitated. The
walking group is from 9.30-4.30 every week and the John Muir Award can be up 4 hrs a session every
week.
Awarding Body
At the moment the John Muir Award is the only accredited area of provision within the project
Target Audience for Project
Reach Out works with those suffering from mental health problems, those going through the
criminal justice system, those with substance misuse issues, the long term unemployed and those
with learning difficulties/disabilities.
In 16/17 it worked with 147 learners, with 431 enrolments.
Project Overview Aims and Objectives
The WEA Reach Out project offers adults in Aberdeen City the opportunity to gain educational and
personal development skills in a supportive, caring and flexible environment. The aim is to raise self
confidence and self esteem so that service users can move onto more mainstream education
opportunities, or into work (on a voluntary, part-time or full time basis)
Entry requirements prior knowledge or experience needed
All learners are referred by partner organisations, with an initial interview being held with the WEA
project staff. A judgement is made, by all parties, as to whether the project presents a suitable
option for the individuals being referred.
Project Content/What You Will Study
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Reach Out offers courses in the following:
Employability
Cooking on a budget
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6-10 miles walks in Aberdeen City and Shire
Basic IT
Dynamics (16-25 year olds)
The John Muir Award
Gardening
Arts and Crafts
Football
This and That (This is a mixture of both indoor and outdoor activities shaped by the learners)
Teaching and Delivery Methods
Reach Out uses a student centred approach where learners help to design and implement courses,
largely based on their identified needs and interests. Full time staff facilitate the groups along with
specialist tutors where needed. Literacy and numeracy are embedded as appropriate across the
programme e.g. members of the walking group plan trips, learn to read maps and understand coordinates, understand bus timetables, and budgeting for e.g. group costs to include entry to National
Trust properties.
Assessment Methods
There is no formal assessment, but each learner completes an individual learning plan, within which
their identified learning goals are agreed and regularly monitored.
Qualification Obtained or Learning Outcomes Achieved
Typical learning outcomes include: improved literacy/ numeracy skills; increased social skills;
improved levels of physical and mental fitness; improved self confidence, self worth, anger
management, and the introduction of more structure and purpose into what can be chaotic lives.
Progression Routes to Further Study
Learners frequently join further Reach Out programmes, following the initial 10 weeks, depending
on need. Some join other WEA courses, some move on to college or university and others move on
to other opportunities offered by partner agencies.
Possible Career/Employment Opportunities
In 16/17, 11 learners moved into employment.