Showcase evening in Boyne Community School to increase participation in adult education courses

The challenge of building adult education provision back to pre-Covid levels at Boyne Community School is one that its newly-appointed Director of Adult Education, Darren Keane says he is very much looking forward to.

While Boyne Community School had run a wide variety of classes and courses three nights per week pre-Covid, the current programme is now one night per week and Darren is keen to build on this and return to pre-pandemic levels in the coming years.

"I am excited to have recently commenced as the Director of Adult Education role in Boyne Community School. I once held a position of similar responsibilities in the Middle East for a network of private schools. I have many goals for the year ahead but the one that excites me the most is growing our current provision. Prior to Covid-19 the Adult Education lessons ran three evenings a week, I want to return the provision to a similar standard in the coming years," said Darren.

"We are currently offering an array of night classes, from second chance courses which support professional development to recreational courses for personal growth and socialising purposes. We offer courses such as Woodwork, Painting for Pleasure, Bridge for Improvers, Creative Writing, English for Beginners, Special Needs Assistant course (Level 5 & 6) and many more.

"Beyond the learning of the night classes we want to provide the people of Trim, and the surrounding areas, with a social space. Learners are encouraged to arrive early for their classes to grab a coffee and a pastry, meet with friends and catch up."

On Monday, 25th November Boyne CS Adult Education will host its first ‘Showcase Evening', from 7.30 - 9.00pm, where work produced by learners from the Creative Writing, Woodwork, Cake Decorating, Painting for Pleasure and Patchwork classes, will be on display.

Previous Boyne Community School students, and local vendors, Karlitto’s Pizza and Stonewall Coffee will be on-site and delicious pizza and refreshments will be available. There will be music students from the Royal County School of Music performing along with some local musicians too.

Tutor, Clare Bowman, said: "I have been teaching the QQI Special Needs Assisting (Level 5 and 6) modules in The Boyne Community School for over 15 years. We have a relaxed and supportive approach to adult education in our classes. I have met so many interesting students over the years. I enjoy watching students grow in confidence as they work through the coursework and go out on work placement. For anyone thinking of signing up for a night class....just do it. It's never too late to learn!"

The spring term will be commencing on 28th and 29th January. New additions include Introduction to Tin Whistle, Group Guitar and Ukulele, Healthy Eating, Ayurveda Wellness Series, Introduction to Gaeilge (free), Financial Literacy delivered by the local AIB branch (free) and many more.