This is an initiative of the University of Wales, Newport and was set up with European Regional Development Funding during 2000 as CUV East. Since then more than 1400 people have returned to learning by studying the 'standalone' Higher Education courses. The majority of these people had little or no previous qualifications. The initiative operates in 14 community venues across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen . The locations include Pontypool, Garndiffaith, Caerphilly, Markham, Tredegar and Ebbw Vale.
The initiative offers a wide choice of ‘stand alone’ modules within the framework of the University’s Certificate of Higher Education - Combined Open Studies programme in Humanities, Social Sciences and Computing. Modules are delivered during school term time to fit in with school hours and free childcare is provided. Enrolment takes place every term and students can choose the number of modules they wish to take at any one time. People are attracted to Higher Education by the nature of the provision in their local communities. This combined with the timing of the courses enables them to study as well as fulfil their family and other commitments.
Students are offered additional support such as a weekly computer club in several venues and study skills workshops. Many students have not studied for many years and so these facilities help them study for the module assignments or seminars.
Library facilities are available at two venues and book boxes are provided elsewhere. Internet access is provided at all venues.
Contact Addresses
In Tredegar:
Community Learning Tredegar
Centre for Community and Lifelong Learning
University of Wales, Newport
11 Gwent Shopping Centre
Tredegar
Blaenau Gwent
NP22 3EJ
T: 01495 722973 F: 01495 725591
In Pontypool:
Community Learning Pontypool
Centre for Community and Lifelong Learning
University of Wales, Newport
Torfaen People's Centre
Trosnant House
Trosnant Street
Pontypool
Torfaen
NP4 8AT
T: 01495 755595
Email: CUVEast@newport.ac.uk Website: http://cuveast.newport.ac.uk/