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Learning & Self-study

Supporting learning in Libraries

Your local library gives you free access to thousands of books, fast internet-connected computers, staff trained in information skills and ICT, and much more to help you locate impartial, accurate information. The following materials and facilities are available to use in all RBWM libraries:

Computers with FREE Internet access and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Our e-LIBRARY provides free access to a number of online databases in the library as well as at home to library members.

Books on thousands of subjects (click here to access the Library Catalogue)

CD/cassette language courses

A level/GCSE/BTEC course guides on a variety of subjects

Life Skills books to help adults improve their reading, literacy & numeracy skills (see also the BBC Raw link)

If you need help locating or accessing any of this material please just ask a member of staff. You can also check for regular and one-off events such as ICT training on our Events and Promotions page.

Courses and Training

We can also help if you want to get on a course, gain a qualification, or job-related skills. There are careers collections and college prospectuses at Maidenhead and Windsor libraries available to look at. There are also two centres located in Maidenhead Library to help with your training and career needs. These are:

Grow our Own (formally CDC)

Provides support, advice, guidance and training to local residents who want to find employment in their
home area.

Information, advice and guidance on getting into or returning to work.

Practical support with CVs, applications and interviews.

Skills training, workshops and personal development.

Signposting to other organisations that could help you with your jobsearch or skills development.

Links with local businesses in the Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell areas.

Support for local employers to fill their vacancies.

Contact details:

Tel: 01628 685661. Website: http://www.growourown.co.uk/ Email: info@growourown.co.uk

Maidenhead Exchange Group

Based on the first floor of Maidenhead Library, this is a LearnDirect centre,
acting as a Life in the UK Test Centre and offering a range of Courses and Information.

Services offered:

Information and Advice

Basic and advanced computer training

Literacy and numeracy courses up to level 2

Life in the UK Test Centre

Opening Hours:
Monday: 09:30 - 16:45
Tuesday: 09:30 - 19:45
Wednesday: 09:30 - 13:00
Thursday: 09:30 - 19:45
(Friday: 09:30 - 18:45**)
(Saturday: 09:30 - 15:45**)
Sunday: Closed
** Friday and Saturday - only open for Life in the UK tests - we regret that no calls are
taken on these days.

Contact details: 1st Floor, Maidenhead Library, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1QU.
Tel: 01628 671809. Email: mailto:enquiries@exchangegroup.co.uk
For more information visit our website: http://www.exchangegroup.co.uk/

Some Learning Web Links

BBC RaW
"A guide to developing better reading and writing skills"

BBC Webwise
"The Web made simple by the BBC"

BBC Skillswise
"Improve your English and maths with Skillswise. Factsheets, worksheets, quizzes and games to help improve your skills."

Berkshire College of Agriculture
"We are a regional College, providing specialist training, education and development"
Contact details: BCA, Hall Place, Burchetts Green, Maidenhead, SL6 6QR. Tel: 01628 824444. Email: Enquiries@bca.ac.uk

Bracknell and Wokingham College
"With over 20,000 enrolments the College is the main provider of post-16 education and training in South East Berkshire"
Contact details: Church Road, Bracknell, Berks, RD12 1DJ. Tel: 0845 330 3343

Charters Adult Education
"Charters Adult Education offers a wide selection of courses, talks, workshops and demonstrations to suit all ages and interests"
Contact details: Charters School, Charters Road, Sunningdale, Berks, SL5 9QY. Tel: 01344 302614. Email: admin@charters-adult-ed.co.uk

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DfES
"Department for Education and Skills"

East Berkshire College
"East Berkshire College is one of the largest further education college's in the south east. It has two main campuses in Langley (near Slough) and Windsor."
Contact details: Tel: 0845 3732500. Email: info@eastberks.ac.uk

Learn Direct (run by Maidenhead Exchange Group)
"Learndirect offers high quality learning at a time, place and pace to suit you. You choose what to learn, when to learn - and you can learn as quickly or as slowly as you like"
Contact details:1st Floor, Maidenhead Library, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1QU. Tel: 01628 671809. Email: enquiries@exchangegroup.co.uk

Lifelong Learning
"The leading web site for the encouragement, promotion and development of lifelong learning. Lifelong Learning is supported by the Access to Learning for Adults Division of the Department for Education and Skills"

Next Step Berkshire
"Providing quality, imparital information, advice and guidance on learning and work" (Formerly known as IAG Berkshire).
Contact details: CfBT Advice and Guidance Ltd, 1st Floor, 69 High Street, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 1JX. Helpline: 0845 601 8595. Email: info@berkshire-iag.org.uk

NAWG (National Association of Writers Groups)

The National Association of Writers Groups published Link magazine every month, organises an annual writing competition with several categories and hosts the Open Annual Festival of Writing at St Aidan's College, Durham, in September. Group membership is £40 (then £35 annually), while individual associate membership is £16 p.a.

UCAS
"Universities & Colleges Admissions Service for the UK"

Workers Education Association (WEA)
The WEA Southern Region has hundreds of courses running for adults who wish to take up a course of study or simply want to learn something new.
Contact details: Workers' Educational Association, 57 Riverside 2, Sir Thomas Longley Rd, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4DB. Tel: 01634 298 600. Email: southern@wea.org.uk

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