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South Sefton Adult Education Centre

Brooklea is a Social Services Training Centre for adults with learning difficulties. The laptops have been successfully used at this venue to teach basic computer skills through an OCNW F.A.C.E. Computer Paintbox and Graphics course.

Not only have the group of five men effectively gained computer skills, they have also successfully completed an accredited course in just 11 weeks. They have enjoyed producing their own art designs with text and embarked on a variety of projects.

One such project involved reproducing their unique versions of Claude Monet’s ‘Haystacks on a Summer morning’. They were encouraged to imitate the ‘Impressionist’ approach and as a result their creativity and confidence flourished. Their approach to drawing on the computer became less intense and more relaxed.

The group also had the satisfaction of designing their own Christmas cards with a variety of personally chosen greetings. They entered the card designs into a competition run by Sefton Social Services and one of the students won first prize. His design was used as the official Christmas card of Sefton Social Services. David was presented with his prize by the Director of Social Services and was overjoyed with his special achievement.

Currently the class are enjoying some of Van Gogh’s famous paintings. They particularly like the painting ‘Starry Night’. Besides producing their own versions of this masterpiece, they are carrying out a variety of associated activities. These include counting and drawing the 11 stars in the painting, identifying the shapes and colours used and selecting the appropriate tools to enable them to draw the various features.

I have learnt much from this group of men. They have acquired new skills as well as developed their existing skills. They are expanding their horizons and discovering their own creativity as well as that of others through the medium of computer art. As a tutor they have and continue to expand my horizons.

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