Wiltshire family learning from the Learning Tree

Family Learning from the Learning Tree

family learning in action at St Peters School activity day making story boxes

Nythe Saturday Academy is generating good return visits from families, bridge building at Southbroom Infants.

A link to our shop for K'NEX kits hosted by the K'NEX User Group

The best way to see the sort of events we run is to browse through the list of previous activities

The Learning Tree is a Family Learning project. Based in Wiltshire, UK the Learning Tree Family Learning team brings exciting hands on activities ranging from arts and crafts to science and technology to Primary Schools and local communities. We introduce children and their families to the idea of Lifelong Learning, learning to learn and developing the primary school as a learning community for families to use and enjoy.

The project was started in 2000 by Sue Smith. As a psychology student studying with the Open University and a mother of three primary aged school children, Sue wanted to share with others what she and her family were discovering about learning. With the support of the children and staff at St. Peter's School, Chippenham, Wiltshire, Sue was able to share these ideas through a workshop and assembly on learning to learn. At this point seven years ago Sue discovered that what she was doing was Family Learning.

'In Family Learning, providers attempt to involve a member/members of a family in learning, which then plays an interactive part in family life, through transfer, sharing of practising of skills/experience. It is a process, not just a product.' Family Learning Curriculum Review, 1998

It is this process that with many successful events (and one or two that we have used as learning experiences in themselves) that has now grown into The Learning Tree, Family Learning Project.

On this site, you too can discover for yourself what Family Learning is all about including:-

New ideas on learning to learn.
The positive affect lifelong learning can have on you as a parent.
The positive impact your learning has on your children and in turn their learning on you.
How family learning can bring school communities closer together.

On this site you can also find out what is your ideal learning style and all about multiple intelligences. You can get a taste of our Family Learning events by looking at the variety of workshops, development sessions and days on offer. The Campaign for Learning national Family Learning Week held in October is an annual focus for our activities. We are able to support many primary schools in developing a learning community that can include offering extended hours activities, curriculum enrichment, parenting and Family Learning programmes. In addition, Family Learning events delivered by The Learning Tree team can be offered as part of a school's strategy for workforce remodelling.

But don't just take our word for it. This is what others have said.

'A divine opportunity' (Premah, Chairperson, Shuqun Primary School PSG, 2007, Singapore)

'Organisation of the event was superb, I could just let them get on with it' (Jane Clarke Chippenham Festival secretary - November 2006)

'The event was excellent and gave me time to be with my daughter and enjoy learning together.' (Parent attending Malmesbury Family Learning Weekend - June 2004)

'A well organised event.' (Adult Learning Inspectorate - '3,2,1 Blast Off!' - November 2003)

'The success of the event was very much down to your planning and attention to detail.' (North and West Wiltshire Lifelong Learning Partnership - Wootton Bassett Family Learning Day -October 2004).

'We registered over 120 people. Quite clearly we can do it at St. Paul's.' (Chair of St. Paul's Primary School, Chippenham PTA - We Can Do it - January 2004)

As individuals or as part of a primary school or any other community group the Learning Tree can support you in the process of making your community a learning community. Here's how....

Identify attitudes to learning and learning needs in your community.
Identify sources of funding both locally and nationally.
Develop and deliver Family Learning events, workshops and development sessions
Promote learning how to learn for life.

For more detailed information follow the links below or on the menu on each page.

If you would like to learn more about creating a learning community please email sue@learning-tree.org.uk or click here to contact us.

Visitors, website development by Smith's Sites!