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Rave Reviews for NCC Home Learning’s Wedding Planning Course!

The reviews are in for NCC Home Learning’s Wedding Planning courses and there is nothing but praise from the distance learning students!

NCC Home Learning’s Wedding Planner diploma is a practical programme where you learn to become a qualified Wedding Planner.

The Wedding Planning home learning courses are also suitable if someone is planning their own wedding and have been exclusively authored by the gentleman who organised Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s spectacular wedding and also Robbie Williams’ 30th birthday party!

Not only are Students able to learn how to plan a wedding efficiently, they are also able to gain an accredited qualification with NCC Home Learning and even set up their own business by bundling the Wedding Planning Diploma course with our amazing Business Start-up for Today’s Entrepreneur course.

R. Price a current student with NCC Home Learning said: “I am really enjoying the Wedding Planner Diploma course and the feedback I am getting from my tutor is really good!”

K. Dyer studied the Wedding Planning course, stated: “I was delighted with my Wedding Planner course. It covered every aspect of planning a wedding and on top of this covered how to set up and promote my own wedding planning business.”

The Wedding Planner Diploma gives students the knowledge and skills they need to plan every aspect of the perfect Wedding, which is why it has received such highly acclaimed reviews from students.

NCC Home Learning aim to provide the option of distance learning for everyone, they enable you to train around your busy life style, making it easier to educate yourself or staff members.

If you require further information on our Wedding Planning courses and Events management diploma then please visit:http://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/eventandweddingplanningcourses-category-22.html.

Via EPR Network
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New York City PE And Health Professionals Support The Inclusion Of Physical Education And Health Education As ‘Core Academic Subjects’

Perhaps in response to a package of five Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) bills introduced on September 15 the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP) has scheduled a ‘mark up’ of ESEA reauthorization language for Tuesday, October 18. This means the full Committee will meet to offer and vote on amendments and then vote the bill out of Committee.

“The introduction of legislative language will certainly help to direct the discussion of what issues and language should be included in any ESEA reauthorization package and could fuel discussion during the Oct. HELP Committee‘mark up’. We expect our legislators to support the bill that will improve current status of physical education and health education. I want to mention that most New York City public schools administrators have very positive perceptions of physical education. Research paper ‘Principals’ Physical Education Perception in New York City Public Schools’ (Howard Z. Zeng, Brooklyn College) published in the Supplement to Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (March 2011) reflects that principals truly view physical education as an academic discipline. They also agree that without PE, our students will not be fully developed. Parents’ perceptions of physical education are positive as well. According to a 2002 study by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), 84% of parents had a positive perception of physical education in general, and 81% of parents believed that daily PE should be mandatory. Additionally, research has shown that 79.3% of parents revealed that their child’s physical education grade was as important as grades earned in academics (James, Griffin and France, 2005),” said Srecko Mavrek, President of Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Section of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD).

Many New York State PE and health professionals have contacted their federal legislators – to work to finalize the language. In their letters to Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer, they urge them to support the inclusion of physical education and health education as ‘core academic subjects’ during the ESEA reauthorization process. A copy of the letter was sent to the U.S. Congressman Jose E. Serrano. This important recognition would have a significant impact on students’ educational outcomes and help them to develop healthy and active lifestyles.

Both quality physical education and health education are critical components of educating the whole child, helping students to become health literate, understand the benefits of a physically active lifestyle, model and practice healthful behaviors, and adopt a lifelong commitment to healthy living. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2006 School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS), only 6.4% of elementary schools, 20.6% of middle schools and 35% of high schools required instruction in all 14 essential health topics. In fact, most students receive only about 4 hours per year of health education. At a time when one-third of our nation’s children are overweight or obese, we must take advantage of every strategy to encourage schools to provide quality physical education, which increases physical competence, physical activity participation and health-related fitness. Moreover, a recent CDC recent report provides evidence that physical education and physical activity can help improve academic achievement, including grades and standardized test scores. It also positively affects cognitive skills and behavior, and enhances concentration and memory.

“Accordingly, New York City PE and health professionals strongly urge their federal legislators to support the inclusion of physical education and health education as‘core subjects’ during the ESEA reauthorization process to improve both the health and academic achievement of our nation’s youth,” said Mavrek.

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Able Skills To Lead The Way In Electrical Training

Able Skills has announced a number of courses and evening classes available for those wishing to study electrical training including the new City and Guilds 2357 qualification.

The City and Guilds 2357 electrical qualification is set to be the only route into the electrical industry now that the C&G 2330 has reached the end of its registration period. This new qualification is designed to suit those who are new to the electrical industry as well as those who are existing practitioners, similar to the expired technical certificates (C&G 2330) and NVQs (C&G 2356).

Able Skills are one of the few training providers that offer evening classes in the City and Guilds 2357 qualification, allowing flexible hours for those studying and further displaying the company’s commitment to trades training.

As well as the new qualification, Able Skills are also offering courses in solar electrical training and courses for those wishing to become domestic installers and electricians, with the latter courses available to be studied at weekends for those who can’t study during the week.

Gary Measures, Able Skills director, said: “Able Skills are committed to providing the latest electrical courses at our dedicated training centres. We provide every accredited electrical qualification and our highly qualified and experienced instructors are among some of the best in the country.”

The new City and Guilds 2357 electrical qualification joins many other courses that are part of Able Skills training portfolio including electrical training, tiling training and plastering training.

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5 Stars for NCC Home Learning!

NCC Home Learning is extremely happy to announce that they have been awarded 5 stars due to their unprecedented distance learning service.

This incredible honour comes as no surprise to NCC as they pride themselves on quality customer service, ensuring that each and every one of their customers are continuously happy with their distance learning material.

With an outstanding 91% of customer recommendations, it is no wonder that NCC Home Learning can now pride themselves as a 5 star distance learning resource.

Samiasheikh, a student of NCC Home Learning said: “I would definitely recommend a home learning course as I could study at home in my own time around the children as well as working at the same time.”

A Psychology of Criminal Profiling student also said: “I would like to thank NCC on making learning from home a fun way to learn, not only did I pass the course, but I was under no pressure for time and I got it completed quite quickly.”

NCC Home Learning aim to provide the option of distance learning and home study for everyone, they enable you to train and study around your busy life style making it easier to educate yourself or staff members with quality home learning courses. By studying one of the 5 star distance learning courses you can continue on with your job or study from home without having to sacrifice anything from your regular day to day life which offers greater flexibility for many people.

If you happen to be interested in studying a distance learning course such as teaching assistant courses online or any psychology courses and you would like more information then please visit: www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/cart.php.

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FindAMasters.com Hits 17,000 Courses

Higher education course directory FindAMasters.com now lists more than 17,000 masters courses from all over the world, it has been revealed.

The website, which looks to match British students with domestic and overseas higher learning institutions, recently broke the milestone and managing director Andy Pritchard suggested its user-friendly design and wide variety of different choices had been central to its recent success, which has also seen scores of students sign up.

Mr Pritchard said he had been encouraged by the growing interest the website has attracted over the last few months and expressed upbeat sentiments about its future prospects, pointing out that the variety of courses listed on FindAMasters.com is continuing to increase all the time.

“We’re very pleased that more and more universities from the UK, Europe and beyond are listing their masters degrees on FindAMasters.com,” he explained. “As well as the 17,000 courses we now feature over 1,200 student profiles and hundreds of videos to help give students a full picture of what to expect from the courses on offer.”

Mr Pritchard added that with competition in the UK employment market having grown particularly intense in recent years, having a masters degree can make a world of difference to graduates’ career prospects and really make them stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.

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NCC Launches Food Hygiene At An Exceptional Price Of £9.99

Learners are now able to access training for less than £10.00 in the crucial business area of Food Hygiene. NCC has just released a self contained portfolio which can be studied at home, or in a work situation.

NCC’s workbook contains appropriate and up to date underpinning knowledge and activities/questions which will help to determine that sufficient knowledge has been understood by the learner. In addition, learners are required to complete a short multiple-choice end test to confirm that a satisfactory grade has been achieved. For all learners who are successful, a Certificate of Achievement from NCC will be provided. For those learners who wish to receive a certificate from an external Awarding Body, for an additional fee of £15 a certificate from the Awarding Body NCFE can also be applied for.

Tony Smith, Managing Director NCC, confirms that a significant amount of interest has been received following news that food hygiene training for can now be achieved for an unprecedented price of £9.99. At NCC we are always looking to add value to our ever growing portfolio of home learning courses and at this time many popular programmes are on offer to help learners progress with their education, whether this is to support a job application, such as for a Teaching Assistant or Events management diploma or to update qualifications such as distance learning A Levels.

The Food Standards Agency state that: “Food handlers must receive appropriate supervision, and be instructed and/or trained in food hygiene, to enable them to handle food safely. Those responsible for developing and maintaining the business’s food safety procedures, based on HACCP principles, must have received adequate training”.

“The requirements for training should be seen in the context of the nature and size of the business. There is no legal requirement to attend a formal training course or get a qualification, although many businesses may want their staff to do so. The necessary skills may also be obtained in other ways, such as through on-the-job training, self-study or relevant prior experience. The operator of the food business is responsible for ensuring this happens”.

With over 250 courses available and with programmes starting at £9.99 there has never been a better time to study home courses with NCC. There is also a standard fee of £9.99 for shipping and posting so we advise to buy in bundles to save on pennies!

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Able Skills To Open New Renewable Energy Centre In Bradford

Able Skills is to open its first training centre away from its headquarters in Dartford, Kent. The new centre is the first evidence of a national expansion from the company and the latest development in Able Skills’ partnership with Vokera.

The new centre, which will open on January 9th, 2012, will offer courses in ground source heat pump training, solar thermal training, a MCS workshop and a route to accreditation, product training on Vokera boilers, renewable energy awareness training, onsite and offsite support from design through to installation and commissioning and a route to the Vokera installer network with additional benefits and rewards.

With Able Skills’ firm reputation for renewable training and quality and Vokera’s excellent reputation established from its boiler production and sales, and their range of renewable technologies such as solar thermal kits and air to water heat pumps, the partnership provides excellent resources for those seeking to work in the renewable energy industry.

Jed Smith, Head of Renewables at Able Skills, said: “Both Vokera and Able Skills are forward thinking organisations, the partnership almost formed itself as both companies were aiming for the same levels of quality and services within the renewables industry. Vokera have good quality products and we have good quality training delivery and possibly the best training facility in the UK.”

Able Skills and Vokera will also exhibit at PHEX: The Plumbing and Heating Exhibition, which takes place on October 11th/12th at Old Trafford and on November 23rd at Stamford Bridge. Stamford Bridge is the largest and the most popular of the annual PHEX Exhibition venues where over 110 stands will feature the sector’s top suppliers and manufacturers will demonstrate their latest products and services. Old Trafford will feature over 80 stands displaying the latest industry products.

The announcement of the new centre in Bradford follows the news that Able Skills is to open a new solar PV centre at its Kent headquarters. The company also opened a renewable energy centre in November last year dedicated to delivering training in various aspects of Renewable Technology.

About Able Skills:
Able Skills was launched in 2002 and is now firmly established as one of the leaders in the delivery of Construction Training and is currently in the position of being able to offer qualifications in every subject it covers, right up to NVQ level 3. Programmes include electrical courses, intensive plumbing courses, painting and decorating courses and gas courses and commercial gas courses.

Via EPR Network
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Able Skills Opens New Solar PV Centre

Able Skills has opened a new solar photovoltaic (PV) centre at its headquarters in Dartford.

The new centre has bigger roofs and the latest technology, providing students with a more realistic learning experience and helping Able Skills deliver the latest solar PV qualifications. The investment in new solar PV centre demonstrates the company’s dedication to renewable energy training, with Able Skills committed to teaching the next generation of engineers.

With the growing popularity in renewable energies and the cost of such technologies becoming more and more affordable, the demand for Solar Photovoltaic installer and maintenance qualified electricians is forever increasing. Able Skills now provided two courses, one catering for fully qualified electricians and the other catering for fully qualified domestic electrical installers.

The City & Guilds 2399 (11-12) is a Photovoltaic training programme aimed at any qualified electricians. To apply for this course, applicants would be required to hold a C&G 2330 Level 2 & 3 with the 2391 Inspection & Testing or a City & Guilds NVQ Level3 or a Term served validation from a company stating their work and time served as a qualified electrician.

Alternatively, interested parties can undertake the NICEIC route which is aimed towards Domestic Electrical Installers. Able Skills currently offers a package deal that will take applicants from the very beginning, right the way through to becoming a fully domestic Solar PV installer.

Gary Measures, Director of Able Skills said: “Able Skills are proud to open this new cutting-edge centre which demonstrates our commitment to renewable energy training. With bigger roofs and better facilities, students will benefit from a more realistic learning experience.”

As well as the solar PV courses, Able Skills offers a number of other programmes for those interested in working within the renewable energy industry. With a purpose built Renewable Technology centre, Able Skills is perfectly equipped to demonstrate every aspect of renewable technology for those on electrical courses or plumber courses, including ground source and air source heat pumps, underfloor hot water heating systems, rainwater harvesting and wind turbines among others.

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Learn that Second Language at UIC

There’s constantly a large demand for the learning of another language, with plenty of people requiring it for work, travel, relationship and other reasons. There’s always one major stumbling block though, it’s rather difficult and takes a long time.

For those looking to learn a second language there are many different options available such as buying a CD or downloading a podcast, investing in a course book or using the internet. But by far the most successful method is to actual learn in a classroom with a trained teacher and a group of like-minded individuals.

There are many schools across the UK and London that you can study at and UIC is one which suit’s the needs of many individuals perfectly. Because the majority of classes are held in the evening, students can still hold down a busy social, work and family life yet cram in plenty of practise and learning every week. The programmes generally last for 10 weeks and take place once a week for two hours.

UIC is a great place to attend if you are looking to improve on or begin your journey with any of the following: French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Whether you plan on going travelling, fancy a change in career, or you just want to pick up a new hobby, UIC can help your progress.

At UIC there are also special courses which are for companies who wish to teach a whole workforce or key individuals a new language. Perhaps you require someone with Japanese to clinch the next big business deal, you’ve expanded to parts of Europe and need French and Spanish phone operators or maybe a trip further a field is on the cards? UIC will design a course suited to you and it can take place in your residence or at the UIC Centre.

Via EPR Network
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Flexible Options For Language Classes At SGI

Now in its 50th year of teaching, St George International (SGI) is offering more flexible and student-orientated ways to learn a language than ever before. These new courses build upon the school’s already broad programme, which includes chances to learn across the UK and other locations.

St George International’s latest course packages allow for flexible learning by letting the learner purchase nine hours of lessons, which can then be used as and when the learner wishes. New pricing also provides more options for a range of budgets; students can have private lessons with one or two friends or colleagues and a teacher, with prices starting from £11 plus VAT each an hour. One-to-one private lessons start at just £28 plus VAT an hour.

It is not only the lessons that are designed to fit around the learners. SGI’s main school is located in Fitzrovia, central London. The school is well equipped with the latest range of learning tools. But for anything from Russian to French courses London is not the only location students can choose. SGI has a 2,000-strong team of highly qualified teachers based around the UK, offering classes both in the daytime and the evening. Fancy getting away from it all? Study in Nice, Barcelona or Berlin with SGI’s partner schools to learn a language in the native country.

Via EPR Network
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Product Design Course Attracting Lots Of Student Enquiries Says Distance Learning Provider

The Interactive Design Institute, the UK’s leading provider of online qualifications in Art & Design is experiencing a high level of interest in their innovative online Product Design course. “Our admissions team is receiving a significant number of enquiries from students looking for an online degree course in Product Design and ultimately, a career in Product Design” reports Michael Stewart, a director with IDI.

“Our Product Design qualification has been specifically developed by the Institute and is accredited by the University of Hertfordshire, one of the UK’s leading universities. At IDI we are confident that our course suits the requirements of students who are aiming to become the Product Designers of the future”.

Throughout the world, the UK is recognised for its strong tradition of excellence in design education. UK Product design courses are based on a combination of sound educational methodology and industry practice that, in turn, generates highly sought after designers, hence the demand that is being experienced by IDI staff.

The Interactive Design Institute is a collaborative partner of the University of Hertfordshire and currently delivers their Product Design qualification to the level of Certificate in Education following one year’s online study, with the Product Design diploma being awarded after two years online study and finally, the degree after three years online study. Product Design students can opt to study all or part of the degree programme online as they also have the option to study any part of their course on an attendance basis at the University of Hertfordshire. In addition, students can choose to study product design on a full or part time basis.

Michael Stewart, director of IDI continues, “Our online Product Design course has been especially written by professional designers, industry practitioners and highly qualified academics for online delivery. Our course is specifically designed to prepare students for employment in a wide range of product design based professions”.

Essentially, IDI’s online Product Design course enables students to study towards a universally recognised degree and therefore entry to a competitive but often lucrative career. Throughout the course students are encouraged to adopt a professional attitude to their studies and the working environment is simulated through a sequence of practical projects which enables them to gain a range of technical skills and professional knowledge. As with all IDI courses, students are encouraged to be experimental and take risks in order to push the boundaries within their own practice. However, this innovative approach is underpinned by solid research work into historical and contemporary practices.

Michael Stewart concludes, “The Interactive Design Institute’s online Product Design degree programme emphasises professionalism and industry relevance. We have experienced a significant demand to provide such a course online and following extensive development work, are delighted to offer our Product Design course for students across the UK and internationally”.

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Online Graphic Design Degree Students Graduate With The Interactive Design Institute

The UK’s leading provider of online qualification in Art & Design, the Interactive Design Institute (IDI) is preparing to celebrate the graduation of the first groups of students from their innovative BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree course. This is the first time students have graduated from a UK BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design delivered entirely online and the IDI team are delighted:

“At the Interactive Design Institute we are thrilled that our course, which was specifically developed for online delivery and accredited by the University of Hertfordshire, has proved so successful”, says Michael Stewart, director of IDI.

As a collaborative partner of the University of Hertfordshire, one of the UK’s leading universities, the Interactive Design Institute developed the online BA (Hons) in Graphic design over a number of years, with expert input from a variety of sources. IDI also went through a rigorous validation process with the University of Hertfordshire in order to ensure that the quality and standards of their online courses matches the requirements of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) “At IDI, we are aware that the UK has a long tradition of innovation in design and a reputation for the quality of teaching and high standards of research activity in its universities and colleges”, continues Stewart.

“Consequently, we tasked a specially selected group of industry professionals, design practitioners and highly qualified academics with creating course content that would prepare students for entry into a career in the Graphic Design industry”.

The results speak for themselves. Every student in the first group of graduates has not only passed, but achieved commendable grades with two first class, four upper second and two lower second degrees being awarded. Indeed, the independent, external assessors responsible for appraising the students’ work were unanimous in their praise for the high standards achieved.

“This is a remarkable achievement when you consider that only four of these students are based in the UK with the others living in Moscow, Hungary and Trinidad & Tobago”, says Stewart. “To date all communication between students and tutors has taken place within IDI’s bespoke online study environment, IDI-Study, so all are equally keen to attend the University of Hertfordshire’s graduation ceremony scheduled for November 2011”

The Interactive Design Institute is confident that this high level of student achievement is not only an endorsement of their Graphic Design course but for online delivery as a viable alternative to attendance based study.

Michael Stewart continues, “IDI’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is our response to the significant number of enquiries we have received over the last few years for a flexible, affordable alternative for those who want to take control of how and when they study. Many of our applications come from working professionals who wish to upgrade an existing design qualification or from those working in other disciplines who would like to retrain but need the flexibility that online study can provide.

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Choosing a Home Learning Company

NCC Home learning commenced delivery to its first learners in May 2006 and has been built on a pedigree of delivery with Colleges of Further Education for over thirteen years and to hundreds of thousands of successful learners.

Over recent years many new home learning organisations have emerged and tempt interested learners with a variety of offers and describe and present their business extremely well. On the flip side, some may have an exciting, interesting and a visually appealing website but it would appear little substance.

Prospective learners could save themselves heartache and money by making a few checks before signing up, including: Does the home learning website have an appropriate business address and can you establish how long they have been providing education? Can they be found on independent review sites with testimonials (good and bad) from learners who they have supported? Do they offer full Awarding Body accreditation with their courses if this is important to the learner? Is their fee policy transparent, or does the learner have to pay for additional items such as reference materials, accreditation etc? Is their a cooling off period?

Many organisations also offer a ‘free learner goody bay’ including additional items such as a pen, note pad, highlighter pens, bag to keep course work in etc. These items are inevitably a cost to the provider and must be factored into the overall cost of the course – ask if a discount can be offered if the ‘free goody bag’ is not required.

The most important aspect of all though is to conduct thorough research as impulsive purchases may not always suit the learner’s needs fully. Many home learning companies offer similar courses and at wildly differing prices. Once a learner has decided upon a course subject area, an appropriate search in Google, or other search engines, will throw up many organisations offering a solution. It is recommended that learner’s contact a number of organisations and satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information, before committing to make a purchase.

NCC Home learning offers learners a professional solution with Awarding Body accreditation included within the course price for over 90% of the course offered. We have approximately 250 courses available, many of which are targeted at improving employability skills such as our Teaching Assistant Diploma, Distance Learning A Levels, and Computerised Book Keeping etc.

Tony Smith, Managing Director at NCC Home Learning, said: “Learners should consider as many education development options as possible before making a decision which could ultimately change their career options.”

He also stated that: “Learners should undertake appropriate research and if not totally satisfied, take a step back before making a purchasing decision and only commit when they know that they have found the right course, and that they know that they can commit the time necessary to achieve their goal.”

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Beat the Rush and Get Your A-Levels Today!

NCC Home Learning is currently providing an impressive range of A-Level courses, ideal for those who choose to learn from home. This is perfect for those who can’t afford the new tuition fee increase but want to further their education.

September 2012 sees the rise in tuition fees for university student’s which is why now more than ever it is important to start thinking about further education. University may not be on the cards for most people but having A-Level qualifications will help to achieve potential career goals.

A-Levels could become more desired due to the increase in tuition fees. Less people will go to university and will start looking for other qualifications, so now is the best time to achieve A-Level qualifications without having to fight for the course you want.

NCC Home Learning provide courses such as Psychology courses online and Business Studies, as well as Law and Mathematics which can be completed in the comfort of your own home, so there is no need to worry about the disruption of attending any classes.

99% of NCC Home Learning learners surveyed agreed that they: “learnt a lot while studying their chosen programme” proving that studying A-Levels at home is worthwhile and now is the best time to do it in order to beat the high demands of A-Levels in the future.

Tony Smith Managing Director of NCC Home Learning, said: “The courses offered through NCC Home Learning are a fantastic way of achieving qualifications without the need to attend college.”

The course you choose to study at home will have all the correct learning materials needed to complete the course and all NCC Home Learning A Levels are awarded by national accrediting bodies including Edexcel, AQA and OCR.

NCC Home Learning aim to provide the option of further education for everyone, they enable you to learn around your busy life style making it easier to gain an education.

If you are interested in furthering your education or would like more information then please visit: www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/cart.php.

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Online Education Provider Interactive Design Institute Introduces the Employers Discount Scheme

The UK’s leading provider of online qualifications in Art & Design has introduced a scheme that enables those already in employment, the opportunity to gain the degree they’ve always wanted.

Spokesperson for the Interactive Design Institute, Michael Stewart, says, “Our admissions team was frequently approached by working professionals keen to upgrade existing design based qualifications and those looking for a means to retrain for an alternative career in design. At the Institute, we already have the type of courses that suit the learner who is looking for a flexible mode of study but we were prompted to look for ways in which we could make these courses even more affordable and that’s when we came up with the “Employers Discount Scheme”.

The idea behind the scheme is simple; both the employer and the employee are responsible for the overall course fee but because this is shared, the cost is minimised. The scheme is designed to assist both the employer and their employees, not only through generous discounts on course fees, but also by providing cost effective, in service training and career development opportunities. Employees are encouraged to enhance their qualifications at a fraction of the usual cost while employers may be able to offset their portion of the fees against tax, safe in the knowledge that the service provider, IDI, is a collaborative partner of the University of Hertfordshire, one of the UK’s leading universities.

“It really is a “win win” situation”, says Stewart. “IDI is widely recognised as a provider of high quality design based courses and we take the burden of organising continued professional training away from the employer and provide a comprehensive educational programme that leads to a universally recognised, UK based qualification”.

Praise for the scheme is already flooding in to the Institute in form of unsolicited testimony;

“Without the employer discount I don’t think it would have been possible for me to study with IDI” said student James Latham.

Uniquely, IDI’s Employers Discount Scheme is also available to those who are self employed.

“I am part owner in the company, I will personally benefit and my company will also benefit from my newly gained knowledge and its implementation into our company” said student Josh Grindal.

For several years now The Interactive Design Institute’s online learning courses have enabled students to combine their studies with other commitments, such as family obligations or work related issues. IDI students can study flexibly, at times which suit them, and can combine their studies with full or part time employment.

This latest initiative from IDI, The Employers Discount Scheme, is straightforward, uncomplicated and intended to provide access to an even wider range of prospective students. For every contribution an employer makes towards an employee’s course fees, the Interactive Design Institute will contribute a further 35%. The combined savings for employees are considerable as can be seen from these illustrative examples:

For employers paying the maximum on behalf of their employees, the fees are broken down as follows:

For Higher Education courses, the course fee is £4,000 of which the employer contribution is £2,963 while IDI contributes £1,073. The student pays nothing and therefore saves £4,000.

For Foundation courses, the course fee is £3,000 of which the employer contribution is £2,223 while IDI contributes £778. The student pays nothing and therefore saves £3,000

Naturally, the admissions team at IDI is excited about this latest product from an Institute that prides itself on providing high quality educational courses to an ever increasing student market.

Employers who have already taken advantage of the scheme include Bread & Butter Design, Layla Lingerie and Siuin Design.

For more information on individual circumstances, or to make an application through the IDI Employers Discount Scheme, please contact Carolyn Hall on 01875 320 597 or Freephone 0800 917 1118 or by e-mail at: carolyn.hall@idesigni.co.uk.

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Online Education A More Attractive Option For Students As Universities Continue Increasing Tuition Fees

The Government’s decision to allow universities in the UK to set their own levels of course fees has had an unexpected knock on effect for providers of distance learning.

As the dust begins to settle on the furore surrounding many universities plans to increase course fees to the maximum level permitted, distance learning organisations look poised to cash in – literally.

Established companies such as the Interactive Design Institute have remained largely unaffected by the scrabble to establish record levels of tuition fees across the UK’s higher education sector. “The cost of providing higher education courses need not be prohibitive” according to Michael Stewart, director at IDI, “Distance learning providers are able to deliver the many of the same courses with the same high levels of student support but at a fraction of the cost”.

For example, universities in Wales are proposing to charge student tuition fees of up to £9,000 per annum after their original applications were rejected by the Higher Education Funding Council. The HEFCW stated that the universities would be required to show that their proposals demonstrated how they would allocate a proportion of the new fee to the promotion of higher education and the encouragement of equality of opportunity.

The cost of the new scheme could result in long term financial difficulties for university level education in Wales.

In England, the fees will be paid directly to the university as a government loan. The university then recoups this loan from students following graduation. However, in Wales the government are planning to cover the increase by providing a grant to fund the difference between the current course fee and the proposed higher fee.

Consequently, 75% of Welsh students will be unaffected by the increase as they will be in receipt of this government grant. The cost to the Welsh Assembly will be in the region of £1.5 billion and this explains why the Welsh Assembly is anxious to ensure the maximum return on this investment.

Some commentators feel that the delivery of higher education requires a major overhaul but in the interim, innovative providers such as the Interactive Design Institute are generating significant enquiries from students seeking other modes of learning.

For these new providers, issues of affordability, flexibility and inclusion can be tackled quickly by re-evaluating the way in which education is delivered. Face to face interaction at an attendance based university is a resource heavy, inflexible and expensive model that requires the provision of an extensive infrastructure.

The physical classroom is no longer the centre of the educational universe, fact recognised by the collaborative partnership between The University of Hertfordshire’s and the Interactive Design Institute.

Distance learning providers such as the Interactive Design Institute deliver their courses to students through an online learning environment where each student has their own studio and can communicate with their tutors and fellow students in a series of dedicated forums.

Via EPR Network
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Back To School Discounts From Asda, Debenhams And Staples

The coupon and discount vouchers site, OfferMyOffer.com, presents back to school sales from over 1000 online stores, spanning more than 30 categories, including Education, fashion, beauty and eye care, home and garden and many more. We feature the likes of Asda back to school discounts; Debenhams discount vouchers and Staple back to school offers.

It’s the time of year again that all students dread, but all parents love: the start of term. After a long summer of holidays and fun in the sun, we welcome the Autumn with a rush of pupils who cannot wait to get back to their friends. Lessons replace gaming consoles, and weeks of boredom and laziness evaporate as everyone gets back into the swing of things.

The beginning of the academic year is an exciting time for everyone, and even if you have been through it many times before, there is always a certain thrill associated with going back to school. Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, it can be a stressful and busy period, but one that will pave the way for new beginnings. The summer holidays can easily make people lazy, so it’s important for students to be prepared to embark upon the journey of a new school year.

It is not that simple; however, as everyone knows the rate at which students go through clothes, stationery and a whole lot more. It is not only the academic tasks that lie ahead, but also the challenge of finding the best bargains for new gear. Whether it is a set of new folders to take to University, or new uniforms for primary school children, help is at hand from Offermyoffer.com to find the cheapest deals available.

Debenhams offers a fantastic range of discounted rucksacks, like the highly sought after black Back-to-school Mini Backpack that has an astonishing 50% savings available. The backpack is also available in navy and pink. George at ASDA also has a grand offer on their back to school wear: spend £20 and get £5 off your purchase. They also have free home delivery on the same range of clothes.

For the tech-savvy students, eBooks.com is offering a 5% discount on all ebooks as their Back-to-school discount. If it is software is what you’re after, then Adobe’s Back-to-school promotion enables you a sensational saving of up to 80% on Adobe Student and Teacher Editions. Plus, they are throwing in free shipping!

Via EPR Network
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Back to School Made Easy by the Book People

Specialist online book shop the Book People has created a blog post which gives its readers their top five recommended resources when it comes to getting the children back to school.

As well as providing a huge selection of the best children’s books and reference books for kids, the Book People aims to be a useful resource for parents, teachers, children and avid readers alike. The latest blog post, which went live this morning, includes a snippet about each website included in the list so that the reader is given a taster of why it has been chosen and why they might find it useful to read before the new term begins, and afterwards.

The blog post includes websites that offer useful reading tips, fun ways to get reluctant readers interested, shopping guides to ensure the kids are prepared and how to prepare for the first days of school or nursery.

Previous blog posts from the Book People have included Top 10 travel advice blogs and Top 10 book review sites, and those sites that are included often receive an eye-catching winner’s badge to put on their homepage. The Book People offers affordable books to buy online and organises its range into age groups, genres and much more to make it easy for customers to find and order the books they want.

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NCFE Level 2 Award in Nutrition and Health launched by NCC Home Learning

Home learning company, NCC Home Learning, is pleased to launch a brand new qualification to add to its existing extensive portfolio of courses available as correspondence or online learning materials.

NCC Home Learning are an established training provider who specialise in the delivery of education to remote learners who find it difficult to attend

conventional training due to constricting factors such as location, attendance time, number of training days required etc. By delivering education at a distance, NCC Home Learning are able to support learners irrespective of their location and at a time and pace which means that a balance can be maintained to run alongside additional necessary activities including work, home, leisure, recreational etc. Price may also be a considered factor and in many instances, a home learning methodology can be far more effective as their will be limited requirement for overheads such as delivery accommodation.

This qualification is ideal for a wide range of learners who are interested in improving their understanding of nutrition and healthy eating. It is further pointed out by the Foresight Study that if current trends continue, by 2050 about 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children in the UK will be obese. The rising levels could cost the country £45 billion a year by 2050 through increased care requirements and missed working hours.

It is of particular note, that Food Technology will become a compulsory subject at Key Stage 3 within schools from September 2011and the NCFE Level 2 Award in Nutrition and Health could be of particular benefit to all concerned.

The programme covers three key Units of learning as detailed:
• Explore Principles of Healthy Eating
• Consider Nutritional Needs of a Variety of Individuals
• Use Food and Nutrition Information to Plan a Healthy Diet

Tony Smith Managing Director of NCC Home Learning, said: “The courses offered through NCC Home Learning are a fantastic way of achieving qualifications without the need to attend College on a prescribed day and at a time designated by the College which may not be appropriate to the needs of the learner”.

“NCC has approaching 250 courses available covering a great many subject areas fromCriminal Psychology to Events Management Diploma’s and is suitable to all budgets. NCC also offer payment plans to help learners who may find it difficult to pay for their course in one payment”.

Via EPR Network
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eReader Is Just The Tonic For Winning Science Student Leonie

FindAMasters and FindAPhD.com have just announced the first winner of a new prize draw to win an amazing Amazon Kindle eReader.

Leonie Stimson, currently a BSc student in Human Biosciences at the University of Northampton, was chosen from among all those who signed up to receive FindAMasters’ and FindAPhD’s latest newsletter, packed with information about postgraduate courses all over the UK.

When told of her success, Leonie said: “Thank you! I’m generally not a lucky person.”

She signed up to FindAMasters and FindAPhD to help her decide which path to take for her postgraduate studies, and said that the helpfulness of all her current teaching staff at the University of Northampton had persuaded her to consider this option.

Leonie said: “I love the idea of having a specific research project that you study in depth that as a result will increase my knowledge of the subject area as well as hopefully adding to the information which is already available to others on the topic.

“I hope it will eventually open many doors into a career in biosciences,” she added.

Leonie said that she had made considerable use of FindAPhD.com since signing up to the website.

“The regular updates are very useful in giving information on new opportunities for PhDs, as well as tips on how to apply.

“It provides all the information anyone will need to pursue the chase to study for a PhD,” she said.

FindAPhD will be giving away another Kindle in the middle of next month. To be in with a chance of winning it, sign up to the newsletter at http://www.FindAPhD.com/Kindle.

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