413 Courses

Sacred Kakaw Ceremony and Sound Journey You are warmly invited to join us for this autumnal gathering in the Sunhouse, guided by Annabelle and Arjuna. We will begin by sharing a kakaw ritual together before flowing into a long sound medicine journey to deeply relax, release, rejuvenate on a cellular level and experience a vaster state of awareness. Instruments include a Chiron gong, crystal singing bowls, drums, flutes, voice, kora, handpan, chimes, rattles and more. KAKAW RITUAL We will share a ceremonial brew of the plant Kakaw (a Mayan spelling of Cacao), with honour to traditions Toltec and Mayan. Kakaw opens the heart, connecting us to the ancestral wisdom in our blood, to our sensuous creativity and inspiration, and to the unseen realms. She is a grandmother plant for bringing about equilibrium and elemental connection, for supporting emotional expression, illuminating the shadows, and celebrating the bliss of existence. The Kakaw we will be communing with comes from an ecological plantation in the ancient Lacandona jungle of Chiapas, Mexico, where it is lovingly tended by a Mayan family and prepared with the intention for it to be shared ceremonially. SOUND MEDICINE A deep meditative journey, vibrating the material of our being to bring us into a more harmonious flow. Amongst other things, it supports our bodies in relaxation and stress release, circulation, detoxification, and cellular rejuvention. Meditatively, it can guide us into waking dream states whereby we can reconcile subconscious memories, receive clarity and guidance, and journey into the unseen. YOUR HOSTS ANNABELLE CHARANBANI My path is devoted to the healing and creative arts, supporting people to come into greater presence and to engage with life with more passion, ease, curiosity and confidence. For this, we work towards optimising physical health, creative flow, connecting with spirit, and allowing the heart and soul to lead with greater clarity. I primarily serve with kundalini yoga and meditation, sound medicine, intuitive storytelling, ritual and holistic massage, accompanied by various plants. This line of work is ultimately about finding balance. Of solar and lunar, personal and impersonal, infinity and finity consciousness, earth-water-wind-fire-ether. It includes detoxing physically and emotionally, reconciling and releasing tired memories, finding greater flow with creative energy and joy, and stimulating sensuality. We develop our relationship with the soul, and we become more awake to the ways in which wisdom and guidance is being transmitted in each moment. I’m in deep gratitude to my many teachers and guides – human, plant, animal, mineral, angel and other – with whose perspective and company I’ve had the fortune to be gifted. ARJUNA MAGEE I am a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience in music performance, recording, and teaching drums across the UK and abroad, and was raised in Glastonbury. From an early age I developed a passion for music and rhythm. I was born into a bhakti tradition, and whilst on a family holiday to India at the age of 10 I fell in love with the ecstatic heartfelt folk music, kirtan. This began my journey of music education, receiving lessons on the Mridanga, the Harmonium, the drum kit, the African djembe, Indian, Irish and Japanese flutes, guitar, hand pan, kora and singing. Since the age of 14 I’ve been performing with bands around Europe, playing and exploring many styles including Funk, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Soul, Folk and World music. As well as making music, a lot of my focus is now directed toward studying music and rhythm therapy and offering this in care homes, hospitals and hospices.

Come and join us to learn this beautiful meditative technique and let your mind and body relax with your hands engaged in this amazing creative and mindful activity. Weaving is a technique that has existed for thousands of years, present in every culture across the globe. You can weave with various materials and we will be using only upcycled wool and other textile pieces. You are also more than welcome to bring your own fabric scraps or wool and incorporate them it into your project. During the 3 hours workshop, you will learn how to set up a basic weaving loom, see some examples, and discuss various possibilities how they could be incorporated into clothing and fashion projects. This workshop will familiarise you with basic weaving techniques. We will cover how to prepare a loom, the plain weave and the soumak stitch. You should be able to complete a small wall hanging about size A6 (4,1x5,8 inches) or a bookmark if you are a complete beginner. This workshop is led by Anna Baran, a trauma informed designer, artist, and maker based in the north of Edinburgh. She has always drawn inspiration from the sea, with her walks to local beaches, particularly Wardie Bay during the lockdown, becoming not only a source of new ideas for her artistic practice but also a way to gather materials such as driftwood, pieces of plastic ropes, and seashells. Anna has consistently sought to incorporate upcycled materials into her art, using her work to raise environmental awareness and promote art as an accessible medium for self-expression, regardless of financial circumstances. In addition to participating in various art exhibitions and fashion-related events, she has delivered a wide range of art and craft workshops to diverse communities across Edinburgh. This FREE workshop is for Adults women only and is sponsored by CORRA and HENRY DUNCAN GRANTS By attending this class you release Anna Baran, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.

Introduction to mixed media landscape art at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre

Rise and Shine! Join us for a morning of connection and inspiration at our breakfast club. Whether you're a club leader, community member, or just curious, come share your stories, swap ideas, and spark new collaborations over a bite to eat. This event is for anyone involved in or interested in sport, physical activity, community projects and/or welfare. Let’s build bridges and strengthen our local ties—together!

This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work in Primary and Secondary schools and Academies, as well as Early Years, FE and adult settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and people of all ages. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Early Years Inclusion Description This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work in schools and other settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and young people of all ages. Not just another day on ‘Behaviour Management’ – our ‘Fresh Approaches to Behaviour and Relationships’ day goes well beyond a rewards and sanctions approach to ‘behaviour’. We will be focused on those young people for whom rewards and punishments do not always work and who confuse the adults who work with them. We aim to take a relationships based approach and to give those attending an opportunity to think more deeply about why young people do the things they do and what our part as adults is in creating, sustaining and changing these behaviours. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to children’s behaviour and relationship building. If your usual approaches to managing behaviour aren’t working with particular individuals then take a tour through this range of cutting edge strategies for bringing about positive behaviour change, and for meeting challenging emotional needs. Testimonials ‘Thank you so much for the excellent training day you delivered last week. I found the whole experience quite uplifting and inspirational.’ ‘Thought provoking and empowering. Probably the best training day we’ve had in school’ ‘There was already evidence on the first day of school for pupils that staff were adopting a different approach. Thank you so much for helping us to make a difference.’ ‘Today has to have been one of the very best INSET days I have personally been to – full of practical tips and techniques to use in the classroom; and also proof that this approach does work in practice. It really was inspirational and an excellent start to the term.’ ‘Very motivating and exciting course.’ ‘Another fantastic Colin and Derek training session’ ‘Enjoyed this course very much. Derek and Colin worked very hard and I understood it. Thank you.’ Learning Objectives Reinforce and affirm good practice Re-energise, stimulate and challenge thinking about inclusion of challenging young people and children Increased understanding about behaviour and emotions Increased confidence in managing challenging pupils in childcare settings mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards families and children and young people Learn new skills and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For ? Primary and secondary staff teams All Childcare Providers – Out of School club staff/Childminders/Youth Workers Early years and school based practitioners Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary teachers Year Managers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course answers the questions: Are there any new ways to include our most challenging young people? Should we focus on behaviour or relationships? How do we go about including high profile children or young people? Can we find an alternative to exclusion? What would a relationship policy look like? The following are some of the key themes and tools we are likely to explore during the day Getting the welcome right for the most challenging Encouraging – getting the best from the most challenging- Circle of Courage – belonging-achievement-generosity – independence Active listening – Listening to the person underneath the behaviour Compass of Shame – which directions do children and young people head when they feel shame? And what helps children work through these feelings in more healthy ways? Involving other children and young people in solutions and interventions – Circles of friends: peer support, counselling and mediation Team Problem Solving – Solution Circles: a 30 minute group problem solving process to get Teams ‘unstuck’ and to generate positive first action steps Circle of Adults: a process that ‘listens deeper’ to generate reflective problem solving creating lasting behaviour change and effective behaviour intervention plans. A particularly valuable process for those looking to enhance their leadership and facilitation skills Restorative justice and restitution: principles and practice of this approach to repairing harm and restoring relationships without reliance on punishment Understanding the effects of Separation, Loss, Trauma and Neglect on children’s learning and relationships in school and what adults can do to reach and support these children

Join us for this free CPD workshop for educators seeking creative, art-based learning to develop oracy and critical thinking skills in their classrooms. This workshop is designed for educators who are keen to support the development of transferable communication skills. You do not need prior ceramics experience or art training to attend this session. Taking inspiration from our Transferer programme, this CPD workshop will support teachers who want to improve their students' oracy and critical thinking skills through the medium of clay.

In this lively interactive workshop we will explore the challenges faced by leaders of schools when tackling inclusion issues. We develop the concept of the leader as being central to the web of an organisation and the web of inclusion. Information flows freely to and from the leaders and interconnections are a premium. We explore shared leadership and consensus building using the Native American ‘Medicine Wheel’ to guide and structure our management of change. Course Category Inclusion Description In this lively interactive workshop we will explore the challenges faced by leaders of schools when tackling inclusion issues. We develop the concept of the leader as being central to the web of an organisation and the web of inclusion. Information flows freely to and from the leaders and interconnections are a premium. We explore shared leadership and consensus building using the Native American ‘Medicine Wheel’ to guide and structure our management of change. Testimonials ‘Inclusive practice has become more daring, more radical, more inspirational, more inclusive. How exciting and encouraging!’ ‘What a moving and energising day – there is so much we can do together’ Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing leadership for inclusive practice in mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on team building Deeper understanding of developing vision and consensus Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards staff, parents and pupils New skills and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For? Heads and Deputies Leaders Managers of Chidren’s Centres Managers of Early Years settings Local Authority Support Services Course Content The course answers the questions: How to get a team thinking and working more inclusively? How to create and share my vision? Where do I start to think about developing a more inclusive setting? How can I get the best out of my team? We will cover a range of areas including: Establishing a welcoming team Building Vision and values Developing Trust Creating inclusive staff teams and communities of acceptance Creative Team problem solving Organisational models Curriculum access and curriculum design for inclusion Work with parents Consensus building If you liked this course you may well like: LEADERSHIP: CREATING AND SHARING YOUR VISION

In this practical workshop session we will explore ways of problem solving around complex situations. The session will be practical and will aim to allow the sharing of experiences and good practice as well promoting innovative approaches to problem solving around systemic, organisational as well as individual inclusion issues. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Visioning and Problem Solving Description ‘The question is not should they be here anymore. Now it’s how can we figure out how best to include them?’ In this practical workshop session we will explore ways of problem solving around complex situations. The session will be practical and will aim to allow the sharing of experiences and good practice as well promoting innovative approaches to problem solving around systemic, organisational as well as individual inclusion issues. Behaviour problems, relationship challenges and personnel dilemmas can all be worked on with these team oriented problem solving processes. We will introduce participants to a range of powerful effective approaches for them to choose from back in their own workplaces. Testimonials A great day – going away buzzing with ideas Excellent! Inspirational! Informative! Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding problem solving around inclusion in mainstream settings Access to a wider range of practical strategies and techniques to impact on communication, realtionship, learning and behaviour issues Learn new problem solving processes Who Is It For ? Early Years and School based Practitioners Heads and Deputies Guidance staff Learning Support teams SENCOs Primary and secondary teachers Parents Local Authority Support Services Community workers and carers Course Content The course answers the questions : How can we work out how to include this child best? Is there a more structured way to run this meeting? Can we explore the emotional impact the person is having on us and still agree strategies? How can I get unstuck from this problem? The day will cover: Solution Circles Solution Focused approaches Synectics – using analogies and out of the box creativity Circles of Adults Using Imagination to solve problems If you liked this course you may well like: CIRCLES OF ADULTS

A full day needlefelt course with Michelle Hickman of Furzie in the inspirational Slade Centre Art Gallery in the centre of Gillingham. All materials are provided for you to make any animal of your choosing, which will be based on a wire armature frame, which you will also make. Your finished model will be around 7 inches in height. Michelle has many years of experience teaching her craft and has also written a book on the subject. The course is suitable for absolute beginners and those with some experience too - there is no requirement for artistic or crafting ability - everyone is welcome. Refreshments are provided but please bring a packed lunch. Ground floor room - fully accessible. Car park adjacent to the building, approx £4 all day.

With Directors Nathan Caselton and Taz Ayoub Boost Your Career & Confidence On Camera Are you ready for the ultimate learning experience in screen acting? Join our intensive 5-day course which is designed for anyone committed to improving their screen acting skills. This immersive program covers all facets of acting for Film and Television, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the processes which will culminate with you filming two inspirational scenes for your acting showreel. Meet Your Tutor Nathan Caselton and Taz Ayoub Directors Course Outline Embark on a transformative journey with our intensive 5 day practical training in screen acting with Showreel Production led by an experienced Screen Director. This immersive program is designed to provide hands-on experience and comprehensive knowledge in front of the camera, covering shot sizes, eye lines, personal continuity, and a range of immersive acting techniques. As this course is inclusive of all levels of ability, it offers a comprehensive overview of screen acting skills, starting from the basics and progressing to more advanced concepts. It will include resources, material and instructional stratergies that cater to beginners while also offering challenges for those with more advanced skills. Additional Information Features Practical acting training for screen Shoot two scenes for your professional acting showreel with our Award Winning Crew Suitable if you are (17 yrs+) and committed to improving your screen acting skills Attracts a varied age range from 17 yrs+. International Students Welcome The course is taught in English, so it is important that you have proficient English language skills Small Class Size Learning Outcomes Further understanding of film & screen production Improved knowledge and confidence in front of camera Learn and develop rehearsal techniques Create interesting and engaging performances Develop natural immersive acting skills Experience working with a professional Director and Crew Further understanding of Film & Screen production Course Location Actors Studio, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, SL0 0NH Free parking available at Pinewood Studios Nearest Train Stations: Uxbridge Tube Station, Slough and Gerrards Cross. Transfer from station to Pinewood Studios – 10 minutes Coffee shop on site (may not be open at weekends) Excellent transport links from London