Polarization, or the “polarized mind,” is a fixation on one view, causing widespread destructiveness. It needs presence and love to address. We aim to explore the lived experiences on irregular perceptions of reality with an open mind. Each Saturday includes: a live dialogue between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and an International Existential Therapist; a moment to share your thoughts and feelings with the teachers; and a final integration facilitated by Bárbara Godoy. This series of ten dialogues set out to explore the multifaceted dimentions and complexities associated with Existential Therapies. It attempts to engage with various interpretations of insanity through the lens of patients often painful, confounding, and deeply unsettling life experiences. Polarisation - between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Prof. Kirk Schneider “I view polarization or that which I call the “polarized mind” as the fixation on a single point of view to the utter exclusion of competing points of view, and I see it as a core dimension of human destructiveness both individually and collectively. Arguably, polarization or the polarized mind is responsible for more devaluation and abuse than any other general psychological dimension, and it crosses cultures, parties, disciplines and so-called diagnosed and undiagnosed populations. In fact it is the undiagnosed populations—polarized cultural, political, and religious leaders and their followers–who have arguably caused the most human destructiveness by far, over those whom we conventionally termed the diagnosed The polarized mind may be partly dispositional but appears to be largely fear-driven and requires abiding presence and love to address it. We are in a race against time to avail people to these “nutrients.” Prof. Kirk Schneider. Prof. Kirk J. Schneider, Ph.D. is a leading spokesperson for contemporary existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology. Dr Schneider was a 2022 Candidate for President of the American Psychological Association (APA), a co-founder and current president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (an award-winning psychotherapy training center), and a two-term Member of the Council of Representatives of the APA. He is also past president (2015-2016) of the Society for Humanistic Psychology (Division 32) of the APA, recent past editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology (2005-2012), a founder and frequent presenter/facilitator of the bridge-building dialogue approach the Experiential Democracy Dialogue and a trained moderator for the conflict mediation group Braver Angels. Dr Schneider is also an adjunct faculty member at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University and an Honorary Member of the Society for Existential Analysis of the UK and the East European Association for Existential Therapy. He received the Rollo May Award for “outstanding and independent contributions” to the field of humanistic psychology from the Society for Humanistic Psychology, APA and is a Fellow of seven Divisions of the APA (5, 9, 32, 42, 12, 29, and 24). His work on existential-integrative psychotherapy has been featured in a special issue of the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration (March 2016), as well as The Wiley World Handbook of Existential Therapy and the APA’s forthcoming Handbook of Psychotherapy. Dr Schneider has published over 200 articles, interviews and chapters and has authored or edited 14 books including The Paradoxical Self, Horror and the Holy, Rediscovery of Awe, Awakening to Awe, The Spirituality of Awe, The Polarized Mind, The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology, Existential-Humanistic therapy, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, The Wiley World Handbook of Existential Therapy, The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social Healing and his latest volume (February, 2023) Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World. Dr. Schneider’s work has been featured in Scientific American, the New York Times, USA Today, The Guardian, Vanity Fair, Forbes Health, Psychology Today, BBC World News and many other health and psychology outlets. Prof. Ernesto Spinelli was Chair of the Society for Existential Analysis between 1993 and 1999 and is a Life Member of the Society. His writings, lectures and seminars focus on the application of existential phenomenology to the arenas of therapy, supervision, psychology, and executive coaching. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as well as an APECS accredited executive coach and coaching supervisor. In 2000, he was the Recipient of BPS Division of Counselling Psychology Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. And in 2019, Ernesto received the BPS Award for Distinguished Contribution to Practice. His most recent book, Practising Existential Therapy: The Relational World 2nd edition (Sage, 2015) has been widely praised as a major contribution to the advancement of existential theory and practice. Living up to the existential dictum that life is absurd, Ernesto is also the author of an on-going series of Private Eye novels. Date and Time: Saturday 12 April from 2 pm to 3 pm – (UK time) Individual Dialogue Fee: £70 Venue: Online Zoom FULL PROGRAMME 2025: 25 January “Knots” with Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Bárbara Godoy 22 February “Healing” with Dr. Michael Guy Thompson and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 22 March “Difference” with Prof. Tod DuBose and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 12 April “Polarisation” with Prof. Kirk Schneider and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 3 May “Character” with Prof. Robert Romanyshyn and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 21 June “Opening” with Dr. Yaqui Martinez and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 19 July “Meaning” with Dr. Jan Resnick and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 25 October “Invention” with Dr. Betty Cannon and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 15 November “Hallucination” with Prof. Simon du Plock and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 13 December “Hysteria” with Bárbara Godoy and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli Read the full programme here > Course Organised by:
Level 2 Maths & English Course Highlights: This qualification is equivalent to GCSE grade C or 4 Take the Exam from Home – Guaranteed Fast Track Results Exam Booking within 2 Working Days of Enrolment Remote Exam Online or Paper based both options available Course Duration: 110 hours Unlimited Access to Course Materials Get Free Mock Tests & Free Past Papers Extra 25% Time for people with Learning Difficulties NCFE, Pearson Edexcel & Open Awards all are OFQUAL-regulated and nationally recognised Exam slots are available 24*7 from Monday to Sunday. If you are in a rush and would like to book your exam sooner, then you can book your remote online exam within 3 working days for Open Awards, 2 working days of enrolment for NCFE and within 7 working days for Pearson Edexcel. Please note the exam price advertised on the website for the Open Awards remote invigilation exam is applicable for weekdays (Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm). If you would like to book the Open Awards remote invigilation exam at the weekend then there is an additional £25+Vat applicable. The new assessment and result dates by NCFE is- Delivery mode: Paper-based Assessment date to and from: 17/06/2024 – 19/07/2024 Results release: 26/07/2024 Delivery mode: On-screen and RI Assessment date to and from: 20/05/2024 – 27/06/2024 Results release: 04/07/2024 (Note that this only applies to the mentioned exam type and if you book the exam during the dates mentioned above. Also, this will not affect the schedule of the other exam types and results.) Why is this course right for you? Our expert-designed Functional Skills Maths & English Level 2 Course has smart learning options that provide the necessary numeracy knowledge and skills to excel in Functional Skills Maths and English. Our course is tailored to meet your specific needs and help you achieve your academic and career goals from the comfort of your home. You also get the opportunity to book Live 1:1 tutor support via Zoom. Course Details for Functional Skills Math & English Level 2 You can decide the exam date and place according to your convenience. Functional Skills Maths Level 2 You can decide the exam date and place according to your convenience. Awarding Body Paper-Based Exam in Centre On-Screen Exam in Centre Remote Online Exam - From Home Results Edexcel Book within 15 days Book within 24 Hours Book within 7 working days Get results in 20 working days NCFE Book within 10 working days Book within 24 Hours Book within 2 working days Get results in only 7 days Open Awards N/A N/A Book within 2 working days Get results in only 16 to 32 working days Functional Skills English Level 2 You can decide the exam date and place according to your convenience. Awarding Body Paper-Based Exam in Centre On-Screen Exam in Centre Remote Online Exam - From Home Results Edexcel Book within 15 days Book within 24 Hours Book within 7 working days Get results in 20 working days NCFE Book within 10 working days Book within 24 Hours Book within 2 working days Get results in only 7 days Open Awards N/A N/A Book within 2 working days Get results in only 16 to 32 working days *Offline examinations will be held at our Swindon and London centres. Please contact us for more information. How This Course Will Work? This Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English course will help you build a solid foundation in mathematics. Throughout the course, it will provide you with various learning materials and activities to enhance your understanding of these subjects. Initial Assessment: To identify the current level of a student's abilities and recommend the appropriate course to enrol in upon completion. Diagnostic Assessment: Identifies skill gaps and produces an individual learning plan Learning Resources: Comprehensive video tutorials, practice quizzes & topic-based tests Progress Tracker: To record your progress in the course Free Mock Test: Access our free mock test facility for professional feedback and to prepare for the final exam. You can also check out our GCSE courses. We offer Pearson Edexcel and AQA-accredited GCSE online courses that are widely accepted by universities across the globe. Entry Requirement This level 2 Maths and English qualification is available to all students of all academic backgrounds; no experience or previous qualifications are required. However, you will require a laptop/desktop computer and a good internet connection. Exam Structure Functional Skills Maths Level 2 The Functional Skills NCFE, Pearson Edexcel and Open Awards Qualification in Mathematics Level 2 consist of one externally assessed assessment that comprises two sections- a non-calculator section (calculator prohibited) and a calculator section (calculator permitted). The assessments are available as paper-based and onscreen, on-demand assessments. Section A (Non-calculator) Awarding Body Exam Duration Total Marks Questions Cover Edexcel 25 minutes 16 25% NCFE / Open Awards 30 minutes 15 25% Section B (Calculator) Awarding Body Exam Duration Total Marks Questions Cover Edexcel 1 hour 30 minutes 48 75% NCFE / Open Awards 1 hour 30 minutes 45 75% Pass Mark (NCFE): Learners are required to achieve an overall (from sections A and B) (57% – 62%) mark to pass the exam. Please note, that the marks varies for individual exam papers so for all the exam papers the pass marks are not fixed for the NCFE exam. Pass Mark (Open Awards): Pass Marks for Level 2 Maths assessments vary per assessment version and are set following standardisation and awarding activities. Each Maths assessment is designed to enable a minimally competent learner to achieve a pass mark of 36 out of 60. However, the awarding process will determine specifically where the pass mark sits for each assessment version. Therefore, the pass mark may vary between assessments. Functional Skills English Level 2 The Pearson Edexcel, NCFE and Open Awards Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2 consist of 3 exams, these are Reading, Writing and Speaking, Listening and Communicating. Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC) Exam Awarding Body Duration Number of Marks Pearson Edexcel / NCFE / Open Awards Up to 25 minutes Pass/Fail SLS Exam Pearson Edexcel / NCFE: Speaking, listening and communicating are assessed through one 5-minute presentation and linked question and answer session in groups of three to five and one 15-minute formal discussion together in groups of three to five learners. This exam will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. SLS Exam Open Awards: Speaking, listening and communicating are assessed through one 10-minute presentation and linked question and answer session in groups of three to four and one 10-minute formal discussion together in groups of three to five learners. This exam will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Reading Exam Awarding Body Duration Number of Marks Pass Mark Pearson Edexcel 75 minutes 35 65% NCFE 60 minutes 30 53% – 57% Open Awards 60 minutes 30 18 out of 30 Reading is assessed through a test consisting of multiple-choice, short open-response and medium open-response questions. Writing Exam Awarding Body Duration Number of Marks Pass Mark Pearson Edexcel 60 minutes 36 63% NCFE 60 minutes 44 57% – 61% Open Awards 60 minutes 60 36 out of 60. Reading/Writing Exam Pass Mark: Learners are required to achieve an overall percentage of marks mentioned in the above table to pass the English reading exam. However, the awarding process will determine specifically where the pass mark sits for each assessment version. Therefore, the pass mark may vary between assessments. Recognised Accreditation This Functional Skills English Level 2 has been independently accredited by Pearson Edexcel, NCFE and Open Awards also regulated by Ofqual. The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is responsible for regulating qualifications, assessments, and examinations in England. Pearson Edexcel is the most prestigious awarding body, for an academic and vocational qualifications. Pearson Edexcel qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and recognised by universities and employers across the world. NCFE is a charity and awarding organisation that provides qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is regulated by Ofqual in England and recognised in Wales and Northern Ireland. Open Awards is an awarding organisation that offers a wide range of qualifications across various sectors, including education, health and social care, and business. Their qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are designed to meet the needs of learners and employers. Open Awards also works closely with educational institutions and employers to ensure their qualifications are relevant and up-to-date. Difference between NCFE and Pearson Edexcel and Open Awards NCFE, Pearson Edexcel and Open Awards are OFQUAL-regulated and nationally recognised; however, the only difference lies in the exam booking and result turn-around time. You can book your remote online exam within 2 working days of enrolment for NCFE, within 7 working days for Pearson Edexcel and within 3 working days for Open Awards. You can get your NCFE results in 7 days, your Edexcel results in 20 working days and your Open Awards results within 16 to 32 working days. All of the awarding bodies are accepted by universities and apprenticeships. This distinction allows learners to choose the awarding body that aligns best with their educational and career goals. Additional Features Access to On-Demand Classes Opportunity to Book 1:1 Live Tutor Support via Zoom Enrol in Our Course and Prepare for the Exam from Home Get a Free Mock Test with Professional Feedback Course Curriculum English Level 2: Unit 1 - Speaking and Listening The speaking and listening section entails comprehensive learning and activities, including presenting and narrating skills, argument presentation techniques, and more. Math Level 2: Unit 1: Number Lesson 1.1: Numbers and the Number System The number system gives you a general insight into the mathematical operations regarding the given numbers. You will also acquire skills in division, multiplication, addition and subtraction, which require steps in real-life contexts. Lesson 1.2: Fractions and Decimals You will be learning many types of fractions, including improper fractions, proper fractions, equivalent fractions and more. Along with this, you will learn Ordering Decimal Numbers, Subtracting Decimals, multiplying and dividing decimals and more, which enables you to apply real-world problem-solving. Lesson 1.3: Percentages You will learn to calculate the Percentage and how to express a Number as a Percentage of Another. Interpreting the Original Value, Calculating Percent Increase and Decrease, and so on. This learning you can easily apply in real-life counting issues along with increasing your rational thinking. Lesson 1.4: Ratio and Proportion You will be learning to calculate the Total Amounts using Ratios, direct Proportion, Inverse Proportion and many more things, which help you in doing comparisons, learning science and engineering and more. Lesson 1.5: Formula You will learn the definition of formulas Formula Using Words, Multi-Step Formulas, Formula Using Letters and so on. Learning formulas has a large impact on real life as these formulas are used extensively in measuring, building infrastructure and more. English Level 2: Unit 2: Reading Learn to read a text with the help of scanning, skimming, and detailed reading, and also, learn how to find organisational features’ purpose from the text. Maths Level 2: Unit 2: Measures, Shapes and Space Lesson 2.1: Money Math You will be mastering Solving Money Related Questions, including percentage-based discounts, discounts Related to Fractions, Profit and Percentage, etc. This money math learning will also help you to understand money-earning and saving-related issues that you face in daily activities. Lesson 2.2: Units You will learn units and Types of Units, Units of Weight, Units of Length, Units of Capacity, etc. Also, you will gain knowledge about steps to convert between Metric Units, Imperial to Imperial Conversions, and Other Unit Conversions will help pursue a higher university degree. Lesson 2.3: Speed and Density You will be clearing the concept of speed, calculations to find out distance and time, density, and Relation between Density, Weight and Volume. Lesson 2.4: Perimeter You will learn to find the perimeter and area, Circle, perimeter of a triangle etc. which require in measurement, design planning and so on. Lesson 2.5: Area and Shapes You will gain skills in formulas for calculating area, finding areas of complex shapes, applying area calculations in complex questions, different Types of 3D Shapes, surface area, finding the surface area of complex 3D Shapes, using nets, plans and elevations, etc. Learning about areas and shapes will certainly help you in building your dream home and more. Lesson 2.6: Volume In the volume classes, you will learn Formulas for calculating volume, Questions based on volumes of different 3D Shapes, finding the Scale in a Diagram, Making Scale Drawings, which are required in building critical thinking skills and more. Lesson 2.7: Coordinates & Angles You will be learning necessary things about the coordinate Grid, How to Read Coordinates on a Grid? Plotting Points on a Grid and more which is extensively required in making video games, medical imaging, physics and more. English Level 2: Unit 3: Writing The writing part will cover English grammar, including punctuation, spelling, syntax, etc. enabling you to avoid all the writing errors and mistakes. Maths Level 2: Unit 3: Handling Data and Information Lesson 3.1: Median and Mode You will be learning about median and mode, which is one of the most interesting mathematical chapters. As you will know how to find the median and mode from the sets of numbers, you can easily implement such learning in household work and other places as well. Lesson 3.2: Mean and Range You will be able to find the mean, median and mode. Knowing how to find these is highly important in all aspects of life. Lesson 3.3: Probability You will learn Probability: Definition and Meaning, Calculating Probabilities, Probability of Something Happening and Something Not Happening, etc. Once you know how to find probability, you can easily detect business profit loss and implement other parts of your life. FAQs What is a functional skills level 2 equivalent to? It is a recognised alternative qualification to GCSEs, and achieving it is equivalent to obtaining a GCSE grade C or level 4. It's often used as a prerequisite for higher education, apprenticeships, and employment in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. What is the difference between a Functional skills course and a GCSE course? Both the functional course and GCSE course provide the same skills, but one of the differences is that functional classes are developed for the learner who wants to acquire the skills quickly. Still, GCSE is a lengthy process, and it takes time to end as you have to sit for the test that will be held on an official day. Do Universities Approve the Functional Courses Certificate? Yes, many universities accept the functional course certificate, but it is better to check whether your desired university approves the functional certificate. The University of Sheffield, the University of Brighton, and the University of East Anglia approved the functional skills Level 2 certificate in the past. So, stay updated with current information. Why should I get into this combined English and Math course? You should get into this course if you want to learn English and math side by side. You can learn both at a low price. English and math both courses are required at every step of your life. Thus, learn these through the functional skills course quickly and at an affordable price. How will I purchase this course? First, select your desired course plan among the multiple existing course plans on the right side of your screen, then select the payment type, and once you made the payment, you can access the course any time you want. I made my payment. How will I get access to the Functional course? A confirmation email will be sent to your registered email after payment. Hereafter anytime, you can start your learning journey with StudyPlex. I am from outside the UK. Will I get access to the Course? Yes, you can. Since it is an e-learning course, anyone from anywhere can enrol in our courses. What is an Edexcel-accredited course? Exdexcel is a British multinational education and examination body. If any functional skills training providers claim the course is Edexcel accredited, that means the course has been approved by the governor body of Edexcel. Their certificates have been valued in the UK and worldwide. Will I get a Job after doing the functional course? Yes, any not. You always need fundamental English, Math and ICT skills wherever you go. These skills are as crucial as your basic needs like food and more. The company wants its employees to have these skills before joining any organization. English is my second language. Can I learn it through a Functional English skill course? Yes, you can. Whether English is your first language or second language, both types of learners can start their learning journey in the Functional Skills Level 1 course. This course is designed so that every kind of learner can learn. How safe is it to purchase a course over the Internet? StudyPlex has been providing courses over the internet for years, and all our learners' info is safe with us. We have implemented robust security measures to protect our learners' personal and financial information. Additionally, we use secure payment gateways to ensure safe transactions for course purchases. What are the system requirements for remote exam? For Pearson Edexcel and NCFE: To sit your assessment, you’ll need: A laptop/desktop with webcam and microphone; you can’t sit the assessment on a tablet or smartphone a good Wi-Fi connection – recommended minimum 1Mbit/s Upload, minimum 10Mbit/s Download. You MUST use google chrome browser for the exam, as this is recommended by the awarding body. A smartphone or tablet (Apple iOS 8.0 / Android 4.1 or higher) - this will be used to record you taking the assessment. A suitable environment - quiet room with no distractions The link for the assessment sent to your email; remember to check your spam/junk folder. You must activate Airplane mode on your smartphone however you need to be connected to Wi-Fi, so turn on Airplane mode then reactivate your Wi-Fi. Please familiarise yourself with the potential violations as these can potentially lead to the assessment being voided. Ensure ALL equipment is plugged in (including phone for the recording of sessions). Loss of power at any point could lead to the assessment being voided. You must brief other members of your household/workplace that you’re sitting an assessment, and they must not enter the room at any point. There is a 24-hour live chat function within the assessment software for technical support should you need it at any time. For Open Awards: In order to take your exam, you need to have the following equipment: A good quality laptop or PC with a minimum screen size of approx. 14” and minimum resolution of 1024 x 768. A stable internet connection with at least 3mbps. An integrated (i.e., fixed) webcam on your PC/ laptop or a portable webcam. If using a PC/ laptop with an integrated webcam, a reflective surface (e.g., a mirror) must be available. This will be used to show the invigilator the space immediately surrounding your screen and keyboard. A basic (non-scientific) calculator for maths assessments. You will have access to an on-screen calculator but may feel more comfortable using a separate calculator. Please note that all workings need to be added to the assessment platform if you use a separate calculator so that your workings can be marked. Plain paper. You will need to show this to your invigilator at the beginning of the exam to assure them that you do not have access to notes. A dictionary (where allowed). Supported Browsers Chrome: 34.0.1847 or above Microsoft Edge: Version 88.0.705.81 or newer Firefox: 31.0 or above Safari: 6.2 or above Safe Exam Browser 2.0.2 or above Please note: Chromebooks are not compatible with the Safe Exam Browser Browser settings Popups must be allowed. Guidance on how to do this below: Chrome Edge Firefox Safari
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Using Canva to Create Content Want to learn how to create eyecatching and engaging graphics for your business? Join our Using Canva workshop to find out how to utilise the online graphic design platform Canva to make everything from your company branding to social media posts and more! In this course, we’ll cover everything from: How to sign up and get set up on the platform How to navigate Canva as a beginner Creating a brand kit for your business Creating a new graphic together for a campaign for a business Walkthrough of all the basic features of Canva Resizing designs to make posters and leaflets As part of the live event of this workshop, we will also have a Questions and Answers session to finish this online workshop, where participants can ask specific questions about how to use Canva for their business. Event details: Time: 10am – 11.30am Cost: £25pp