Overview Appreciative Inquiry is a form of action research that collects people’s stories of best practices. We can use these best practices as a way to initiate organisational change. This course will guide attendees through the process of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and give them the techniques to succeed in using the AI system. This course will benefit anyone that leads change and wants to create positive dialogue that leads to improvements within their organisation. Description David Cooperrider, Suresh Srivastva, and their colleagues at Case Western Reserve University developed AI in the 1980s. According to them, the aim of Appreciative Inquiry is to help the organisation in: Envisioning a collectively desired future Realising that vision in ways that successfully translate intention into reality and beliefs into practices The AI approach can be applied in almost all groups of people and once the process starts, the change is put in motion. The appreciative approach works in individual conversations among colleagues, managers and employees. AI consultants around the world are increasingly using an appreciative approach to bring about collaborative and strengths-based change. This course will provide attendees with the means to effectively develop the skills of managers for the benefit of their organisation. They will be taken through the full process of appreciative inquiry; developing a wide understanding of the tools and techniques required to effectively improve communication and affect change. What can Appreciative Inquiry achieve? Well, just imagine you were better able to: Solve problems within an organisation in a positive and forward-thinking way. Be more curious and excited about the challenges faced within the business. Ask unconditional, positive questions to strengthen the organisations capacity to increase potential. Approach change in an affirmative mindset. Use questions to create movement and change within the company. Simply apply core communication skills, for overall organisational success Topics covered: What is Appreciative Inquiry? – A review of the subject with an activity that helps embed understanding and a case study that explains the process in action. Benefits of Appreciative Inquiry to the Organisation – Establishing how AI can aid and improve the way an organisation works and how people communicate within it. Exploring how specific organisational issues can be viewed positively. Appreciative Inquiry Questions – Understanding how questions can be used to identify positive organisational improvements and refocus our approach to business issues. Appreciative Inquiry Interviews – A set process for performing AI interviews and framing consultations to get the best out of those involved. A chance to practice the given approach and hone personal skills. The 4D Model – An overview of the AI 4D Model (Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny) and how it is applied. The 4D Model: Topic – Demonstrating how selecting the topic is the beginning of the 4D model process. Choosing the participants own topic to work on throughout the training. The 4D Model: Discovery – Showing how positive discussions are kick-started at this stage and taking a chance to look at, ‘the best there is and what has been’. The 4D Model: Dream – ‘Thinking big and beyond what they have in the past’. Creating an amazing and positive vision for the future. The 4D Model: Design – Laying the foundation with a design of the vision, principles, and set of propositions that describe the ideal end state. Defining the desired state by creating a hierarchy and blueprint for success. The 4D Model: Destiny – Defining clear actions that will help the organisation and individuals achieve what they have set out to. The output is the self-reinforcing nature of using positive and affirmative inquiry to improve the business. The 4D Model: Summary Task – Review of learning and knowledge check. The Change Process – Exploring Dr. Kotter’s 8-step change process and how it can support the AI approach. Rooms of Change – Understanding feelings and attitudes to change, using this interesting and memorable model. Using an activity to help participants consider their own ‘change position’ and what this might mean for them. Strategies for Managing Change – A simple set of skills to help overcome the challenges faced by people trying to implement change. Applying these strategies to the 4D Model and Appreciative Inquiry. Recall Quiz – A chance to review learning in an engaging way. Summary – Developing actions and key points to take away. Who should attend Managers who want to learn about and practice the Appreciative Inquiry approach to drive positive changes. Requirements for Attendees None.
DATE: 29th January TIME: 4pm LOCATION: Studio A Quentin Tarantino's debut is still as fiery and memorable all these years later. When a diamond heist goes horribly wrong, tensions rise in the warehouse where the crooks convene afterwards. As their stories conflict and intersect, we cut across time to understand how each of them got there, and what each of them is hiding from one another. There's a rat in the crew, and the dogs and going to sniff 'em out. When it debuted in 1992 this film smashed all expectations and became a surprise hit, launching Tarantino into the stratosphere as Hollywood's latest wunderkind. It has lost none of its power or style all these years later, and continues to inspire filmmakers all over the world to this day. Book your FREE TICKET through the link below.
Course Duration: 8 weeks (40 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Communicate effectively and confidently in English in various contexts. 2. Expand vocabulary and improve grammar usage. 3. Develop listening skills to understand a variety of accents and speech patterns. 4. Enhance reading comprehension skills for different types of texts. 5. Write accurately and coherently for different purposes. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction and Assessment - Introduction to course objectives, expectations, and immersion techniques - Assessing participants' current English proficiency levels - Establishing individual learning goals and expectations Week 2: Speaking and Listening Skills - Developing conversational skills through role-plays, pair work, and group discussions - Listening activities to improve comprehension of different accents and speech speeds - Pronunciation drills and practice for accurate and fluent speech Week 3: Vocabulary Expansion - Building a wide range of vocabulary through contextualised exercises and activities - Strategies for effective vocabulary acquisition and retention - Vocabulary practice in various themes and topics Week 4: Grammar Review and Practice - Reviewing essential grammar structures and rules - Practice exercises and activities for applying grammar rules in context - Error correction and clarification of common grammar mistakes Week 5: Reading Comprehension - Developing reading skills through authentic texts, articles, and short stories - Strategies for improving reading speed and comprehension - Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferred meanings Week 6: Writing Skills - Improving writing skills for different purposes: emails, letters, reports, etc. - Practice exercises for organizing ideas, structuring paragraphs, and coherent writing - Peer editing and feedback for enhancing writing proficiency Week 7: Real-Life Simulations - Simulating real-life situations such as job interviews, meetings, and social interactions - Role-plays and interactive activities for practical application of language skills - Building confidence and fluency in using English in authentic contexts Week 8: Review and Final Evaluation - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Comprehensive review exercises for all language skills - Final evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus serves as a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include cultural immersion activities and field trips to enhance the language learning experience. You can opt in and out of different modules.
Full Moon Kirtan & Cacao meditation circle
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of Agile approaches to product development. It explains what Agile is and when and why to use it. The scope of the programme includes: The course emphasises the collaborative nature of Agile and the flexibility it offers to customers. The principal training objectives for this programme are to help participants understand: Why and when to use Agile How to use Agile The roles involved in Agile development The cultural factors to take into account How to manage Agile developments 1 Introduction (Course sponsor and trainer) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Background to Agile Issues with traditional approaches to product development How Agile helps Roots of Agile Agile lifecycles Product v project 3 How Agile works The Agile Manifesto Agile principles Process control: defined v empirical Different Agile methods The Scrum framework DSDM Atern 4 Managing Agile When to use Agile Managing Agile projects Team organisation 5 Agile techniques Daily stand-ups User stories Estimating MoSCoW prioritisation 6 Course review and action planning (Course sponsor present) Are there opportunities to use Agile? What actions should be implemented to adopt Agile? Conclusion
Course Duration: 8 weeks (40 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Communicate effectively and confidently in English in various contexts. 2. Expand vocabulary and improve grammar usage. 3. Develop listening skills to understand a variety of accents and speech patterns. 4. Enhance reading comprehension skills for different types of texts. 5. Write accurately and coherently for different purposes. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction and Assessment - Introduction to course objectives, expectations, and immersion techniques - Assessing participants' current English proficiency levels - Establishing individual learning goals and expectations Week 2: Speaking and Listening Skills - Developing conversational skills through role-plays, pair work, and group discussions - Listening activities to improve comprehension of different accents and speech speeds - Pronunciation drills and practice for accurate and fluent speech Week 3: Vocabulary Expansion - Building a wide range of vocabulary through contextualised exercises and activities - Strategies for effective vocabulary acquisition and retention - Vocabulary practice in various themes and topics Week 4: Grammar Review and Practice - Reviewing essential grammar structures and rules - Practice exercises and activities for applying grammar rules in context - Error correction and clarification of common grammar mistakes Week 5: Reading Comprehension - Developing reading skills through authentic texts, articles, and short stories - Strategies for improving reading speed and comprehension - Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferred meanings Week 6: Writing Skills - Improving writing skills for different purposes: emails, letters, reports, etc. - Practice exercises for organizing ideas, structuring paragraphs, and coherent writing - Peer editing and feedback for enhancing writing proficiency Week 7: Real-Life Simulations - Simulating real-life situations such as job interviews, meetings, and social interactions - Role-plays and interactive activities for practical application of language skills - Building confidence and fluency in using English in authentic contexts Week 8: Review and Final Evaluation - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Comprehensive review exercises for all language skills - Final evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus serves as a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include cultural immersion activities and field trips to enhance the language learning experience. You can opt in and out of different modules.
“Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art" - Ansel Adams Photoshop For Photographers When you're ready to take the next step in your photo-education and learn to use Photoshop - our Photoshop for Photographers course will take you from Photoshop novice to someone who can confidently navigate it and use its super powerful tools to take your photos beyond what you thought was possible! So if you've ever dreamt about being able to use Photoshop, maybe even got as far as opening it and quickly get overwhelmed with all that's packed inside - we've got you. KEY COURSE INFO: Course type: Instructor-led Course level: 2 levels - Essential Photoshop ( L1) and Creative Photoshop (L2) Course duration: each course level consists of 4 weeks + prep module Course format: Online course with step by step tutorials, instructional videos and interactive edit-along live classes, feedback on your learning and support group WHAT YOU LEARN: Our Photoshop for Photographers is a 2 level course - the first one covering all the key aspects of understanding how to navigate and work in Photoshop along with its most widely used tools and techniques, the second one building on top of that to really boost the creative uses you can apply it to. This incredibly in-depth course has everything you need as a photographer who wants to harness this amazing tool. What you learn: from basic Photoshop tools to more complex photo manipulations, from playing with colour to portrait retouching, from adding light to removing any unwanted object from your photos and lots, lots more. key photoshop tools object removal and placements - face / sky swaps Overlays & blending modes The art of adding light Skin editing and retouching introduction to compositing THIS IS THE COURSE FOR YOU IF : You you already know basics of editing (in Lightroom) but want to take them further into Photoshop ( where more fun happens) You tried using Photoshop before only to close it immediately after opening due to all the overwhelmingly unfamiliar tools and options You followed youtube tutorials before but beside replicating what the person did exactly, you still don't really have a good idea of how to use Photoshop - or why you should!? You want to be able to take advantage of the tools that are missing in Lightroom or do not give you sufficient control over them to do the job seamlessly - such as precise ways of removing unwanted objects in your image - Photoshop's powerful tools, such as the Content-Aware Fill and Clone Stamp enable you to remove distracting objects or people from your photos, ensuring the focus remains on the subject You want to be able to manipulate or replace elements in your images - from turning your background blurry to replacing blank skies, doing face swaps and more You want to be able to bring beautiful light into your images - from haze to sun rays, from - with colours that pop and light that's perfectly balanced You want to be able to take yoru portraits to a new level - remove blemishes, retouch skin,and correct imperfections, giving your images a polished and professional finish. You desire to create stunning composites: With Photoshop, you can combine multiple images seamlessly to create captivating composite photos. This skill is particularly useful for photographers who want to tell stories or create imaginative and surreal images. ONE COURSE - 2 LEVELS ESSENTIAL PHOTOSHOP Pick this course if you're new to Photoshop or do not have a lot of experience in Photoshop In this course you learn to : Navigate the software and set it up for a proper, smart, non-destructive workflow Discover all the essential tools and techniques that take your images way beyond what you could do in Lightroom Learn the key skills : from masks to brushes, from blending modes to selections, from cloning to canvas extensions, from face swaps to sky swaps - and more!! CREATIVE PHOTOSHOP Pick this course if you're already familiar with the basic tools and ways of working in Photoshop In this course you take all that you learned in the Essentials course and turbo boost it for creativity. You'll learn : How to play with light, colour and blur for unique creative outcomes How to get more out of the familiar tools - so advanced brushes, advanced selections, advanced blending More fun skills : from skin edits to retouching, from stitching photos to involved composites, from creating effects such as neon glow to turning your photos into comics and more! Learn more about Creative Photoshop WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EACH OF OUR PHOTOSHOP COURSES: 4 core modules - each with detailed step by step tutorials, downloadable videos and PDF workbooks Support Facebook group Weekly edit-along live webinar Practice files to learn on Feedback on your images ESSENTIAL PHOTOSHOP Next Essential Photoshop course starts 15 January 2024 The way you work in Photoshop is very different compared to Lightroom and a big learning curve for anyone who begins learning it for the first time. It's also a big reason why a lot of photographers open it for the first time, find it hard to recognise any familiar tools or make them work on the image and the give up. In this course we take you through it step by step. We show you around this tool and teach you how to use it in a way that's smart, non-destructive, flexible and making the most of its amazing features. Here is a non-exhaustive list of what you will learn: A thorough understanding of Layers, masks and brushes - you cannot really work effectively in Photoshop if you do not know how to use these tools. An absolute must! Key Photoshop tools - Photoshop is a hugely vast tool used by lots of different creative professions and depending on what you use it for, you will be using different tools. We introduce you to the ones that are key for a photographer! Working with Adjustment layers - these fantastic tools allow you to change colours, adjust tone and mood of images Removing and replacing parts of your photos - powerful selection, healing, cloning, content aware tools and more to allow you to clean up your images of everything that's undesirable or distracting in your images Simple composites ( Face swaps / Sky swaps) - while composites can be hugely complex and challenging, we show you how to get started with a few simple - but effective ones!Understanding Precision tools and filters for blurring and sharpening Blending modes and their immense potential for transforming your images with the tools you already know - from working with overlays to CREATIVE PHOTOSHOP Next Creative Photoshop course starts 15 April 2024 In Level 2 we build on the foundation we establish in Level 1 and start applying what you have learned more creatively - as well as learning more tools, more techniques and starting more fun projects. This is where we really get to have fun with those powerful tools - we learn not just how to fix and clean up undesirable elements from the photos, but how to creatively treat them so that they reflect your creative vision and imagination. The magic of Colour and blur - adding mood and softness to images to transform the images . We use several creative techniques to completel;y transform the images Adding and creating light effects in Photoshop - from light beams to sun burtsts to rainbows! Step by step skin editing and portrait retouching - from adjusting skin tones, removing unwanted colour casts, disappearing blemishes and creating highend, polished portraits that still retain healthy skin texture Using smart filters and creative adjustment layers to achieve effects such as turning your images into cartoons, watercolours or neon effects Working with and creating your own custom brushes, overlays etc - the power of photoshop brushes has to be experienced to be believed - from adding light rays to Playing with composites - adding magic to your images or creating new scenes and stories from scratch PHOTOSHOP For Photographers Photoshop courses - KEY INFO Essential Photoshop ( Level 1) - 4 week course, starts 15 Jan 2024 Creative Photoshop ( Level 2) - 4 week course, 15 April 2024 Course cost: BOOKING A SINGLE COURSE: £179 ( payment plans available ) BOOKING A BUNDLE: Book Level 1 and Level 2 together : £259 (payment plans available ) PHOTOSHOP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Each course consists of 4 weekly modules with step by step illustrated tutorials and videos + prep module weekly edit along class online class ( also recorded) feedback and advice on your edits private support group PDF workbook and downloadable videos Practice images to learn on COURSE PREREQUISITES: Adobe Photoshop software installed on your computer or tablet.This can be purchased either as a standalone Photoshop Subscription or as part of the Photography Plan which includes also access to Lightroom and Lightroom Classic. Please note that you need to ensure that your computer can run Photoshop - please follow Adobe minimum system requirements guidelines
Additional specialist training for those working with couples or helping with relationship issues… Accredited CPD: 4 hours Length: 8.45am–1.00pm (GMT) Fresh, engaging and very, very informative. I learnt things to use in my personal life as well as with the couples I work with Live training delivered online – Join Jennifer Broadley on Thursday 9th May 24 for another jam-packed session live online via Zoom. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Simply book your place and we will send you email confirmation – your Zoom link will be sent the day before the event. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties, so you will also get a recording for 2 weeks afterwards to maximise your learning. Can’t make this date, then please register your interest and we’ll let you know as soon as another date is available. This additional training session gives us more time to look at how neurodiversity can impact relationships In most cases, applying the skills and techniques learned in the Couples Therapy Online Masterclass is all that’s needed to help a couple move forward in their relationship. Sometimes though, some extra focused knowledge of the challenges within specific types of relationship can help a therapist assess more quickly and meaningfully the relationship dynamic, allowing them to more effectively help the couple find a constructive and compassionate way forward. Why take this course Neurodiversity has been given significant media attention recently, which is all hugely positive. As a result though, more people are seeking out information and answers for their questions and personal experiences. As part of that process, they may well seek some counselling or therapy. It’s important then that, as therapists or counsellors, our knowledge, skillset, language and stories stay as up-to-date and relevant as possible to best serve our clients. In this session, we take time to clarify what’s most helpful and identify practical steps that can help. Jennifer's knowledge and experience shone through What will you learn Debunking the myths about neurodiversity – and replacing them instead with newer, more positive and inclusive research-based thinking The value (or not) of a diagnosis – and the possibility of mis-diagnosis The challenges when one or both partners are neurodiverse The most effective tools to support a re-steer back to respect and compatibility What to look out for with right- and left-brain-orientated neurodiversity How best to get mutual emotional needs met when two partners have different priorities, awareness and emotional expectations Having a neuro-divergent child – and how that can impact a relationship (positively and otherwise) Managing expectations – around the speed of change, and the consistency of more-respectful and kinder behaviours after therapy is complete Strategies that could work well with a neuro-divergent partner – and when might we have to get more creative A therapist’s next steps – when they suspect one or both of a couple is neurodivergent. And much more… You will also have the opportunity to ask Jennifer questions and benefit from the discussions resulting from those asked by others. Who is this course suitable for? Anyone working with couples, perhaps as a relationship counsellor or couples therapist, who would like further insights and ideas for helping couples when one or more is neurodivergent Anyone who has previously attended our Couples masterclass 1-day workshop (live or in person) If you already work with couples in your salaried work or private practice and you want to develop more insight into the different ways neurodivergence can impact couples specifically, and relationships generally, then this online training is for you. Please Note This course is not a substitute for therapy. This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 4 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training you’ll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.
Agility has become a prized business attribute. Although Agile methods were once most associated with software development, they are now applied in a host of different areas. Agile continues to find new applications because it is primarily an attitude. This programme delivers a solid grounding in both the Agile mindset and Agile methods. It covers three methods, illustrates the benefits of each and shows how they can be integrated. It includes practical techniques as well as background knowledge. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: Apply Agile concepts to self-manage their work Understand the roles people take on in Agile teams Use a variety of techniques to help deliver customer satisfaction Focus on delivering against priorities Employ a range of estimating techniques 1 Introduction Overview of the programme Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 The basics of Agile What makes Agile different Agile Manifesto and Principles Using feedback to deliver what is needed 3 Agile teams Multi-disciplinary teams Team size and empowerment Agile values 4 Agile at the team level - Scrum Scrum roles Scrum 'events' Scrum 'artifacts' 5 Agile for teams juggling multiple demands - Kanban Taking control of the work Improving throughput Dealing with bottlenecks 6 Agile in projects - AgilePM The phases of an Agile project Managing change requests Delivering on time 7 Estimating T-shirt / Pebble sizing Yesterday's weather Planning poker 8 Pick 'n' mix - some useful techniques The daily stand-up User stories Retrospectives Work-in-process limits Burndown charts Minimum viable product A / B testing 9 Review and action planning Identify actions to be implemented individually Conclusion
– the practical skills you need High levels of anxiety can be very debilitating – this workshop gives you important insights and a wide range of proven techniques to help reduce long-term anxiety, panic attacks, GAD and much more… Accredited CPD Certificate : 6 hours Length 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm) Jo is incredibly adept at teaching this important subject, backed up with evidence and so many useful techniques. Thank youCATHERINE, FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER What will you learn Tried and tested psychological techniques for dealing with over-anxiety Why it’s important to distinguish between two fundamental kinds of anxiety – and methods for dealing with both How to recognise panic attacks and deal with them effectively The genetic factors that make some people more vulnerable to anxiety Ways to change a poor sleep pattern caused by anxiety New perspectives on what drives anxiety – including when its basis lies in trauma Why some people may dissociate (appear to ‘tune out’ or not be present) when very stressed, and what to do about it The three different components of anxiety – and why anxiety can get out of control How anxiety affects the body – and how the body affects anxiety Why people become hypervigilant – and how this can be reduced How to separate a person from their anxiety Five effective methods for bringing down physiological arousal very quickly – and safely Why social anxiety occurs and how to handle it Tips for reducing anxiety in those with additional conditions, such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, bipolar and borderline personality disorder What happens in the brain when we become anxious – insights from neuroscience How guided imagery speeds up treatment for high anxiety plus special tips for using it with clients suffering from over-anxiety How stories can complement therapy for anxiety A range of new skills and techniques for reducing severe anxiety, with plenty of opportunity to practise them yourself on the day Very useful - lots of practical new anxiety management techniquesCOUNSELLOR Why take this course More and more people’s lives are being blighted by anxiety, causing distress to all involved. The anxiety may have initially been focused on realistic, understandable concerns – such as financial difficulties, health, job insecurity or unemployment, relationship problems (particularly complex in blended families) or fears about the future in an increasingly uncertain world – but has spiralled out of control. Or it may have no clear cause and manifests as an ever-present feeling of being ‘wired’, tense or vulnerable, very often accompanied by out-of-control thoughts. The person may be hypervigilant, unable to relax and highly miserable. Left unaddressed, chronic anxiety can also badly affect sleep and physical, as well as mental, health. The good news is there’s much that we can do to reduce this suffering. This highly practical course focuses on giving you the key information and practical skills you need to lower anxiety levels and help people manage their own anxiety better. It concentrates on generalised anxiety (including generalised anxiety disorder – GAD), social anxiety and panic attacks, but also addresses how to handle anxiety that is a feature of conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD and bipolar and borderline personality disorder. Good to know This day complements the Online Course: ‘Understanding anxiety – and managing it without drugs’ Trauma, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders are dealt with on separate practical skills training days (see “The Rewind Technique – Effective treatment for trauma (PTSD) and phobias” and “Obsessive compulsive disorder – understanding OCD and how best to treat it.”) Course Programme The ‘How to Control Chronic Anxiety’ course starts at 9.30am and runs until 4.00pm. From 8.30am Registration (Tea and coffee served until 9.25am) 9.30am Understanding the causes, indications and impacts of chronic anxiety 11.00am Discussion over tea/coffee 11.30am Approaches to help overcome difficulties with anxiety 1.00pm Lunch (included) 1.45pm Anxiety and associated conditions 3.00pm Discussion over tea/coffee 3.15pm Using guided imagery and mental rehearsal 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? Anyone who works with or treats people who may be highly anxious – such as psychotherapists, counsellors, health and social care professionals, educators and individuals working in a variety of capacities in any number of organisations. The course will also provide valuable understanding and practical help for anyone struggling to deal with their own chronic anxiety or for those in relationships or families affected by chronic anxiety.* The day offers the chance to gain life skills of benefit to everyone. * Please Note: This course is not a substitute for individual therapy but there are lots of techniques that anyone suffering from anxiety can take away and use themselves. This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 6 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training you’ll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.