5 Stif courses delivered Live Online

Learn the processes, practices and principles of project management described in the PRINCE2® approach and prepare for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations on this accredited programme. Duration: 5 days (32.5 hours) Our PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Qualification course is designed to teach the processes, practices and principles of project management described in the PRINCE2® approach and to prepare delegates for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations, held as part of the course. This course is designed for existing and potential Project and Team Managers who would like to gain a comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2® method of managing projects and will provide those responsible for planning and managing projects with a structure that will help, without imposing inflexible processes or stifling creative thinking. The PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Course is based on the “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 7th Edition”, which describes the structured project management method. These are intensive modules and require delegates to undertake some evening work in their own time. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to be: Describe the background, principles, structure and terminology used in the PRINCE2® 7th Edition project management method Prepare for and take both the PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Exams Please note that examinations are the responsibility of the examination board, PEOPLECERT and must be organised separately by each person attending. Content Introduction Introduction to projects and project management Structure Of PRINCE2® 7th Edition The seven Principles –the basis of what defines a PRINCE2 project People – leading successful change, teams and communication The seven Practices – to be addressed throughout the project The seven Processes - the activities to direct, manage and deliver a project successfully Practices Business case – establishing mechanisms to decide whether project is desirable, viable and achievable Organizing – establishing accountabilities and responsibilities Quality – defining mechanisms to ensure that products are fit for purpose Plans – the product based approach to planning Risk – identifying, assessing and controlling uncertainty Issues – identifying, assessing and controlling changes to the baseline and other issues Progress – monitoring actual achievements against estimate and controlling deviations Processes Starting up a Project - is there a viable and worthwhile project Directing a Project – enabling key decision making by the Project Board Initiating a Project – establishing solid foundations Controlling a Stage –assigning and monitoring work and keeping within stage tolerance Managing Product Delivery – controlling the link between the Project Manager and Team Manager(s) Managing a Stage Boundary – current stage review and next stage planning Closing a Project – confirmation of acceptance and project review Tailoring PRINCE2® - to the project environment Foundation Examination and results Practitioner Workshop and Examination PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination Objectives and Guidance PRINCE2® Review PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination Workshops PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Examinations The PRINCE2® Foundation Exam is of 1 hour duration and consists of 60 multiple choice questions. A Pass is 36 correct answers, 60%. The PRINCE2® Practitioner Exam is a written paper of 2.5 hours duration. There are 70 Objective Test style questions to be answered in the 2.5 hours and the candidate may use an annotated manual. The candidate must score 42/70 to be successful, 60%.   Presented in association with aims4change, a PEOPLECERT Accredited Training Organisation. PRINCE2® is a Registered Trade Mark of AXELOS Limited.

Spring Clean Your Qi – 2024 Eight Week Online Qigong Course For Spring Feel healthy vibrant and get your zing back for spring When: Tuesday Evenings 6-7.15pm and Thursday mornings 8-8.30am (via Zoom) All classes are recorded so you can catch up in your own time. Dates: Tuesdays 6-7.15pm: March 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th and April 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th Thursdays 8-8.30am: March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and April 11th, 25th and May 2nd Suitable for everyone no matter your experience Spring can be a tricky time for us, as our bodies are moving from the most still Yin restful time of the year to a very Yang active energy of new growth. It’s a massive about-turn for our whole energy system and it can be bumpy!  In Chinese medicine the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi or energy in our body, and in the spring this liver Qi is being challenged, as we come out of the winter stillness it can take a while for us to feel lively and able to take on the new challenges. If our Liver Qi is struggling it can leave us feeling grumpy, irritated and restless, with headaches and brain fog, we may have sore, dry or itchy eyes and tired stiff achey joints. During this course we will use Qigong exercises, meditations, sounds and breath practices, to help bring us into our healthy balance, giving our liver the support it needs so we can move from Winter to Spring, feeling healthy and vibrant and ready to take on the new.  Together we will learn “The Eight Brocades” a simple and easy to practice Qigong form you can use every day to improve your energy and feel great. “The Eight Brocades” is one of the most popular Qigong practices dating back nearly 1000 years in China. it is made up of eight Qigong movements, each opening different meridian or energy pathways in the body, to release fatigue and harness our healthy Qi. Benefits include improved energy, vitality, bone density, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and longevity to name a few. Also, a great practice for reducing blood pressure, cancer support, thyroid issues, back pain, arthritis, and more. What is included:  Eight live 75min evening zoom classes Eight live 30min morning WAKE UP YOUR QI classes on zoom Access to replays of all classes so you can catch up in your own time. Learn “The Eight Brocades” A simple and powerful Qigong form to help you feel amazing Weekly supporting material for home practice including: – 10min video Guided Qigong Practice – Learn how to clear meridian pathways in the body for greater balance – Key acupuncture points for self massage – Weekly nutrition tips for a healthy spring body cleanse What will i get out of this course? Reconnect with your body Clear your mind A healthy detox for your organs Increased flexibility for all your joints Improved circulation Healthy hormonal balance Clear vision – bright eyes Better sleep Reduced pain Improved mood More energy Less stress

MAGIC BALKAN MUSIC ACADEMY Balkan Melody Mastery Learn great Balkan tunes and how to play them amazingly. When? Wednesday evenings, 19:00 – 20:30h GMT Where? Online on ZOOM, limited spaces in-person in Kenton, London HA3 This course will explore authentic Balkan tunes, emphasizing essential techniques for playing with precision and expression. The curriculum is taught via a mixture of by-ear learning and sheet music, allowing participants to delve into dynamic phrasing, articulation, ornamentation, tone, and speed. The course also offers exercises to enhance overall technique and flexibility. Details Wednesday evenings, 19:00 – 20:30h GMT Start on the 17th January 2024. The course will run weekly throughout the year, expect school holidays. Booking either annually on a 6-weekly direct debit or by booking 5-lesson units (more info below) Location: Online on zoom – limited in-person spaces in London HA3 Participants: players of melodic instruments from intermediate to advanced. Fee: £60/£45 concessions for 1 Unit of 5 weeks (half a term). Discounts when signing up until the end of the academic year   Booking Page: Click here to read details of payment and sign up for the course. Read below for extra events, extra discounts and all-inclusive fees. Watch Information Videos and including small demonstrations. Detailed Information The Balkan region is known for its rich and diverse musical heritage, which has been influenced by various cultures and traditions over the centuries. I am launching this new course to share the finer things about Balkan music. The correct notes can be played by any musician, but how often do I find myself in tears when listening to a great musician who gets it so wrong, simply because they did not have the opportunity to travel, listen, and learn from native masters? Instead, they might have learned it third-hand or from a piece of sheet music. Western classical music notation cannot fully capture the essence of other types of music, and a metronome can stifle the authentic phrasing of asymmetric Balkan rhythms. I am not a native Balkan music master either, but I feel very privileged that I had the opportunity to learn from several of them, and engage in endless, wild jam sessions. In this course, I aim to convey not only the right musical feel but also the fervour and passion for this music. The weekly course primarily targets melodic instruments. Tunes will be taught by ear, initially using the voice (sheet music will be sent out beforehand), and then practiced on the instrument. Special attention will be devoted to phrasing, articulation, and, of course, the typical charisma of Balkan music to give it that truly magical sound. Whilst I am a violinist and will demonstrate and lead with the violin and voice, the course is suitable for any melodic instrument. The level is aimed at intermediate to advanced players, although ambitious and diligent lower-intermediate players will also do well. We will briefly cover accompaniment aspects, including chord progressions, rhythm patterns, and techniques. Dedicated workshops for chordal instruments and percussion will be offered as we progress. The course will run weekly and continuously, with no regular sessions during usual UK school holidays. Booking will be in advance in 5-session units. Each unit can be booked individually, or you can sign up for an annual booking and pay in 6 instalments distributed over the whole year, receiving a 20% discount on the total course fee. For precise dates and a detailed payment plan please visit the BOOKING page. Information Videos about the general aims and philosophy of the course how to achieve expressive ornamentation how the accompaniments relate to the tunes Additional Events Balkan Academy Jam Session: A music making session, 3 times a year (towards the end of each term), online and in person, where course participants and their friends can play the studied material with a full-on group, including rhythm section and vocals.  Fee: £9 for course participants, £12 for others - sheet music downloads included Dates to be announced.   Chord Progressions and Accompaniment Special: A special workshop three times a year for guitars, accordions, pianos, bass players, and similar instruments, both online and in person. This workshop delves into the details of chord progressions and accompaniment patterns, including riffs and breaks. It will be co-hosted by an experienced guitarist. Fee: £9 for course participants, £12 for others. Dates to be announced. Balkan Percussion Special: A workshop designed for percussionists to study the rhythm patterns and techniques related to the course material. This workshop will be co-hosted by an experienced Balkan percussionist. It is tailored to friends and bandmates of the Balkan Melody Mastery course participants, allowing the pieces to be performed together in your own groups and jam sessions.  Fee: £9 for course participants, £12 for others. Dates to be announced.

6 Week Qi-Gong Course For Winter When: Tuesday Evenings 6pm and Thursday Mornings (via Zoom) All classes are recorded so you can catch up in your own time. Dates: Tuesdays 6-7pm: January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and February 4th and 11th Thursdays 9-9.30am: January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th and February 6th and 13th Price: Concessions £60 – Standard £80 – Supporter £110 Suitable for everyone no matter your experience What if you could improve your health, strength and vitality, by simply slowing down? Slow your body Slow your breath Slow your mind When we slow down we give ourselves the opportunity to rejuvenate, to recharge and to harness our own life force energy or “Qi”. As we move towards winter we begin to turn inwards and connect to the power of Yin, the power of Water and the power of finding our own slow flow. In this 6 week course we will explore Qigong movements, meditations and breathwork practices to support this slowing down, giving us the space to connect to our Qi, to our subtle energy, giving us the tools to feel stronger, calmer and full of vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine we are entering the water phase of winter. The water element relates to the organs of the bladder and kidneys, our bones, our ears and our sense of hearing. The meridians of Kidney and Bladder run along our spine and the back of the body and when they are flowing well we feel supported by life, grounded and connected to the world around us. We can find our inner flow with ease, without effort or strain, enabling us to let go of our fears and move forward with courage. Qigong teaches us to come back to our bodies, to come back home, to a place of belonging that is inside all of us, a place of stillness in our the centre. Where we can better navigate life’s uncertainties with greater balance, ease, and steadiness. What is included: Six live 60min evening Qigong Classes on zoom Six live 30min morning Slow Flow classes on zoom Access to replays of all classes so you can catch up in your own time. Access to private Whats App group to share experiences and ask questions Weekly supporting material for home practice : – A Weekly video with a guided Qigong Practice or Meditation – PDF – explanations of each practice – Key acupuncture points for self massage Together we will: Learn a simple Slow Flow Qigong Movements to balance your nervous system and release stress. Explore the principal of Wu Wei – Release tension and move with effortless action Connect to your deep internal power – Learn to Standing in Emptiness (Wuchi) Strengthen Kidneys and support adrenal health Exercises to strengthen your spine and reduce back pain Clear the meridian pathways reducing stagnation and stiffness for increased flow and vitality. Learn self-massage techniques for key acupuncture points to release stress and calm our busy minds. Qigong means “To Nourish Life” and for me having a regular practice helps to bring me home to myself. What will i get out of this course? Deeper body awareness Increased strength and emotional stability Relax your mind and Improve mental clarity Enhanced breathing and improved circulation Strengthen your back and build a healthy spine Less physical tension and reduced pain More energy Less stress and anxiety Everyone is welcome to join the course no matter your experience. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Are you ready to start gentle slow Yoga online? ​Beginners and Seniors welcome Best Yoga classes if you feel nervous about Yoga, especially Online Yoga​ Best Yoga classes if you feel stiff and have sore aching stiff joints This Yoga is not gymnastics. You dont have to be flexible or touch your toes