Applied Process Control for Professionals
A 2-day course providing fundamental understanding of feedback process control. It aims at giving professionals who work in process control an understanding of the basic concepts of process dynamics and control and how to apply such concepts to the design, evaluation and troubleshooting of optimal control strategies. More...
Spanish 101 (Beginners) - Fast Track
Learn Spanish faster! Spanish is a truly global language given its official status in 21 countries and spoken by over 350 million people. Spanish 101 – Fast Track is a beginner’s level course that requires no prior knowledge of the language. Ideal for preparing quickly for travel or work commitments, or just as a quick stepping stone to start one’s path to mastering Spanish, this course will introduce basic greetings and the sharing of personal information, introductions, describing yourself and various methods of transportation. Grammatical themes will complement your learned vocabulary to provide the framework for further verbal and non-verbal skills development. Class meetings are twice a week so this course will have you ready for the next level in half the time as our regular Spanish courses. More...
Exploring Colonial NSW – Crossing the Blue Mountains: A Traveller’s Guide
Since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, Europeans had wanted to cross the distant blue barrier presented by the mountains. From a distance the mountains looked as if they could easily be crossed, typified by Governor Phillip’s intention, “to shortly explore their summits.” But the Europeans found them to be a region of plateaus, deeply gouged by water into a maze of daunting gorges. In this course we will look at the heritage of this once impenetrable mountain range and explore our own crossing of it with an appreciation of history by foot and local transport. Ideal for people wanting to know more about Sydney’s most popular mountain region and walks to explore in the Blue Mountains. More...
Classic Journeys: A Journey through the Culture and Landscape of the American West
Share a 5000 mile journey through the American West, a region unique with plant and animal life, geographic wonders, human history and settlements. Visit fifteen national and state parks which protect and honour the landscape, and learn about some of the fascinating indigenous and European discovery. Over four successive sessions, we will cast aside the West of Hollywood stereotype and share these fascinating and accessible areas through the eyes of an Australian travelling through America. The recent T.V series on the parks brought forth Ken Burns’ statement that they are truly America’s best idea. During the day, we visit fifteen national and state parks on a 5000 mile journey. Bears, elk, squirrels, huge landscapes and waterfalls, ‘Old Faithful’ in Yellowstone, as well as two gold mining towns, make for a fascinating journey through America’s west. More...
Exploring Colonial NSW: The Interior Settlements
Sydney’s towns and villages are Australia’s best sites for exploring our colonial heritage. In this series of four sessions we will look at Sydney’s colonial history in the Macquarie era and explore the same on foot. Colonial sites at Windsor, Liverpool and Parramatta provide us with some superb examples of our heritage. This course is for people who enjoy exploring history by walking through it. The course is also suitable for those who are new to walking. The walks are around three to four hours duration but are not demanding. More...
Classic Journeys: Hadrian’s Wall
We embark on a walk along Hadrian’s Wall in England, 80 Roman miles from Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway. Hadrian was a new type of emperor. He was interested in his entire holdings, and particularly in the provinces. One of the most traveled of emperors, he delimited the empire with walls. We examine his rule as emperor, his most famous wall and his travels. More...
Exploring Colonial NSW – Sydney Town
Sydney is Australia’s premier city for exploring our colonial heritage. In this series of four sessions we will look at some aspects of Sydney’s colonial history and explore the same on foot. Colonial sites include, the Rocks, Macquarie St, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Historic South Head Peninsula. We will conclude with a group luncheon at the Vaucluse Tea Rooms. The first meeting will take place at the University of Sydney, and the following two sessions will begin at the Town Hall steps, while the final session will began at Circular Quay. More...
Starting a Private Practice in Psychology or Counselling
Many psychologists and counsellors are interested in establishing themselves in private practice either full-time or part-time but are unsure of how to proceed. In this course a psychologist in private practice will overview the essential requirements and possible pitfalls that need to be addressed for the establishment of a successful private practice. This valuable course covers location, set-up costs, legal and ethical issues, insurance, record-keeping, business structures, accounting, marketing and advertising. More...
HSC Preparation: Economics (Part 2)
This course will discuss the way in which current and relevant economic statistical data can improve responses in Economics, revise the key components of Exchange Rate theory and the arguments of Free Trade and Protection (HSC Economics Topic 2), as well as revise the key concepts of HSC Topic 3 – Economic Issues. Particular attention will be given to the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates on the Australian economy and the importance of Australia maintaining Free Trade relations with the globalised world. The revision of Topic 3 will focus on the highly examined areas of Unemployment and Inflation. More...
Australian Audit Practice
The aim of this course is to improve students' understanding of the function, nature and procedures of commercial auditing in the context of corporate financial reporting. This study of auditing has particular regard to its business, legal and economic foundations. Recurrent reference is made to several practical and policy matters of contemporary importance to auditing and auditors, especially as they relate to the function of auditing in assuring the quality of corporate financial statements and the role of auditors in the corporate governance process. More...
Women in Leadership
Whether leading a team or an organisation, as a woman it is often challenging to command respect and authority in an environment that is generally driven by male standards. In this practical course you will identify deep-seated habits that may sabotage your work and career advancement. Learn assertive communication skills, including appropriate use of body language and voice, meeting and entertainment etiquette. Discuss key issues such as being liked versus respected, professional boundaries, the importance of networking and entertaining, how to negotiate ‘boys clubs’, being visible, achieving work-life balance and more. Retain your integrity and find out that becoming more senior doesn’t mean compromising your femininity. More...
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
This one day course will focus on the five core competencies of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and interpersonal skills. Participants will learn to develop and implement these to enhance their relationships in work and life by increasing their understanding of social and emotional behaviours and learning how to adapt and manage their responses to particular situations. This course is useful for anyone who leads or works with other people, no matter what size the organisation. This is an important course for anybody who wants to develop a better understanding of themselves and others to enhance personal and professional relationships. More...
University Preparation: Science
This extensive course introduces you to the four major strands of science: biological sciences, earth and environmental science, chemistry and physics. Designed to provide a framework of foundation concepts in each discipline, the course through lectures, workshops and assignments, will develop both knowledge and the skills necessary for university study. More...
HSC Preparation: English – Extension 2 (Part 2) - Progressing Your Major Work
This is an intensive 4-week writing course for HSC English Advanced Extension 2 students. It is an excellent way of diving into your English Extension 2 Major Work while learning invaluable writing and editing skills to sustain you through your HSC project and beyond. This writing course extends the seminar, English Extension 2 (Part 1) – Getting Started on Your Major Work. Students will learn how craft, technique and methods to stimulate the imagination can apply to their own Major Work. Using each student’s Major Work, we will look more deeply at story design, character, dialogue, voice, point-of-view and editing. This course is suited to the genres of short story, plays, film scripts, radio scripts (and possibly even poetry). More...
Sicily and Malta: A Cultural Exploration
The islands of Sicily and Malta have been shaped by dramatically different waves of civilization. Their history reflects the presence of the ancient Greeks, the Arabs, the Normans and the Knights of St John, the Spanish and the British. The range of architecture, art and culture includes extravagant Baroque churches, major Renaissance paintings, Arab Norman architecture, Byzantine mosaics, and ancient Greek temples and theatres. On Malta, the prehistoric megalithic temples from between 3600 and 2500 BC are the oldest free-standing buildings in the world. Exploring Sicily and Malta includes spectacular views of the countryside and the sea, and the fascination of two related but very different lifestyles of the southern Mediterranean. More...
The Art and Culture of Sicily
For intending tourists and armchair travellers, this course provides an overview of the places, history, art, and architecture of Sicily – a spectacular island where one of the most dramatic and complicated cultures of the Mediterranean has been shaped by invaders and settlers, who include the ancient Greeks, the Arabs, and the Normans. We take illustrated tours of the main towns and tourist sites with in depth, interactive discussion of history and culture, including the ancient Greek settlements, the rise of the Baroque after the devastating earthquakes of 1693, and recent social and political history. Sicily has a special place in the history of western literature. The course explores the representation of Sicily in literature and film from Homer to Visconti, and accounts of Sicily by other travellers from Goethe and D. H. Lawrence to contemporary tourist guides. More...
Dramas: The History of the Jewish People from Medieval Europe to Modernity
This interactive course, developed and led by the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is a comprehensive, sequential series of text-based lessons. This course reveals how many of the critical issues facing the Jewish people today have been with us throughout history. The course provides an overview of Jewish history and delves into the challenges and issues faced by Jewish people. It explores how ideas and conflicts are resolved in different ways in diverse communities over the centuries. The combined content of this course and “Dramas: The History of the Jewish People from Antiquity to the Spanish Expulsion” is also offered as a two-hour format in “Dramas: The History of the Jewish People”. More...
University Preparation: English Literature
This course provides an introduction to English literature and film combined with intensive focus on writing techniques, and learning and research methods. The texts range from classics such as Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, the novel ‘Wuthering Heights’ and the poem ‘The Waste Land’, to the movie ‘Rear Window’ and the twentieth-century novels ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’. Each text is studied in relation to issues such as its historical context, and the nature of literature, culture and literary criticism, mainly in blocks of three weeks to allow time for reading and discussion. The delivery is through lectures combined with group discussion and written work that enhances writing and learning skills. While the content is suitable for general interest, a main aim is to provide a course equivalent to advanced Higher School Certificate studies in English, for the purpose of competitive university entrance, and as a basis for further study in English literature and a wide range of other university subjects. More...
Sicily and Malta: A Cultural Exploration
The islands of Sicily and Malta have been shaped by dramatically different waves of civilization. Their history reflects the presence of the ancient Greeks, the Arabs, the Normans and the Knights of St John, the Spanish and the British. The range of architecture, art and culture includes extravagant Baroque churches, major Renaissance paintings, Arab Norman architecture, Byzantine mosaics, and ancient Greek temples and theatres. On Malta, the prehistoric megalithic temples from between 3600 and 2500 BC are the oldest free-standing buildings in the world. Exploring Sicily and Malta includes spectacular views of the countryside and the sea, and the fascination of two related but very different lifestyles of the southern Mediterranean. More...
Enhancing Your English: Steps Toward Better Writing
For many students and people in the workplace success depends on achieving a satisfactory standard in written English. This course increases skills in basic written English. It services students involved in University Preparation Courses, tertiary education, HSC courses and those already engaged in the workplace. It begins with revision of practical English grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling and progresses to more complicated sentences, paragraphs, vocabulary enrichment and English for different kinds of writing, including essays and workplace communication. There is a main focus on intensive practice with written exercises, including detailed feedback and discussion. More...
Essay Writing for HSC Students
Do you find it difficult to get your ideas down on paper? Have you been told that your writing is unclear or badly organised? In this intensive course for senior high school students, participants will learn how to structure essays, organise information and use memorised sources in an exam situation. Participants practise writing introductions, conclusions and paragraphs of evidence and learn how to present information clearly and concisely. This course is ideal for HSC students and Year 11 students wanting a head start. More...
Exam Preparation for HSC Students
This course provides a comprehensive overview of preparation for HSC exams and assessment tasks. Students develop strategies for effective independent study and time management which can be applied across a number of subjects. Designed to enhance examination performance and results, this course is a must for Year 11 or 12 students preparing for examinations and other related assessment tasks in the senior years of high school. More...
HSC Preparation: English – Extension 1 (Part 2)
This course covers HSC English Extension 1 Module B Texts and Ways of Thinking Elective 2: Romanticism. Students will explore the notion of a particular historical period and the ways in which it shapes literature and other texts with a focus on Romanticism from the late 18th Century to the mid 19th Century. You will study the full range of set texts with the aid of a substantial course booklet and you will discuss possibilities for texts of your own choosing. A particular feature is that the course includes focus on both the creative writing and critical essay components of the exam with a further course booklet to support learning of the creative writing component worth fifty percent of the exam paper. The course explains the ways of thinking characteristic of Romanticism including individualism, the imagination and experiment with new ideas about identity and society. More...
The Art and Culture of Sicily
For intending tourists and armchair travellers, this course provides an overview of the places, history, art, and architecture of Sicily – a spectacular island where one of the most dramatic and complicated cultures of the Mediterranean has been shaped by invaders and settlers, who include the ancient Greeks, the Arabs, and the Normans. We take illustrated tours of the main towns and tourist sites with in depth, interactive discussion of history and culture, including the ancient Greek settlements, the rise of the Baroque after the devastating earthquakes of 1693, and recent social and political history. Sicily has a special place in the history of western literature. The course explores the representation of Sicily in literature and film from Homer to Visconti, and accounts of Sicily by other travellers from Goethe and D. H. Lawrence to contemporary tourist guides. More...
Mexico: Pyramids in the Jungle
Three great cultures dominate the history of Mexico: the Olmec, the Maya and the Aztec. These cultures span the period from 1200 BCE to the conquest of Mexico in 1521 by the Spanish commander Hernán Cortés whose conquest is one of the great ‘ripping yarns’ of modern history. Instead of the drier, ‘movie’ landscapes of the north, the tour heads south from Mexico City, staying in towns dominated by Spanish colonial architecture, and travelling through a varied landscape – from thick forests to dry savannah – dotted with innumerable historical and archaeological sites. Together, it is sure to spark an interest in the incredible history and fascinating culture of Mesoamerica. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
University Preparation: Mathematics
This course prepares students for future study of mathematics at university level by developing an understanding and application of algebra, geometry and calculus. Students will practise effective techniques for studying mathematics as well as learning to read and write mathematics clearly and intelligibly. Students will also develop an appreciation of the patterns which arise in mathematics and how they are applied in a number of different subject areas. More...
Crete: In Search of the Minoans Tour
Come with us across the ‘wine-dark sea’ to Crete, an island of picturesque villages set in spectacular rugged scenery, an island rich in myth, legend and history, both ancient and modern. From the renowned Bronze Age archaeological sites at Knossos and Phaistos, to the architectural gems of the Venetian and Ottoman empires at Chania and Rethymnon and World War II battlefields and villages where Australians and New Zealanders fought, we traverse this beautiful Mediterranean island in search of its intriguing past. More...
Understanding English Grammar – Level 1
Those who speak English fluently know the grammar of the language – or most of it anyway – but they may not know much about the grammar or how to talk about it or how to analyse their own use of it. This course aims to establish an understanding of the basic ways in which the rules of our grammar work as they allow us to construct sentences that are comprehensible to other speakers of the language. If there are uncertainties in the ways the rules are supposed to work (do we say ‘between you and I’ or ‘between you and me’?) all questions will be settled. More...
Understanding English Grammar – Level 2
From a finite set of grammatical patterns, syntactic and morphological, we can express an infinite set of sentences. This second level course studies more detailed aspects of sentence construction, particularly at the phrase and clause levels, while continuing to examine questions of formality and informality in grammar, of acceptability and the concept of a standard dialect. It will also cover the conventions of punctuation in written English today. More...
Understanding English Grammar – Level 3
This third level will cover a more detailed analysis of clause structure, and go on to examine variations in information packaging and derived structures which give the English speaker and writer alternative methods of communicating their thoughts, involving sometimes complex variations of grammar. A special study of the sometimes vexed question of adjectives and adverbs will be undertaken. More...
The Story of the English Language
What has happened to make the English language of a thousand or more years ago largely unintelligible to English speakers today? Why is our grammar so different from that of some otherwise closely related European languages? Why is our vocabulary so large? We will trace the influences that were at work over time to alter the language, spoken and written, and that have brought about such huge changes from Old English to the language of Chaucer; from then to the Early Modern English of Shakespeare and so to the English in its many variations spoken around the world in the 21st century. More...
Study for Success: Strategies for Improving Learning
This course is designed specifically for students and provides an introduction to those critical skills required to learn more effectively and enhance performance in assessment activities. It complements and improves learning in each chosen area of study. It is run over three consecutive weeks in three hour sessions. Each session begins with a lecture and then smaller breakout tutorials where students work with tutors to practise and apply the strategies and techniques learnt during the lecture. More...
Tour: Conflict in Vietnam & Cambodia (1954 – 1979) - A Journey Through Modern History
The Vietnam War, or the American War as it is known locally, stretched from 1965 until the North’s victory in Saigon in 1975 but in reality it was merely one of several Indochina wars as the region fought firstly to extricate itself from the French colonial grip and then later to come to terms with regional hegemony in the shadow of the Cold War and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Join us on the ground in Vietnam and Cambodia as we trace this fascinating and tragic period of the recent past while experiencing the confident and upbeat present. More...
Marketing Level 1
Marketing is a powerful management tool for growing your business and addressing key issues, whether you work for a corporate, for government or for yourself. In this practical course, you’ll discover the elements of a strong marketing plan, learn about today’s core online and traditional marketing activities, equip yourself with a range of marketing tools and templates, and see how effective communication can really impact your organisation’s bottom line. More...
Marketing Level 2
Looking to build on your existing marketing skills? This course is designed for experienced marketers or those who have already completed ‘Marketing Essentials’ or an equivalent. Focus on a deeper understanding of the key marketing tools of advertising, PR, promotions and digital marketing. Consider effective use of marketing funds (including profitability, return on marketing investment and financials from a marketing perspective) and exploring the latest marketing trends – from changes in consumer marketing to digital and on line marketing. Using an interactive teaching style including group work, case studies and lecture format, the course will challenge you to become more strategic in your thinking and truly market orientated in your business. More...
Strategic Marketing Planning
Take your marketing skills to the next level by thinking more strategically. Designed for marketers with some experience, this course will equip you with practical take-home tools to develop stand-out brand goals, write powerful marketing plans and measure your performance. Learn how to get the most from your research and communication spend, understand the importance of financials and update yourself on the latest trends in branding and metrics. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
French 101 (Beginners) - Fast Track
Learn French faster! French is the official language of 28 countries and is spoken by more than 450 million people world-wide. French 101 – Fast Track is a beginners course and no prior knowledge of the language is required. Ideal for preparing quickly for travel or work commitments, or just as a quick stepping stone to start one’s path to mastering French, participants learn the basics of the language including greetings, manners, the alphabet, numbers and writing in French. Grammatical elements are also introduced as you start to work on your speaking and listening skills. Class meetings are twice a week so this course will have you ready for the next level in half the time as our regular French courses. More...
Basic Operations with MYOB
Why waste thousands on expensive consultants, contractors and accountants when MYOB is easy to use yourself! All you need are the right skills, knowledge and guidance and you’ll soon be managing your accounts effectively and efficiently. This course is ideal for people running a small business but is suitable for anyone wanting to take control of their financial affairs. More...
Writing Winning Proposals
Effective proposal writing is critical to success in business. This course gives you proven techniques and skills to help you write proposals to get the results you want. Discover the secrets; learn what to do to and what not to do. Plan a strategy and master the art of persuasion by building compelling arguments that focus on reader-centred writing, which produce documents reviewers want to read. Win the work, get the grant or have the green light for your next project! More...
Professional Policy Writing Workshop
Organisations need good operational policies, but the people to produce them can be hard to find. The good news is that the art of writing policy is not too mysterious to master. With lots of practical tips and how-to’s, this one day course will equip you to write policy documents that impress. With a focus on both process and content, you will master the policy development process, know what the ‘must haves’ are, learn to say what you mean in professional language, and compile documents that look good, read well and are user-friendly. More...
Effective Search Engine Marketing
A successful search engine marketing strategy is one of the primary ways in which business websites can attract new customers. During this course we’ll explore the main search-engine marketing techniques for business websites. You’ll learn about the process of search engine optimisation, including keyword research, writing optimised content, getting web pages indexed by search engines and tracking the outcomes. You’ll discover new online tools and resources to implement successful campaigns, learn about ‘link popularity’ and how to develop an effective link building strategy, and understand what ‘pay-per-click’ advertising is, how it can be used and the stages required to set up and manage campaigns. More...
English Pronunciation for Overseas-Born Professionals
It’s surprising and sometimes discouraging, how often we are judged by the way we speak. Overseas-born professionals can find it difficult to have their skills recognised in a new environment because of the way their accent is interpreted. Through interactive workshops focusing on speech sounds, intonation and social context, you’ll identify your own trouble spots and learn techniques to enhance your spoken English in order to reinforce your professional capabilities. More...
University Preparation: Science
This extensive course introduces you to the four major strands of science: biological sciences, earth and environmental science, chemistry and physics. Designed to provide a framework of foundation concepts in each discipline, the course through lectures, workshops and assignments, will develop both knowledge and the skills necessary for university study. More...
Frank Capra
In the extremely popular films of Frank Capra, a Sicilian who came to America with his family when he was a child, the American Dream always borders on disaster. Capra tapped into what the public wanted during the Depression: high quality ‘feel good’ movies with heroes who were ‘little men’ who triumphed over big business and corrupt politicians. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, You Can’t Take It With You and It’s a Wonderful Life are classics of their type and as much loved (by most) today as ever they were. There’s a very dark side to Capra, though, which will be explored by a survey of his career – and the screening of three of his films in full. More...
A History of World Cinema (1940-1941)
David Stratton’s History of World Cinema course explores in great detail the development and trends of world cinema in chronological order. These 12 sessions, each running for three hours and each containing the screening of a feature film in full, will explore the years 1940-1941 and will consider not only the films made in Hollywood during this period but also films made in wartime Britain and other parts of the world, and not only feature films but newsreels, documentaries and animated films. Supporting material will supply notes on political, social and cultural events, worldwide, during the period covered. More...
Humphrey Bogart
The actor who defines the 1940s is Humphrey Bogart, whose early career playing vicious gangsters, always gunned down in the final reel, was turned upside down by directors John Huston and Howard Hawks who transformed him into a flawed hero for the era in films like The Maltese Falcon, Across the Pacific, To Have and Have Not and The Big Sleep. More...
Preston Sturges
At the end of the 1930s and the beginning of the 1940s, screenwriters like John Farrow, Billy Wilder and John Huston, long forced to see their scripts directed by others, were given the chance to bring their own work to the screen. Foremost among this group of writer-directors, at least for a brief, shining moment between 1940 and 1945, was Preston Sturges, who made some of the greatest comedies ever produced in Hollywood – pungent satires with witty dialogue that are as funny today as ever they were. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Grammar and Punctuation Fundamentals
Do you have a feeling for grammar that looks and sounds right but you’re not quite sure? In this Grammar and Punctuation course, you’ll spend a day learning all the basic concepts and principles of grammar that you were probably never formally taught. What do ‘subject’, ‘verb/s’ and ‘predicate’ mean? What are the nine parts of speech? How do you use phrases, clauses, sentences and paragraphs to construct effective English? What is the purpose of the punctuation marks, and how do you set up bulleted lists? If you work with words and need to grasp the basics so you can identify errors and justify your corrections, this is the course for you. Join us for a day of de-mystifying a subject that hasn’t been systematically taught since 1972! More...
Grammar and Punctuation Advanced
Use this two-day advanced workshop to continue understanding and applying English grammar and punctuation. You’ll discover and apply ways to solve common problems in written English and learn some of the trade secrets of professional editors. Using a list of the standard ‘hard-copy editing’ marks, you will work with other participants to identify errors, correct sentences, justify your corrections and understand when more than one solution is acceptable. Make yourself indispensable at work as someone who can confidently prevent embarrassing errors from occurring in your organisation’s written communications. More...
HSC Preparation: Biology (Part 2)
This course aims to consolidate key concepts and skills from the 9.3 Blueprint of Life module. The focus will be on developing the cognitive skills needed to access and apply biological knowledge in the context of the HSC assessment. These skills will allow students to develop the higher order thinking required to push their achievement into Band 6. More...
Weight Loss: A Psychological Perspective
Why is losing weight and keeping it off so incredibly difficult? Psychologists recognise that weight loss is about far more than just diet and exercise. The mind, emotions, physiology and social environment all play a part in successful weight management. This course combines practical strategies with accessible research, empowering you with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome obstacles and open the door to weight loss success. More...
Art Basics
Put theory into practice and develop your artistic competency by learning the ‘rules’ to art. Working with the elements and principles of design participants will learn perspective, how to draw illusions, create powerful designs, apply texture and value, understand colour theory and the colour wheel and learn to draw the face. A variety of mediums including ink, colour pencil, pastels and paint will be utilised. There are no prerequisites for this course. More...
Microsoft PowerPoint Level 2
The skills and knowledge acquired in Microsoft PowerPoint Level 2 are sufficient to be able to build and enhance powerful, real-world presentations for sales, budgets, clubs and more. In this course you will learn how to enhance text in a presentation, add media features, setup a slide show and more. More...
Microsoft Word Level 2
Microsoft Word Level 2 extends the learner’s basic skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word and helps them create more intricate and varied documents. Existing skills and knowledge are enhanced by covering more advanced aspects of key topics such as formatting, tables, and lists, and new features such as merging, envelopes, sections, clip art and graphics are introduced. This course is ideal for people who work in an environment where there is a requirement to produce more intricate documents. More...
Microsoft Word Level 3
Microsoft Word Level 3 is designed to provide the learner with advanced skills and knowledge in using Microsoft Word. This course focuses on producing longer documents and includes key aspects such as creating a table of contents, indexing, creating cover pages, and more. This course also focuses on document automation through the use of fields, forms, and macros, and also deals with document change tracking and protection. This course is ideal for people who work in an environment where there is a requirement to produce more intricate documents. More...
Microsoft Visio
The skills and knowledge acquired in Microsoft Visio Module 1 sufficient to create real-world drawings using shapes, stencil connectors, pages, formatting options, grids, styles, and the printing features of Microsoft Visio. More...
Microsoft Word Level 1
Microsoft Word Level 1 focuses on basic document production using Microsoft Word and is designed to give the learner a sound understanding of how documents are created, formatted, and printed. This course is ideal for people who work in an environment where there is a requirement to produce reports, tabularised numbers and the like. More...
Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1
The skills and knowledge acquired in Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1 are sufficient to be able to create real-world presentations. You will also learn how to add themes, run a slide show, print, publish presentations. More...
Study for Success: Strategies for Improving Learning
This course is designed specifically for students and provides an introduction to those critical skills required to learn more effectively and enhance performance in assessment activities. It complements and improves learning in each chosen area of study. It is run over three consecutive weeks in three hour sessions. Each session begins with a lecture and then smaller breakout tutorials where students work with tutors to practise and apply the strategies and techniques learnt during the lecture. More...
Children’s Book Illustration
This creative and practical course introduces participants to all aspects of children’s book illustration, from drawing, composition and picture planning to an overview of the publishing industry and “tricks of the trade.” The course will take a close look at the relationship between illustrator and editor, and the collaborative process of making picture books. More...
Conscious Ageing: Creating Meaning & Purpose in the Second Half of Life (A Film Study)
You’ve lived Adulthood I – you’ve built a career and perhaps raised a family. You’re in your mid-50’s or 60’s and you probably have at least another 30-40 years of good life ahead of you. So, what’s next? More...
The Art and Craft of Short Story Writing
Short story writing is back in demand in literary markets across the Western World. It is because this finest literary genre is ideally suited to the demands of our contemporary digital and postmodern cultural. Short story writing has been defined by some critics as just the beginning of storytelling, but as Henry David Thoreau said that the story does not need to be long, “but it will take a long while to make it short.” This course offers practical advice on the mechanics and the art and craft of short story writing. Through this course, participants will be able to write and analyse their writing with confidence by mastering the essentials of good short story writing and get lasting inspiration for improving their skills. It will also assist aspiring writers to bring their works up to the publishable standard. More...
An Introduction to Anthropology
Born in the mid-19th century in Europe and Australia, Anthropology is a disciplinary study of humans and their diversities and developments in all cultural, social and historical dimensions. This eight-session course is designed to give practical and theoretical knowledge and techniques of anthropology. Working with the presenter, the students will learn and examine key areas in human cultural and social patterns of behaviour and beliefs, such as cult, food, herbal medicine, symbols, religion, magic, pilgrimage, shrines, fetish, and so on. The course will also enable students to identify their own cultural patters and analyse other cultures. More...
The Paper Canvas: An Introduction to Literature
Literature is a body of written works of imagination characterised by excellence of style, expression, themes and genres of enduring interests. This eight-session course maps the knowledge we know about the important forms, concepts, themes, movements and historical periods in literature. The course provides unique opportunities of learning by guiding students through an overview of theories about the nature of literature, its meaning and thinking behind literary concepts and movements. After exploring literature and its three parts, poetry, novel and drama, the course will examine English literature and all its major periods such as classical, medieval, renaissance, 18th century, Romantic, Victorian, modern and postmodern. The course will also focus on key literary texts in English literature and literary criticism. More...
Dealing with Difficult People
This course will show you how to recognise and respond to the tactics difficult people use at work, at home and in customer service environments. Learn to maintain your personal power while dealing with aggressive strategies such as bullying, shouting or public put-downs and criticism. Develop appropriate ways to handle chronic complaining and buck-passing, and learn how to respond assertively to sarcasm and rumour-mongering. A great way to increase your confidence! More...
Creating Success with Neuro-Linguistic Programming
NLP provides a set of tools for achieving excellence. This course puts the power of those tools into your hands. Hear how to ‘program yourself to succeed’ by redesigning your patterns of thought and behaviour, and see how to create a compelling personal vision of success. Experience new ways of feeling resourceful and effective and learn how to reproduce others' success strategies. Motivate yourself at both conscious and unconscious levels. More...
Conflict Resolution: Steps to Professional Harmony
Knowing how to resolve conflict at work is the key to a harmonious and productive professional environment. In this course you will analyse the nature of conflict, how it affects those involved and learn practical strategies for effectively negotiating compromise and successful outcomes. This course is essential for supervisors, team leaders and frontline managers wanting to enhance their skills and the productivity of their teams. More...
Negotiation Skills: Managing Successful Outcomes
Whatever your role, you need to communicate and negotiate effectively with others in order to achieve your goals. Managers, consultants and salespeople will all benefit from aligning personal and business values, thinking and working more strategically, and adopting a cooperative approach to negotiation to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. You’ll also gain an understanding of effective team-working, organisational politics, and decision drivers in business. More...
Communication Excellence with Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Discover how Neuro-Linguistic Programming can transform your communication! Learn to act upon the principles employed by star communicators, lay the foundations of strong communication, short-circuit power games, reprogram responses to people who push your buttons, detect nonverbal clues which reveal someone’s unspoken message, make an unpalatable message easy to digest by catering to a listener’s preferences, and smoothly navigate your way through conflicts. Master practical techniques you can apply immediately to enrich your personal and professional communication. More...
The Psychology of Influence
Some people appear to have a knack for influencing others. Their persuasive skills appear to flow naturally and unconsciously – but they actually stem from principles anyone can learn to apply. By understanding these principles, you can get others to listen to you, persuade people to change their mind, shift the direction of a conversation, communicate a message effectively. This course is suitable for anyone who needs to engage and inspire others at work – including managers, sales staff, customer service providers, consultants and professionals. More...
Reading Latin for Pleasure
This class is for advanced students wishing to maintain or improve their knowledge of classical Latin through an intensive study of classical texts. Active class participation is encouraged. More...
Rhythms and Purposes I
This interactive course, developed and led by the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is a comprehensive, sequential series of text-based lessons. Rhythms of Jewish Living and Purposes of Jewish Living are taken together. Rhythms introduces the beliefs and practices that shape Jewish festivals, and the life cycle. This enables participants to appreciate the depth and consistency of Jewish life. Purposes is devoted to the question why the Jews believe what they believe? The goal of this course is to identify the ultimate purpose of Jewish life as found in the Jewish texts and the historical experience. More...
Visual Journaling: Where Images and Words Meet
Throughout history, artists, scientists and others have used visual journaling to record ideas, sketch out possibilities and explore their experiences. Image making and personal writing is a unique combination of two creative processes within a journal format. This workshop will enable you to discover and deepen your creativity as you experiment with visual journaling techniques in an encouraging and playful environment. Experience the wonderful satisfaction of reading and looking at your life from a new perspective. No art making experience is necessary and all art materials are provided on the day. More...
Art Therapy
Art is widely recognised as an important tool for helping people feel better. Using a mix of simple art activities, writing and discussion, you’ll experience a unique way to explore, restore and transform your life. Be enriched as you experiment with paint, pastels and clay in a playful and supportive environment. Learn to navigate your life with art from your heart. No art experience is necessary and all art materials are provided on the day. More...
Microsoft Excel Level 1
Improve the way you manage and present information and take the legwork out of calculations and data manipulation with this powerful software. This course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge necessary to create workbooks in Microsoft Excel. It covers creating a new workbook, adding data, editing data, working with formulas, printing and charting. More...
Microsoft Excel Level 2
Microsoft Excel Level 2 is the second of a 3-Level study program for Microsoft Excel. This level extends the learner’s basic knowledge of Excel and provides the learner with skills and knowledge to produce more effective and productive workbooks. It covers formulas and function techniques, more intricate formatting, setting complex printing options, using intricate charting features and working more effectively with existing worksheets and workbooks. More...
Microsoft Excel Level 3
Microsoft Excel Level 3 focuses on the more advanced features of excel. Advanced analysis tools, especially pivot tables, solver, outlining and summarising are covered, as are some key automation features such as macros. More...
Financial Modelling in Excel
This course is designed for the business professional with a need to model a business situation (opportunity) or perform complex manipulations of financial data. Participants will create their own customised, user-friendly model that will transform business rules and project expectations into projected future performance. Course coverage will include the use of a structured modelling format and the strengths (and weaknesses) of various analytical techniques such as internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV). Implementation and use of the IRR and NPV functions in Excel as well as numerous other spreadsheet techniques (lookup functions, conditional sum & if formulas, autofilters, conditional formatting) will be explored in detail. Participants should be familiar with basic Excel functions including the creation of cell referenced formulas. More...
The Art Galleries of Sydney
This course will consist of seven visits to Sydney’s major public and private art galleries. The aim is to investigate the wonderful permanent collections and changing exhibitions which make up the dynamic art scene in Sydney. Included will be favourites such as the Art Gallery of NSW, The MCA at Circular Quay and the S H Ervin Gallery on Observatory Hill. However, there will be some out of the way galleries included. The student will become much more familiar with the great masterpieces held in large collections and at the same time gain an understanding of the dynamic contemporary art scene. The course provides a unique opportunity to come to terms with all forms of art and learn a great deal more about the great city of Sydney. More...
Australian Aboriginal Art
Australia’s indigenous art is celebrated nationally and internationally and continues to attract great interest and record prices at auction. Recently two paintings alone have brought more than $3 million at auction. The artists concerned, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and Emily Kngwarreye will be fully discussed as part of the course. Fully illustrated, this course explains the history, growth and significance of Australian aboriginal art, looking at the mythology and iconography that informs the art as well as different techniques used. We consider bark painting, desert and rock art (including the enigmatic ‘Bradshaws’ and ‘Wandjina’) and art from the Kimberley and the Tiwi islands. One session will be held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. More...
University Preparation: Mathematics
This course prepares students for future study of mathematics at university level by developing an understanding and application of algebra, geometry and calculus. Students will practise effective techniques for studying mathematics as well as learning to read and write mathematics clearly and intelligibly. Students will also develop an appreciation of the patterns which arise in mathematics and how they are applied in a number of different subject areas. More...
Australian Taxation Law
This course provides a foundation in Australian Taxation Law. It covers the main concepts of income taxation in Australia, such as residence and source, tax accounting, general and statutory income, capital gains tax, general and specific deductions, taxation of entities such as partnerships, trusts and companies, international tax and tax avoidance. More...
Philosophy of Illusions: Imagining Oneself through History
The ability for the human mind to imagine effectively raises some surprising philosophical questions: Are we all living in imaginary illusions in order to make sense of an abstract existence? Have we invented everything to create civilisation in order to escape nature and therefore negate our natural animal instincts? Have we become prisoners of our imaginary illusions (including our limited use of language)? Are we all actors (or novelists) with imagined subtexts? This course, with the help of some of the greatest thinkers and artists in history, will investigate their theories and how art can unite our ‘nature’ with our ‘anti-nature’ characteristics. More...
European Union: From Crisis to Crisis to an Uncertain Future
Why is there so much bad news from Europe lately? This course takes a behind-the-scenes look into the on-going debt crisis of the European Union (EU) and what it means for the future of the European project. Participants will be provided with a straight-forward introduction to the institutions and treaties of the EU. Not only will you learn to analyse European integration, but you will also learn the basic concepts of global political economy that are necessary to understand the silent power of money in politics. This course is fundamental for anyone wishing to understand the European Union, the debt crisis and how they affect the broader global economy. More...
The Election of a President I
The Republicans seek a candidate. Who will it be? Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Palin, Perry, Romney or someone else? We will look at the heart of the Primary season as candidates try to assemble enough delegates for a first ballot nomination at the national convention. We will be watching, analysing and discussing through many of the key primaries, including Super Tuesday, 6 March. More...
The Election of a President II
The campaign for the presidency and the election (re-election) of a President. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden (?) vs _______ and ________. We will follow the campaigns of the candidates up through the election on 6 November and the likely impact on the rest of the world. More...
The Politics of Fear – McCarthyism to the Birthers
This course explores the American preoccupation with the enemy from within, real and imagined. Fear of communism, especially from within, was endemic throughout the Cold War and names like McCarthy and Nixon quickly come to mind as successful exploiters of this fear. We will look at the historical background of this bizarre American pre-occupation and see how it has been carried forward to the present by the Tea Party movement. More...
Implementing a Digital Strategy for Your Small Business
From search to social media, ecommerce to email marketing, mobile to cloud, and content to crowdsourcing – digital technologies have been changing consumer habits, challenging business models, and reinventing industries, and continuing to do so! In this course, you will learn how to grow your business through building and implementing a winning digital strategy that harnesses the power of digital tools, technologies and channels. More...
University Preparation: Science
This extensive course introduces you to the four major strands of science: biological sciences, earth and environmental science, chemistry and physics. Designed to provide a framework of foundation concepts in each discipline, the course through lectures, workshops and assignments, will develop both knowledge and the skills necessary for university study. More...
Turkish Delights: Classical and Ottoman Turkey
Turkey’s fascinating history stretches back for millennia and encompasses civilisations including the Hittites and Greeks as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It boasts UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites as well as diverse and spectacular landscapes. While we focus on the Classical and Ottoman periods and sample this extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, we also enjoy and experience the vibrant and flourishing society that awaits today’s travellers. More...
University Preparation: Ancient History
From the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta to the time of the great Roman Emperor Augustus, this course explores the military, political, economic, intellectual and social history of ancient Greece and Rome. There is an emphasis on primary sources, both written and archaeological, and the development of an historical methodology. The course introduces students to the study of history as an academic discipline as well as developing some of the study skills necessary for university study. More...
Introduction to Instrumentation and Process Control (HART)
This practical instrumentation course will provide attendees with a basic background on the role of instrumentation in maintaining a stable and controlled process. The course is designed to provide maximum hands-on tuition in order to ensure that attendees gain practical experience in areas of instrument calibration, signal interpretation and control loop tuning, all tools for successful processing operations. More...
Telephone Sales Skills
This invaluable Sales Skills Workshop teaches you the skills and techniques you will need on the telephone to get more leads, appointments and close more sales. You will leave the course with much more confidence and motivation to get on with the job of cold calling and prospecting. You will be able to call your past and existing customers without feeling a pest, and you’ll be able to follow-up mail-outs and quotes without the fear of rejection. Armed with your new skills, you will have more purpose and you will be able to achieve better results immediately. More...
University Preparation: Science
This extensive course introduces you to the four major strands of science: biological sciences, earth and environmental science, chemistry and physics. Designed to provide a framework of foundation concepts in each discipline, the course through lectures, workshops and assignments, will develop both knowledge and the skills necessary for university study. More...
HSC Preparation: Legal Studies (Part 2)
This course will revise the content in Core Part II – Human Rights using the syllabus principal focus and the five themes and challenges for this part of the HSC Legal Studies course. Students will be given guidance on how to relate the themes and challenges to each aspect of the human rights topic. Human rights will be defined using the five characteristics of human rights. The three formal statements of human rights in the syllabus will be examined. In particular students will be provided with a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and shown how to use this document to improve their responses about human rights in examinations. The course will cover the role of a Charter of Rights for Australia and look at how to successfully tackle questions which ask students to discuss arguments for and against a Charter of Rights for Australia. Specific attention will be given to developing evaluative and analytical thinking skills in relation to human rights which are essential for students who want to achieve high results (Band 6 responses) in Legal Studies. More...
Microsoft Excel Level 4 (VBA)
Learn how to use a combination of Excel and VBA to improve your productivity, adding power and flexibility to spreadsheets by creating user-defined functions. Basic knowledge of Excel is assumed but no programming knowledge is required. More...
SQL Level 2 (DML, Basic Scripting, Basic DDL)
Escalate your career by learning how to extract and change data in relational databases with SQL (Structured Query Language) that traverses multiple tables with Select, Insert, Update and Delete statements, functions and scripts. SQL is a current hot skill, valued by employers. More...
SQL Level 3 (Triggers, Stored Procedures, Control Flow Statements, Scripting)
Do you want to write more powerful SQL code? This course takes your SQL skills to the next level by introducing the use of flow control statements (if statements and loops etc.), the use of common SQL functions and creation of user defined functions, stored procedures and triggers. You’ll also learn how to activate SQL from, and return data to, user applications via ADO or ADO .Net. You’ll implement transactions, cursors, an audit trail and learn how to handle errors. More...
SQL Level 1
This is a new course provided for people with minimal understanding of relational databases (Access, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL etc) who want to get more value from the SQL Level 2 course or who just want to demystify relational database management systems. More...
Project Management: Essentials
Whether you’re introducing a new product or service, implementing the latest initiative or even managing a corporate event, this introductory course will provide you with the skills you need to plan and manage successfully. Using a realistic case study, you’ll learn how to balance time, cost, quality and scope, and work through the stages of project initiation, planning, scheduling and reporting. More...
Stakeholder Management
A key factor in the success of a project is managing stakeholder needs, wants and expectations. During this practical course you’ll learn how to identify key stakeholders and define their roles, establish how committed are they to the project, align and prioritise stakeholder requirements to business and organisational objectives, and gain ‘buy-in’. We’ll also cover communication techniques such as dealing with organisational politics, resolving conflict and managing expectations that can’t be met, as well as ongoing management issues such as selling the project, maintaining commitment and status reporting. More...
Making the Business Case
The business case (also called a cost benefit analysis or feasibility study) is a key document and the very basis of many projects and investments. It should provide clear evidence that a project is worthwhile, that the benefits as described are achievable and that the associated costs can be contained. This intensive two-day workshop, aimed at project managers, team leaders and business analysts, covers the entire process involved in justifying a project by means of a business case. It is intended to bridge the gap between the bare-bones technical justification of a project and the expectations of the business users and executives who will approve it. More...
Managing Projects Using Microsoft Project
Improve your productivity in planning and scheduling as you discover the improved capabilities and features of Microsoft Project. In this course you will learn to develop project plans, manage project resources and learn how to report project status realistically. Whether you are a project manager, team leader or team member, this course will be highly beneficial in providing a comprehensive guide to project management. More...
Positioning a Consultancy Business for Greater Success
Established consultants and professional advisors seldom consider their own success in a systematic way, despite working with clients to accomplish that objective … for their clients. Consultants and professional advisors often think about building value into their businesses but don’t know the enablers and tactics for growth to build that value. More...
A Toolkit for New Managers
Understanding management principles is critical for business success. This course is designed for those who want an overview of the skills needed to be an effective manager or supervisor. The course focuses on achieving strong outcomes through effective people and team management, the development of sound planning and organisational skills, creative problem solving and ensuring finance & cost control procedures are followed. More...
People Management Essentials
Bringing out the best in people is critical to the success of managers and organisations. Designed for supervisors and team leaders, you will learn some essential strategies for managing and leading team members effectively and enhancing their performance. Knowing how to communicate more effectively and how to motivate and handle difficult individuals will also provide the negotiation skills necessary to manage change and resolve conflict in your team. More...
University Preparation: Psychology
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology as an academic discipline whose primary focus is the understanding of human behaviour. Students study the nature and methods of psychological enquiry, theories of personality, learning, social psychology, intelligence, clinical psychology, psychobiology and human development, as well as developing some of the study skills necessary for university study. More...
Understanding Mental Illness I: Anxiety Disorders
The nature of mental illness can be mystifying to many people and crippling for sufferers. In this case study – based course, a practising psychologist will overview the world of abnormal psychology, looking in particular at anxiety disorders so that stereotypes can be challenged and causes and cures examined. The course will utilise a number of the University’s training DVD’s and there will be time for class discussion. Come along and get another perspective on this clinical disorder and mental illness. More...
Drawing for Beginners Weekend Workshop
This course covers the basics of drawing techniques through a practical study of form, shading, colour and perspective. Participants will gain the skills needed to produce a lovely landscape, still life, figure drawing and more. Fun and relaxing, Drawing for Beginners Weekend Workshop is accessible to anyone wanting to explore their creative potential. More...
A Week of Watercolour
Delicate yet dynamic, watercolour is a soft and expressive medium, and the perfect way to capture nature’s extraordinary colour palette. This intensive week-long course takes you on a step-by-step journey through the basic skills and techniques of watercolour painting. By the end of the week you’ll have paintings that you’ll be proud to display, as well as a new means of artistic expression! A Week of Watercolour is appropriate for both new and returning participants. More...
HSC Preparation: Physics (Part 2)
This course provides consolidation of the key content and skills from the 9.3 Motors and Generators module. There is a focus on those cognitive skills needed to access and apply physics knowledge in an HSC assessment context and the higher order thinking needed to push student achievement into Band 6. More...
Discovering Australian Native Plants
Australian native plants were here before us and they’re all around us. But where did they come from and how have they survived and flourished in our harsh environment for so long and so well? This full-day workshop will help you discover the answer to these questions and more, including how to choose the right native plants for your garden or balcony to screen, attract birds, or create a focal point. Participants will also learn about plants that have fragrant flowers, act as fire retardants, and need minimal maintenance. More...
Organic Gardening for Busy People
It’s easy to have an organic garden. In this organic gardening course, discover how to grow your own organic herbs, vegetables and fruit trees, select plants to provide food for local fauna, explore companion planting, perfect the art of composting, reduce the incidence of weeds and eliminate the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Take some time out to smell the roses, and all the other wonderful plants in the garden! More...
Plant Propagation Techniques
Researchers have discovered that creative people are among the happiest in our society and gardeners are amongst the most optimistic. Enjoy the best of both worlds by learning how to create new plants for your garden area. Unearth the mysteries of propagating plants by sowing, cuttings, division, layering, budding and various methods of grafting to produce new and exciting plant forms. Comprehensive course notes provided. New and experienced green thumbs welcome. More...
Gardening in Small Spaces
Nowhere to entertain or relax outdoors? Transform your barren balcony or cluttered courtyard into a stylish sanctuary. This full-day workshop will help you discover how to use space effectively and implement the established concepts of good design. Learn how to choose appropriate plants, containers and materials to achieve a professional result and maintain your plants easily, using organic solutions to deter common pests and diseases. Comprehensive course notes provided – green thumbs optional. More...
The Memsahibs: Women of the Raj
The coming of the British memsahibs to India under the East India Company and later under direct British rule significantly affected the dynamics of British society in the subcontinent. This course looks at when and why they first came out east and how their roles changed with events such as the 1857 Indian Mutiny and the establishment of the Indian Empire by Queen Victoria’s government. It is a story of tragedy and triumph, but above all of extraordinary women who carved a new life for themselves away from the shackles of their own restrictive social mores. More...
The Men Who Freed India: Gandhi, Nehru and Jinnah
The names of Gandhi, Nehru and Jinnah have world renown disproportionate to their role in the independence movement in India. This course aims to offer an in-depth look at the true roles each played in the lead up to 1947 and will assess the accuracy of their portrayal by film, historians and by many Indians themselves. More...
University Preparation: Psychology
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology as an academic discipline whose primary focus is the understanding of human behaviour. Students study the nature and methods of psychological enquiry, theories of personality, learning, social psychology, intelligence, clinical psychology, psychobiology and human development, as well as developing some of the study skills necessary for university study. More...
The Nature of Trauma
Trauma is now more familiar to the everyday person than it has ever been. Very few of us are unaware of and untouched by trauma. Learn about the nature of trauma and what makes some people more vulnerable to the longer term effects of trauma. This course will enable you to understand post traumatic stress disorder and how it is treated. Find out how you can support yourself, a family member or a friend who may have been traumatised. Awareness of how people who have been traumatised may react is an important first step in healing. More...
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Did you know that around two per cent of the population have borderline personality disorder (BPD)? People with this disorder usually have a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships – seeing others as being either all good or all bad – and often exhibit irrational and self-harming behaviour. Perhaps you even know someone who might have BPD. How would you know? Come and find out. More...
The Art and Culture of Renaissance Italy
Renaissance Italy was a vibrant and bustling place, with highly-developed and expanding commercial systems, large urban populations, access to a staggering range of classical works, and a need and appreciation for art – as decoration, as a spiritual offering, and for enjoyment. In this study day, we investigate the origins and development of this productive time and its fascinating artistic and cultural impact, which continue to affect how we understand and view Western art today. The end result will be a visual key for unlocking the secrets of Renaissance art and the culture of Italy the next time you encounter them, either in an art gallery in Australia or when you travel. More...
Travel Writing: Sun, Sea and Script
Pack your passport and pen and come along to this class, which is ideal for anyone who has ever wanted to turn their travel stories into saleable tales. The goal of this course is to reveal the varied possibilities available for the aspiring travel writer. Whether the journey is far or near, this workshop will enable you to travel. Where the journey takes you is up to you! More...
Weather for Sailors
A basic understanding of how the weather works could help you sail faster and win races, and might even save your life some day. Useful for any sailing enthusiast and essential for anyone involved in offshore yachting, this practical workshop, led by experienced meteorologist and yachtsman, provides an introduction to essential theory, forecasting, weather maps, clouds, the interaction between the wind and coastlines, and weather forecasting at sea. There’s also a session on severe weather. More...
University Preparation: Philosophy
This course provides an introduction to philosophy as an academic discipline: its history, main ideas, theories, philosophers and ways of knowing. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate many of the most influential strands of philosophy, including Platonism, Hedonism and Empiricism and, by engaging with the thinking styles of the humanists, rationalists, idealists, sceptics and existentialists, develop and apply critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for university study. More...
Introduction to Philosophy
Would you like to gain an overview of the history of philosophy and the major contribution philosophy has made to areas of thought such as political theory, ethics, aesthetics and the sciences? This course encourages the development of critical thinking and the use of informal logic techniques. Philosophers studied include the Greek pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Nietzsche and Foucault. Come along, extend your intellectual horizons and find out why this introductory course creates a loyal following for our philosophy program. More...
Hermeneutic Philosophy: The Art of Interpretation
Hermeneutics is the theory and practice of textual interpretation. Originally hermeneutics was applied only to biblical exegesis, but by the 20th C it had become the philosophy of understanding and meaning creation in all areas of human life. In this course we will follow the development of this branch of philosophy through its main exponents: Dilthey, Gadamer, Ricoeur and Habermas. We will then consider one of the most ‘hermeneutic’ literary critics of the 20th C: Harold Bloom, through his work on Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and others. We will also look at some contemporary theories of metaphor: all human language employs metaphor; it serves as the often unconscious foundation of ideas: but how does it work? And end the course with a hermeneutic analysis of the novels of John Steinbeck. More...
Social Media Marketing – Facebook, Twitter and Blogs
You probably already know a little of YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and del.icio.us. In this one-day course you’ll get a real taste of the marketing power of the new Web 2.0 services: blogs and wikis, user-generated content, citizen journalism and social software. We’ll look at case studies of customers creating ads and campaigns, how they distribute their content and how to monitor consumer discussions and reviews of your products. An interesting day spent exploring a dynamic and challenging area. No technical or prior knowledge required. More...
How to Blog
Have you been thinking about creating a blog for your business? This hands on computer based course will help you learn how to create a social media website (Wordpress), that can be used as a social media press room. You will learn to blog your press release or latest special offer, then integrate that social media press release (SMPR) with Facebook and Twitter. More...
Writing for Children
So you think writing a 50-word picture book is easy, or that you could be the next JK Rowling? Come along for discussion and exercises on writing for young people of all ages. Advice is also given on manuscript presentation and the state of publishing for children in Australia and overseas. More...
Client Service Excellence
How do you deliver excellent service to your clients, day after day, no matter what other issues and problems are going on? This course focuses on the skills you need to consistently exceed your clients' expectations. It will enhance both your skills and your confidence in handling interactions with clients and enable you to implement best practice client service techniques. During this intensive workshop we’ll cover the key skills and techniques needed to provide outstanding service to all your clients - internal and external – how to generate client loyalty and how to deal with complaints and other difficult situations. The approach is highly interactive, giving you the opportunity to practice all the skills you learn. More...
Effective Sales Techniques
The Effective Sales Techniques course is a must for anyone who wants to drive an increase in sales. While most people have some idea how to sell, this course will guide the delivery of specific effective selling behaviours and language. Effective Sales Techniques demystifies the process of selling and teaches powerful communication skills that can be applied to every type of sales interview. Once you attend this course you will be able to immediately apply the skills on the job creating an immediate return on your training investment. You will develop your own powerful selling template crafted in your own words. Learning how to overcome and even avoid objections altogether is a corner stone of this course. You will finally understand why most sales people are terrified of asking for the business and will learn how to close easily and effortlessly. You will be amazed at the sheer delight your customers experience when you apply these powerful skills. More...
Memory Maximiser
Have you ever wondered why other people have a better memory than you? There’s nothing worse than attending a function and not remembering people’s names, or drawing a complete blank when making an important presentation. Memory is far more than just recalling things. It depends on a number of different brain functions. This course is designed to teach useful and practical techniques to everyday people just like you. Learn how to maximise your memory capabilities by creating the optimum internal environment for you to build an excellent memory system. Learn to use a number of different techniques that will help you memorise information quickly and easily. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Creative Street Photography: Fundamentals
If you are a photographer who has moved beyond the beginner stage, Creative Street Photography: Fundamentals will give you the confidence to go out on the street and bring back the kinds of images that will satisfy you. This is a creatively-driven course, so participants should be familiar with the basic operations of their camera, be it analogue or digital. More...
Creative Street Photography: Advanced
If you’re a photographer who has either done quite a bit of street work on your own or has completed Creative Street Photography: Fundamentals, and you’ve decided street photography is a genre you want to excel at, then this is the course is for you. This course begins with participants choosing an ‘invisible mentor’ (i.e. someone whose work you greatly admire), dissecting their techniques and emulating them via one classroom session and four street shoots. At the conclusion of this process you will do a fourth street shoot which will be freeform and out of which you own distinct style will begin to evolve. The course concludes with the production of class book via blurb.com. More...
Russian Treasure House
Since the 19th century, in every area of art – painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, music – Russia was in the forefront, bringing to the world dramatically new concepts of beauty. The names of Russian thinkers, writers, artists, architects, and musicians are known all over the world as the symbols of everything that is daring, beautiful and free. In the 20th century, the tremendous creative surge of experimentation continued. Through discussions, extracts from films and documentaries, and visual material, this course will explore the priceless legacy of a culture of beauty, generosity, grace and exuberance which continues to make the world dream. More...
University Preparation: Art History and Film Studies
This course provides an in-depth study of major artists and artistic movements from Classical Antiquity through to the 21st Century. There is a strong focus on the interpretation of individual art works, including painting, sculpture, photography, film and architecture. The course introduces key concepts of the discipline of Art History and Film Studies as well as developing some of the study skills necessary for general university study. More...
Business Writing 1
Writing well is good business, and to write well is to write clearly. This course explores the fundamental principles and practical skills you need to write well at work. Through a blend of discussion, instruction, exercise and feedback, we’ll work through the critical skills for writing powerful and engaging prose in a professional context. More...
Business Writing 2
This course builds on the principles and practices introduced in Business Writing 1. It explains the skills of writing plainly and clearly. It addresses the demands of various business communications, covering how to target your audience, manage your tone and improve the structure and flow of your writing, and explores ways of writing and editing successfully in groups. Participants are offered targeted feedback on their work. More...
Writing the Real
This course offers you a rich immersion in creative nonfiction, practical tuition and instruction in composition and style, along with plenty of opportunities to write and be inspired. You’ll learn how to approach nonfiction writing with imagination, discipline and lyricism. The course explores the distinctions between fiction and nonfiction and the meanings of real and truthful. It encourages writers to understand nonfiction as literature, and shows them how to employ imagination, discipline, creativity and lyricism in its composition, just as one would in fiction. Although a work of nonfiction can be every bit as literary in its diction and design as a novel, nonfiction cleaves to the actual – something that places a heavy burden of truth-telling upon the writer and reorients imagination from invention to witness. More...
Creative Writing Workshop
Designed to give participants the practical skills to approach their creative writing projects with confidence, this workshop is built around particular topics integral to the writing process, such as voice, character, structure, theme and editing. Using exercises to get started, participants will look at the basic elements of fiction and at ways to develop their work. This creative writing workshop is an invaluable way to find your voice as a writer. More...
Hieroglyphs 1
Learn how to read and write hieroglyphs - ‘the gods words’ - in this practical introduction to the alphabet, grammar and vocabulary of this fascinating ancient script. Through simple exercises based on tomb, temple and biographical extracts you’ll discover for yourself the language, literature and culture of the ancient Egyptians. More...
Conference and Corporate Event Management Essentials
Learn how to develop and deliver successful meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. This practical and interactive course will provide you with a structured approach to operational and creative fundamentals from inception to debrief. You’ll learn how to develop budgets, critical paths, and work breakdown structures, and gain an insight into risk mitigation and contingency planning. We’ll also explore the key elements and processes involved in format and venue selection, registration, catering, accommodation, transport, theming, security, entertainment, stakeholder management, sponsorship, marketing and publicity. More...
Writer’s Block
Many writers or ‘want-to-be writers’ suffer at times from ‘Writers’ Block’. This inspirational course aims to help you better understand what might be in the way of starting, developing, committing to and or completing your writing projects. The nurturing classroom environment will provide a place to learn, observe and practise different methods to manage blocks. It will include information, management techniques and inspirational support. It will provide full class plus individually designed exercises to help with identification, understanding and ideally shifting blocks to create effective change. More...
Creative Writing: Voice and Style (Part 2)
This 5 week course enables participants who have begun to identify their own unique voice and style, to gain confidence in developing and committing to it. Participants may wish to continue working with a project that has begun to reflect clear aspects of their voice and style. New projects may also be commenced. The focus will be on supporting participants to remain true too their original expression whilst developing writing projects. More...
Creative Writing: Voice and Style (Part 1)
This course will help participants explore and develop their own authentic writing voice and style with the objective of creating original and vibrant work with a more sustainable and enjoyable writing process. The content includes an exploration of contrasting author’s work, investigative class discussion and a series of experimental writing exercises. Suggestions towards the development and strengthening of the voice and style in participants’ work will be discussed in a supportive and nurturing classroom environment. The class will work towards completing a sample (story, essay, article, memoire, poem etc) which embodies what they have discovered about their own authentic voice and style. More...
Ancient Writing: From Cuneiform to the Alphabet
The ancient people of the Near East developed the first writing systems mainly for accounting purposes. Over time the Sumerians developed the cuneiform system of wiring on wet clay, and the Egyptians created the hieroglyphic system for writing designed for writing religious texts on stelae and temple walls. The Minoans and Mycenaeans wrote their languages using a pictographic system. In the 1st Millennium BC the Phoenician consonantal alphabet developed, quickly making writing and reading more accessible. Our alphabet, which includes vowels, is derived from Greek and Latin modifications to this early system. More...
The Mycenaeans: Warriors of the Bronze Age
This course examines the Late Bronze Age civilization of mainland Greece, generally known as the Mycenaean culture. From 1600 to 1180 BC the region was dominated by a rich society centred on fortified palace compounds such as Mycenae and Tiryns. Rulers were buried in enormous tholos tombs with superb burial goods such as the famous Mask of Agamemnon. A warrior society, the Mycenaeans would expand their influence around the Aegean by conquest and trade before their society suddenly collapsed around 1180 BC. More...
The Ottomans: History, Art and Architecture
The Ottoman Dynasty controlled one of the largest and longest lasting Empires in history. Descended from nomads from central Asia, the early Ottomans would conquer most of the eastern Mediterranean. Defeating the Byzantine Empire in AD 1453, the Muslim rulers developed Istanbul as one of the great cities of the mediaeval world. The Empire reached its peak in the mid 16th Century when Suleiman the Magnificent extended Ottoman territory to the gates of Vienna. We explore the rise and fall of this remarkable Empire with an emphasis on the magnificent art and architecture of the Ottomans More...
University Preparation: Mathematics
This course prepares students for future study of mathematics at university level by developing an understanding and application of algebra, geometry and calculus. Students will practise effective techniques for studying mathematics as well as learning to read and write mathematics clearly and intelligibly. Students will also develop an appreciation of the patterns which arise in mathematics and how they are applied in a number of different subject areas. More...
HSC Preparation: Mathematics – 2 Unit (Part 2)
This course encompasses a review of some important topics from the HSC Course. The program covers applications of differentiation (including curve sketching and maxima & minima problems), integration techniques and applications of series. More...
HSC Preparation: Mathematics – Extension 1 (Part 2)
This course encompasses a review of some fundamental topics from the Preliminary and HSC Courses. The program covers proof by mathematical induction, parametric equations, methods of integration, polynomials and permutations and combinations. More...
Plan and Deliver Memorable Presentations
Every time you present to someone it forms an impression, giving you the potential for gain or loss. Over time, if you maximise the number of positive impressions you leave when you present, it will give you an edge in getting others to act, and in producing the outcomes you want. This course will enable you to be perceived as articulate and competent – through how you plan and deliver presentations. You’ll learn how to handle presentation fears and nerves, how to understand your audience – what they know and how they think and feel, how to make a memorable impression, how to open a presentation and connect with your audience and how to look and sound confident through your face, body and voice. You’ll also learn when and how to use (and not use) tools such as PowerPoint and how to handle questions and think and speak on your feet. More...
Becoming a Leader: Strategies for Developing a Leadership Identity
This course is for business leaders who have a team or organisation to lead and inspire. You’ll gain leader identity development and visual, vocal, verbal and think-on-your-feet skills to inspire your people to take action. Develop your understanding and skill in carrying yourself like a leader, in sounding like a leader, and in crafting and delivering simple messages. We’ll also discuss ‘environment versatility’ - how to listen, speak and present in very informal to very formal environments. More...
Listen and Speak Under Pressure
You might imagine that listening and speaking under pressure is a natural ability – you either have it or you don’t. In fact, with good preparation and a structured approach you can develop the confidence to be spontaneous and articulate when presenting a proposal, strengthening your case or selling your ideas. This lively course will show you a four-step system for doing this, so that, even under pressure, you can speak accurately, fluently and flexibly. More...
The Middle East: A Clash of Faiths
The conflict in the Middle East can be traced back into ancient history to the Egyptians, the Jews, the followers of Baal, the Zoroastrians and the pagans of Greece and Rome. The arrival of the Christians brought another competing religion, and later the Muslims completed the picture. This course will look at all these religions and how people have fought under their different banners for control and ownership of not only Palestine but the whole area from Turkey to Persia. More...
The Middle East Today
The Middle East conflict today is a complex and dangerous situation, involving nations inside and outside of the region. It is, in many ways, the centre of East-West tensions and modern terrorism Understanding the conflict requires detailed knowledge of which players are involved, their histories and their ambitions in the region. In this course participants will look at the Arab and Muslim groups who have an input into the conflict and at the same time will look at the state of and the role it plays. The course will also look at Christian groups in the Middle East, especially in Palestine and Lebanon to see how they are involved and what their stake is. Finally the class will examine the other players, from the United States to Iran, and what outcomes they hope to achieve. While an understanding of the history is important, the main focus will be on identifying the situation as it exists today. More...
Editing and Proofreading: An Introduction
You start with a basic text; it might be a report, a webpage, a brochure or a book. You edit it so that it has a strong structure and reads well. Then you proofread it to remove errors and ensure consistency. If you can master this simple process, you’ll have the skills to communicate clearly and produce documents of professional quality. In this course you will be introduced to the essential skills of editors and learn techniques and strategies for proofreading and editing common types of professional communications. More...
Editing and Proofreading: Advanced
Being ‘good with words’ or ‘fond of reading’ won’t cut it in today’s business communications environment. To stand out, you need to be able to tear a document apart and rebuild it, know what to change and what to leave (and why), and have the confidence to drive communications change in your organisation. This editing masterclass is supremely practical – your fingers will become stained with red ink as you work on real work examples from the presenter’s many years as a professional editor and proofreader. More...
Adobe InDesign Level 2
Take your skills to the next level in this Adobe InDesign course. If you already have a good understanding of Adobe InDesign’s basic concepts you’ll be ready to master the program’s more advanced options to produce professional typography and layout. Learn about image and object techniques such as transparency effects and object styles to enhance the visual impact of your design. You will also be introduced to managing long documents and developing complex paths. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign is essential for this course. More...
Adobe Photoshop Level 2
Create powerful images with the professional standard. This Adobe Photoshop course will extend the basics covered in the introductory course and teach participants more advanced editing techniques. Learn how to use filters, vectors and layers to add even greater touch-ups to your images. Also introduced is working with video files and automating tasks in Adobe Photoshop. More...
Revolutions that Changed the World
From the French Revolution of 1789 to the Arab Spring in 2011, this course will introduce you to the most important revolutions in human history. This course explains the introduction of new ideologies, such as Liberalism, Marxism and Political Islam, through the histories of the Revolution in China, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the Meiji Restoration in Japan, and the 1978 Revolution in Iran. More...
The Art and Culture of Renaissance Italy
Renaissance Italy was a vibrant and bustling place, with highly-developed and expanding commercial systems, large urban populations, access to a staggering range of classical works, and a need and appreciation for art – as decoration, as a spiritual offering, and for enjoyment. In this study day, we investigate the origins and development of this productive time and its fascinating artistic and cultural impact, which continue to affect how we understand and view Western art today. The end result will be a visual key for unlocking the secrets of Renaissance art and the culture of Italy the next time you encounter them, either in an art gallery in Australia or when you travel. More...
Greek Island Odyssey: A photographic and cultural tour of the Cyclades Islands
Join Master Photographer Nick Melidonis and SBS journalist, Costas Demetriades on a remarkable journey to the Cyclades Islands nestled in the deep blue Aegean. These iconic islands are renowned for the beauty of their expansive seascapes, whitewashed villages spilling down slopes, blue-domed churches, soaring windmills, and stunning sunsets. For over 7,000 years, mythology and history have shaped these islands – along their beautiful shores the legendary Odysseus once sailed. Enjoy a complete Greek experience with passionate tour leaders that will share with you the sights, tastes and sounds that has kept them coming back year after year for over a decade. More...
Captivating Cambodia: A Photo and Cultural Tour
Join Nick Melidonis, Frank Richardson, Carol Elfgren and special guest, the renowned American photographer John McDermott; on an unforgettable visual and cultural journey to Angkor Wat and Cambodia, the centre of the most powerful empire in Southeast Asia for more than a thousand years ago. More...
Australian Corporations Law
This course introduces students to the basic principles of corporation law in Australia and its historical significance. Students will gain an insight into how the statutory regime of corporate regulation intersects with common law and equitable developments and learn how to apply the principles of corporations law studied. More...
Microsoft Access Level 1
The skills and knowledge acquired in Microsoft Access Level 1 are sufficient to create robust relational database systems, format tables,enter, edit and delete data in database files, produce information in forms and reports and generate queries on the data More...
Microsoft Access Level 2
The aim of this course is to build on the introductory skills of Level 1. You will learn printing techniques, how to ensure that data is entered correctly, how to create more sophisticated and complex queries and how to compact your database. More...
Microsoft Access Level 3
The skills and knowledge acquired in Microsoft Access Level 3 are sufficient to secure and protect data, create a switchboard and have a general understanding of the programming environment in Microsoft Access. More...
Microsoft Office Essentials
Become productive in just two days by acquiring a basic understanding of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook and learn to share data between these applications. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Brand Management Level 2
Brand management defines the strategic direction and internal disciplines required to create value for the organisation, its shareholders, its customers, and other key stakeholders. Across an interactive day you will build a practical understanding of how ‘challenger’ brands, such as Apple, Nudie, and Virgin need their own set of marketing rules and way of behaving if they are to effectively compete against the market leader. More...
Brand Management Level 1
Brand management defines the strategic direction and internal disciplines required to create value for the organisation, its shareholders, its customers, and other key stakeholders. Across an interactive day you will build a ‘real world’ understanding of how to achieve brand leadership, articulate a brand’s essence, create a brand wheel, evaluate various brand architecture & portfolio options – for both intangible and tangible brand offerings. More...
Understanding Investing for Long-Term Gain
Most of us know how to spend money, but very few of us know how to make it! Put simply, your choices in the short term will have the greatest impact on your long term dreams and ambitions. In this informative day we’ll discuss how the Australian share market works, the importance of a long term view, how to ensure you generate an income from your assets, dividends and yields, investing versus speculating, what really happens when we sell and the effects of tax and inflation. We’ll also cover the performance of some of Australia’s top companies, good ideas for getting started no matter what your budget and where to go for further information and advice. More...
Starting and Managing Your Own Business
The difference between success and failure in starting your own business often comes down to understanding risks, developing a realistic plan, managing finances well and effectively marketing what you’ve got to sell. In this course you’ll learn about what makes a small business tick and the personal commitments involved; gaining, selling to and keeping customers; developing a plan for small business; the basic issues of finance and cash flow (including GST); BAS reporting requirements; and the increasingly important areas of ‘virtual’ and home based business. More...
University Preparation: Ancient History
From the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta to the time of the great Roman Emperor Augustus, this course explores the military, political, economic, intellectual and social history of ancient Greece and Rome. There is an emphasis on primary sources, both written and archaeological, and the development of an historical methodology. The course introduces students to the study of history as an academic discipline as well as developing some of the study skills necessary for university study. More...
HSC Preparation: Business Studies (Part 2)
The course will concentrate on improving examination technique in the Short Answer & Business Report sections through the HSC Business Studies topics 1, 2 and 3. This course will then cover the main elements involved in the development and implementation of successful marketing strategies – HSC Topic 2 – Marketing. For HSC Topic 3, the focus is to develop an understanding of the role of financial planning within business operation and management. Existing case studies will be used to interpret the published annual reports. Students will then develop skills to interpret financial information and analyse the financial statements, undertake comparative ratio analysis — with similar businesses, against common standards (HSC Business Studies Topic 3). Existing case studies will be used to analyse the financial statements, undertake comparative ratio analysis and evaluate marketing strategies for a product or service. More...
Meat: Cooked to Perfection!
To cook meat to a restaurant quality standard requires a level of understanding that goes well beyond following recipes. In this exciting and informative theory class, you will learn not only how to cook meat properly, but understand why you are using certain cookery methods to cook certain cuts. But the course goes deeper than that. It goes to the source: the animal’s breeding environment. With all this knowledge you will be cooking your meat backed by confidence to the highest level! More...
Quantum (Meta-)physics: The End of Certainty?
There can be little doubt that quantum theory is one of the most thought provoking and challenging of all scientific revolutions. It is both compelling and baffling, yet some insist that it must be incomplete or fundamentally flawed. It certainly raises important questions (for scientists and philosophers): do the discoveries of quantum theorists such as Bohr, Heisenberg and Schr?dinger, among others, show or imply that “certainty” is not attainable? To what extent, if any, can these theories be generalised (into something like a “world-view” or a broad view of the nature of matter and energy)? Would a unifying theory help us to overcome some of these obstacles or would it introduce even greater complexity and perplexity? Indeed, was “certainty” attainable in any sense prior to these revolutionary developments? We shall find out in this fully illustrated course! More...
Philosophical Investigations: Near Death Experiences
In recent years, with the dramatic progress in neuroscience (not to mention our understanding of the brain and the body), there has been an increased interest in “near-death experiences”, their meaning, nature and significance. Do they tell us anything about life, death and the after-life? Do they provide evidence for life after death? More generally, what do they reveal about the brain, the body, mind and consciousness? Will neuroscience unlock some of the secrets (in all probability)? Join us in this fully illustrated day and find out! More...
The Longest Journey: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'
Garcia Marquez’s epic unforgettable novel is often nominated as one of the great novels of the 20th century. In this fully illustrated course we will see why! We examine closely its sprawling structure, its grand themes, its style, its complexities, its implications and its diverse interpretations. We also consider Marquez’s major sources, including Joyce, Faulkner, Borges and the magic realist tradition. More...
Philosophical Concepts in Film: Paths to Freedom
Many philosophers from Socrates and Plato to Kant, Rousseau, Locke, Nietzsche, Russell, Nozick and Rawls, have reflected profoundly on freedom, autonomy and liberty. Many filmmakers in turn have not been slow to explore some of these ideas in film in quite unforgettable ways. We look carefully at the connections with reference to classic films such as The Birth of a Nation, Singing in the Rain, Casablanca, The Bicycle Thief and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as well as highly regarded recent works such as The Deer Hunter, The Age of Innocence, Braveheart, Blade Runner, Lord of the Rings, Drive and the Star Wars series. More...
Philosophical Concepts in Film: Appearance and Reality
The question of the relationship between appearance and reality is an enduring one among philosophers (and among film-makers), and it is arguably more important than ever in light of the dramatic emergence of the Internet and the accelerating impact of “virtual reality” on our lives. We focus on the question, and its answers, in the work of Plato, Aristotle and Bacon, Kant and Hegel, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, and explore the impact of this thinking on notable films including “L’Age d’Or” (Bunuel/Dali), “Beauty and the Beast” (Cocteau), “The Rules of the Game”, “Tokyo Story”, “ Persona”, ”Some Like it Hot”, “Dr Strangelove”, “Apocalypse Now”, “The Matrix” trilogy, “Brokeback Mountain”, “The Dark Knight” and “Captain America” (2011). More...
University Preparation: Philosophy
This course provides an introduction to philosophy as an academic discipline: its history, main ideas, theories, philosophers and ways of knowing. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate many of the most influential strands of philosophy, including Platonism, Hedonism and Empiricism and, by engaging with the thinking styles of the humanists, rationalists, idealists, sceptics and existentialists, develop and apply critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for university study. More...
Neuroscience in the Age of Philosophy: The Big Questions
Some of the most recent advances in neuroscience provide exciting and thought provoking perspectives on the nature of thinking, “madness”, reason, sexuality, consciousness, freewill, religiosity (or non-religiosity), emotion and embodied experience. We focus on some of the most exciting recent discoveries in neuroscience and look closely at the central arguments: does the emergence of “neuroscience” pose a threat to “philosophy”, in some sense? Does “philosophy” pose a threat to “neuroscience”? Can neuroscience be used to “debunk” certain claims about the mind and the brain, or about their interaction, if any? Does neuroscience demand a reconsideration of philosophical perspectives on reason, thinking and the emotions? We shall find out, in this fully illustrated day course. More...
Neuroscience and Metaphysics
Far from demonstrating the “end of metaphysics”, many recent breakthroughs in neuroscience do seem to raise more metaphysical questions, for example, concerning dualism and determinism, the “mind-body” problem, freewill, subjective experience, mysticism, intentionality, explanatory gaps, indeterminacy and uncertainty, among many others. We look at some of the most notable recent advances and the metaphysical dimensions and questions that have arisen, in this fully illustrated day course. More...
University Preparation: Science
This extensive course introduces you to the four major strands of science: biological sciences, earth and environmental science, chemistry and physics. Designed to provide a framework of foundation concepts in each discipline, the course through lectures, workshops and assignments, will develop both knowledge and the skills necessary for university study. More...
Latin Plus
This advanced class will examine a number of ancient texts, focusing on grammatical constructions and an understanding of the selected texts within their cultural and historical perspective. More...
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists perform a wide range of roles in the criminal justice system, including sentencing recommendations, treatment recommendations, assessment of future risk, evaluation of witness credibility, and must be able to translate psychological information into a legal framework understood by a judge and/or jury. This course provides an introduction to issues surrounding the practice of forensic psychology. Topics will include the legal concept of insanity and its assessment, the detection of deceit, criminal profiling, cognitive interviewing and investigative hypnosis. More...
Advanced Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists perform a wide range of roles in the criminal justice system, including sentencing recommendations, treatment recommendations, assessment of future risk, evaluation of witness credibility, and must be able to translate psychological information into a legal framework understood by a judge and/or jury. More...
Business Process Design and Implementation
If you’re a business manager or business analyst or in an organisational change role, this course will provide you with key skills in mapping, understanding and designing business processes and explain how to use processes to strategically realign your organisation. You’ll also learn how to define roles and responsibilities based on processes and how to use information systems and workflow to implement processes. Participants will work on an extended team-based case study and take away useful templates and a toolkit of process design methods. More...
PHP and MySQL Level 1
Learn how to create dynamic database-driven websites using MySQL and PHP – the fastest-growing scripting language in the world. The course includes demonstrations and hands-on exercises in class along with programming notes. More...
PHP and MySQL Level 2
This course delves deeper into topics introduced in Level 1 and explores a number of advanced topics. Discover ways to secure your entire website and protect information in your database. Learn how to design a database for optimum speed. Explore advanced programming techniques. Combine PHP with Flash, CSS and JavaScript to create some amazing web applications. More...
Study French at the University of Angers in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley – also known as the ‘Garden of France’ - is a land of plenty with generous vineyards, green hills and pastures, and is celebrated for its magnificent chateaux. The region takes us back to France’s crucial moments in history and to some of its finest works of art. Angers, located on the river Maine is referred to as the gateway to the Loire Valley and was once the capital of the Anjou region. The wealth of its heritage has enabled Angers to obtain the prestigious 'Villes d’Art et d’Histoire' label, awarded by the Department of Architecture and Heritage. Known for the quality of its ‘art de vivre’, the region also has the reputation of having the purest accent and of being ‘the cradle of the French language.’ This is where we spend two weeks of total immersion in French language and culture at the University of Angers. This course provides the linguistic and cultural skills to fully appreciate this unique region of France. More...
De la Revolution francaise a Picasso, les peintres et l’histoire
In this stimulating and interactive class, discover French history through the study of paintings from the French revolution to the 20th century. Consolidate and expand your knowledge of the language and engage in lively presentations and discussions. The course includes an optional tour of the Picasso exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW (not included in course fee). This visit will be organised at the first class meeting and will most likely take place on an afternoon after one of the class meetings. This advanced conversation course will be conducted entirely in French. Venez parler français en toute confiance! More...
Pause Cafe
A conversation-style class offering advanced students an opportunity to develop their skills in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. Venez parler francais en toute confiance! More...
Implementing a Digital Strategy for Your Small Business
From search to social media, ecommerce to email marketing, mobile to cloud, and content to crowdsourcing – digital technologies have been changing consumer habits, challenging business models, and reinventing industries, and continuing to do so! In this course, you will learn how to grow your business through building and implementing a winning digital strategy that harnesses the power of digital tools, technologies and channels. More...
Bede and His World Revisited: Anglo-Saxon and Celtic Britain
This course is a continuation of ‘Bede and Cultural life in Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Britain.’ It will present a more in-depth study of the world of the the Venerable Bede, the ‘father of English history’ and one of the most prolific and influential writers of the early Middle Ages. It will concentrate on his varied achievements as a writer, studying his work as an educationist, historian of both official history and daily life, and poet. The course will also examine the important subject of the inter-action between the Anglo-Saxon and Celtic society, and the competing claims to supremacy of each society, The artistic achievement of the golden age of Northumbria (and Britain in general), in the areas of architecture, manuscript illumination, sculpture and music, during the later 7th and early 8th centuries, will also be examined in depth. More...
The Art of Good Conversation
Our lives are shaped by the conversations we have: every one of them can open up new possibilities and further horizons. In this course you’ll find out how to start a conversation and how to make it enjoyable and rewarding. We’ll explore and practise these skills and find out how to have conversations that broaden our curiosity and deepen our relationships. This engaging course combines theory and practical exercises and is must for those yearning for more than just small talk! More...
Italian 101 (Beginners) - Fast Track
Learn Italian faster! Italian is an official language in several European countries and is spoken by over 125 million people world-wide. Italian 101 – Fast Track is a beginners course and requires no previous knowledge of the language. Ideal for preparing quickly for travel or work commitments, or just as a quick stepping stone to start one’s path to mastering Italian, participants learn basic greetings and introductions, expressing likes and dislikes and travel by bus and train. Noun, article and prepositions use will be introduced as well as basic pronunciation, writing and reading skills. Class meetings are twice a week so this course will have you ready for the next level in half the time as our regular Italian courses. More...
Capturing the Spirit of Cuba: A Photographic Adventure
Not your usual travel or photographic destination, Cuba conjures up a strangely exotic and romantic world of crumbling colonial mansions, narrow cobblestone alleys, 1950s Chevys, daiquiris, giant cigars, Hemingway, the throbbing rhythms of the mambo and salsa, the recollections and fallout of the Cold War! But side by side with Cuba’s glorious past and colourful present, there are also enticing National Parks and seascapes, beautiful flora and fauna. Together, they offer new and exciting challenges to the photographer, to capture the spirit and effervescent energy of this Caribbean island nation. More...
Digital Photography: The Basics
For absolute beginners, this one-day course covers the simplest aspects of digital photo-taking and digital darkroom processing. Using your own digital camera, you’ll learn the basic functions of the lens, aperture, shutter speed and flash. Participants will also discover what the new digital photographer should look for when travelling and buying or upgrading their computer. More...
Digital Photo Bookmaking
In this practical class, learn how to produce a professional-looking photo book. Beginning with a set of your own hand-picked images (200+), learn about the different book types, see samples from some of the best companies, learn about their product options, plus the advantages and any disadvantages they might have. Participants will learn how to make their own page layouts using Booksmart (from www.blurb.com), how to create good page design, how to access new and exciting fonts, create custom backgrounds and how to add textures and special effects to give their book project a unique feel. The idea in this class is to work with a set of previously edited photos and explore ways to put the final touches on the book project during the workshop. More...
DSLR Video
All DSLR cameras now take stills and video – it’s the industry ‘buzz’ but few people actually use the DSLR to shoot video because it’s considered ‘too hard’ and the editing too complex. Though producing a good video is certainly a complex process, it’s actually quite easy to make impressive short videos from a trip, family outing or get-together with simple shooting and editing techniques using inexpensive but very creative software applications. More...
Video Editing Basics
Nearly all digital cameras now shoot high definition video as well as still images but even for the casual photographer, doing something meaningful with the resulting video clips can be a hassle. This one day class is designed to demonstrate how relatively easy it is to get great-looking results using the most basic of software programs and some simple editing techniques. More...
Complete Guide to Adobe Photoshop Elements
This course encompasses everything from the absolute basics to advanced photo-editing techniques with Photoshop Elements. Classes are structured round six, face-to-face, three-hour meetings and 18 assignments that are delivered online and individually assessed between the monthly meetings. The flexibility of online delivery gives students the best opportunity to fully comprehend and complete the course material however busy they might be during these months. Finished assignments are submitted online for critique and feedback electronically. Further learning resources will also be available via Quicktime movies (either downloadable off a site or handed out on DVD in class). Participants will spend a good part of this course working on their own pictures, including developing a greater understanding of resolution, image size, retouching, cropping, composition, layers, HDR proccessing, RAW files, perspective correction, working with text, printing options, colour calibration and visual presentation techniques, and more. More...
Adobe Photoshop Elements Level 1
This short course is ideal for newcomers to digital photography who are baffled by their photo-editing software. Learn how easy it is to use this powerful picture editing and photo retouching program to scan, edit and print the highest quality images. More...
Digital Photography: The Next Step
This course covers all of the essential aspects of digital photography from camera set-up through to creating your own multimedia slide show. You’ll learn how to get great results in difficult-to-control lighting situations like sports and action photography, as well as how to cope with shooting and storing images while travelling locations. If you are happy with the basics, then take the next step in the exciting world of digital photography. More...
Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro
Designed for all those budding video shooters wanting to get most from their HD footage. Students will learn how to create a simple storyboard then how to navigate the basic Premiere Pro user interface. What the various panels are, what each tool does, and how to select the best clips for the project in hand. More...
Mastering Your Speedlight: Camera and Flash Made Easy
This course offers students the opportunity to shoot some models indoors and out using flash to learn how to control both the shadows and highlights and produce a predictable result. It’s an ideal class for those wanting to get the maximum from their accessory speedlight with the minimum of fuss. Over the two days you’ll learn all about creative portraiture techniques, how to manage natural, continuous and electronic lighting and how to get the best from your own gear including shooting in high speed flash modes, wirelessly and in multi-burst modes (where appropriate). More...
Making the Most of Your D-SLR Camera
Designed for the digital SLR enthusiast, this course combines location photography with a practical classroom session on image processing and editing. Covering the use of semi-auto and full manual modes plus the Camera RAW format, the course will give participants an understanding of exposure in all its intricate variants, as well as depth of field, choice of lens and focal length, important resolution settings and use of ISO. More...
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Streamline your digital photography workflow using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to learn how to manage your photo collection with ease. Learn how to create libraries and make fine adjustments to create web galleries to showcase your talents. This course is ideal for both professional and passionate photographers who wish to add those finishing touches to their shots. More...
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Online
Streamline your digital photography workflow using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to learn how to manage your photo collection with ease. Learn how to create libraries and make fine adjustments to create web galleries to showcase your talents. This course is ideal for both professional and passionate photographers who wish to add those finishing touches to their shots. More...
Macro Magic
This new, two-day class, is designed to introduce photographers to the amazing world of extreme close-up photography. Many point-and-shoot cameras have a ‘pseudo’ macro mode – it allows you to get close but only with a wide-angle lens setting and even though the results are great, they are still nowhere near as controllable, or as precise as the results produced with a true macro lens on a DSLR camera. In fact, Macro photography creates a totally new way of looking at your environment, very closely, in abstraction and in precise detail. More...
Apple iPad for Photographers
Apple’s iPad has revolutionised the way we work with computers, the Internet, email and connecting with families and friends. It has also made a significant impact on how photographers shoot, store and process both still and moving images. For photographers, what’s even more significant is that, for the first time in years, one single device offers us a fabulous range of easily achievable and supremely creative options, and all at mere the swipe of a fingertip. This is the experience we shall dive into in this fun and interactive class. More...
Bali Photo Tour
Designed with the time-conscious photographer in mind, this short one week trip to Bali encompasses most of this tropical island’s many scenic highlights. It is combined with a winning combination of great experience, one-on-one photo critiques, tuition and solid technical help at every step of the way, thus ensuring that you not only return with some great shots, but that you also have a rewarding time while touring this beautiful island. More...
Complete Guide to Adobe Photoshop Elements Online
This course encompasses everything from the absolute basics to advanced photo-editing techniques with Photoshop Elements.This class will run over 6 months with tutorial videos delivered each month. There will be 20 assignments (4 per month). Assignments are completed and uploaded online. Note that there is personal tutor feedback given for each assignment (using QuickTime videos). More...
Web Design Essentials (HTML, XHTML and CSS)
This course presents a combination of popular web development formats. Participants will learn how to create a basic web page and how to structure the content of the page in addition to using CSS to apply formatting styles. Suitable for any individual with a web development interest, this course provides a key introduction to later forms of advanced web development. More...
Web Design Essentials with Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks
Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks are the industry standards for web content creation. Learn the basics of these powerful programs and create a simple website – from basic text to optimised images and animations. More...
Adobe Flash Level 1
Adobe Flash Professional software is the industry-leading authoring environment for creating engaging interactive experiences. It is ideal for interactive designers, graphic designers and developers. Learn how to create and deliver rich interactive content using an industry leading software package. More...
Adobe Dreamweaver Level 1
This Adobe dreamweaver course is for anyone interested in developing web pages and web sites with Adobe Dreamweaver. Adobe Dreamweaver is an industry leading web design tool and this course provides you with the basics to get started using this powerful software. Learn the basic concepts of web design, build a website and learn how to manage it in this course. This introduction will provide the groundwork to develop your web design skills in more advanced courses. More...
Web Development with CSS
In this course, discover how to use CSS to create attractive and engaging websites that are also standards-compliant. CSS (cascading style sheets) has become the de facto styling language for modern HTML documents (web pages). CSS is also used extensively as a layout tool to format pages that load quickly and are more widely supported by modern browsers. Additional benefits include the ease of maintenance and design for various devices. More...
Adobe Flash Level 2
Adobe Flash software is the industry-leading authoring environment for creating engaging interactive experiences. It is ideal for interactive designers, graphic designers and developers. Loaded with professional tips and techniques, this course will take you beyond the essentials and provide the skills needed to produce professional quality interactive experiences on the web. More...
HTML Level 1
This course introduces HTML as a web development language. Participants will learn how to create a number of web pages into a basic website and how to structure the HTML page. In addition to working with images and layout strategies. Suitable for any individual with a web development interest. More...
Harness the Power of Self Managed Superannuation
This course is designed to give participants an understanding of the various strategies that can be employed to ensure that their superannuation benefits are maximised. Self managed superannuation funds are growing quickly, currently in excess of 300,000. People are deciding to take a more active role in the management of their superannuation monies to successfully plan for retirement. Do you understand how to manage your own superannuation fund? This course will empower you by giving you the knowledge and confidence to deal effectively with financial advisers. Allowing you to understand and manage your own superannuation fund. It’s your money, take control of your future. Retirement is closer than you think. More...
Structuring Your Assets for Retirement
This course is designed to demystify the complex world of retirement income streams. Its express aim is to provide participants with independent advice and an understanding of the various ways in which they can structure their retirement assets in order to deliver the maximum level of income while at the same time minimising their tax. The course will cover topics such as the Australian tax system, various tax structures, superannuation, allocated pensions, Centrelink regulations and benefits, and estate planning. Gain the confidence to work with an adviser and effectively plan for the retirement years! More...
Financial Planning to Achieve Your Life Goals
We are taught to read and write, but very few of us are taught how to be financially literate. This course will help you develop meaningful life goals and the knowledge and confidence to develop the necessary financial strategies to help you achieve what is important to you. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Using Joomla!
Learn the essentials of using the Joomla! Content Management System (CMS) platform for your website. This workshop will allow users to create a dynamic interactive website from scratch using the free Joomla! CMS. Each participant will have access to a site of their own to customise with different templates, modules, content, links and articles as well as managing users. More...
e-Commerce with OS Commerce or CRE Loaded
This course is for business owners and anyone interested in understanding how to establish an ecommerce website using open source applications such as OS Commerce or CRE Loaded platform for their online business. This workshop is one day “hands on” working with the backend and frontend exploring the structure, navigation, modules, themes, and promotions for both platforms as they are similar in nature. Students will also learn how to optimize their eCommerce site with best practices. More...
Joomla! Extended
Do you want to extend your knowledge in using the Joomla! Platform? This is beyond the introduction of using Sections, Categories, Articles and Menus. We look deeper into some of the business extensions that could be integrated with Joomla! to extend its usability from both ends (as a website administrator and as a site user). More...
e-Commerce with Magento
This course is for business owners and anyone interested in understanding how to use the Magento eCommerce platform for their online business. This workshop is one day “hands on” working with the backend and frontend of Magneto exploring the structure, navigation, modules, themes, and promotions. Students will also learn how to optimize their Magento eCommerce site with best practices. More...
Creating e-Learning for your Business
If you need to create product training materials; or would like to set up an online training for your professional service; or you are involved in teaching at any level then this workshop is ideal for you. More...
eMail Marketing Campaigns
Design, develop, send and track your email marketing campaign the easy way. In this workshop we will explore ways and ideas for effectively building email marketing campaigns using both freely available tools and commercial applications to send newsletters to your customer base; manage your subscriber lists and track performance to get maximum exposure. More...
Creating e-Commerce Websites
This course looks at what is involved in having an online e-commerce website from populating , setting up the store and marketing. If you have an existing website and would like to offer the facility of trading online; if you have a unique new idea and want to sell it online; or if you have a product or a service that you want to sell online then this course is for you. More...
Changing Your Thinking
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is based on the idea that feelings such as anxiety, depression, anger and frustration are largely caused by our own thoughts and beliefs, and that changing the way we think enables us to change the way we feel. Learn to identify the patterns of thinking that contribute to upsetting emotions, and learn strategies to help you challenge and change negative thoughts and self-defeating behaviours. More...
HSC Preparation: Chemistry (Part 2)
This course provides consolidation of the key content and skills from 9.3 The Acidic Environment module. There is a focus on those cognitive skills needed to access and apply chemical knowledge in an HSC assessment context and the higher order thinking needed to push student achievement into Band 6. More...
Effective Web Writing for Business
This course is for business owners, web content writers, marketers, administration staff and anyone else writing web content for business. It gives you the skills and proven techniques to attract your target audience, engage them with your words and prompt them to take the action you desire. You will also learn how to write Search Engine Optimised (SEO) copy. The day includes lots of practical workshop exercises, real world examples and a healthy dose of discussion about your needs and objectives. More...
Rhythms and Purposes I
This interactive course, developed and led by the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is a comprehensive, sequential series of text-based lessons. Rhythms of Jewish Living and Purposes of Jewish Living are taken together. Rhythms introduces the beliefs and practices that shape Jewish festivals, and the life cycle. This enables participants to appreciate the depth and consistency of Jewish life. Purposes is devoted to the question why the Jews believe what they believe? The goal of this course is to identify the ultimate purpose of Jewish life as found in the Jewish texts and the historical experience. More...
Ethics of Jewish Living
This interactive course, developed and led by the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is a comprehensive, sequential series of text-based lessons. Understanding Jewish ethics is the essence of understanding Judaism. Participants will explore how Judaism views human behaviour and debates practical dilemmas in life. The course is organised thematically and has been tailored to suit the interests of Australian learners. Topics include Respect for Human Life, Justice, Civil Disobedience, Organ Transplants, Humility, Ecology and Business Ethics. More...
Persuasive Marketing Materials
Want to write more powerful promotional material for your business? This course covers the essentials of persuasive writing and applies them to print and online formats: mailers, newsletters, brochures, invites, websites, press releases, proposals and more. You’ll learn to create the hook that cinches your message, and develop practical skills in structuring, word usage and proofreading to suit your brand and marketing guidelines. Through exercises, examples, and open discussion, participants will have all their promotional writing questions answered. More...
Latin Plus
This advanced class will examine a number of ancient texts, focusing on grammatical constructions and an understanding of the selected texts within their cultural and historical perspective. More...
May Gibbs: Her Life and Works
Iconic Australian artist and author May Gibbs is best known from her book Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. While her gumnuts are instantly recognisable by all Australians, they only form part of her diverse output, which include portraits, caricatures, cartoons, comic strips, newspaper columns and postcards. From her birth in England to her death in Sydney 92 years later, her life was fascinating as she left her distinctive mark in a wide range of fields. This course will describe how her work evolved from her first published work at the age of twelve to her last work at the age of 90. More...
The Art Gallery of NSW – From its Creation to 1935
In March 1874, the NSW parliament voted to allocate £500 for the purchase of artworks which was the beginning of the Art Gallery of NSW collection. The following month, the first Impressionist exhibition opened in Paris. However the Gallery only acquired its first French impressionist painting in 1935. What happened during the intervening 61 years? More...
A Brief History of Music
How do the great composers fit into history? How are they influenced by their times, and how do they influence those who come afterwards? This course explores the history of Western music, from medieval times to the 21st century, by linking musical examples to the art and society of their times. Whether you are a long-term listener or a classical beginner, this course will provide a framework for understanding the music you love. More...
A Beginner’s Guide to Opera
This course provides a guide to the appreciation and enjoyment of opera for the beginner, as well as a deeper exploration of the history and elements of opera for the more experienced listener. We explore the history, forms and structures of opera, considering the work of composers such as Mozart, Wagner, Verdi and Puccini, and listening to performances by some of the great singers. No musical knowledge is necessary. More...
Music of the Baroque Period
With the Brandenburg Concertos, Messiah, and the Four Seasons, the Baroque period has given us some of the most dramatic and beautiful compositions of music history. This study day unravels the rich complexity of Baroque music, providing insight into the works of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi and their contemporaries, in their social and historical context. Learn what makes Baroque music sound Baroque, and what the great composers were striving to achieve. No musical knowledge is necessary. More...
Music of the Classical Period
Eighteenth century composers believed that music should be understood and appreciated by all, regardless of class or education. It’s little wonder then that the music of this period, composed by such greats as Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, is so popular. This day examines the music of the classical period, its structures and forms, its historical and social context, and its principal composers. More...
Japanese 101 (Beginners) - Fast Track
Learn Japanese faster! Japanese is spoken by over 130 million people, mostly located within Japan. Japanese 101 – Fast Track is a beginners course and requires no previous knowledge of the language. This course is well suited to both business and leisure travellers in addition to those who simply want to learn more about the culture, or explore their own heritage in a quick a convenient delivery format. Being the world’s second strongest economy, Japanese is well suited for many professionals who engage in frequent business travels. Class meetings are twice a week so this course will have you ready for the next level in half the time as our regular Japanese courses. More...
Russian Language and Culture Tour: St Petersburg & Moscow
Share this exciting and rare opportunity to enrich your knowledge and understanding of Russia’s distinctive language and culture in its two great contrasting cities: St Petersburg, Russia’s most European city and favourite haunt of Tsars and authors, and Moscow, resonating with tales of Soviet political intrigue and espionage. From beginners to advanced, all are welcome! More...
Finance for the Non-Financial Manager
Designed for managers and other professionals who need an understanding of the financial drivers of business, this course provides an introduction to the concepts underlying external financial accounting and internal management accounting. You’ll be introduced to the skills necessary to prepare, interpret and analyse financial statements, and will gain an insight into how your business decisions impact the financial reports of your company. We’ll also cover budgeting, costing and key performance indicators, and clarify the often misunderstood area of accrual accounting. More...
Budgeting and Forecasting for Organisations
This practical course focuses on enhancing skills and providing knowledge to understand and effectively use budgeting and forecasting in a variety of business, organisational and personal settings. Coverage will include the use of budgets as a strategic planning tool, as a means for evaluating performance and as a motivational technique. Participants will use Microsoft Excel to create their own personal or organisational budget including a variance analysis report. The use of Excel to perform sensitivity analysis and highlight budget variances will be covered in detail. Participants should be familiar with basic Excel functions including the creation of cell referenced formulas. More...
Magic Highways: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing
Learn how to write science fiction and fantasy for the current market. In this highly practical course participants explore how to achieve an ‘invisible’ storytelling voice; master dialogue, pacing and ‘info dumping’; and use handy techniques for building fantasy worlds. Each session apart from sessions one and six will have evaluation and feedback components as part of that week’s class. More...
Project Management: The Complete Guide
Designed for those who work as full-time project managers, or have prior experience of project management methodology, this intensive three-day course provides a professional coverage of all the topics in the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). For those seeking formal certification, this course partially satisfies the training requirements for candidates for the PMP qualification. Alternatively, participants may work towards a nationally recognised diploma, subject to meeting recognition of prior learning requirements and the completion of additional assessments. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Philosophy for Science I: The Language and Logic of Science
Science is a ‘methodology’: a particular way of observing and explaining the world, of answering the one BIG question: “What must the world be like, in order that it produce the phenomena we observe?”. Part 1 of this 4-part series elaborates the ‘language’ of Science – the meaning of reality, existence, causation, observation, explanation, and truth; and its ‘logic’ – its premises, its rules of engagement, and its strengths and limitations. More...
Philosophy for Science II: What Must the World Be Like?
Science is a ‘methodology’: a particular way of observing and explaining the world, of answering the one big question: ‘What must the world be like, in order that it produce the phenomena we observe?’ Part two of this four part series applies the language and logic of Science to the task of distilling from our observations of worldly affairs the fundamental elements of ‘reality’ - of what the world must, or at least must not, be like – and to construct from them a reasonable model of the physical world. With surprising results: for it turns out we know more than we think, but things are not as they seem! More...
Philosophy for Science III: Bodies in Motion – Classical Physics from Democritus to Einstein
Science is a ‘methodology’: a particular way of observing and explaining the world, of answering the one BIG question: “What must the world be like, that it produce the phenomena we observe?” Part three of this four part series retraces the unfolding of the Scientific Revolution: the evolution of classical physics, chemistry and electromagnetism from Democritus and Aristotle to Maxwell and Einstein. It’s a monumental tale of achievement; and by the end of the nineteenth century, we had everything all figured out! Or so we thought… More...
Philosophy for Science IV: Where Classical Physics Ends and Quantum Mechanics Begins
Science is a ‘methodology’: a particular way of observing and explaining the world, of answering the one big question: “What must the world be like, that it produce the phenomena we observe?” The final part of this four part series explores why, around the turn of the twentieth century, classical “Newtonian” mechanics gave way to a completely new paradigm: Quantum Mechanics (QM). In this course, we review some of the experimental phenomena that Classical Mechanics simply cannot explain; we define QM and elaborate its various (mis)interpretations; dismantle much of the nonsense that is attributed to it in the popular literature; and explore why even QM struggles to describe what the world is really like. More...
Philosophy for Change
This course provides a practical guide to reflective change. Drawing on philosophical examples, it explores the qualities and skills required for successful change. Classes introduce philosophers in their historical context. Each philosopher contributes a different insight into the art of reflective change. The lessons are distilled into practical exercises that consolidate the ideas and show participants how to apply them in everyday contexts. By doing these exercises, participants learn how to cultivate the resilience to deal with change, the agility to explore different aspects of their whole person, and the vision to use change to forge empowering new perspectives on the future. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. Reading materials are provided. More...
Philosophy and Social Media
Online services like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn challenge longstanding ideas about privacy and intellectual property. At the same time, they are cultivating an ethos of sharing and transparency that is impacting on business, government, and civil society in important ways. As these new technologies change the world, they change us. This course draws on philosophical ideas to explore how social media is changing our sense of personal identity and ethics. The course considers the benefits and dangers of social media, its shallows and its depths. More...
Still Challenging the Pianist
This course examines the variety of repertoire and musical styles that is required from the competitors to the Sydney International Piano Competition. More...
Children’s Book Illustration
This creative and practical course introduces participants to all aspects of children’s book illustration, from drawing, composition and picture planning to an overview of the publishing industry and “tricks of the trade.” The course will take a close look at the relationship between illustrator and editor, and the collaborative process of making picture books. More...
Communication in the Workplace: Strategies for Success
Successful people, more often than not, communicate well. They demonstrate empathy, awareness and concern for others with good listening skills and a keen sense of their own needs and concerns. In this course you will learn techniques and strategies for communicating more effectively at work and develop your potential for professional success. More...
Essential Skills for Supervisors
Whether you’re new to supervision or want to lift your performance, there are many skills you need to be successful which can’t necessarily be gained on the job. Through discussion, exercises, role plays and a little theory you’ll learn how to establish credibility and gain trust, develop effective working relationships, motivate your team, encourage participation, improve morale, build performance and productivity, and link your team’s performance to the expectations of senior management. More...
Planning, Organising and Time Management Essentials
As a manager, planning and organising the work of your team is a vital skill. Setting priorities and delegating where appropriate is crucial to performance. This course is designed for managers and supervisors who want to enhance their skills in organising work schedules for themselves and for their team. You will learn how to set realistic goals, how to integrate personal goals with company goals and ensure each member in your team understands and works towards achieving their goals in a synergistic manner. The course also provides tools for effective time management for yourself and when managing others. More...
Team Management Essentials
Being able to lead a team is an important skill for managers and supervisors, as it involves ensuring the effectiveness of groups of individuals within an organisation. This course is designed for managers and supervisors who want to enhance their skills in leading teams so as to efficiently achieve organisational objectives and by so doing, build their own career. You will learn how to inspire a team, ensure team roles are well defined and develop high-performance teams. In addition, you will acquire skills for dealing with conflict and those difficult situations that can arise in a team environment. More...
Staff Recruitment, Selection and Induction Essentials
Effective utilisation of human resources is paramount to an organisation’s success. Recruiting, selecting and inducting staffs are important initial stages in this process. How can you ensure you attract the right applicants and then select those most suitable? How can you then enable the successful candidate to quickly reach peak performance? This course answers each of these questions and equips you with processes and skills to ensure you have the best people for your organisation’s needs. You will also learn how to retain your high performers, thereby maximising the benefits that can be gained from these staff members. This course is designed for managers and supervisors who are involved in hiring staff. This includes the steps involved in recruiting, selecting and inducting staff. We will provide guidelines for how to determine appropriate staffing level for an organisation and then focus specifically on identifying the requirements for individual jobs. Once these requirements are established, we will discuss the different ways in which suitable applicants can be sourced. Skills required for identifying a suitable applicant are then considered in detail, including the use of selection tests and interviewing. Finally we will consider how to induct new staff so that they become productive quickly. More...
Emotional Intelligence: Harnessing the Power of Feelings
Do you really know how you feel? Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify a large range of emotions and to manage, use and change them to get the most out of life. Through a mix of discussion and practical exercises, you’ll develop awareness and the basic tools for responding proactively to emotional situations of all kinds. Find out about the concept of emotional intelligence and how to take control of your emotions and your life. More...
Driver Assessment and Training Course for Occupational Therapists
The Driver Assessment & Training Course for Occupational Therapists provides a combination of theoretical and practical sessions conducted by occupational therapists and driving instructors with considerable clinical experience in the area. The course also incorporates presentations from professionals in the areas of vehicle modifications, orthoptics, psychology, mental health, and pharmacology. More...
Adobe Illustrator Level 1
Explore new paths with the essential vector tool. This course is idea for those wanting to learn how to navigate and use Adobe Illustrator to create graphics with this powerful illustration tool. More...
Getting What You Want: Assertive Communication Skills
If you want to learn how to say ‘no’, make your presence felt in a meeting or tell someone their behaviour is unsatisfactory (while keeping others onside), then this course is for you. You’ll learn how to handle people who ignore you, interrupt you, unduly criticise you, make unreasonable requests or vent their anger against you. More...
Advanced Assertive Communication Skills
You have the tools and use assertive behaviour much of the time . . . but are there challenging situations when you feel uncomfortable, your buttons are pressed and your responses are inappropriate? In this Advanced Assertive Communication Skills one day interactive experiential workshop, you will gain practical ideas and leading edge techniques to give you positive flexible ways of enhancing your difficult / challenging communications and relationships, assertively. More...
Sexual Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace
Create a sexual harassment and bullying free environment. Learn what behaviour is unacceptable, how to handle it, why you must have zero tolerance and learn and practice, best practice. This is a practical interactive course with real Australian case studies. It covers the Australian anti discrimination legislation, how to identify discrimination, sexual harassment behaviours and bullying. What behaviours are unacceptable and illegal? It covers anti discrimination and harassment complaints procedures, your rights and obligations, consequences, costs to individuals and the organisation and preventative responsibilities of managers and supervisors, including performance improvement counselling and coaching processes. You gain practical skills to handle sexual harassment and bullying that you can apply immediately in your workplace. More than 25 years after sexual harassment was made illegal, discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying claims are increasing in blue and white collar workforces. We must be more aware of changing values and legislation. This course will open your eyes to new legal avenues available to employees, steps you must take to reduce risks of claims, and allow you to learn and practice assertive skills, what to say and how to say it. More...
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