STUDENTS at Dewsbury College are taking part in the UK’s largest festival of learning to mark National Adult Learners’ Week.

The college is celebrating the achievements of 80 adult learners who have completed a wide range of courses, including ones in literacy, IT skills and childcare.

Adult Learners’ Week – which is running now – takes “happiness” as its theme this year and students have created everything from poems to compilation CDs to express their happiness in achieving success.

Dewsbury College works with organisations across Kirklees to run courses in libraries, children’s centres and workplaces, as well as offering a range of courses for adult learners,

Tina Boon, senior tutor for the college’s Skills for Life department, said: “We have adult learners taking part in a wide spectrum of courses in almost every department and this is about celebrating their success.

“We have an excellent range of courses and the quality of teaching and learning is exceptionally high. We have really high progression and student satisfaction rates.

“It’s that excellent provision which attracts students to the college.”

The Kirklees Neighbourhood Learning Network had a marquee today outside Dewsbury Town Hall today, with stalls offering information and guidance to anyone seeking to find out more about adult learning and work opportunities in the area.

This evening an awards ceremony is being held at the college.

Interim principal Trevor Jameson will present certificates and the Mary Fellowes Award – named after a former tutor – which will go to the most outstanding student.

Between 10am and 2pm tomorrow the college, which incorporates Batley School of Art and Design, will stage an exhibition of work produced by its adult learners.

National Adult Learners’ Week is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

Last year more than 8,000 events were held throughout Britain, attracting about 100,000 visitors and participants.