Ten Reasons to study at The Potten Computer School

1 Starting from Scratch 

When students first come to The Potten Computer School, they often ask us to help them buy their first computer…so Lesson 1 consists of internet research on which computer best suits their needs. Computer chosen and bought, we advise them on how to get their internet connection and help them set the computer up at home.

2 Keeping in touch 

With family and friends scattered all around, keeping in touch by email is essential. An email address is also used for online shopping, booking holidays, organizing theatre visits…the list is endless. Thus, one of our most popular first courses combines Internet & Email, including Skype, for free internet calls.

3 Getting confident 

Even when students have had a computer for a while, they still have questions about how to use them effectively. Our Using the Computer courses teach students what to do with updates, how to manage their files and folders, how to create a personalized desktop, how to make the computer secure…in other words, how to take control and feel confident.

4 Making the most of digital photos

Digital cameras have made photography more accessible to all. Our Digital Photography course teaches students how to download photos, sort them into albums, edit, create collages, make web albums and share photos with friends and family. At an advanced level, students use Photoshop Elements for creative, exciting photo projects.

5 Running a small business   

Being able to use a computer effectively can make a world of difference to small business owners: setting up a website, using social media, creating publicity such as flyers and posters, book-keeping…the list can be quite daunting. Students tell us what their priorities are so we can design a course to help them learn all the skills they need to make their business easier to run.

6 Finding a new job 

Obviously, not everyone wants to be self-employed. Some people want to return to previous jobs after a break, or are looking for a new job altogether. When updating skills, it is a great idea to get a qualification to prove it. Our most popular qualification course is for the widely-accepted ECDL (European Computer Driving License) with an option to continue onto the Advanced ECDL.

7 Starting Young 

 
Our youngest students love computers, and are always full of creative ideas. Our Art packages, Photography and PowerPoint courses, to name just a few, are always popular. Having said that, a great way to give children a head start at school is for them to learn how to Touch Type…..not a bad idea for adults either.

8 Preparing for school exams 

Older school children can also benefit from lessons at The Potten Computer School as we offer tuition in Computer Studies, Administration and Maths at Intermediate 1 &2 and Standard Grade.

9 Creating a Bespoke Course 

Unlike most computer training schools, we design each student’s course to suit. Rather than having to fit into a pre-defined course, our students can tell us what their priorities are and what they want to concentrate on.

10 Choosing lesson times

The Potten Computer School is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.00am to 6.30pm (8.00pm Wednesdays). Students choose how often to attend and when. Whatever time they choose, they are never with more than 2 other students…making sure that the hour is profitable.



This article was originally written for publication in the Portobello Local, a free monthly magazine created by Rosalind Evans.

For inclusion in her magazine, contact: rosalind@evansindependent.co.uk

We are now a Branded Learning Centre...but what does it mean?

As we approach the three-year mark at The Potten Computer School, we are delighted to have been awarded the status of Branded Learning Centre by learndirect scotland.





This accreditation recognises the quality of our learning centre. It is not easy to win the approval of learndirect scotland, but in the words of their website, this means that...

...if it’s a learndirect scotland learning centre, you can rely on the centre and its staff to help you learn at a time, place and pace that suits you.

Being a Branded Learning Centre means that we offer different ways of learning that are often more informal and flexible than traditional settings. Support for learners is crucial to our success, the heart of which is the Pledge to Learners.

Success can be measured in so many ways, whether it be learning how to shop on-line for the first time, create a personal letterhead or design a T-shirt. In this way, all our students have achieved what they set out to do...and in most cases, considerably more.

We would like to extend particular congratulations to our ECDL exam candidates who have done us proud this year with excellent results....including the elusive 100%, achieved by Sylvia (pictured above with Jonathan).

Well done, everyone.

Word Processing for Pleasure

There seems to be something about the phrase "creating a document" that makes people think of something serious, difficult and most likely boring....which is why there is often resistance to the idea of learning about word processing.

Typically, word processing is used in business for creating all things official: legal and reference documents, letters and memos. In education, it is used (amongst other things) to present essays, papers and work for publication.

As such, it may appear that word processing has few practical applications for the average leisure user of computers. However, Microsoft Office Word (2007/10) is one of the most versatile and creative packages available to PC users.

Our Word Courses combine text with graphics in imaginative ways. Students of all ages learn how to create a variety of stationery and publicity material:

• customised recipe cards

• greetings cards
• posters using their own photos
• scrap-books
• personalised invitations
• leaflets
• tickets and labels
• calendars

In this way, they tap into their creative side...even those who are convinced they don't have one! By learning elements of design through working with colour, graphics, fonts and shapes, they express their individuality and make something unique to them. 

  

 

And, of course, if goes without saying, that using a computer to give a professional sheen to any creative work will not only prove to be satisfying, exciting and fun but will also save money. And that has to be a good thing!