Going For Gold with an Adult Education Course
Kent Adult Education student Sarah Perry fell in love with silversmithing – so much so she gave up her job of 30 years to retrain at university.
The 51-year-old has been attending silversmithing classes at Kent Adult Education for the past two years.
In that time her hobby has become her passion, and last year Sarah decided it was time to take her studies to the next level. Using a portfolio of photographs and pieces she made in her Kent County Council run Adult Education class, Sarah applied to UCA in Canterbury for a place on a part-time Access to Higher Education Course in Art and Design.
After an anxious wait following an interview, the department welcomed Sarah with open arms, impressed with the quality and workmanship of her Kent Adult Education silversmithing exhibits.
Subsequently, Sarah was accepted onto the BA Hons Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery course at UCA in Rochester.
Sarah said: “I was absolutely thrilled to get a place but I will be sorry to leave Adult Ed and my tutor Owen Madhlope-Phillips. It is a tribute to him that I am now ready to go to university.
“Before coming to Kent Adult Ed I had been doing a lot of jewellery-making and silversmithing at home, but I felt I had got as far as I could. I searched online for a silversmithing course and found one with Kent Adult Education.
“I joined Owen’s class and absolutely loved it. The very first day we made a silver bangle and I knew I was on the right course!
“Over the following weeks, the work wasn’t just about making jewellery, it was about the techniques and challenges of the art of silversmithing, and Owen was a great encouragement, allowing you to progress at your own pace.”
Sarah has made a host of items as presents for family including personalised cuff links, wedding rings and christening spoons.
“It’s amazing what you can achieve with a piece of silver sheet, silver wire and the knowledge from a tutor of Owens calibre,” she said.
“After a while I decided I really wanted to do this full-time, and become a goldsmith if possible. That was when I started looking for courses and decided to take early retirement from my job as a court listings officer at Canterbury Crown Court.”
Sarah hopes her new course will open her up to work experience and business contacts to ultimately achieve her dream.
“I have loved my adult education course with Owen,” she added. “You actually get so much more from an Adult Ed course than just tuition. I’ve made some good friends.”
Kent Adult Education is run by Kent County Council and has a wealth of high quality courses which allow people to pursue their interests, hobbies and passions.
As is the case with Sarah, many people find that these can lead to life changing and unexpected opportunities. We are constantly developing and adapting our courses to provide opportunities for the people of Kent to pursue their dreams and interests and improve their skills.
The new Course Directory for Spring 2013 includes many new and engaging courses.
For more information about silversmithing and a host of other courses from Kent Adult Education visit www.kentadulteducation.co.uk
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