What programs are offered?

Adult Upgrading Programs
CLANS offers Levels 1, 2 and 3 adult upgrading programs at three sites in the North of Smokey area. Special interest programs such as Creative Writing and Reading Clubs for adults have also been offered in the past.

Family Literacy Programs
CLANS offers various family literacy programs that bring families together to support each other in their literacy development. These programs involve parents and children in a variety of family literacy activities that promotes interest in learning and developing skills through hands-on fun activities.

Who attends CLANS upgrading programs?

We have had students in the program who are as young as 19, as well as those who have reached the wonderfully mature age of 50+.  You are never too old to learn!!!

Why do people attend upgrading programs?

People who come into the Level 1 and 2 upgrading programs are here for a variety of different reasons.  You may find that one or all of the following situations apply to you:

• In these changing times, having an education is more important than ever.  Many employers that did not require a high school education a few years ago now insist that you have a grade twelve.
• You want to be able to help your children with their school work.
• You have some time on your hands and always wanted to complete high school.
• Improve self-esteem.
• Meet qualifications for college, trade school, etc.
• You just want to get out of the house and do something that makes you feel great about yourself!
• While these are some of the reasons people enroll, you may have your own personal reasons for wanting to attend.  You can be assured it will be a great experience.

The Level 3 program is a continuation of the Level 2 program, and a preparation for Level 4/Adult High School Completion.  The Level 3 program offers learners the opportunity to obtain the skills required for entry into the new Adult High School diploma program.  Students whose goal is to write the GED exams may also attend the Level 3 program.

What will I learn?

There is a basic curriculum that the Department of Education suggests we follow in the Level 1,2 and 3 programs.  The suggested curriculum consists of:

• math (the basics, decimals, fractions, percent, introduction to geometry, metric, etc.
• written communication (paragraphs, essays, letters, resumes, etc.)
• reading skills
• introduction to science / social studies.

The program is very much self paced; you work at your own speed so you won't feel pressured to keep up with anyone else.  You may find that you are good at one thing but need extra time on something else.  You may even find that you can help others by sharing information on a topic that you are particularly good at.  In this program, we are all learners and teachers in one way or another, and as adults we support and encourage each others efforts.

When and where are classes held?

Levels 1, 2 and 3 programs are held at various locations throughout the North of Smokey area.

Anticipated locations for 2008-09 are:

• Ingonish – Hussey Building (next to the Victoria North Regional Library)
• Cape North Community Center
• Bay St. Lawrence Community Center

Class times are arranged together with the students at each site based on their preferences.

What if I don't feel comfortable being in class with a group of people?

Sometimes people are not comfortable attending "classes". In this case, we can arrange for you to meet with a tutor for private one-on-one sessions.  You may only want help with something specific such as writing a resume, preparing for your drivers license, learning how to do fractions, metric or geometry, finding out about the Internet or sending email.  Or you may want to be tutored for a while just until you feel you are ready to join a class.  Whatever your needs, or personal preferences, we are flexible and can help you get started.

Is it too late for me to start now?

The quick answer is no.  Even though the program may have already started, you can join at any time.    Remember everything counts... you are bound to learn something of value with any time you spend in the program.  Once you get started, you will want to register when the program starts again in the fall.