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			GSL sites GSL Australia Accuread Rebound ecd HMP Ryehill HMP Wolds THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Here at HMP Altcourse we positively encourage prisoners to study either on a full-time or part-time basis. The Education Department is run in conjunction with City College Manchester. Prisoners are offered the opportunity to improve basic Literacy, Numeracy and Information Technology skills. As well as having access to the education resources, prisoners can also arrange for the loan of books from a well-stocked library. At HMP Altcourse there is a full-time education co-ordinator working with a strong team of full and part-time teachers headed by an education manager. The department operates from Monday to Friday for day and evening classes. There is also provision to provide education on the vulnerable prisoner unit. Courses Available All our courses have national accreditation and are available at different levels. After the initial education assessment prisoners negotiate an individual learning plan choosing from: Information Technology A range of course including NICAS, CLAIT and Integrated Business Technology II. Art and Music Prisoners are encouraged to develop creative skills. Again, accreditation is available through the open college. Football Academy This full-time course is run for 3 months in conjunction with the gym. As well as looking at training, fitness and coaching techniques the prisoners also study for a full key skills certificate and achieve cookery and healthy living units with the open college. Reading Champions A number of prisoners are employed to support teachers in some of the basic skills work. They are working towards the 9281 initial certificate in teaching basic skills. Well equipped library Social and Life Skills A range of open college accredited units to develop confidence and practical skills such as cookery are available. English and Mathematics The department operates the basic skills agency quality mark. Prisoners are encouraged to develop self-confidence and self-esteem by improving literacy and numeracy skills.   Day-Release A large number of prisoners attend education one day a week on day-release from within the prison. They are working towards a key skills certificate which helps to improve their future employability. Unit Based Education Full-time education has recently been introduced on two of the residential units. Prisoners are being offered the chance, through flexible learning resource centres, to study a wide range of subjects and courses up to 'A' level standard. Exams are taken at a level appropriate to each prisoner's ability. Individual learning is assessed at regular intervals.