The first group of adults to complete 10-week leisure learning courses at Chantry Academy in Ipswich celebrated with a special presentation evening.

Ipswich Star: Massage workshop at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMassage workshop at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

In January the course programme was unveiled for the free sessions run by Realise Futures at the school.

Ipswich Star: Samosa making workshop at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSamosa making workshop at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

In July the first intake collected their qualifications having completed the courses in a range of areas – including maths, literacy, outdoor skills and Indian cooking.

Ipswich Star: L-R Sally Butcher, Sue Head, Andrew Darby, Marita Kennedy, Robyn Bechelet. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNL-R Sally Butcher, Sue Head, Andrew Darby, Marita Kennedy, Robyn Bechelet. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Chantry Academy principal, Craig D’Cunha said: “Our emphasis here is about saying to people: just because you’ve left school, education is not finished.

Ipswich Star: Julie Kett giving advice to future adult learners. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJulie Kett giving advice to future adult learners. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“It’s all about providing people with that opportunity to continue their learning.”

Ipswich Star: Workshops at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNWorkshops at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

During the celebration evening, tasters for the new term were held, with classes due to kick off again in September – and talks already underway about expanding the programme.

Ipswich Star: Workshops at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNWorkshops at Chantry Academy. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

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