Upcoming Events


Learner's License
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Learner's License

Facilitator: Lou
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn the NZ road code through a variety of different mediums. e.g. bingo, driving games, tests and quizzes.

You will learn:
• Why and how the road rules are enforced.
• To feel confident and comfortable and safe using the road.
• How to study towards a learner’s license.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Art History & Drawing
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Art History & Drawing

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $2

Description:
Lean about some of the famous artists in history, and their work. Have a go at sketching and researching art history.

You will learn:
• About art history, artists and their lives.
• About the meaning behind famous paintings.
• The basics of sketching.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
Optional walking involved.

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Use Your Technology
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Use Your Technology

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Become more confident in using your device and how to keep yourself safe online. 

You will learn:
• How to tell if something is a scam.
• What to do when you receive suspicious messages or are being cyberbullied.
• Basic functions like taking screenshots, how to change your settings etc.

What to bring:
• The device you want to learn how to use more.

Other Info:
This class is the same as last semester. Learning material is repeated.

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Community Skills
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Community Skills

Facilitator: Stan
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn how to get around the city safely.

You will learn:
• How to get around the city by bussing & walking.
• How to be safe in the community.
• How to be confident in public.

What to bring:
Please bring your own MetroCard.

Other Info:
Mobility is required for long walks.

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Badminton
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Badminton

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise or Cowles Stadium (170 Pages Road)
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Play badminton at Cowles Stadium.

You will learn:
• How to play a game of singles/doubles badminton (with scoring).
• To physically improve or learn how to play badminton.
• To play competitive or social matches based on your ability/and pace.

What to bring:
• Drink bottle.
• Healthy afternoon snack like a banana or muesli bar.

Other Info:
Courts are booked from 1:30PM until 2:30PM. These times are sharp.

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Model Making (Fri)
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Model Making (Fri)

Facilitator: Stan
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join this class to learn all about model railroads, along with a hands on element, building and operating the SkillWise model railroad.

You will learn:
• Various tool skills.
• How to exhibit in front of the public.
• How to work as a team.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Pottery (Fri)
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Pottery (Fri)

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise or Risingholme
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
Small groups work with the SkillWise Facilitator and Risingholme Tutor to create various individual items.

You will learn:
• How to mold clay.
• How soft clay is fired in a kiln to produce a final product.
• Various techniques using a range of tools to achieve different textures and aesthetic results. 

What to bring:
• Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
• An apron.

Other Info:
• Participants using their own transport must be picked up by 11:40AM.
• Based at Risingholme and goes for 8 weeks: 8th May - 26th June.
• This class will do an alternate creative activity outside of those 8 weeks.

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Reading and Numbers
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Reading and Numbers

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn reading and number skills to help with day-to-day tasks at your pace. 

You will learn:
• To tell the time.
• To be able to read a menu and pay the correct amount of cash.
• To be able to read recipes and measure ingredients.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
This class is great for beginners.

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Baking
Apr
17
to 25 Sept

Baking

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
This cooking class focusses on creating baked goods. This involves learning the steps taken, such as measuring and reading recipes.

Please note that the bread and baking is not gluten-free.

You will learn:
• How to measure out ingredients.
• How to properly clean and maintain baking equipment.
• How to understand and follow recipes.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
• 9:10AM start, participants must be on time.
• Some cooking experience is helpful.
• Please note that the bread and baking is not gluten-free.

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Model Making (Thurs)
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Model Making (Thurs)

Facilitator: Stan
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join this class to learn all about model railroads, along with a hands on element, building and operating the SkillWise model railroad.

You will learn:
• Various tool skills.
• How to exhibit in front of the public.
• How to work as a team.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Jewellery & Craft (Thurs)
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Jewellery & Craft (Thurs)

Facilitator: Lou
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Make a range of craft and jewellery, from stringing beads, making cards or clay decorations.

You will learn:
• How to follow simple instructions with support.
• How to make choices about colours, shapes, materials and design. 
• How to cut, glue and tear. 

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Indoor Sports
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Indoor Sports

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Action Indoor Sports Centre TBC
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Develop sports skills through playing sport indoors, at an offsite venue. 

You will learn:
• About the different sports.
• How to be part of a team.
• To develop some physical skills (kicking, throwing etc).

What to bring:
• Drink bottle.
• Afternoon tea.

Other Info:
N/A

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Volunteering w/ SPCA (Thurs)
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Volunteering w/ SPCA (Thurs)

Facilitator: Michelle
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Volunteering at the SPCA, providing practical support behind the scenes, such as laundry and cleaning.

Please note that the volunteering at the SPCA does not mean looking after the animals and there may be no animal contact.

You will learn:
Community Spirit – giving time and effort to help support the SPCA

What to bring:
Afternoon Tea if you want it

Other Info:
• Leaving Skillwise at around 1.00PM (may need to wait for morning volunteer group to get back and have a lunch break).
• There MAY be an opportunity to see some kittens if there is time and SPCA staff available to facilitate this.

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Work Skills
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Work Skills

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn about work and what makes a good employee. 

You will learn:
• About health and safety in various workplaces.
• What jobs are available and tasks expected for those roles.
• About expectations at work, like being on time.
• Your rights and responsibilities.
• How to make CVs.

What to bring:
• Basic stationary.

Other Info:
The material in this class are a repeat of previous semesters. It is not recommended to join if you have completed this class previously.

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Volunteering w/ MOW (Thurs)
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Volunteering w/ MOW (Thurs)

Facilitator: Michelle
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Supporting the Christchurch community by delivering hot meals for the Red Cross Meals on Wheels programme to approximately 10 addresses.    

You will learn:
• Community Spirit – giving time and effort to help support the Red Cross / Meals on Wheels.
• Supporting staff by helping with locations.

What to bring:
Morning tea if you want it.

Other Info:
• We leave SkillWise by 9:30AM, go for a drive somewhere in the city and we have to be at the pick-up location (Hillmorton or Linwood) by 10:45AM. If possible, meals should be delivered by 12:00PM.
• Depending on the route we do and the number of meals to deliver we may be back late for lunch (12.45PM)

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Mixed Media Craft
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Mixed Media Craft

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
This class explores different creative themes involving all things paper and fabric. The class will have a series of projects to work on together.

You will learn:
• How to make paper, papier mache and paper clay.
• How to work with fabric/paper/collage/print.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Cooking / Sensory
Apr
16
to 24 Sept

Cooking / Sensory

Facilitator: Lou
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM 
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
This is a new cooking class which will be completing the Meal Preparation: Sensory ASDAN book.

Some activities will be: exploring food textures, temperatures, cooking sounds and cooking tools.

You will learn:
• How food looks, smells, feel, sounds and tastes. Learning about your preferences (e.g. crunchy vs soft, mild vs strong smells).
• Life and Independence skills e.g. cleaning up, following steps in order, measuring, pouring, stirring and chopping.
• To build confidence and pride: “I made this and it tasted great!""

What to bring:
Learners with long hair need to have it tied back.

Other Info:
This is a great introductory cooking class for learners with no experience."

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Jewellery & Craft (Wed)
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Jewellery & Craft (Wed)

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Explore designing craft and jewelry projects using templates and colour charts.

You will learn:
• About design, patterns and colours.
• The steps and skills needed to make jewellery and craft projects.
• How to use different craft and jewelry making equipment.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
All skill levels welcome.

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Video Editing
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Video Editing

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
• The class collaborates with the Learning Facilitator to edit various footage. This could be “Activity Trailers”, as seen on the website, Staff interviews, and editing the Reel Tree footage.
• Participants generally sit and contribute by sharing their ideas and help decide aesthetic/audio related decisions. Editing processes are explained on a large screen so participants can get an insight of how movies are edited, such as the process of greenscreens and seamless cuts.
• Depending on interest there is occasionally opportunity for the participant to work with a video camera, greenscreen and lighting rigs. 

You will learn:
• About the process of editing films.
• How to contribute your ideas to shape video projects.
• Specific editing techniques, such as using a greenscreen, merging shots together, altering audio and colour to suit projects.
• Learn how to set up a greenscreen, lapel microphones and lighting. Learn how to use a video camera and upload footage.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Creative Writing
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Creative Writing

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Practice writing in your way. 
We publish the SkillWise newsletter at the end of each Monday.
We also practice scrapbooking to learn how to put pages together. 

You will learn:
• How to develop your own writing.
• What is involved in creating the SkillWise newsletter.
• How to use Canva (for tech-savvy learners).

What to bring:
• Your own writing stationary (optional).

Other Info:
N/A

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Volunteering w/ SPCA (Wed)
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Volunteering w/ SPCA (Wed)

Facilitator: Lou
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM  
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Sign up to be a volunteer at the SPCA, helping to wash, dry, fold and store cat and dog bedding.
There may be other tasks, such as washing dog/cat bowls or filling heavy bags of pet food.

Contact with animals is limited.

You will learn:
• The importance of hygiene: how clean bedding directly affect animals’ health, comfort and stress levels.
• Teamwork: volunteers learn they are part of a team and how every task, no matter how unglamorous, keeps the whole system running.
• Compassion through care: even without direct animal handling volunteers are contributing to their wellbeing.

What to bring:
• Warm jacket (volunteers will be working outdoors).

Other Info:
New participants MUST attend the first week session to attend orientation.

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Radio Show
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Radio Show

Facilitator: Stan
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Plan a radio show at SkillWise, and, once a month, record a radio program at Plains Media. 

You will learn:
• To build confidence in front of a microphone.
• How to plan a script.
• To be part of the music selection process.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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The Reel Tree
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

The Reel Tree

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
We learn about movies. We also go through the process of making short videos such as planning, filming, and editing. 

You will learn:
• The process of making movies.
• More about using a camera, acting, and/or editing.
• What makes popular movies great.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Volunteering w/ MOW (Wed)
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Volunteering w/ MOW (Wed)

Facilitator: Lou
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Deliver meals to members of the community, while also checking in on their wellbeing by having a brief chat with them. 

You will learn:
• The power of small actions and community connection.
• Communication Skills: Having gentle conversations and noticing when someone might not be okay.
• Google Map skills.

What to bring:
• Bring your lunch and a warm jacket.

Other Info:
Good mobility is required for getting in and out of the SkillWise Van.

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Cooking / Towards Independence
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Cooking / Towards Independence

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
This class focusses on independence and confidence with cooking.
Learners are expected to have a high level of experience cooking and food preparation.
Please note that food is not gluten-free.

You will learn:
• How to cook on your own.
• How to evaluate health and safety risks.
• How to research for recipes.
• How to shop for ingredients.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
• Must have a high level of cooking experience.
• Please note that food is not gluten-free. 

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Independent Living Skills
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Independent Living Skills

Facilitator: Danielle
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Class participants will learn practical skills necessary for living independently in a flat or apartment, particularly suited for those transitioning from family environments seeking more independence.

You will learn:
• How to manage daily routines, household tasks, and personal responsibilities.
• Practical self-management, such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a safe living environment.
• To build confidence for transitioning to independent life, especially for those moving from family support to living on their own.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
The material in this class are a repeat of previous semesters. It is not recommended to join if you have completed this class previously.

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Money Skills Intro
Apr
15
to 23 Sept

Money Skills Intro

Facilitator: Stan
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
This class is an introduction to money skills.
Start to learn about cash, cards, spending and saving money. 

You will learn:
• About cash and cards.
• About spending & saving.
• About money safety.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
This class is designed for people interested in starting to learn about money skills.

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Model Making (Tues)
Apr
14
to 22 Sept

Model Making (Tues)

Facilitator: Stan
When: Tuesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join this class to learn all about model railroads, along with a hands on element, building and operating the SkillWise model railroad.

You will learn:
• Various tool skills.
• How to exhibit in front of the public.
• How to work as a team.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Tactile Storytelling
Apr
14
to 22 Sept

Tactile Storytelling

Facilitator: Nelleke
When: Tuesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
During class-based sessions, participants will be encouraged to create a multi-layered journal that reflects their interests, ideas, and learning.
Through sharing and engaging with diverse perspectives, participants will deepen their understanding of themselves and others.
The learning space will support exploration of culture, identity, and creative expression, using visual forms to communicate personal experiences and ideas.

You will learn:
• How to create a journal which explores your choice of visual storytelling.
• To collaborate on exploring and collating information about other cultures to understand diversity.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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Sports Skills
Apr
14
to 22 Sept

Sports Skills

Facilitator: Jonny and Lou
When: Tuesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Auditorium at SkillWise, plus 3 weekly offsite to various locations - confirmed at start of term
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:

This class helps participants develop sport-related skills, fitness, and overall well-being through a combination of onsite and offsite activities. Onsite sessions focus on stretching, warm-ups, ball handling, games, circuit training, and trying new activities like short dance or aerobic sessions. Offsite, about every 3 weeks we will visit local facilities to explore where to try swimming, gym classes, and other exercise sessions, for example to Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, QEII and other sport/fitness venues, plus try other activities such as 10 pin bowling and bush walks.
Throughout the semester participants will build teamwork, confidence, and an appreciation for staying active.

You will learn:
• Develop teamwork and collaboration skills through participation in sports and group activities.
• Improve physical fitness and well-being by engaging in exercises, stretching, and circuit training.
• Explore new physical activities and sports offsite, such as swimming, community based classes, and bush walks.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

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