Community Learning
We believe the majority of learning happens beyond the classroom. This is why we are open 50 weeks of the year 7 days a week up to 14 hours a day as a community hub.
We will never close the door to opportunity.
Adult Courses
MCA Community College was launched in 2011 to provide adult learning and enrichment opportunities to those residing in the area local to MCA. To date over 250 learners each year have taken part in adult learning activities with the Community College, with over half of these learners gaining one or more qualifications as a result of their course. On average, over 55% of adult learners taking part in courses at MCA progress to undertake further training, or enter volunteering and employment.
The Community College offers a diverse range of qualification and non-qualification courses for adults in a number of subject areas, so get in contact and find out what we can do for you.
To view our adult courses click here
Art and Culture
We are working with our friends at MAD Theatre, the Contact Theatre, Royal Exchange, Manchester International Festival, Z-Arts and beyond to ensure our young people can access world class opportunities within north Manchester and across the city.
We recognise creative and performing arts can enable young people to discover their voice through performance.
The Arts develop our cultural narrative. Yet equity in and access to the Arts is not always reflective of the cultural experiences in peoples’ lives.
We are working to unlock opportunities for the Arts to better reflect the diversity of our communities.
Click here to read more on our most recent collaboration with Contact Theatre and The Royal Exchange.
Once Upon a Time
the Once Upon a Time group has over 500 members. Members and non-members are invited to the OUAT ‘drop in’ session every Monday at Manchester Communication Academy, where they reminisce with other group members and peruse some of the many materials held in the group’s archive, printed and otherwise.
The group produce a magazine three times per year, which features contributions from the group’s archives and members.
The magazine is sent to all members as part of their annual subscription and they also enjoy three ‘get togethers’ per year at Manchester Communication Academy.
For more on 'Once upon a time', click here
Community Research
Our Once Upon a Time group have amassed an enviable archive documenting life in North Manchester across 100 years. We welcome community researchers to get in touch and work with us on your projects. Our current research partnerships include;
The Most Radical Street in Manchester? Dr Katrina Navickas Hertfordshire University.
The WRAP Project (women, risk & AIDS project) Ali Ronan & Esther Mc Geeney Sussex University.
Conscientious Objectors & the Suffragette Movement
Ali Ronan Sussex University.
Manchester Slum Clearance Cartwheel Arts.
Developing age-friendly communities in the Northern Gateway urban regeneration project: A co-research approach’. University of Manchester.
Feel Good Friday
Each Friday, the school day finishes at 12.40pm. From 1pm the school building is opened to local residents aged 50 and over. Each week the group take part in a fun and light fitness class followed by a two course meal and social catch up.
It is a wonderful way to end our week every Friday. The Community team often join in with the group quiz and a good catch up with our Feel Good Friday friends.
Always open to new members. Feel free to come along to one or all of the weekly sessions.
Holiday Programme
The MCA holiday programme provides a diverse range of positive and fun activities for local children in a safe and secure environment. The programme also serves as an opportunity for working parents to place their children in affordable and quality provision through the holidays. Thanks to our partners at the Audacious Foundation and Fairshare we offer a free breakfast and packed lunch to every child attending the holiday programme.
The holiday programme is open for children from across North Manchester with priority given to our Family Zone schools.