I just finished the first course and am beginning the second tonight. I loved it, found a gift that I didn't know existed. Don't be nervous, it is fun, go with the intention of having fun and learning. You will have to practice, practice, practice.
I didn't have any baking equipment before I began, I have racked up a little arsenal of baking supplies and such. Next to having fun, once you learn how to make the icing that you will use for class, make sure you make up enough of each consistency: thin, medium, stiff, so that you will have enough to ice your cakes and to practice with.
We needed a cake for each class for the first course, but for the second course we are learning more flowers and basketweave patterns, so we won't need a cake until the last class (yeah!)
If you have any specifics just ask, I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.