WEA courses

This course will give you an outline of the development of country houses from medieval times through to the 20th century. We will look at how these houses were designed and what they were used for, as well as the lifestyles of those living in them, both owners and servants. We will see how the role of the architect developed and how this growing profession influenced, and reacted to, the expectations and demands of their clients. In the 20th century, we will look at the challenges and threats faced by country houses and ask whether country houses can survive in the future.

This course will help you understand watercolour techniques interrelated with drawing skills, and in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques in a subtle way, by relating them to examples by various masters of drawing and watercolour (such as Dürer, Turner or Cezanne) and contemporary artists (such as David Hockney or Anselm Kiefer). If you would like to have a fresh view of watercolour painting and drawing, and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques such as glazing, graded wash or cross-hatching, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity It will also encourage you to create your own original artworks based on the techniques learned and it will bring a fresh perspective on known techniques and styles, if you have already practised them in your own paintings. You will need to bring your own materials, paints and paper along for this course. The tutor will let you know what to bring

This course will focus on working from the landscape to make original works of art. It will explore creative approaches and different ways of working to create paintings and develop your skills in landscape painting.

It has been said that Shakespeare wrote with the spirit of a poet and the acuteness of a philosopher and through this fascinating course you will examine the links between his works and philosophy This is a beginner’s course which enables new or refreshed learning of the Shakespeare’s timeless plots, interesting characters and key themes in his witty comedies and profound tragedies. While examining how Shakespeare depicts ancient yet modern ideas of power, ambition, revenge, love, good, evil, mercy and despair in drama, memorable imagery and poetic lines.

This beginners ESOL course will help you to develop basic speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English. Develop your language skills to enable you to recognise simple words, prepare to write, ask everyday questions and answer them using correct grammatical structures.

This course gives students - from beginners to improvers - the opportunity to explore different landscape painting approaches and techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment. It explores a range of styles, from the conventional and representational to more experimental and avant-garde approaches. Our highly experienced tutor, who is a practicing artist, provides practical and supportive advice on colour mixing, tonal variation, acrylic techniques, mark-making and composition, encouraging students to explore their own personal enthusiasms to make individual and original paintings. Source photographs will be provided online but students may use their own photos and other sources.

Improve your English skills for health-related contexts with our English for Health course. Develop the language needed to understand and communicate effectively about health and well-being. Ideal for non-native speakers working in or studying health-related fields.

Set yourself up for success at learning English with this ESOL preparation course. This course is designed to help you prepare for an ESOL entry 3 reading course. Learn key reading skills you’ll need for the entry 3 ESOL course in reading. Get ready courses help you learn English at your own pace. They give you extra study time for each level and module so you can reach your full potential. This is a non-accredited English course for adults. If you’re helping others access entry 3 ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Set yourself up for success at learning English with this ESOL preparation course. This course is designed to help you prepare for an ESOL entry 2 reading course. Learn key reading skills you’ll need for the entry 2 ESOL course in reading. Get ready courses help you learn English at your own pace. They give you extra study time for each level and module so you can reach your full potential. This is a non-accredited English course for adults. If you’re helping others access entry 2 ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Would you like to help children gain confidence in their reading as well as English and maths? Then this course is for you. No matter what role you are interested in, this course can teach you skills that will help you gain employment in a school or college. It will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in an administration, technical, or support role in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions.