WEA courses

Welcome to An Introduction to Using Computers and Digital Devices! This course is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of using digital devices effectively. In today's world, digital devices are ubiquitous, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers. Understanding how to navigate and utilize these devices is essential for both personal and professional endeavours.

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.

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.

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.

This course will consider in detail three plays which utilise the motif of ‘shipwreck’ as a central plot device. The plays are from the middle and later part of Shakespeare’s career: ‘Twelfth Night’; ‘Pericles’; and ‘The Tempest’ respectively. Each draws on shipwreck as an element drawn from the genre of romance, and incorporates this, in varying degrees from play to play, with elements drawn from comedy. We will explore this generic mix and consider how the tensions between them enrich and complicate the plots, tones and outcomes of each play. We will place each play in its original historical and dramatic context, and consider how each relates to Shakespeare's developing approach to genre. We will look at each work in detail, both on the page and (using clips from DVDs) on the stage, to build up a richer understanding of Shakespeare's experiments with genre at the middle and later periods of his career.

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

"Personal Care: Reflexology for Pain Management" is a specialized course designed to introduce students to the ancient practice of reflexology with a focus on alleviating pain. This course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, enabling students to understand the principles of reflexology and apply techniques to manage and reduce pain effectively. Participants will explore the reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears and learn how to stimulate these areas to promote relaxation and pain relief. The course takes place in a friendly and encouraging environment, supported by a specialist tutor and the team at WEA.

Join our 10-week culinary adventure, designed to deepen your understanding of Persian spices and ingredients, master essential cooking techniques, and explore a variety of recipes. Under the expert guidance of our experienced tutor, you'll gain confidence in the kitchen, discover the health benefits of various ingredients, and build a strong foundation for further culinary pursuits. This course offers a perfect blend of theory and practical sessions, providing a comprehensive learning experience that will leave you equipped to create delicious and nutritious meals for yourself, family and friends. Connect with like-minded food enthusiasts and take your cooking skills to the next level.

"Introduction to Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools" is designed for anyone interested in gaining essential knowledge and skills to work with children and young people in educational settings. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in understanding schools as organisations, safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Learners will also explore key aspects of health and safety and how to support positive behaviour in the learning environment. You will be able to understand the UK policies and procedures covering confidentiality, data protection and disclosure of information. Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to progress to a Level 2 Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning with the WEA, opening opportunities for a career in education support roles.

For beginners and improvers, this is a course explores a range of arts materials and techniques to give people confidence and skills to create their own unique art. The emphasis will be on experimentation, enjoying the process, and trying a range of materials to find out what works best for each student’s style and interest. Materials we will use will include watercolour, inktense, acrylic, brusho, soft pastels, oil pastels, graphite, charcoal, water-soluble pencils and sticks, and foamboard printing. We will also explore different surfaces and papers.