WEA courses

Away from any specific film movements or ‘waves’ relevant to their own countries, some filmmakers seem to earn greater acclaim internationally, often making films set outside their own native country, yet still telling the stories and expressing the themes they wish to portray. We examine what some of these, perhaps universal, stories and themes are, what are the stylistic approaches they use and just how and why these manage to resonate with critics and audiences. Are all these films received with equal praise within the director’s home country, are they seen as ‘selling out’? And regardless of what the director themselves might intend or state, are there still conscious or unconscious echoes of national cinematic movements within their work? And what role might financial sources play? Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon received praise yet the director was regarded by some as ‘selling out’ or ‘exploiting’ himself to the West. Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element could be viewed simply as a Hollywood sci-fi with a French Director, yet does the director add far more as an outsider, making more intellectual comment than one may expect from a commercial genre-movie. Not unlike Peter Wier’s Witness and Jane Campion’s The Piano, so many of these works which despite their creative diversity, also evidence their director’s own unique cinematic voice. Likewise, Wim Wenders recent Perfect Days, set in Japan, how far removed is it from the director’s early underpinnings of German Cinema? Perfect Days (2023), Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000), The Piano (1993), Witness (1985),The Fifth Element (1997).

It is arguably a greater challenge for a modern architect to sympathetically expand the use of historic buildings, than to create new free-standing architecture. We will critically assess what a range of architects have achieved – including Norman Foster at the British Museum, Rick Mather at the Ashmolean in Oxford, and Herzog and de Meuron in creating and then expanding Tate Modern.

Do you struggle to adjust as the season changes? Many of us experience depleted energy levels, a lack of motivation and a lower mood as the days become shorter and colder. This mindfulness and meditation course can support you to feel a sense of equilibrium as we adjust to the changing season. You will learn to anchor in the present moment through your own body, breathing and surroundings. Mindfulness practice supports you to relax and replenish your energy levels and encourages mental clarity. Each session includes a guided Yoga Nidra practice to encourage deep rest of your whole being. This course aims to encourage you to celebrate the shift in season, recognising that it is natural to slow down as we move towards winter. It is a perfect time to practice mindfulness, turn our focus inwards and find joy in rest.

Gain access to the essentials of modern life through vital digital skills in this beginner-ESOL learner friendly course. Tailored for ESOL learners lacking confidence in using laptop computers, this program equips beginners with fundamental skills. Learn to access services, apply for jobs, save work, and ensure online safety. The course targets ESOL learners who have limited laptop experience and seek greater proficiency. Dive into the digital era, building confidence and competence in utilizing technology to navigate various aspects of contemporary living. Join this this course to unlock the potential of digital tools and enhance your ability to engage with today's interconnected world.

You will learn core skills that boost your confidence, such as emailing files, creating letters, and designing posters. Building on the skills gained in Part 1, this course focuses primarily on Microsoft Word. You will master document formatting, efficient file management, and creative design techniques. By the end of the course, you will be proficient in using Word to produce professional documents, effectively communicate via email, and create visually appealing posters, ensuring you are well-prepared for various digital tasks. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Participants must live in Coventry Area Postcodes CV1 to CV6 inclusive.

Thrive in a Changing World: Build Your Emotional Resilience Feeling overwhelmed by life's constant challenges? This 7-week Emotional Resilience course equips you with powerful tools to navigate uncertainty and build inner strength. Explore how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence your mental wellbeing and overall resilience. Discover effective coping strategies to manage stress, stay positive, and communicate effectively in your social circles. By examining your life perspective and approach, you'll gain the confidence to recharge your batteries and cultivate a more positive outlook.

Thrive in a Changing World: Build Your Emotional Resilience Feeling overwhelmed by life's constant challenges? This 7-week Emotional Resilience course equips you with powerful tools to navigate uncertainty and build inner strength. Explore how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence your mental well-being and overall resilience. Discover effective coping strategies to manage stress, stay positive, and communicate effectively in your social circles. By examining your life perspective and approach, you'll gain the confidence to recharge your batteries and cultivate a more positive outlook.

At the end of the First World War, Germany underwent dramatic change. The Kaiser abdicated, and the country emerged from a period of autocratic rule to embark on a bold and (on paper) very progressive experiment in republican democracy. At the same time, the victorious allies of the Great War imposed a punitive peace treaty on Germany at Versailles, reflecting their belief that Germany has caused the war and should pay the price. These changes, together with other factors such as the worldwide economic situation between the wars ushered in a period of social, political and financial turbulence in which Hitler and the Nazis would eventually rise to power.

Welcome to the, ‘Reading Skills course’. This course is designed for ESOL Entry 2/3 students to improve their English reading abilities. Over the course, students will practice reading various texts, including stories, articles, and everyday materials like menus and signs. The course focuses on understanding vocabulary, sentence structure, and main ideas. Interactive activities include reading aloud, group discussions, and comprehension exercises. By the end of the course, students will have enhanced their reading skills, built a stronger vocabulary, and gained confidence in understanding and enjoying English texts.

Would you like to practice your English speaking and listening? Our Gloucester conversation club provides an informal, welcoming space for adult ESOL learners to practice their English, build confidence and develop social connections. Each session will be in a friendly, relaxed safe space and led by an experienced tutor. Learners will be encouraged to use their English and gentle tasks such as using questions will be used to facilitate this. Drinks will be provided throughout and learners will be given full support to explore their next steps within the WEA.