WEA courses

Did you know that learning Latin can enrich your knowledge in all sorts of other areas? Far from being “dead”, Latin is all around us. This intermediate Latin course can give you essential background knowledge to understand terminology in law, medicine, family history, and many other subjects. Latin has hundreds of applications in contemporary contexts. This course is ideal for you if you’re interested in learning Latin, or gaining general knowledge to help you learn modern languages or other disciplines.

Are too many too quick to dismiss the fantasy genre as pure entertainment and/or escapist spectacle? Are there varying degrees of fantasy on screen, rendering the term fantasy film as something rather too broad? We examine a selection of five films, all using elements of fantasy to tell their stories. In Orlando, adapted from literature, elements of fantasy are used to highlight inequalities within society. Young Einstein, a film derided by critics in the U.S, makes use of alterative history and elements of surrealism to both entertain and arguably present some deeper comments regarding humanity and innovation, does its fantastical approach help or hinder? Labyrinth offers a unique screen vision by immersing the viewer in a vivid fantasy world earning itself cult status to this day but is it for children, adults or both? Spirited Away makes use of animation to comment on the modern world, here, the fantasy element is fundamental to its approach. More recent films such as Barbie prove fantasy can be big at the box office, using a variety of different approaches to both entertain and relevant social comment. Are all these fantasy films as much if not far more than meet the eye? Are there any reoccurring themes approaches? And is fantasy an ideal medium for the screen? Orlando (1992), Young Einstein (1988), Labyrinth (1986), Barbie (2023), Spirited Away (2001).

The purpose of this course is to aid you in finding the confidence and inspiration to get writing, using photographs as stimulus to creating original writing and developing creative skills. Using your own photography, we will create a unique piece of writing which can be fact or fiction. You will learn some handy tips and tricks to really bring out the writer in you!

Wessex no longer exists yet its name still conjures images of Alfred the Great and the creation of England. The choice by Thomas Hardy of using Wessex as the fictional literary landscape of his novels further embeds this feeling of nostalgic association that people have. This course explores its creation and demise and why it still lives in our memory partly as a result of its historical significance but also because the sentimental effect of its name is consistently being used by advertisers and organisations to create a positive connection with customers and the public.

Every famous trial is a snapshot of history in the making. We see the cast of characters strutting on the stage that is the court room, acting out their roles against the backdrop of forces that are often beyond their control - the letter of the law, the power of the state, the force of prejudice, the facts of the case. Their focus is the outcome of 'their' trial, but ours is more than that; why is this trial famous, how did it change things, what lessons does it teach us? Join Peter Blood to study the people, issues and outcomes in five famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance.

Why was Britain's genetic make-up radically changed between 500 and 800 AD/CE? Were the newcomers environmental refugees, pagan plunderers, invaders or missionaries? Who were these new arrivals and what were they doing over here? This course will use recent information on sites, finds and their interpretation to shed new light on Anglo-Saxon Age archaeology in Britain. How and why the migrations took place will be illustrated using new (since 1980) excavation evidence, metal detecting finds, scientific analysis and aerial remote sensing data.

We will study the mutating virus of anti-semitism, through an exploration of the ancient template shaped by Christianity and examine key explosions of anti-Jewish violence and prejudice which Hitler was able to exploit, tragically culminating in the Final Solution. Through discussion and debate we will also spend time as a group examining contemporary Holocaust denial, distortion and conspiracy theories. Finally we will look at the current antisemitism accusations within the Labour party and its impact across the political landscape.

Designed for beginners, this fun course will show you how to take old /outdated pieces of costume jewellery and give them new life. Our friendly tutor will introduce you to the tools, materials and techniques which you can use to create lovely new pieces of jewellery to wear yourself, gift or maybe even sell on. We will provide basic materials but you are also encouraged to bring along any jewellery (not expensive) which you would like to transform.

Macramé is a creative knotting technique that can be used to make a variety of items like plant hangers, wall hangings, friendship bracelets, belts, and bags. including jewellery and other decorative items. It’s a great way to relax and create beautiful art pieces for your home. This is designed to support learners with their health and wellbeing. Learn a new skill which may be a route into employment/self-employment. Save money by making own cakes and potentially selling/small business. During this session Your tutor will give you demonstration and individual attention for your guidance. In this workshop you will be working with a macramé cord and each learner will be able to complete a key chain. It can be used by you or can be gifted to the loved ones.

With a series of sessions all designed to help you discover/rediscover and develop your own new and/or existing story ideas - be these a short story, a novel - or if you just aren't sure or even started writing yet. The return of this fun, friendly and structured approach to aid you in finding inspiration, putting pen paper and get writing as we let fate guide us! We let the 'hand of fate' take us on a fresh approach to finding & maintaining that vital spark of inspiration, motivation to write fiction. A spin of the wheel will decide the subject area, theme or tasks for the week in a fun and friendly chance to meet and share ideas with others, exploring useful tricks and tips - whilst importantly gaining some quality information, developing some genuine writing skills and getting writing!