WEA courses

Come and join us to discover the fun and rewarding world of creating your own clothes! On this 10-week course, we will explore some of the essential sewing techniques needed to create some unique and personal garments. Discover how to use a sewing machine confidently and develop some technical skills such as measuring, inserting zips, adding piping and making darts plus using embellishing techniques to give your projects a professional and beautiful finish. As well as developing sewing skills, we will explore ways of creating clothes sustainably and ethically to reduce our impact on the environment and save money.

The Church has historically been a major patron of the arts, and all major artists have works in church buildings around Europe. From Saxon wall paintings and lavish medieval alter pieces, to contemporary installations in Cathedrals, this course looks at the variety of art commissioned by the Church, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling to Victorian church textiles. We discuss where good examples can be seen in this country, including stained glass and sculpture. The way in which art in Churches has reflected the major art history developments is at the core of this course.

For the last century, crime fiction has been the most popular and lucrative of literary subgenres. But this commercial success belies a formal inventiveness and experiment, a constant drive to ‘make it new’, which has long been central to the genre. In this course we will read six crime novels (and three short stories) which chart the development of crime fiction. As well as considering each of these novels in isolation from week to week, we will also use the eight week course to ask ourselves: how has crime fiction changed through the years, and how has it remained the same? No previous knowledge of crime fiction is necessary – everybody is most welcome!

Develop foundational reading skills with this entry 1 English course for beginners. This English course is for speakers of other languages. It will help you learn basic English to study, work, and live in the UK. This ESOL reading course helps people who are just starting to learn English. It will help you gain confidence reading short texts and common words in English. There are also writing and speaking & listening courses at this level. If you’re helping others access ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. What we’ll cover: - Learn to identify common English words in everyday situations. - Understand signs, symbols and texts you will come across. - Read information about timetables, prices, and schedules. - Understand the purpose of different texts, including adverts, posters, and news articles. - Understand how punctuation is used to help you read more easily.

Develop foundational reading skills with this entry 1 English course for beginners. This English course is for speakers of other languages. It will help you learn basic English to study, work, and live in the UK. This ESOL reading course helps people who are just starting to learn English. It will help you gain confidence reading short texts and common words in English. There are also writing and speaking & listening courses at this level. If you’re helping others access ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. What we’ll cover: - Learn to identify common English words in everyday situations. - Understand signs, symbols and texts you will come across. - Read information about timetables, prices, and schedules. - Understand the purpose of different texts, including adverts, posters, and news articles. - Understand how punctuation is used to help you read more easily.

This is a General English class aimed at elementary (A1/A2) level learners. This course is for those whose first language is NOT English and in it we will practice all four major skills in each session to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Although this is a low-level English course, learners should be able to recognise sounds of the English letters and read simple lines of text prior to joining so that they will not struggle. Lessons will be delivered face-to-face using a range of teacher led and freer interactive activities to build learners’ proficiency and confidence in the English language.

Are you looking to upskill for employment? Then attend this course and boost your employability skills. If you’re entering the workforce for the first time or after a long break, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for and prepare you for the transition. Learn basic skills for jobs in any sector as well as key soft skills for your CV. Feel confident stepping into the workforce. This course will provide you with the soft skills required to get that job and give you the confidence and self-esteem to sell what you have to offer to potential employers.

"Personal Care: An Introduction to Reflexology" is a foundational course that introduces students to the ancient practice of reflexology. This course offers a comprehensive overview of reflexology principles, techniques, and benefits, focusing on promoting overall well-being and relaxation. Students will learn how to identify and stimulate reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears to support the body’s natural healing processes. Through a combination of theoretical lessons and hands-on practice, participants will gain the skills needed to perform basic reflexology sessions for personal care or to complement other wellness practices.

"Personal Care: An Introduction to Acrylic Nails" is a comprehensive beginner's course designed for individuals interested in the art and science of acrylic nail application and maintenance. This course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental techniques, tools, and products used in the creation of acrylic nails. Students will gain practical skills through hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to confidently apply, maintain, and remove acrylic nails. The course takes place in a friendly and encouraging environment, supported by a specialist tutor and the team at WEA.

This 9-hour course provides a foundational understanding of essential maths skills for measuring fabric accurately in garment-making. Designed for beginners, the course covers basic arithmetic, units of measurement, and practical applications in a textile context. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, learners will gain confidence in measuring lengths, widths, and calculating fabric requirements. Perfect for aspiring tailors and hobbyists, this course ensures participants can make precise measurements, reducing material waste and enhancing the quality of their projects. Join us to develop the skills needed for successful garment creation.