WEA courses

From the Academy Awards (nicknamed - ‘The Oscars’) to Cannes and the BAFTAs, sometimes it seems as though one film often dominates major categories, in 2024 this was Oppenheimer, but what were the judges really looking for, are box office figures really enough to stand the test of time with audiences? We compare this to films such as Gone With the Wind, a film still well known and highly regarded but now increasing questioned for its representation of slavery and questionable moments of morality. Do we need to remember and appreciate what this film won its awards for in the first place? Smaller scale, more micro-budget film productions such as Bait as perhaps just as important for their creative innovation and social commentary on a moment in time/history - yet it takes a different kind of award to recognise this – are awards more important for getting emerging talent recognised way from the box office. How important are awards for ‘International’ cinema such as The Power of the Dog, The Boy and the Heron and Perfect Days – what does this term really mean? Do award winning films say as much if not more about the sociological, political, technological and/or pop-cultural moments in time they were made as much as anything else? From the big hits to a near miss or two, we have fun, discuss and come to understand and appreciate the themes, approaches and creative decisions behind each of these films, broaden our knowledge of the subject area and cinema in general. The Holdovers (2023), Oppenheimer (2023), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), Perfect Days (2023), The Conversation (1974), Gone with the Wind (1939), The Power of the Dog (2021) Bait (2019), The Boy and the Heron (2023) Oliver! (1968).

A look at the history of three important capital cities in Europe in the 19th century. In Paris, we’ll look at the aftermath of the Revolution of 1789, beginning with Napoleon's influence, and see how the restoration of the monarchy failed to eradicate discontent, leading to more revolutions and rebellions in the city in the 19th century. We’ll also examine Haussmann’s massive town-planning project that made Paris what it is today, the lives of some of the notorious Courtesans, and works by great artists who documented the events and scenes of the time. Moving to Vienna, we’ll see how the monarchy there was much more stable but that its reliance on tradition and conservative values seemed in conflict with modernising influences. We’ll see how Vienna began the 19th century as arguably the most important European capital, where the peace conference for the whole of Europe was held following the Napoleonic wars, but also how it found its position increasingly under threat from Berlin, which sought to replace it as capital of the German nation. Both cities saw revolutions in 1848 which brought them together in common cause, as their political leaderships tried to placate the people by bringing in more liberal constitutions, only to backtrack and return to more traditional forms of government. We’ll also look at the development of the Ringstrasse, influenced in part by Haussmann’s redesign of Paris, and the massive migration to the city as a result of large-scale industrialisation

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.

Was the introduction of the National Health Service in 1948 a new and revolutionary model of universal health care, or the natural conclusion of a long process of growth in the understanding of illness and disease, and the development of professional skills and infrastructure to treat and support those who were sick? In this course you will discover the background to the decision to provide health care ‘free at the point of delivery’, and learn how we can trace the story from medieval charity to 20th century social investigation and political developments.

Build your confidence as a creative professional with our Confidence Building for Creatives course. Ideal for artists, writers, and other creatives looking to overcome self-doubt and take the next step in their creative journey.

Dancing for health and wellbeing classes with Katie are a fun and gentle way of getting your body moving. Enjoyable exercise for every type of body aimed at all abilities, with no dance experience necessary. Based on contemporary dance, the style is smooth and safe, low impact and low intensity. Come along whether you are a beginner or someone who has more experience as this course is designed for everybody to get the maximum benefit for health and wellbeing.

To use some philosophical ideas so that at the end of it you have a better understanding of what it means to know something. Suitable for beginners, so knowledge of philosophy is not expected.

Are you thinking about taking an ESOL entry 1 writing course? If so, this course can help to prepare you to study. Set yourself up for success on your ESOL course with this preparation course. Get ready courses help you learn English at your own pace. This course gives you extra study time. This is an introductory English course for beginners. If you’re helping others access entry 1 ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Enhance your numeracy and English skills with our ESOL - Numeracy Skills for Care Employees course. Focus on practical maths and communication needed for the care sector. Ideal for non-native speakers working in or aspiring to work in care.

Take your speaking and listening skills to the next level with this ESOL course. Improving your communication skills will make you feel more confident interacting with others in the UK. ESOL entry 3 courses build on skills you learnt at entry 2. Gain confidence speaking in new and familiar situations and learn tools for effective communication. This is an English course for adults. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL classes are divided into three areas: reading, writing, and speaking & listening. If you’re helping others access ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.