WEA courses

We will consider a range of films, from classics to contemporary cinema. We will discuss the style and meaning of diverse extracts drawing on key ideas from Film Studies. We will consider films from diverse countries, comparing and contrasting these with American and British cinema. The class will be organised around discussion of selected extracts, with guidance on points to look for, including different aspects of film such as the screenplay and cinematography. Students will be encouraged to develop their responses in small groups. Case studies will be included on Alfred Hitchcock and British cinema.

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.

Discover the wonderful world of the sewing with this follow on course from Multiply ‘Measure up Sewing’. This Beginners Dressmaking course will help you to develop your craft in textile and fashion and dressmaking. Whether you have studied sewing before or are completely new to it. You will find value in this sewing course. Develop your skills to Improve the sewing, measuring and adjustment skills needed to make and finish garments and improve your knowledge of fabrics. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your sewing journey today by registering for this course and discover where your sewing journey takes you! This is only for those living in Southampton.

"Step Into Work" is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for job hunting. This course covers writing effective cover letters, creating standout CVs, and mastering interview techniques. Through practical workshops and expert guidance, you'll learn how to present yourself confidently to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. This course will help you examine your current skills and qualities and how they transfer to job related tasks. You’ll need access to the internet to take this ‘Step into Work’ program as our tutors use the WEA’s digital learning portal, Canvas, to send you important information and tasks.

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The intent of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0–5 years. The qualification content meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce and includes a placement. Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners can enter the workforce as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or continue to study for a Level 3 Diploma holding Early Years Educator status.

Would you like to learn new skills or change jobs? It can be hard to get back into learning after a long break. This confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This short course can help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning. The objective of this course is to get you into a positive mindset to achieve your goals. You will practise a variety of confidence-building exercises to help that mindset shift come from within.

Would you like to learn new skills or change jobs? It can be hard to get back into learning after a long break. This confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This short course can help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning. The objective of this course is to get you into a positive mindset to achieve your goals. You will practise a variety of confidence-building exercises to help that mindset shift come from within.

Building a website is easier than you think with WordPress. If you’d like to have a space online to share your thoughts, work, or creations, this beginner’s WordPress course can prepare you to launch your site in a matter of weeks. Whether you’re a small business owner, vendor, blogger, or just enthusiastic about a subject, you can benefit from having visibility online. This WordPress training takes you through the process of creating your website step by step. This WordPress course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you!

The theme this term is ‘Learn from the Best’, which will give us a focus for exploring a range of arts materials and techniques. It is a traditional method to examine and copy famous and excellent artists to learn their techniques. We will be looking at a selection of artists, learning from their style and recreating our own original works in that style. Studying a variety of artists will give us a focus for exploring a range of different arts materials and techniques including pastels, watercolour, oil, acrylic and other paints. This is a friendly and supportive group, offering a space for experimentation.