WEA courses

Learn basic communication skills with this ESOL speaking and listening course. This English course is for speakers of other languages. It will help you learn essential speaking and listening skills to be able to communicate in English. Entry 1 ESOL courses help people who are just starting to learn English. This course will help you gain confidence to speak about basic topics and understand core words. There are also reading and writing courses at this level. If you’re helping others access ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

This course in art appreciation provides close attentions to particular works of art from two important artists working in Italy in the fifteenth century, Sandro Botticelli and Piero della Francesca. The focus will be upon specific paintings and drawings in relation to who the works were for, how the decisions about visual presentations were determined and the integration of pictorial practice with contemporary ideas. There are no requirements from students prior the beginning of the course. Students would benefit from access to online sources during the course. Papers and images will be made available to students through the WEA Canvas site. You will need to have access to the internet to access the papers for this course. The course uses a secure digital learning portal for all the classes and for communications with the tutor and access to learning materials. The course would be appropriate for both experienced viewers of art and those new to the subject.

This second of two courses on modern Chinese history concentrates on the history of China from 1912 to 1992 a time marked by profound transformations, including the fall of the imperial system, the rise of the First Republic, the Warlord Era, the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and major upheavals of war, rebellion, revolution and geopolitical alignment. We trace the political social, cultural and economic development of China in the 20th Century. We consider the events, ideas and personalities that shaped this extraordinary national story. Throughout, we draw parallels with our own time and how we got here.

The course aims to introduce learners to the idea of how the role of the cinematic costume designer can be crucial in making or breaking a whole film. Costumes can evoke bygone eras, tell us hidden truths about characters, make outlandish otherworldly futures believable, and so much more. With a wealth of clips and background material.

In this course, we will focus on a key component of art: colour. We will seek to understand what colours are made of, how they were chosen, and how they work altogether in a composition, and what they mean for the viewers. As we study examples from Ancient Egypt to contemporary art, this fascinating subject will take us beyond traditional art history. We will sometimes invoke chemistry, economy, and psychology as we study the colours of works of art. As a result of this course, you will gain keys to understand and appreciate the colours of any work of art.

This course is for women only. It will be held at the Dolphin Women's Centre, Washwood Heath, Birmingham and is an ESOL course for beginners. The course will help you to develop your basic speaking and listening, reading and writing skills in English. This is an English course aimed at adults for whom English is not their first language. You will get lots of opportunities to practice your new English skills in groups and individually, you will also be given homework tasks so you can continue to practice at home.. If you are supporting someone to find an English class you have come to the right place. This course is funded by West Midlands Combined Authority.

Working in the UK aims to improve your communication skills on preparing to work in the UK and will include health, shopping, and most importantly employability. This course will help students understand the culture of work in the UK. It will also help you get the skills needed for work in the UK. The course is for speakers of other languages, and it is highly recommended to complete this course before progressing on to ESOL courses. As it will build your confidence and broaden your vocabulary. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage.

Have you learnt the basics of painting in watercolours and are looking for fresh ideas? Do you want to learn how to create expressive and creative textures and effects in watercolours? Are you unsure where to start, what to use and how to use it? Why not join this course to explore your own creativity, find inspiration and receive support and encouragement? This ten-week course aims to provide lots of ideas and techniques for working spontaneously and expressively as well as how to create a variety of different textures and effects. You will also have the opportunity, to share ideas and take part in weekly discussions about your artworks with the tutor and other students on the course. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Welcome to our Measure Up- Introduction to Sewing Course! This short course is designed for sewing enthusiasts of all levels who want to improve their numerical skills specifically for the art of sewing. Over the course, students will dive in-to fundamental numerical concepts essential for accurate and efficient sewing projects. Whether you are a beginner or experienced at sewing, this introduction to sewing Course promises to empower you with all the knowledge to raise your sewing projects to new levels, join us and unravel the world of numbers in sewing like never before!