WEA courses

In this course guest tutor Tony Tuckwell describes how Chelmsford with its important industries; Marconi, Hoffman’s ball bearings and Crompton Parkinson’s electrical works, were vulnerable to Luftwaffe air attacks and later, random rocket attacks from V1s and V2s. Yet some of the most damaging events came from lone bombers and chance jettisoning of bombs from damaged aircraft on returning to the continent. The town was also in receipt of evacuees from the docklands of East London (and from the less well known coastal towns invasion loomed`0 which presented its own educational and social challenges

This course will teach you plenty of skills on how to mend your clothes beautifully and originally. We will look at the historical art of Sashiko patterns and the Boro mending technique that was used in Japan in the Edo period and also plenty of other Visible mending techniques. There will be plenty of beautiful patterns to choose from and to learn about and to sew yourselves. A grasp of basic hand sewing is needed. We will expand our knowledge on the resources needed throughout the course and learn about the history of this technique. Later on we will also look at other various visible mending techniques and how and why these are used.

Come and join a new course aimed at the more advanced machine sewn bag maker. Previous experience of the sewing machine is necessary, but we will refresh on tips and practise existing sewing machine skills. You will have the choice of a range of bag patterns that will focus on specific bag making skills and/or create your own patterns from the skills you will learn. This course will also delve into advanced techniques such as installing zippers and creating adjustable straps, enhancing the functionality and style of your h

This beginner-friendly course empowers you with practical clothing repair techniques. Learn to mend rips, replace buttons, and breathe new life into old favourites. Go beyond basic fixes – explore garment alteration and upcycling, transforming unwanted pieces into stylish finds. Embrace sustainability by reducing textile waste and fostering a love for pre-loved clothing. Develop valuable life skills, build confidence in your creativity, and connect with a supportive community of fellow fashion enthusiasts. No prior sewing experience required – join us and embark on your sustainable fashion journey!

Begin your English language journey with our Learn English My Way course. Develop basic English skills needed for everyday communication and build a foundation for further language learning. Ideal for beginners with little or no prior English knowledge.

Build on your communication skills with this ESOL speaking and listening course. This English course for adults is aimed at speakers of other languages. It will help you improve your speaking and listening skills to communicate better in English. Entry 3 ESOL courses are right for you if you have basic speaking and listening skills in English. This course will help you gain confidence to speak about everyday topics and improve your comprehension. 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.

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. 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.

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help out in the community? Did you know you can get many jobs with languages? If you speak English and another language fluently, you could make a great community interpreter. This community interpreter course gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can teach you foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. This course can prepare you to help members of your family or community to overcome language barriers in their everyday lives. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 2 helping in schools’ course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 3 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using these study skills as you move through the course. The tutor will guide you through each new skill using quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss each new topic with other learners, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your Level 3 qualification.

Would you like to improve your ability to relax to support your own well-being? This course will help you to relax physically and to calm your mind through a wide range of accessible techniques. You will be guided through a range of breathing practices, mindful movements, and guided relaxation practice during each session, supporting you to deeply relax. You will be supported to identify the practices that are most beneficial for you and to implement short practices into your daily life as you develop your own self – care strategy to support your own well-being. Everyone can improve their ability to relax, why not give it a try?