WEA courses

This practical course aims to provide students with an introduction to issues connected with learning, teaching, training and assessment of adults in a supportive environment. Participants are asked to prepare a short presentation as well as using self and peer evaluation.

Away from any specific film movements or ‘waves’ relevant to their own countries, some filmmakers seem to earn greater acclaim internationally, often making films set outside their own native country, yet still telling the stories and expressing the themes they wish to portray. We examine what some of these, perhaps universal, stories and themes are, what are the stylistic approaches they use and just how and why these manage to resonate with critics and audiences. Are all these films received with equal praise within the director’s home country, are they seen as ‘selling out’? And regardless of what the director themselves might intend or state, are there still conscious or unconscious echoes of national cinematic movements within their work? And what role might financial sources play? Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon received praise yet the director was regarded by some as ‘selling out’ or ‘exploiting’ himself to the West. Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element could be viewed simply as a Hollywood sci-fi with a French Director, yet does the director add far more as an outsider, making more intellectual comment than one may expect from a commercial genre-movie. Not unlike Peter Wier’s Witness and Jane Campion’s The Piano, so many of these works which despite their creative diversity, also evidence their director’s own unique cinematic voice. Likewise, Wim Wenders recent Perfect Days, set in Japan, how far removed is it from the director’s early underpinnings of German Cinema? Perfect Days (2023), Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000), The Piano (1993), Witness (1985),The Fifth Element (1997).

Do you struggle to adjust as the season changes? Many of us experience depleted energy levels, a lack of motivation and a lower mood as the days become shorter and colder. This mindfulness and meditation course can support you to feel a sense of equilibrium as we adjust to the changing season. You will learn to anchor in the present moment through your own body, breathing and surroundings. Mindfulness practice supports you to relax and replenish your energy levels and encourages mental clarity. Each session includes a guided Yoga Nidra practice to encourage deep rest of your whole being. This course aims to encourage you to celebrate the shift in season, recognising that it is natural to slow down as we move towards winter. It is a perfect time to practice mindfulness, turn our focus inwards and find joy in rest.

Take the pressure out of the festive season with a range of relaxing and rewarding art and craft activities. This is a welcoming and informal class where you will have the opportunity to try different art and craft techniques. We will explore the concept of mindfulness and take part in activities which aim to create a sense of peace and wellbeing. You will have the chance to try papercrafts, modelling materials and painting techniques all with a festive theme. You can take part in group guided activities as well as being encouraged to come up with your own art ideas. You will be fully supported to work in a range of techniques and to develop your craft making skills whilst experiencing the benefits of art and craft activities for mindfulness.

As built, canals linked towns and cities with the remote corners of the English countryside. Built largely to carry coal to fuel the Industrial Revelation, they are used today for pleasure purposes. Canals offer the opportunity to improve health and wellbeing, whether walking along the towpath or travelling along in a barge. Come and join this illustrated course where you as will discover how the canal system was built and its contribution to our industrial and social history, by tracing its expansion, slow decline and renaissance. During this course you will discover that there are different types of canals, various methods used to raise and lower barges to different levels and review the role of James Brindley who was a canal pioneer. This course is suitable for learners with little or some knowledge of the subject.

Are you interested in working with animals? Join this course to learn about a range of animal related jobs. You will consider positive and challenging aspects of the roles and ways into these careers. In addition, we will also be looking at basic care needs of pets such as dogs and cats. You will be working with your fellow learners to enhance your confidence and knowledge. There will be plenty of opportunity in the course to share your ideas. 

Learn how to capture memorable moments in your writing with our Creative Writing: How to Write Successful Butterfly Moments - Writing Memoir Moments course. Focus on techniques for writing impactful and engaging memoirs. Ideal for aspiring writers and memoir enthusiasts.

Explore the rich history and cultural significance of British cinema in this comprehensive course. Analyse iconic films, directors, and movements that have shaped the British film industry from its inception to the present day.

Set yourself up for success at entry 3 functional skills in maths. This get ready course helps you prepare to tackle entry 3 maths with confidence. The essential maths skills you’ll learn will help you get your qualification and serve you in everyday life. Get ready courses help you learn maths at your own pace. The idea of this course is to give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for entry 3 maths. This is a preparatory maths course for people who are looking to progress to entry 3 functional skills courses. It is a non-accredited adult maths course.

Ever wondered just where to start with a script for film, T.V and/or radio - each have their own format and require a differing approach . We take a friendly and accessible step by step guide through the requirements of writing for the big screen, the small screen and the ear. Writing for each of these mediums differs from that of a stage play, we may’ve heard the phrase ‘show don’t tell’ but how do we put that into practice and how does a writing creating compelling radio drama using only sound . We’ll discover there’s far more to these forms of script writing than just people talking.