WEA courses

The purpose of the course is to support your individual health and wellbeing and to help you gain confidence. You will be given an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques from a range of different types of arts and crafts. For example, painting stones, glass, wood, and dream catchers. You will use a variety of different resources and medias such as wool, fabrics, and jars. You will learn about the development of the different arts and crafts that we enjoy today. You will learn about and gain an insight into how different techniques and skills have evolved in certain crafts.

To Create, design and make a range of pottery items using hand building techniques, with earthenware clay and glazes. Build on skills using techniques of pinching, coiling, press moulding, slab construction and tile making. Explore and use different methods of applying surface decoration to enhance the visual qualities of pottery work. Use sketch books to support the development of ideas. Work in a relaxed and supported environment. Create with clay and discover the feeling of wellbeing it can provide. If ceramics is your passion, experience and share the excitement of the pottery process from raw clay to the fired kiln.

To create, design and make a range of pottery items using hand building techniques, with earthenware clay and glazes. Build on skills using techniques of pinching, coiling, press moulding, slab construction and tile making. Explore and use different methods of applying surface decoration to enhance the visual qualities of pottery work. Use sketch books to support the development of ideas. Work in a relaxed and supported environment. Create with clay and discover the feeling of wellbeing it can provide. If ceramics is your passion, experience and share the excitement of the pottery process from raw clay to the fired kiln.

Whether you're moving across the country or to the neighbouring town, preparing for a move can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Between packing boxes, decluttering, finding reliable movers and possibly getting your current property clean there seems to be an endless number of details to think about. That's why we've created this short course to help you stay organized, know what needs to be taken care of and to keep everything on track so that your move is as stress-free a process as possible! Our friendly tutor will explain how to: Understand the main costs involved in running a home Know how to compare fuel prices to get the best deal Understand the costs involved in furnishing a new home Know how to communicate a change of address Know how to organise transport of possessions to a new home.

Combine your craft skills with key work skills in this textiles course. If you’re a whizz with threads, yarns, and fabrics, why not consider ways to earn a living from your creative skills? This is the perfect course to study if you enjoy handicrafts and would like to learn employability skills to help you get a job in craft-making. This textile crafts course has a business element to help you understand work options in this area. Textile design courses are also great if you’re returning to education after a long break, or want to develop a hobby.

The course will explore the enriching links between stories, art and music, concentrating of works from 1920s. From the surrealistic art in France and expressionist art in Germany to the many operas, ballets and symphonies which characterise that tumultuous period. In America, it is frequently referred to as the "Roaring Twenties" or the "Jazz Age", while in Europe the period is sometimes referred to as the "Golden Twenties" because of the economic boom following World War I (1914–1918). French speakers refer to the period as the "Années folles" ("crazy years") emphasizing the era's social, artistic, and cultural dynamism.

This comprehensive course is designed to introduce participants to the art and technique of photography. Covering the fundamentals of camera operation, composition, lighting, and post-processing, students will learn how to create compelling images that capture moments and tell stories. Through hands-on practice, interactive lessons, and critiques, participants will develop their technical skills and artistic vision, enabling them to produce high-quality photographs. Whether using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, this course is ideal for beginners and those looking to enhance their photography skills.

Would you like to experiment with textiles and sewing but are not sure where to start? This online course is a great introduction to gaining more confidence in creating your own pieces of textile work with fabric and basic stitching. The course is suitable for beginners and improvers who would like to dip into creative textiles and uses simple stitching to add texture and details. You will have the opportunity to come up with your own ideas and create a textile picture with tutor guidance using the techniques you will be learning throughout the sessions; each learner will have a unique composition at the of the course.

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.

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.