WEA courses

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 us in this friendly and supportive online course to develop your music analysis skills! You'll have the chance to listen to and discuss a range of contemporary music, from film scores to songs, to develop a better understanding of the powerful effects that music can have on a listener. There will also be opportunities during the classes to have a go at creating your own music, as well as playing parts of existing music. This will be done through tutor guided exercises in note recognition, aural skills and improvisation.

The course is suitable for all ages and abilities and for those who are experienced and who have some prior knowledge of yoga. The practices will involve a wide range of techniques including posture, breathwork, mindfulness and meditation, study and reflection. Yoga is a traditional and contemporary class. Each week there is a guided practice where we will work on a variety of practices and techniques modified and adapted to suit all needs. You will be introduced to yoga in a careful, step by step approach with demonstrations and explanations of key postures, breathing techniques, meditation techniques and themes from the teachings.

The WEA online course is suitable for all ages, for beginners and those who already practise yoga. It is suitable for those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often experienced alongside osteoporosis. Your 'approach' to yoga and 'how' you practise will also help you to develop an increased level of awareness which in turn will lead to practising with an increased attentiveness to your body - getting to know yourself by listening to your body's feedback and responding appropriately . By the end of the course, you will be able to practise postures for strength, alignment, stamina, posture and balance.

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.

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.

Take your maths skills to the next level to help you with work or study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical numeracy skills for everyday life. This entry 3 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Functional skills maths courses aren’t like studying maths at school. You’ll learn maths in context. Develop maths skills to face real-life situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This entry 3 functional maths course is right for you if you want to enhance your maths skills to work or study. It can help you learn essential 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

This course covers essential knowledge for safe driving, including traffic laws, road signs, and driving regulations. Students will learn about defensive driving techniques, understanding road markings, and handling different road conditions. The course includes interactive sessions on hazard perception and mock theory tests to prepare students for the official exam. Practical exercises simulate real-world driving scenarios to enhance comprehension and confidence. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of road safety principles and be well-prepared to pass their driving theory test, ensuring they can drive responsibly and securely on the roads.

ESOL for Beginners is designed to help non-native English speakers develop fundamental language skills. The course covers essential topics such as basic vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Interactive activities, practical exercises, and real-life scenarios provide a supportive environment for learners to practice and improve their English communication skills. The course aims to build confidence and competence in everyday conversations, essential tasks, and cultural understanding. Suitable for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of English, it lays a strong foundation for further language study and integration into English-speaking communities.

On this course we will examine the following novels: The Stranger’s Child - Alan Hollinghurst. Last Orders - Graham Swift. A Pale View of Hills - Kazuo Ishiguro Innocence - Penelope Fitzgerald The Hundred and Ninety-Nine Steps - Michel Faber. These texts will take us inside contemporary British fiction, and earmark those authors who have contributed to the evolution of a distinctive voice in British fiction in the last fifty years, from the years of Thatcher, New Labour to the present. We will explore each writers’ techniques and themes, and how they address the themes of British identity. Discussions will be lively with plenty of opportunities to voice your opinions.