WEA courses

This course will present an overview of painting and drawing in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques, and contemporary artists (such as David Hockney, Gerhard Richter or Anselm Kiefer). If you would like to have a fresh view of painting and drawing and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity. A variety of media will be explored, from acrylics to watercolour or pastels and more. You will need to bring your own art materials.

A fun, friendly and structured approach to our develop fiction writing knowledge, skills and importantly aid you in finding inspiration, putting pen paper and getting writing. Whatever you might like to write or already enjoy writing, be it short stories, longer tales, mystery, crime, a touch of the gothic or whatever takes your interest - there will be a plot to suit your idea and/or help you find inspiration and take it further. Find inspiration as we consider the how a different plot may aid with a specific theme or topic, the development of characters and your choice of words and description. This course will make use of a mix of informal feedback, lecture using PowerPoint slides, some focused group discussion/creative tasks in smaller breakout groups and feedback. Session by session we examine a different ‘plot’ and apply some creative craft to it, might it yield the perfect motivation for a crime, is three a secret a character wishes to keep? What kind of story suits a particular plot – flash fiction, a cautionary tale or a longer and more complex tale? We examine the varied forms and approaches, how have others approached similar tales and what might work best for us now. Suitable for the curious beginner and/or the seasoned scribbler.

This ten-week course will present and explore classical music from across the breadth of its development, from early music through to classical music being written right now. Over the course of these sessions we will consider how the subject matter, style and context of composers from a range of diverse backgrounds has contributed to the evolution of music, as well as considering other genres for reference. We will examine the background of each composer and the individual pieces that we listen to along with reference to quality critical appraisals and notes on each one. The sessions will combine active listening and audio-visual materials with lively, inclusive and hopefully invigorating discussion. Whether you are just coming into the world of classical music (and other genres) or have been listening to it for some time you will be welcome along to these sessions.

During and after WW2 America left the troubled 1930s behind to become one of two Super Powers and a military and economic behemoth. How did this happen? What compromises were made en route? We will examine the period from 1930 to 1980 with particular emphasis on America’s place in the world. In doing so we will ask to what extent America is an Empire in denial. No previous knowledge is required though the latter decades are ones most of us will have lived through. How do our memories of that period compare with the longer perspective that the passage of time now allows.

This practical and engaging art course gives you the opportunity to explore different painting approaches, techniques and subjects, and begin to find your own style. Learn in a supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace, with an experience tutor who is ready to inspire you and help you reach your potential.

Progress your teaching assistant career with a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification. Experience the buzz of working with young people and get a more detailed view into the profession. Learn essential teaching assistant skills and open doors to working in a school with this course. This course prepares you for teaching assistant jobs working in a variety of school settings with children and young people from the age of 5 years old. These can include roles as a playground assistant, learning assistant, teaching assistant, and other related roles. You will need to work in a suitable placement of your choice as part of this course. This Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a further step towards a fulfilling support career in a school setting. It is a great course if you already have a Level 2 qualification in supporting teaching and learning or in related subjects.

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 ten-week course will present and explore classical mythology and other traditions of myth by exploring their magical, more transformative aspects. Over the course of these sessions we will consider how the subject matter, style and context of texts and writers from a range of diverse backgrounds contain and harness these ideas in ways that continue to powerfully impact on us in the modern world. We will examine the historical and literary specifics of each text and writer individually and as part of a collective tradition, along with reference to quality critical resources on the role, meaning and purpose of myth more widely. The sessions will combine close reading and audio-visual materials with lively, inclusive and hopefully invigorating discussion. Whether you are just coming into the world of classical and other mythologies or have been interested in these worlds for some time you will be welcome along to these sessions.

Practice techniques for creating short stories, true or untrue. We'll apply the principles of short fiction to our writing, with the focus this term on character creation. There will be writing exercises, discussions, an optional weekly homework task and feedback. Guidance on feedback techniques will be provided. The course content has flexibility, and will be adapted to suit the needs of the group. Suitable for improvers.

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