WEA courses

In this taster course, learners will begin by considering the many and varied sources of the Arthurian legend, in literature and other media, before focusing on the most famous and complete literary work in English on the Matter of Britain, Malory’s Morte d’Arthur. We will study examples from this extensive work, and explore Malory’s prose style and his use of late Middle English. No prior knowledge of Middle English is required, and the course is suitable for beginners and improvers.

This course will explore aspects of Scottish Art in the period before 1870 with its traditions of the landscape & portrait genres. We will cover a wide range of artists, including: Henry Raeburn, David Wilkie, David Roberts, Allan Ramsay & many more. Fully illustrated with discussion.

Exploring National Poetry Day 2024: A 2-Hour Session In honour of National Poetry Day on October 3rd, 2024, this 2-hour session offers participants an immersive exploration of poetry's richness and relevance in contemporary culture. The session begins with an introduction to the history and significance of National Poetry Day, highlighting its purpose in celebrating poetic expression and promoting literacy. Participants will engage in interactive readings of diverse poems, spanning various styles, periods, and themes. Through guided discussions led by poetry enthusiasts and experts, attendees will analyse and interpret selected works, exploring their artistic techniques, meanings, and emotional resonance. The session will include creative activities designed to encourage participants to write their own poetry or share favourite poems that resonate with them personally. These activities aim to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the power of poetic language. Throughout the session, facilitators will emphasise the role of poetry in expressing emotions, addressing social issues, and preserving cultural heritage. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how poetry enriches their lives and communities, reflecting on its ability to inspire empathy, provoke thought, and promote dialogue. By the end of the session, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of the diversity and impact of poetry. They will leave with newfound inspiration, a collection of shared poems, and a renewed appreciation for National Poetry Day's mission to celebrate and elevate the art of poetry in society. This session aims to cultivate a community of poetry enthusiasts and advocates, celebrating the beauty and power of poetic expression.

Go behind the scenes of the Government Art Collection, a less well-known national art collection, with Chantal Condron, a former curator at the Collection. Discover the fascinating origins of its history, and the people and events that have shaped its past. Explore how and why artworks are acquired or commissioned and discover some of the locations where they have been displayed. We explore works across a range of media from paintings to film, by artists from the 16th to the 21st centuries, including Marcus Gheerhaerts the Younger, Thomas Phillips, Bridget Riley, Michael Armitage and recent Turner Prize winner, Jesse Darling

Bring your characters to life with our Creative Writing: Creating and Developing Characters course. Learn techniques for creating complex, believable characters that drive your stories. Ideal for writers looking to enhance their character development skills.

Polish your verbal communication skills in English. This ESOL level 2 course teaches you advanced speaking and listening skills. Learning to speak eloquently can open doors to work and study options in the UK. This ESOL course builds on skills you learnt at level 1. Perfect your listening skills in English while practising conversation techniques. This is an English course for adults. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL classes are divided into three areas: reading, writing, and speaking & listening. If you’re helping others access ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Pre-Entry English: Driving Theory Part 2 Overview: Master the essentials of driving theory in English with this comprehensive course! Get ready for your learner's permit test with confidence by building a strong foundation in road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. What you'll learn: Part 1 - The Highway Code: Decode essential road signs and markings, understand traffic light signals, and learn right-of-way rules for a safe and smooth driving experience. Part 2 - Your Driving Test: Master the knowledge required for the practical driving test, including maneuvers, vehicle checks, and safe driving practices in various road conditions. Essential Terminology: Build a strong vocabulary related to car parts, driving actions, and traffic regulations, ensuring clear communication with instructors and fellow drivers. Practice Tests: Test your knowledge with practice quizzes designed to mirror the format of the official learner's permit tests. Benefits: Increase your confidence: Feel prepared and empowered when taking your learner's permit tests. Pass your tests the first time: Solidify your understanding of driving theory for a smoother testing experience. Develop safe driving habits: Learn the rules and regulations that keep you and others safe on the road. Build your English vocabulary: Enhance your English language skills with driving-specific terminology. This interactive course utilizes clear explanations, visuals, practice quizzes, and downloadable resources to ensure a thorough and engaging learning experience. Take control of your driving journey! Sign up for Pre-Entry English: Driving Theory Part 1 & 2 today!"

Explore the fundamentals of counselling with our Introduction to Counselling course. Learn essential skills and techniques used in the counselling profession. Ideal for individuals considering a career in counselling or looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.

Attend our Employability course and boost your skills for work. If you’re entering the workforce for the first time or after a long break, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for and prepare you for the transition. Learn basic skills for jobs in any sector as well as key soft skills for your CV. Feel confident stepping into the workforce. This course will provide you with the soft skills required to get that job and give you the confidence and self esteem to sell what you have to offer to potential employers.

This follow-on course, funded through Multiply in Norfolk, aims to further empower individuals with essential everyday life skills. Learners will engage in practical sessions covering topics like budgeting, art, digital literacy, and effective communication. Tailored to the evolving needs of the Thornage Hall community, the course emphasises hands-on learning and real-world applications to enhance independence and confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial management, acquire new skills, navigate technology, or boost interpersonal skills, this course offers the tools and support needed to thrive in daily life.