WEA courses

This course will consider in detail three plays which utilise the motif of ‘shipwreck’ as a central plot device. The plays are from the middle and later part of Shakespeare’s career: ‘Twelfth Night’; ‘Pericles’; and ‘The Tempest’ respectively. Each draws on shipwreck as an element drawn from the genre of romance, and incorporates this, in varying degrees from play to play, with elements drawn from comedy. We will explore this generic mix and consider how the tensions between them enrich and complicate the plots, tones and outcomes of each play. We will place each play in its original historical and dramatic context, and consider how each relates to Shakespeare's developing approach to genre. We will look at each work in detail, both on the page and (using clips from DVDs) on the stage, to build up a richer understanding of Shakespeare's experiments with genre at the middle and later periods of his career.

For beginners and improvers, this is a course explores a range of arts materials and techniques to give people confidence and skills to create their own unique art. The emphasis will be on experimentation, enjoying the process, and trying a range of materials to find out what works best for each student’s style and interest. Materials we will use will include watercolour, inktense, acrylic, brusho, soft pastels, oil pastels, graphite, charcoal, water-soluble pencils and sticks, and foamboard printing. We will also explore different surfaces and papers.

The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

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

Welcome to the Beginners Digital course for pre-entry ESOL learners! This course helps you learn basic computer and digital skills while improving your English. You will learn how to use a computer, navigate the internet, and send emails. We will also teach you how to use smartphones and tablets. The course includes activities like typing, searching for information online, and using social media safely. With simple and clear instructions, you will gain confidence in using digital tools. Join us to develop essential digital skills and enhance your English in a supportive and friendly environment!

Can't afford a massage but know you feel so much better after a treatment? Join me on this friendly self-help course that takes you week by week through how to massage the key areas of the body. You will learn Swedish massage techniques commonly used to support your self-help techniques within your own home. This friendly informative course. Will also cover some of the most popular aromatherapy oils that will support muscle aches and pains, congested tissues, lymph oedema, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder and a range of other health problems. Learn the key ingredients of Swedish massage that you apply to yourself. Each week we will cover a different part of the body, massage mediums, safe working practice and some basic anatomy and physiology. Open to all levels of learning.

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.