WEA courses

This is a chance to revisit some famous literary moments from Regency and Victorian novels, to remember, discuss and enjoy them together, to introduce some that are less familiar, and to inspire further reading.

Human beings have told each other stories about ghosts since the ancient times, but the ghost story as we know it was created by the writer and scholar M. R. James (1862-1936). At Christmas, James would read his stories aloud to friends and colleagues at the University of Cambridge. The BBC began adapting James’s stories in 1971 as part of their ’Ghost Story for Christmas’ series. In this course we will look at seven of James’s most famous and enjoyed stories, a number of which were adapted by the BBC. We will consider each story on its own, looking at James’s use of suspense and humour. How does James write a ghost story? Are they scary? And, most of all, what are we scared of? No previous knowledge of ghost stories is necessary – everybody is most welcome!

For the last century, crime fiction has been the most popular and lucrative of literary subgenres. But this commercial success belies a formal inventiveness and experiment, a constant drive to ‘make it new’, which has long been central to the genre. In this course we will read six crime novels (and three short stories) which chart the development of crime fiction. As well as considering each of these novels in isolation from week to week, we will also use the seven week course to ask ourselves: how has crime fiction changed through the years, and how has it remained the same? No previous knowledge of crime fiction is necessary – everybody is most welcome!

We will be studying plays and how they are, or might be performed. As far as possible we will choose plays that we can see locally, either at nearby theatres, mainly Derby and Nottingham or streaming. Our aim is to enhance our understanding and enjoyment of theatre and to explore its relevance to our life today. We will read extracts, discuss the themes and how they are presented, and consider the current performance.

Dive deeper into counselling and sharpen your set of skills for social work. Learn techniques to help those in need of support. Counselling courses teach you fundamental skills employers look for. Understand how to help others in a safe and positive way. The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills introduces you to using counselling skills in everyday life: for work or within a personal capacity. Develop key skills employers look for in this level 2 counselling course. Team working and communication are key skills for CVs in support work.

Develop effective strategies for succeeding in E3 Maths exams with our comprehensive course. Focus on key mathematical concepts and exam techniques. Ideal for individuals preparing for E3 Maths assessments.

Would you like to practice your English speaking and listening? Our Gloucester conversation club provides an informal, welcoming space for adult ESOL learners to practice their English, build confidence and develop social connections. Each session will be in a friendly, relaxed safe space and led by an experienced tutor. Learners will be encouraged to use their English and gentle tasks such as using questions will be used to facilitate this. Drinks will be provided throughout and learners will be given full support to explore their next steps within the WEA.

This course focuses on developing speaking and listening skills in everyday English. Through interactive activities and discussions, you will practice expressing ideas clearly, asking questions, and participating confidently in conversations. Learn practical phrases for daily situations such as greetings, shopping, and making appointments. By the end of the course, you will feel more comfortable and capable in communicating effectively in English, fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth.

A history course based on some well-known musicals. Writers of musicals often dealt with complex social, political and historical issues while also providing an entertaining show with great songs, but in this course we’ll look at some unexpected, surprising and even ill-conceived inspirations for musicals, some of which were very successful, some of which were not. The course includes the background to musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Stephen Sondheim, but also lesser-known writers whose work has become very successful and has acquired a cult following.  At the end of the course, you will be able to: - Discuss how Evita and Call Me Madam are influenced by the writers' personal viewpoints of the societies they are describing - Give examples of how fairy tale conventions are overturned in Frozen and Into The Woods - Identify some of the classic films, stories and characters that fed into horror musicals like Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. - Discuss why "bad taste" is such a prevalent feature of modern musicals, like the Producers and Little Shop of Horrors. - Identify some of the issues that caused a few of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musicals to fail.

Would you like to find out more about ADHD? This course will help you learn about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. You will discover other conditions that are commonly experienced alongside ADHD. A big focus of the course is on how to support a child, young person or an adult with ADHD. You will gain an understanding of a range of different strategies and interventions which may be beneficial in a home, school or even work setting. You’ll also find out how assessments are carried out and how to apply for an EHCP to give a child that all important extra support in school.