WEA courses

This 2-hour workshop will stimulate your imagination and palette for writing food stories from fiction, life writing and reportage. You will read published stories to provide inspiration and techniques to embellish your own writing. You can share your writing in pairs to give confidence and courage to write more.

Claude Monet once wrote “ It is extraordinary to see the sea: what a spectacle!” The Seashore offers rich material for both artists and photographers and has inspired some insightful and amusing creations. During this workshop we will explore some different approaches used by photographers, when capturing the essence of the great British seaside. We will look at the social documentary photographers David Hurn and Martin Parr, who play with colour and humour when depicting British seaside culture. Alternatively, we will consider the work of Fay Godwin, who works more intimately with the landscape itself, gathering lost objects from the beach to scan in order to produce exquisite close ups.

Numerous studies have shown that creative activities, such as art, writing and music, can help reduce and even prevent stress. You may find that, after a stressful day, enjoying a hobby can help you to de-stress and even give you an energy boost. This friendly course will help you that being creative may also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and can help you to express or manage your emotions in a positive and productive way. Especially when those feelings are difficult to put into words. This course will provide you with the opportunity to explore new and uplifting creative activities, and also give you the chance to socialise and connect with others who share the same interest. If you like the idea of making art in a calm and friendly environment, whilst also taking part in group activities and meeting new people, this is the right course for you!

Learn to draw a realistic portrait of the human face from a photograph. This full day workshop is designed for complete beginners but also caters for those with some drawing experience who wish to develop their skills further. You will draw from a photograph and learn how to build a likeness from broad shapes through to more refined features using a chalk and charcoal. This workshop is an excellent first step before you begin to draw from a live model. You will be guided and supported throughout the day and the techniques that you learn during the workshop will equip you to create your own portrait drawings at home.

Develop confidence to interact with others in English, no matter the situation. This ESOL course teaches you skills to help you communicate verbally in English. It can support you in job interviews, social conversations, or in your studies. This ESOL level 1 speaking and listening course builds on skills you learnt at entry 3. Gain tools to help you in conversations and sharpen your listening skills. 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.

Develop confidence to read advanced texts in English. This ESOL course teaches you different reading techniques and helps expand your vocabulary. Learn how to improve your reading skills to get the most out of living in the UK. This ESOL level 1 reading course builds on skills you learnt at entry 3. You’ll continue to learn about different styles of text and gain tools to interpret them. This is an English course for adults. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL courses are divided into three areas: reading, writing, and speaking & listening. If you’re helping others find ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Build on basic reading skills with these ESOL classes. This is an English course for beginners. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL courses help you learn basic English for life in the UK and improve your chances of finding work or study options. This ESOL entry 2 reading course builds on skills you learnt at entry 1. Grow your vocabulary and improve your reading skills in English. There are also writing and speaking & listening courses at this level. If you’re helping others find ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Join us for a creative Card Making course at Parkstone Connect, a vibrant day centre dedicated to adults with learning difficulties. Our welcoming environment fosters creativity and fun. Participants will explore a variety of card-making techniques, including stamping, embossing, and die-cutting, to craft beautiful, personalized cards. Led by experienced tutors, the course provides all materials and offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the process and create stunning cards to share with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, our supportive community is here to help you unleash your artistic potential.

This course is for clients at Parkstone Connect Centre, and continues on their journey of steps to wellbeing. Skills and learning in this course can be applied to everyday life and improve confidence and way of living as described by the NHS 5 steps to well-being programme

Learn basic communication skills with this ESOL speaking and listening course. This English course is for speakers of other languages. It will help you learn essential speaking and listening skills to be able to communicate in English. Entry 1 ESOL courses help people who are just starting to learn English. This course will help you gain confidence to speak about basic topics and understand core words. There are also reading and writing courses at this level. If you’re helping others access ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.