WEA courses

This basic course will introduce learners to the world at work and the language needed to enter it. The course has been developed in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council which refers learners to this and other programmes hosted at the Old School, which is a community centre run by Blakenhall Action Community Forum. This course is particularly suitable for students are unemployed and have been referred by Job Centres to improve their spoken and written English and thereby get closer to getting a job.

This is the first course of six aimed at Upper Intermediate (B2) level learners of English. This six-week course is for those whose first language is NOT English and we will practice all four major skills in each session to further develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Lessons will be delivered face-to-face using a range of teacher led and freer interactive activities to develop learners’ proficiency and confidence. In addition to a focus on general pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, students will be encouraged to focus on colloquial English and develop an awareness of the local English being used in their contexts.

Digital skills are increasingly in demand in modern society. Picking up essential digital skills can help you go about your everyday life, as well as open doors to employment opportunities. This course starts at the beginning and covers everything from using a digital device to getting started on social media and making videos. This Entry-level 3 digital skills course is aimed at complete beginners- so don’t worry if this is new to you. If you want to learn digital skills for everyday life or improve your job prospects, this course is ideal for you. It's also suitable for people reentering the workforce after a long break.

Set yourself up for success at entry 3 functional skills in maths. This get ready course helps you prepare to tackle entry 3 maths with confidence. The essential maths skills you’ll learn will help you get your qualification and serve you in everyday life. Get ready courses help you learn maths at your own pace. The idea of this course is to give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for entry 3 maths. This is a preparatory maths course for people who are looking to progress to entry 3 functional skills courses. It is a non-accredited adult maths course.

This course is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to successfully enter or re-enter the workforce. Whether you are a first-time job seeker, transitioning careers, or returning to work after a break, this course will provide practical guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace skills. Through a combination of workshops, group activities, and one-on-one coaching, participants will gain the confidence and tools necessary to secure employment and thrive in their chosen career path.

The Introduction to Maternity Support Work course offers a comprehensive overview of the role of Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) and their collaboration with midwives to provide exceptional care for mothers, babies, and families. Delivered over 10 weeks through lectures and group work, this introductory course provides a supportive and friendly environment to explore the factors influencing a career in maternity support. You will gain insights into the profession, build personal confidence, and develop practical skills for future growth in this rewarding field. Take this first step towards making a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers, babies and families as a Maternity Support Worker.

Beginner’s Digital Skills course for adults. Learn basic computer skills and get digitally fit for modern life. Learning for life and work. 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. Digital courses online offer you learning for life and work. You’ll learn digital skills to help you in your everyday life. This course could also help you progress to job roles that require digital work skills.

Would you like to learn new skills or change jobs? It can be hard to get back into learning after a long break. This confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This short course can help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning. The objective of this course is to get you into a positive mindset to achieve your goals. You will practise a variety of confidence-building exercises to help that mindset shift come from within.

Have you ever wondered how to look at a painting and how to figure out what it means? This course will give you keys to develop your understanding and appreciation of paintings and their history. Based on the study of many concrete examples, taken from a variety of historical periods and styles, we will study all the aspects of a painting, from its format and technique, to its subject matter. As we do so, you will have many occasions to apply this knowledge and techniques for yourself.

This course will examine Ireland’s unique contribution to twentieth century poetry in English. We will explore the work of two Nobel Prize winners, W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney, plus the work of Patrick Kavanagh, Louis MacNeice and Michael Longley. Additionally, we will refer in passing to poems by numerous other poets such as Paul Muldoon and Derek Mahon. We will analyse those elements which have contributed to Ireland’s distinctive contribution to world literature in the last 100 years, and discuss the relationship between a politically troubled history and creativity. There will be ample opportunities for discussion in what will be lively sessions.