WEA courses

During this friendly course, you will be using your sketchbook and art practice as a starting point. You will have the opportunity to gain more confidence in your unique artwork by trying out different materials and techniques to create bigger scale work. You will be able to use the creative experiments carried out in your sketchbooks and on paper to progress your art practice using your preferred techniques and materials. By the end of this course, the many techniques, materials, themes, concepts and artists that influence your artwork will be crystallised in your more finished pieces.

The purpose of this course is to support your individual health and wellbeing and to help you gain confidence. You will be given an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques from a range of different types of art and craft. For example, painting stones, glass, wood, and dream catchers. You will use a variety of different resources and medias such as wool, fabrics, and jars. You will learn about the development of the different arts and crafts that we enjoy today. You will also learn about and gain insight into how different techniques and skills have evolved in certain crafts.

This virtual history course delves into the fascinating realm of counterfactual history, exploring pivotal moments in history and imagining alternate outcomes. Through looking at what happened in situations where the outcome was not at all clear cut, we will analyse the factors that shaped historical events and speculate on how different choices could have led to alternate trajectories. Through discussion and speculation on everything from medieval battles to modern political decisions, this course offers a unique perspective on the "what ifs" of history. How might the world be different today if the outcome had been different? Join the class to find out.

This course will help to develop and channel your writing ability, whether as a hobby or for publication. The emphasis is on individual development, with discussion of many aspects of writing. You will be invited to read your work and have feedback in a constructive and friendly setting. All forms are included; short stories, novels, plays, feature articles, poetry, autobiography and memoirs. We will have discussions on many aspects of writing and short exercises in class. All you need is an interest in developing and enjoying creative writing skills. For developers and beginners, who are welcome.

Come and join us to develop your creative skills and create some unique and beautiful projects of your own! This Advanced Mosaic course is the opportunity to complete a complex design or method that is specific to you. With guidance and advice, you will be provided with support as you go through each stage. Having completed the Beginners’ and Intermediate courses, by now you will have understood and practised various mosaic techniques and become adept at using the tools and materials. This is a chance to continue developing design and cutting skills and to allow your personal style to evolve.

Come and join us on this friendly and supportive course which will support you on your journey from music listener to music maker! Try out a range of different music making activities that will allow you to develop and explore your music making skills, as well as building your knowledge of practical music theory. The course includes activities to explore your potential in music making on a physical or virtual keyboard, as well as wider music making skills including singing, digital music making and performing. You will be supported and encouraged to share recordings of your music making with the group.

Come and join a new course aimed at the more advanced machine sewn bag maker. Previous experience of the sewing machine is necessary, but we will refresh on tips and practise existing sewing machine skills. You will have the choice of a range of bag patterns that will focus on specific bag making skills and/or create your own patterns from the skills you will learn. This course will also delve into advanced techniques such as installing zippers and creating adjustable straps, enhancing the functionality and style of your h

This course covers essential knowledge for safe driving, including traffic laws, road signs, and driving regulations. Students will learn about defensive driving techniques, understanding road markings, and handling different road conditions. The course includes interactive sessions on hazard perception and mock theory tests to prepare students for the official exam. Practical exercises simulate real-world driving scenarios to enhance comprehension and confidence. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of road safety principles and be well-prepared to pass their driving theory test, ensuring they can drive responsibly and securely on the roads.

This course will explore Leo Tolstoy’s classic nineteenth-century novel War and Peace. The novel was originally published in the 1860s and provides readers with a panoramic study of early nineteenth-century Russian society. This novel is regarded as not only one of the finest examples of Russian literature but also one of the world’s greatest novels. We will consider the fragmented publication of the novel and its social and political context. The novel’s historical setting is the French invasion of Russia in 1812 which was seen as a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars and a period of patriotic significance to Russia.

Take your maths skills to the next level to help you with work or study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical numeracy skills for everyday life. This entry 3 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Functional skills maths courses aren’t like studying maths at school. You’ll learn maths in context. Develop maths skills to face real-life situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This entry 3 functional maths course is right for you if you want to enhance your maths skills to work or study. It can help you learn essential maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority