WEA courses

The emergence of the House of Lancaster could have led to a major decline of the English realm, yet it achieved its greatest success against the enemy of France. We will begin by looking at the latter part of Henry IV’s reign, and his struggle with his own eldest son the Prince of Wales, and in particular focus on how that rivalry manifested itself in a competition between Henry’s sons. Thereafter however we will then go on to concentrate on the Agincourt campaign under Henry V and the subsequent consequences of the renewed conflict of the Hundred Years’ War.

How did the Roman Empire survive the great challenges it faced during the later 8th century? We will examine how the later reign of Konstantine V and then his heirs not only oversaw an even stricter type of iconoclasm, but also how they brought about other key developments within mediaeval Roman society. We will also explore how the struggle against the Abbasid Caliphate continued to evolve. Finally, we will look at the emergence of Empress Eirene during the later years of the eighth century, and how she maintained her grip on power, despite much internal opposition.

Leading a busy life leaves little room for calm and relaxation. This can make it hard for us to wind down and enjoy the present. But finding these moments of calm is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. This meditation and mindfulness course is ideal if you want to learn to relax, be present, and alleviate stress in your life. Meditation courses teach us to recognise the importance of conscious thought in our everyday lives. Develop concentration strategies to help focus your mind. Understand the principles of mindfulness. Learn to block out intrusive thoughts and enjoy the present moment.

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.

Experience the therapeutic benefits of clay modelling with our Ways to Wellbeing: Clay Modelling course. Learn techniques for creating clay sculptures and decorative items to enhance your well-being. Ideal for individuals seeking creative expression through clay.

Learn essential bushcraft skills and connect with nature through our Basic Bushcraft Skills course. Explore techniques for outdoor survival, shelter building, and fire making. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in self-sufficiency.

Prepare for success in Level 1 English with our comprehensive preparatory course. Enhance your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to meet the demands of Level 1 coursework. Ideal for individuals aiming to improve their English proficiency for academic or professional purposes.

This Multiply course, offered online by WEA in Essex, is perfect for beginners without a Level 2 maths qualification who want to upskill in Excel and financial management. This course provides a foundation in using Excel for budgeting, creating basic formulas and financial tracking—key skills for today’s job market. You’ll learn basic Excel functions, financial calculations, and practical problem-solving tailored to real-world financial scenarios. With flexible online learning and support from an experienced tutor, this course helps you build confidence in handling finances, enhancing your employability and preparing you for work-ready roles.

To provide an overview of Spain's history, stretching from pre-historic times to the present day, with a look at the varied regions that comprise the Spanish peninsula.

This course will examine the publishing phenomenon of Nordic Noir, locating its roots in the early twentieth century, before exploring four contemporary novels from the genre. Our texts will be Doctor Glas by Hjalmar Soderberg; Smilla’s Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg; The Bird Tribunal - Agnes Ravatn; The Flatey Enigma - Viktor Arnor Ingolfson and Missing - Karin Alvtegen. These texts will take us inside the mind of Nordic Noir and we will evaluate the common features of the genre and its relationship with crime-fiction, horror and recent forms of Gothic literature. There will be ample scope for lively discussion in our sessions