WEA courses

Did you know that it is estimated that 80% of adults will suffer with back pain at some point in their lives. Back problems are one of the main causes of time off work. Back pain can last a few days, may come and go, or can become a chronic condition. Back care Awareness week aims to empower people with the knowledge and tools to both prevent back problems and to maintain a healthy back. Medical guidance encourages us to keep moving, stretch it out, and try to ease symptoms of stress to better manage back ache. Yoga is an excellent tool to support a healthy back and can be practiced by anyone. This mat-based session will introduce you to simple stretches and postures that

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.

Unleash your confidence. This unique 4-week course goes beyond typical confidence-building programs. We'll delve deeper, helping you understand the science of confidence and how to apply powerful techniques to conquer challenges in various situations.

Build a solid foundation in digital literacy with our Entry Level Essential Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for absolute beginners looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

This course will explore aspects of Scottish Art in the period before 1870 with its traditions of the landscape & portrait genres. We will cover a wide range of artists, including: Henry Raeburn, David Wilkie, David Roberts, Allan Ramsay & many more. Fully illustrated with discussion.

Attend our Employability course and boost your skills for work. If you’re entering the workforce for the first time or after a long break, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for and prepare you for the transition. Learn basic skills for jobs in any sector as well as key soft skills for your CV. Feel confident stepping into the workforce. This course will provide you with the soft skills required to get that job and give you the confidence and self esteem to sell what you have to offer to potential employers.

Exploring National Poetry Day 2024: A 2-Hour Session In honour of National Poetry Day on October 3rd, 2024, this 2-hour session offers participants an immersive exploration of poetry's richness and relevance in contemporary culture. The session begins with an introduction to the history and significance of National Poetry Day, highlighting its purpose in celebrating poetic expression and promoting literacy. Participants will engage in interactive readings of diverse poems, spanning various styles, periods, and themes. Through guided discussions led by poetry enthusiasts and experts, attendees will analyse and interpret selected works, exploring their artistic techniques, meanings, and emotional resonance. The session will include creative activities designed to encourage participants to write their own poetry or share favourite poems that resonate with them personally. These activities aim to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the power of poetic language. Throughout the session, facilitators will emphasise the role of poetry in expressing emotions, addressing social issues, and preserving cultural heritage. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how poetry enriches their lives and communities, reflecting on its ability to inspire empathy, provoke thought, and promote dialogue. By the end of the session, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of the diversity and impact of poetry. They will leave with newfound inspiration, a collection of shared poems, and a renewed appreciation for National Poetry Day's mission to celebrate and elevate the art of poetry in society. This session aims to cultivate a community of poetry enthusiasts and advocates, celebrating the beauty and power of poetic expression.

Explore the fundamentals of counselling with our Introduction to Counselling course. Learn essential skills and techniques used in the counselling profession. Ideal for individuals considering a career in counselling or looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.

Go behind the scenes of the Government Art Collection, a less well-known national art collection, with Chantal Condron, a former curator at the Collection. Discover the fascinating origins of its history, and the people and events that have shaped its past. Explore how and why artworks are acquired or commissioned and discover some of the locations where they have been displayed. We explore works across a range of media from paintings to film, by artists from the 16th to the 21st centuries, including Marcus Gheerhaerts the Younger, Thomas Phillips, Bridget Riley, Michael Armitage and recent Turner Prize winner, Jesse Darling