WEA courses

The course examines the origins of the bitter struggle for the Crown of England in the mid-fifteenth century. It also considers the impact of events in France on England, the collapse of England’s continental possessions, the end of the Hundred Years' War, and its impact on events at home. It looks at the rivalries within the nobility and whether the civil war that resulted was inevitable. It was a time characterized by dynastic instability and political chaos. The shifting of leadership and loyalties within the noble houses, as well as the numerous claims to the throne, created a sense of uncertainty and mistrust among the ruling elite which fuelled the violence and bloodshed that historians call the Wars of the Roses.

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.

Enhance your English skills while learning how to support your child's maths education with our Level 1 ESOL: ESOL - Help Your Child with Maths course. Focus on practical communication and numeracy. Ideal for non-native speakers looking to improve their English proficiency and help their child succeed in maths.

Develop essential English skills for the UK job market with our ESOL: Preparing for Work in the UK course. Focus on practical communication and job readiness skills. Ideal for non-native speakers looking to improve their employability in the UK.

Develop your English speaking and listening skills with our Pre-Entry ESOL: Confidence in English course. Focus on practical communication needed for everyday situations. Ideal for beginners looking to improve their basic English proficiency.

Welcome to the, ‘Reading Skills course’. This course is designed for ESOL Entry 2/3 students to improve their English reading abilities. Over the course, students will practice reading various texts, including stories, articles, and everyday materials like menus and signs. The course focuses on understanding vocabulary, sentence structure, and main ideas. Interactive activities include reading aloud, group discussions, and comprehension exercises. By the end of the course, students will have enhanced their reading skills, built a stronger vocabulary, and gained confidence in understanding and enjoying English texts.

This is a 7 week lecture style course. The Middle East is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. The term may have originated in the 1850s in the British India Office. However, it became more widely known when American naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan used the term in 1902 to designate the area between Arabia and India. Themes to be discussed will include : Long term Great Power involvement; Economic factors; Internal religious differences; Internal political rivalries; and Population movements. By the end of the course, you will be able to : Understand the factors which led to the present situation: Assess the position of individual states in the area; Discuss the attitudes of neighbouring states; Understand the differing positions of the Great Powers; and Assess the ongoing problems.

Discover the fascinating history of writing with our History: History of Writing course. Learn about the development of writing systems and their impact on human civilization. Ideal for history enthusiasts and students of linguistics.

This practical course aims to help you to establish a coaching relationship, initiate productive coaching conversations and to challenge people to identify goals and grow professionally and personally. You would need to coach a colleague or someone else who wishes to be coached, as this is a practical course covering key skills including: questioning, goal-setting collaboratively and encouraging personal and professional growth.

Learn the essentials of starting a small business with our Start Your Own Small Business course. Understand the basics of business planning, finance, and marketing. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into reality.