WEA courses

To take students beyond introductory courses in art and begin to develop their skills. This course is accessible to beginners, but it also provides an ideal stepping stone towards more advanced learning in art.

Develop an understanding of life in the UK and how to get around.

In this course, we will focus on an extraordinary artist, well-loved from today’s public: Vincent van Gogh. You will learn about his Dutch origins, his interests and friendships while in Paris, the dreams he nurtured in Arles, and, his last months in Auvers-sur-Oise. As we study the main phases in his life, we will study key examples of his paintings and drawings to better understand his artistic identity. What was the purpose of painting for him? Why did he paint with bright colours and thick brushstrokes? We will seek to understand van Gogh’s art not simply in light of his own mindset, but also in light of the wider cultural context he was part of.

This new course is a great introduction to embroidering on felt fabric and has been designed for beginner and improver level hand stitchers. The online course provides you with simple digital tools to help your learning, the class environment is a friendly with enthusiastic learners that you can share your work and stitching passion with. Learning to stitch on felt is a great alternative to using the ordinary cotton fabrics and Aida normally used for embroidery stitching.The sessions will begin with the focus on learning several hand embroidery stitches and introduce themes such as how to layer and combine simple stitches to create different patterns. As the course progresses you will also learn how to make a needlebook and small pincushion out of felt pieces, both of which are ideal for practising your new found or improved level of stitching on. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.

This is the third 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 in a face-to-face setting 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.

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

Would you like to manage pain more effectively and enhance your overall well-being? This course focuses on mindful relaxation techniques to support pain management. Chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but through mindful practices, you can learn to ease discomfort and develop a more positive relationship with your body. We will focus on body awareness, breathwork, and gentle movements to reduce pain. Each session will conclude with a guided relaxation practice designed to support pain relief. Everyone can benefit from learning these techniques to manage pain naturally.

Enhance your well-being with our Yoga to Improve Joint Mobility and Strength course. This class focuses on yoga practices specifically designed to increase joint flexibility and build muscle strength. Through a blend of mindful movements, stretching, and strength-building postures, you will learn techniques to support and protect your joints. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages you to listen to your body and adapt practices to meet your individual needs. Enjoy a supportive environment where you can develop greater joint mobility and strength, ultimately improving your overall physical health and quality of life.

This course will help you if English is not your first language and if you are struggling to understand the vocabulary needed to pass the UK Driving Theory Test. During the course, we will cover the English technical language you are likely to need. You will also learn about the language used in the Highway Code and about transport in the UK. We will also cover road signs, road markings and the rules of driving. The course will help you to feel more confident that you are ready to apply for the Theory Test.

This course will examine how different countries and cultures use pattern as a form of decoration whilst exploring a variety of art making techniques and media. You will be invited to find out about different countries, uncovering how decoration has become a distinctive part of their culture, rituals and presentation. You will have the opportunity to experiment with symmetry, symbolism and colour and learn about the meaning and importance of different decorative traditions, including the making and decorating of your own Mexican sugar skull, Indian Mandala plate and Chinese Ming vase pattern