WEA courses

In this term, we begin by considering the challenges faced by young King Aethelred at the beginning of his reign, particularly his difficulties with the growing Viking threat. We will also look at the rise of a unified Kingdom of Denmark, and examine the motives and factors which created it. We will then analyse the successive policies by which Aethelred attempted to curb the Viking threat, ultimately only to result in his own overthrow. After that, we will then go on to analyse the emergence of King Cnut and his maritime empire, and the nature of Cnut’s rule in England.

Enhance your mindset with our Meditation and Mindfulness to Support a Positive Mindset course. This course focuses on practices that cultivate positivity, resilience, and inner peace. Through guided meditations and mindfulness techniques, you will learn to anchor yourself in the present moment, manage negative thoughts, and foster a more optimistic outlook on life. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages self-awareness and personal growth in a supportive environment.

Continue enhancing your English skills for life and work in the UK with our Next Steps course. Focus on more advanced communication techniques and practical applications. Ideal for non-native speakers looking to further improve their English proficiency.

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.

As built, canals linked towns and cities with the remote corners of the English countryside. Built largely to carry coal to fuel the Industrial Revelation, they are used today for pleasure purposes. Canals offer the opportunity to improve health and wellbeing, whether walking along the towpath or travelling along in a barge. Come and join this illustrated course where you will develop your historical / technical skills by finding and exploring a number of sources about the canals. Your tutor will guide you towards sources which provide information on the physical design of your local canal, the industry it was built to serve and the individuals who worked tirelessly to make a living. There will be a study of the Trent & Mersey, Peak Forest and Somersetshire Coal Canals, together with a review of the impact on the canals of the Napoleonic War. The course will look at some of the features of canals, such as Bridges, Tunnels, Aqueducts, Reservoirs, Gauging Docks, Weighing Machines, Gauging Stations and Winding Holes. This course is suitable for learners with a previous knowledge of the subject To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.

This course explores history of Britain's relationship with the European Union, from its inception to the present day. The course will cover key events, policies, and political figures that have shaped this relationship, culminating in the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. We will be looking in a comprehensive way at our attitude to the EU from the earliest days, focusing on the factors which led to our eventual entry and navigate through the complex history of Britain’s relationship with the EU, focusing on key events, policies, and political dynamics leading to Brexit and beyond.

Basic English buildingconfidence

Basic maths and dealing with bills and budgets

"Step Into Work" is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for job hunting. This course covers writing effective cover letters, creating standout CVs, and mastering interview techniques. Through practical workshops and expert guidance, you'll learn how to present yourself confidently to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. This course will help you examine your current skills and qualities and how they transfer to job related tasks. You’ll need access to the internet to take this ‘Step into Work’ program as our tutors use the WEA’s digital learning portal, Canvas, to send you important information and tasks.

This helping in schools programme is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills to successfully complete your level 2 award in support work in schools and colleges. It consists of two parts, the main qualification which will be taught in the morning, followed by a short study skills session to support your learning. This qualification will teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in administration, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions. The confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This part of the course will help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning.