WEA courses

Join us to explore the work of James McNeil Whistler, from his more conventional portraiture to his experimental 'nocturnes' which have a totally contrasting approach & result causing consternation amongst a contemporary late 19th century audience. This course will consider the artist's work within the wider artistic chronological and stylistic context. This course is for learners who have an interest in this period of Art and have engaged in some previous studies of Art. The course material will cover different aspects of Whistler's work analysing examples in detail and consider them within the context of the development of the genre of portraiture as well as the way other aspects of his work opened up possibilities for innovation by influencing other artists.

Kickstart your creative side with a 6-week writing course. Explore how other writers achieve their effect, improve your own writing by listening to and acting on feedback, learn how to offer sensitive and constructive comment to others. By the end of this course you should have generated 6 new pieces of work and have a good idea of how to improve and polish your work. Beginners and more experienced writers are welcome. The tutor is Liz McPherson. Liz’s work is published by Dreamcatcher, Prole, High Window, The Lake, LTU Wordspace, Yaffle and others. Her pamphlet, Unexpected Items is due to be published this year by Yaffle. She is a regular performer on the local open mic circuit, headlining recently at Gobby in the Lobby (Wakefield). She has been a tutor with the WEA for 14 years.

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 4-week Basic First Aid course equips you with the skills and knowledge to act decisively in an emergency. Each week focuses on a specific theme, progressively building your understanding. Learn how to handle common situations like applying bandages and slings, treating burns and scalds, performing CPR, and most importantly, knowing when to call an ambulance. By the end of the course, you'll not only gain valuable first-aid skills, but also create a personalized flowchart outlining the steps to take in case of an accident at KCU.

Join us to unleash your creativity and develop your skills in mediums of your choice to respond to the projects. This course will give you the opportunity to explore a range of themes and ideas which will inspire creative responses using a range of mediums to suit subject and preference. Join us to be inspired & creative. Learners will develop and share ideas within the sessions. Whatever your creative direction this course is designed to inspire and guide you to develop your creative confidence. Discover how the enjoyment of creative art can be creatively enjoyable and beneficial for well-being.

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

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.

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.

Get to the core of how to build or promote a business with this digital marketing course. Digital promotion activities such as online and social media marketing can help you support your company’s growth or build your own business. Get first-hand knowledge of key business activities that promote growth. Gain a clear understanding of digital marketing practices with this digital skills course. It’s ideal for flexible learning as you can choose topics that interest you from a variety of units. Pick up crucial skills for employment that can help you in any sector and build skills for your CV.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to volcanoes, exploring their locations, mechanisms, and profound impacts on both life and landscapes. Students will delve into the geological processes that drive volcanic activity, understand the distribution of volcanoes across the globe, and study the various types of eruptions. The course also examines the environmental and societal effects of volcanic activity, from the creation of new landforms to the challenges posed by volcanic hazards. Through a blend of lectures, case studies, and hands-on activities, participants will gain a deep appreciation for these powerful natural phenomena.