WEA courses

In this course, we will focus on a century of artistic creation in Britain. From the artists in Cornwall to the war artists during the Second World War, we will study a varied mix of artists and art movements. We will proceed chronologically, but will keep in mind several transversal themes, especially that of the dialogue with artistic centres abroad, such as Paris and New York. Doing so, we will wonder whether modern British art followed a similar path as elsewhere or if some singular traits can be identified.

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.

Dante’s Inferno, one of the masterpieces of Western literature, is structured as a journey Dante takes through the different levels of Hell, observing the souls damned for various kinds of self-centred actions (sins) while alive, providing us with a series of insightful images and dramas, taking us deep into the psychological depths of humanity. The course takes us through the 34 cantos of Dante’s Inferno, progressing slowly so we can question, discuss and savour the literary features and the vision of human nature presented in the poem.

The Victorian years saw unprecedented industrialisation which changed the face of Britain but also attitudes. Industrial developments were perceived as both positive and negative, but the countryside was viewed as a tradition, community and continuity. Yet images of the country, as well as the town, reveal the complexity of a society adapting to the modern world. Depiction of idyllic country scenes and grimy urban life reveal deep tension in Victorian society. This course will reveal that complexity and the contradictions which characterised the years 1837 to 1901 by examining paintings, engravings, photographs cartoons and the literature of the period.

Enhance your sewing skills with our Textiles and Fashion: Sewing 2 course. Learn advanced techniques for creating fashionable and functional clothing. Ideal for individuals with basic sewing knowledge looking to refine their skills.

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.

Transform your financial habits with "From Skint to Savvy: Improving Your Relationship with Money." This course helps you understand money management basics, develop budgeting skills, and make smarter financial decisions. Effective budget planning can make you feel like you’ve had a pay rise. Organising your personal budget and understanding your outgoings is the first step towards healthy financial well-being. And the good news is - budgeting is a skill anyone can learn. This budgeting course is right for you if you want to improve your financial well-being. Whether you’re trying to cope with the cost of living crisis or just want to plan your finances better, this course can help you.