WEA courses

Explore the literature of the "Angry Decade" with a focus on Barbara Pym's No Fond Return of Love in our Literature: Portraits of Society, 1954 – 1961 The Angry Decade? course. Analyze the social themes and character studies that define this period. Ideal for literature enthusiasts and students of modern British history.

This micro course is designed for learners who want to improve their communication skills and build confidence in expressing themselves. On this short course you will explore techniques for clear and effective communication in different situations, including conversations, group discussions, and presentations. The course covers essential skills such as active listening, body language, and managing nerves when speaking. Through practical exercises and supportive feedback, you will gain the confidence to communicate assertively and positively in personal, professional, and community settings. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their self-expression and build stronger connections with others.

This is a 6 week watercolour painting course for anyone wanting to learn or improve their painting skills. You will learn how to draw and paint within a group of like-minded budding artists. Guidance and support is offered throughout the course from our talented tutor, to develop your artistic skills. You will also have the opportunity to connect with and support others in a small artistic community. No previous skills in watercolours are needed to join this group. This course is held in Nailsworth, Stroud, in an independent living community and you will find peace and relaxation in a wonderful Cotswold setting.

Would you like to learn quick and easy projects that are great for upcycling scraps of fabric and old clothing? This single session course is for you. Aimed at any learners no matter what your level of experience you will be able to take part in the session and learn how to make fabric twine and a shabby chic fabric tassel, you will also learn about the importance of upcycling and why keeping fabric out of landfill is important to the environment and saves money!

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.

This drawing course will take place in the fascinating Victorian Bournemouth Natural Science Society. The Museum is a treasure trove of carefully preserved examples of natural form: butterflies, shells stuffed birds and skulls, which learners will be able to draw in pencil and coloured pencil - a small and intimate version of the Natural History Museum. One to one instruction will be given by the tutor (a professional artist) This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style.

Aimed at those who have stories or working on a longer project, this course set over 5 hours in in one weekend, gives you dedicated time for writing and reflecting on your optimum creative process. You’ll set a daily achievable goal, refresh an element of story craft through the tutor’s stimulating exercises and extracts from published texts and write! We’ll immerse ourselves in short and longer writing exercises and get feedback from the tutor and peers when you share in pairs. Imagine the amount of work and momentum you’ll build over these two mornings. Set yourself up for success with dedicated time for writing.

Discover the wonders of your body as you'll get the chance to learn about its functions and capabilities. Embrace the joy of dance tailored to each individual, catering to personal needs and preferences. Unleash the power of movement and music on this course whilst having fun along the way.

Art in the Olympic (South) Park Walking Tour explores the public artworks in the south side of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is the first Olympic Park to integrate artworks into the landscape right from the start by established and emerging artists, international and local, which reflects the Park’s identity and is the home to West Ham’s Football Stadium. Discover artworks that are both large and striking, whilst others are smaller and harder to find, inspired by the undulating landscape, riverside, buried histories, community memories, and Olympic glory. The meeting point is the ArcelorMittal Orbit by Sir Anish Kapoor.

This Maths course is for anyone who is looking for employment or improving their numeracy skills. This course is designed to help you build confidence in everyday math skills. You'll learn how to solve practical problems using basic math, like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. We'll cover topics job advertisements and forms. The course is perfect for those who want to improve their math for work, or daily tasks. By the end, you'll feel more prepared to tackle math in real-world situations. This course is suitable for beginners and anyone needing a refresher.