WEA courses

Learning about Abstract Art is a fascinating and rewarding topic; it tracks an evolving story looking at different ages, from 19th Century innovators such as JMW Turner, through to Impressionism, Cubism, Futurism and Modernism in general, right up to the 21st Century. This course will also introduce you to some lesser- known female artists who have been formerly neglected by the art establishment. Inspired by these examples, shown at the beginning of each lesson in an interactive visual presentation, we will develop skills in a range of drawing and painting media, including drawing inks, chalk and oil pastels, watercolour, acrylic, collage and mixed media. This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style. Please note that this is a 3-session course running on: Wed 17/07/2024, Wed 24/07/2024, and Wed 31/07/2024.

Learning to draw is a precious skill that encourages mindfulness and creativity. A quote from the late artist Paula Rego: ‘Sketches always have more vitality than paintings because you're finding things out through doing them.’ Inspired by historical and contemporary artists, this course will build your confidence and expertise in a range of media including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, using cartridge and mid toned pastel paper. Our topic will be still life – learning to see and analyse real objects is the best teacher for developing your own drawing style. Suitable for beginners and those wishing to develop their skills. Please note that this is a 3-session course running on: Wed 17/07/2024, Wed 24/07/2024, and Wed 31/07/2024.

Ever looked up at the night sky, or the signs of the zodiac, and wondered how the constellations got their names? Why anyone would think those random dots were “obviously” a picture of some strange creature? Or what the stories are behind them? This one-session course picks out some of them that are appropriate to the time of year, and shows why they were important, what their myths are, and how the stories fit together. This is the time when the Perseid meteor shower is at its best, so we’ll look at the story behind Perseus, and his family: Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, and a few less well-known. Then we go on to the Summer Triangle of the Swan, the Eagle, and the Lyre. There’s also Capricorn, the half-fish, half-goat, and many more. (57)

Part of the Free to All Summer Taster Courses: Do you like films and are keen to learn more and discuss them with like-minded enthusiasts? Have you wondered “How did they do that?” Or even more so “Why did that film make me feel like this? “Are you thinking about enrolling on one of the WEA’s film studies courses? Then this free taster session is for you. You’ll get equipped with some of the basics of “how to read a film” – the key elements of filmmaking and how they create (different) meanings, emotions and impacts on the viewer, enabling you analyse films with greater confidence.

Discover the wonderful world of Beginners Social Media for Enterprise: Vinted with this course. Whether you have studied the content before or are completely new to it, you will find value on this programme. This social media marketing course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you! We will explore Social Media for Enterprise: Vinted on this course. You will understand how this shopping platform works and learn to set up your profile. Understand how to define your target audience and create content that they want to see. Learn how to schedule posts and plan a content calendar. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your social media for Enterprise: Vinted marketing journey today by registering for this course.

For London learners. Discover the wonderful world of Google Analytics: This short taster course will introduce you to the basics of Google Analytics including an overview of how to create and implement an account. We will be using data provided on a Google demo account to set up views and filters, read basic reports and set up dashboards. We will discuss goal setting and how the data available through Google Analytics can be used to measure progress. Please note that you will need a Gmail account to participate in this course, if you don’t already have one you can register for free – see https://support.google.com/mail/answer/56256?hl=en-GB Whether you have studied the content before or are completely new to it, You will find value on this programme. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your Google Analytics journey today by registering for this course.

Did you know you can use spreadsheets to make hundreds of everyday tasks easier? You can use them to efficiently keep track of job applications, birthday lists, inventories of collectible items, or anything else. Never opened a spreadsheet in your life? Don’t worry. This is an Excel course for beginners, and we’ll cover all the basics. This beginners Excel course aims to teach you computer skills for everyday life, including simple budgeting techniques to manage your money better. This course is funded through Multiply, you are eligible for full funding if you are aged 19+ and have an Essex home postcode.

Stress affects most people in the country at some point in life. Understanding the harmful effects of stress is essential to maintaining good mental health and well-being. This stress awareness course can help you recognise and deal with stress when it happens. This mental health awareness training helps you understand what you and others may be experiencing. It is also useful if you work in a support role such as mentor, counsellor, or carer. It will teach you important skills for care jobs if you want to work in adult social care.

Do you want to gain more confidence in using digital skills to communicate online. If the answer is 'yes!', then join this course. This course is for learners with little or no experience of digital technologies who want to develop better digital skills. If you struggle with using digital skills to communicate online, using WhatsApp, social media and drafting emails this course can help you feel more comfortable with digital communication. The course aims to boost your confidence by teaching the techniques and digital skills you need to improve your online communication skills. Take the first steps to Improve your digital skills for learning, life, and work.

*Please note that this isa course exclusively for residents living in a West Sussex postcode area - please do not apply if you do not live in West Sussex. Thanks for your understanding.* We will be cooking together in real time, making a variety of dishes, with advice and ideas on how to change the quantities to suit the number of people you are cooking for. We will look at ways of cooking and baking for one or two, or enough for a party. We shall be measuring ingredients and there will be time to find out about all the different ways measurements are written in recipes, so you can cook with confidence. Recipes will be put on Canvas before the course begins, so you can go shopping if you are going to cook along with me. All questions are welcome during the session, novice cooks are welcome along with those who have more experience and we will share ideas. Outcome: Double and halve the quantities in a recipe using metric and imperial measures while cooking a variety of dishes.