WEA courses

Would you like to learn about art and at the same time practice your French? This course is for you! During ten weeks, we will discuss a series of topics related to art and culture. The course aims to enrich your knowledge of art history, develop your French vocabulary, and boost your confidence when speaking French. Please see the longer description for a list of the themes we will study. . Language skills: This is not a language course. To follow this course, it is desirable to have a good level in French (probably upper intermediate, or B2 and above). The group will be small and the atmosphere relaxed and tolerant. If your French is a bit rusty, it is OK! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This course is designed to help you provide evidence of the knowledge and understanding required to support and protect children and young people’s safeguarding needs in a learning environment. This course is perfect for people looking to work in the education sector, to give you some extra knowledge that you can apply. This course will teach you about safeguarding within a learning environment including why safeguarding is so important, signs that you might look out for and how to report a safeguarding concern to the relevant person. You will also learn about the relevant legislation involved. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Longer, darker evenings of Autumn provide the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the night sky. We will concentrate on some of the objects (stars and planets) that can be seen over the autumn with the unaided eye. You will be given guidance on how to observe them. Astronomy is a very dynamic subject, and we will consider news stories of note. The course is for beginners/those with some experience and targetted observing challenges will be set. You will be encouraged to undertake independent research (via ‘mini-projects’) and, if you are willing, share with class members. Weekly knowledge quizzes will be set so that you can see your progress.

The emergence of the House of Lancaster could have led to a major decline of the English realm, yet it achieved its greatest success against the old enemy of France. A consideration of the later reign of Richard II will be made, and what particular factors ultimately led to his overthrow. We will then go on to provide a major analysis of the reign of Henry IV, dealing with the various problems and rebellions faced by the English and how he in turn was able to contain those problems. This course will analyse the course of those events.

Pre-Entry English: Driving Theory Part 2 Overview: Master the essentials of driving theory in English with this comprehensive course! Get ready for your learner's permit test with confidence by building a strong foundation in road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. What you'll learn: Part 1 - The Highway Code: Decode essential road signs and markings, understand traffic light signals, and learn right-of-way rules for a safe and smooth driving experience. Part 2 - Your Driving Test: Master the knowledge required for the practical driving test, including maneuvers, vehicle checks, and safe driving practices in various road conditions. Essential Terminology: Build a strong vocabulary related to car parts, driving actions, and traffic regulations, ensuring clear communication with instructors and fellow drivers. Practice Tests: Test your knowledge with practice quizzes designed to mirror the format of the official learner's permit tests. Benefits: Increase your confidence: Feel prepared and empowered when taking your learner's permit tests. Pass your tests the first time: Solidify your understanding of driving theory for a smoother testing experience. Develop safe driving habits: Learn the rules and regulations that keep you and others safe on the road. Build your English vocabulary: Enhance your English language skills with driving-specific terminology. This interactive course utilizes clear explanations, visuals, practice quizzes, and downloadable resources to ensure a thorough and engaging learning experience. Take control of your driving journey! Sign up for Pre-Entry English: Driving Theory Part 1 & 2 today!"

This course is designed to help you provide evidence of the knowledge and understanding required to support children and young people’s health and safety in a learning environment. This comprehensive, non-accredited course equips educators, administrators, and support staff with essential health and safety skills tailored for educational settings. Through interactive sessions, real-life examples, and practical guidelines, attendees will gain the knowledge to create and sustain a secure learning space. Ideal for anyone involved in school or daycare management, this course emphasizes proactive measures and compliance with current safety standards to ensure the well-being of students and staff. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Starting a blog is easier than you think. If you have ideas, tips, or recommendations to share, this short blogging course can teach you the essentials to get your blog online. This beginner’s blogging course covers essential lessons in both writing and setting up your blog. You’ll learn creative writing techniques to make your blogs engaging, and digital skills to make sure you can set up and maintain your site. This course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you.

Social media is one of the biggest marketing channels today. Whether you’re a small business owner, charity worker, community service operator, or local performer, having a presence online can help you get in front of your target audience. Social media courses give you essential digital training to be able to set up and run social media accounts. They also help you learn to market yourself online. This social media marketing course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you! We will cover five main platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Understand how these channels work 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.

Have you ever wondered how to look at a painting and how to figure out what it means? This course will give you keys to develop your understanding and appreciation of paintings and their history. Based on the study of many concrete examples, taken from a variety of historical periods and styles, we will study all the aspects of a painting, from its format and technique, to its subject matter. As we do so, you will have many occasions to apply this knowledge and techniques for yourself.

This course will examine Ireland’s unique contribution to twentieth century poetry in English. We will explore the work of two Nobel Prize winners, W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney, plus the work of Patrick Kavanagh, Louis MacNeice and Michael Longley. Additionally, we will refer in passing to poems by numerous other poets such as Paul Muldoon and Derek Mahon. We will analyse those elements which have contributed to Ireland’s distinctive contribution to world literature in the last 100 years, and discuss the relationship between a politically troubled history and creativity. There will be ample opportunities for discussion in what will be lively sessions.