WEA courses

Embark on a fascinating journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of the Silk Road. This 10-week course offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most significant trade routes in history, tracing its origins, evolution, and enduring legacy. From the bustling marketplaces of ancient cities to the cross-cultural exchanges that shaped empires, we will delve into the rich tapestry of cultures, economies, and ideas that flourished along this ancient network of trade routes. · This course will offer a rich interdisciplinary exploration of the Silk Road, drawing on historical texts, archaeological evidence, visual media, and discussion to deepen understanding of its pivotal influence in world history.

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. You do not need advanced maths skills to take this course. It is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The Entry Level Digital Skills for ESOL course is tailored for English language learners who wish to develop basic digital skills. This course covers fundamental computer operations, internet usage, and essential software applications, all while enhancing your English language proficiency. Ideal for beginners, it aims to equip you with the digital literacy needed for everyday tasks, further learning, and employment opportunities. Throughout the course, you will learn how to operate a computer, use the internet safely and effectively, and navigate key software applications such as word processors and email. The course content includes practical activities like creating and saving documents, browsing websites, and understanding basic online communication tools.

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.

Learning to plan your time more effectively can help you increase your personal productivity and perform better in various aspects of your life. If you feel like you’re constantly behind and rushing from one thing to the next, this time management training course can help you take the reins on your schedule. Learn techniques to help you enhance your productivity without burning out. Improving your time management skills can help you perform better in voluntary roles, work, or as a parent. It can also help you find ways to juggle all of these responsibilities without generating stress.

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.

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at Level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.

We will consider a range of films, from classics to contemporary cinema. We will discuss the style and meaning of diverse extracts drawing on key ideas from Film Studies. We will consider films from diverse countries, comparing and contrasting these with American and British cinema. The class will be organised around discussion of selected extracts, with guidance on points to look for, including different aspects of film such as the screenplay and cinematography. Students will be encouraged to develop their responses in small groups. Case studies will be included on Alfred Hitchcock and British cinema.

Develop foundational reading skills with this entry 1 English course for beginners. This English course is for speakers of other languages. It will help you learn basic English to study, work, and live in the UK. This ESOL reading course helps people who are just starting to learn English. It will help you gain confidence reading short texts and common words in English. There are also writing and speaking & listening courses at this level. If you’re helping others access ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. What we’ll cover: - Learn to identify common English words in everyday situations. - Understand signs, symbols and texts you will come across. - Read information about timetables, prices, and schedules. - Understand the purpose of different texts, including adverts, posters, and news articles. - Understand how punctuation is used to help you read more easily.

This online interactive course will help you learn some of the useful vocabulary related to Driving Theory and will allow you to understand the main driving rules in the UK. You will have access to the official DVLA website to practise as well as suggested materials in Canvas (our online learning platform). One face to face session will take place on March 11th at a veue to be confirmed.