WEA courses

The last 50 years of the Ottoman Empire continues to drive current events and politics in Europe and the Middle East. In this course we consider the events, characters and forces that lead to its breakup including the modernisation attempts of the ‘Young Turk’ movement, the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, The Great War (including the Arab Revolt, the Armenian Genocide and the Turkish War of Independence. We finish by considering the rise of the new secular state of Turkey and the legacy of the Ottomans and why a century after its end the Ottoman Empire is still relevant throughout southeastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

This course will consider and analyse the following authors and their texts. These are: The Stranger’s Child - Alan Hollinghurst. The Blue Flower - Penelope Fitzgerald. A Pale View of Hills - Kazuo Ishiguro. Last Orders - Graham Swift. On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan. These texts will provide a window into the different regions of Britain during the last fifty years, decades of major change in the social fabric and political nature of Britain, though several of our texts will trace these changes back to the earlier part of the twentieth century, and in doing so, we will encounter themes of identity, class and the decline of Empire. There will be much to prompt discussion and challenge our assumptions. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Welcome to our Measure Up- Introduction to Sewing Course! This course is designed for sewing enthusiasts of all levels who want to improve their numerical skills specifically for the art of sewing. Over the course, students will dive in-to fundamental numerical concepts essential for accurate and efficient sewing projects. Whether you are a beginner or experienced at sewing, this introduction to sewing Course promises to empower you with all the knowledge to raise your sewing projects to new levels, join us and unravel the world of numbers in sewing like never before!

This course will help you develop further watercolour techniques interrelated with drawing skills, and in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques in a subtle way, by relating them to examples by various masters of drawing and watercolour (such as Dürer, Turner or Cezanne) and contemporary artists (such as David Hockney or Anselm Kiefer). If you would like to have a fresh view of watercolour painting and drawing, and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques such as glazing, graded wash or cross-hatching, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity It will also encourage you to create your own original artworks based on the techniques learned and it will bring a fresh perspective on known techniques and styles, if you have already practised them in your own paintings. You will need to bring your own materials, paints and paper along for this course. The tutor will let you know what to bring

The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.

Are you thinking about taking an ESOL entry 1 speaking and listening course? If so, this course can help to prepare you to study. Set yourself up for success on your ESOL course with this preparation course. Get ready courses help you learn English at your own pace. This course gives you extra study time. This is an introductory English course for beginners. If you’re helping others access entry 1 ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Discover for the first time, or re-visit an old favourite, this course will introduce you to a wide range of artworks from the national collection of Tate Britain in London. We explore specific works by historical, modern and contemporary artists in relation to wider cultural and social contexts. The aim of the course is to develop confidence and visual literacy skills when looking at and discussing art in London’s galleries. On this course, we examine work by prominent artists as diverse as Anthony Van Dyck, Joan Carlile, William Blake, JMW Turner, the Pre-Raphaelites, Gwen John, Mona Hatoum and Mike Kelly.

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.

Continue your exploration of literature with our Literature: Literature: A Good Read Learn about key works and authors, and develop your literary analysis skills. Ideal for literature enthusiasts and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of fiction.

Discover the wonderful world of the sewing with this sewing and dressmaking course. It will help you to develop your craft in textile and fashion and dressmaking. Whether you have studied sewing before or you are completely new to it, You will find value in this sewing course. Develop your skills to Improve the sewing, measuring and adjustment skills needed to make and finish garments, and improve your knowledge of fabrics. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your sewing journey today by registering for this course and discover where your sewing journey takes you!