WEA courses

This eight week course will trace the history of the classical string quartet and its music. The standard instruments of a string quartet have remained unchanged since the eighteenth century and the equal-terms principle has been its hallmark. In composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert we can experience the development of this genre of chamber music. A wealth of supreme quartets exists for the listener to explore and appreciate from the classical period to the present day. There will be an opportunity to hear live music played by a string quartet during the course of the eight weeks.

This course is only for women attending WHIST. Enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of working in a creative environment and boost your self-confidence with this exciting Performing Arts Class. Discover more about Musical Theatre, Acting, Singing and Dance. Our fun, experienced tutor will encourage and guide you throughout the course. Meet like-minded women at this supportive environment.

The course will examine the varied opportunities for leisure and entertainment in twentieth century London. Shorter working days, two day weekends, paid holidays and higher living standards all created opportunities for more leisure. Leisure activities constantly evolved throughout the century. Cinema replaced the music hall. Radio survived but was overtaken by television, which in turn became a form of home cinema. The public house, the public park, the public library and professional football remained popular throughout the century, as did the West End theatre, but other activities like grey hound racing and speedway faded away. The course will outline the social history of many of these activities.

This course is for women attending WHIST only. Enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of working in a creative environment and boost your self-confidence with this exciting stage management class. Discover more about Musical Theatre, develop your design and practical skills making stage props; have a go at working as part of a team to discuss ideas, themes and overcome challenges. Taking place in venue, for women attending WHIST, South Tyneside. This course will boost your confidence in the stage management process as well as your knowledge of Musical Theatre. Our fun, experienced tutor will encourage and guide you throughout the course. Meet like-minded women at this supportive environment. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.

There are many reasons to study this English functional skills course but you might be surprised to know that they’re not academic. Whether you want to feel more confident at public speaking or would like to study an apprenticeship or traineeship, this Level 2 English Functional Skills course can help you achieve your goals in a fun and practical way. Functional skills courses teach you English skills for learning, life, and work- not just to pass an exam. Enjoy the learning process as you watch your vocabulary grow, your spelling improve, and your confidence soar. If you’re fed up with academic courses and want to learn English in a practical and gratifying way, you won’t regret taking this English functional skills level 2 course. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and dynamic world of African drumming in this interactive course. Designed for beginners and rhythm enthusiasts, this class introduces participants to the fundamentals of rhythm, timing, and teamwork through traditional African drumming techniques. Learners will explore the cultural significance of African drumming, learn to play basic patterns and rhythms, and experience the joy of collective music-making. No prior drumming experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a sense of rhythm!

This course will explore a wide range of classical music from different eras and cultural / ethnic traditions alongside other genres of music through a combination of close / active listening and engagement with a variety of background and critical materials on the pieces under consideration to provide context and key listening points.

This course will explore a wide range of texts from the Classical world and other myths and cultures through a combination of close reading alongside an exploration of a variety of other resources such as historical / contemporary creative responses to myth in literature, visual art, film and music.

If there is such a thing, at any time the “national mood” in any country is reflected in the cultural products of the period - visual works, theatre productions, the movies, the literature. The course will provide an overview of the decade from the artistic and cultural viewpoint. This will include the art movements which emerged such as Abstract Expressionism, exemplified by people like Jackson Pollock, music developments such as rock'n'roll famously promoted by Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and many others and epoch-making movies such as West Side Story.

This is a great way to start the week if you like doing exercise, dancing and having fun. Keep fit and exercise with a fun and feelgood hour of music, movement and relaxation. Work at your own pace and level. Each session you will work on: - breathing exercises - simple stretching (to get warmed up & alert) - easy aerobic sequences - basic JAZZ & SWING dance moves (to incorporate into an uplifting song)