WEA courses

This course looks at the troubled years after 1140, when England was ravaged by civil war and had two rival monarchs: the Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I and her cousin, King Stephen. The Empress spent 17 years trying to secure her birthright. These years were called ‘The Anarchy’ by historians because of the destruction wreaked by both sides on villages and towns across southern England and the breakdown of law and order. The course explores the reasons why William Adelin’s sister, the Empress Matilda never achieved the Crown.

We shall discuss the tidal waves of history which enabled the Low Countries to become the driving force in trade, exploration and also painting at this time. This course will educate and entertain those with an interest in the life and work of three of the greatest artists of their age and probably of all time – Pieter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer

Vulnerable people are at higher risk of neglect and abuse. Training in safeguarding teaches you how to spot signs that someone may be at harm. It also helps you know what steps to take in case of reported or suspected abuse. This short safeguarding course gives you a view into safeguarding practices and the importance of protecting adults’ rights to live in safety.

Are you interested in buying and selling online? This course looks at ways to keep safe online including how to avoid online scams and delivery fraud. We focus on what you need to consider when selling your own items online covering topics such as taking photos and pricing appropriately. We also look at some marketing techniques that are used to encourage people to make a purchase. Your rights as a buyer forms part of the course as does how to work out if something is a genuine bargain or not.

Welcome to the ‘Driving Theory part 2’, course. On this course you will focus on essential knowledge for safe driving. Students will explore traffic laws, road signs, and driving regulations in-depth. Practical sessions cover defensive driving techniques, hazard perception, and strategies for various road conditions. Interactive exercises and mock theory tests simulate real-world scenarios to enhance learning and readiness for the official exam. By the course's end, participants will have a solid understanding of road safety principles, equipped to navigate the roads responsibly and confidently. This course prepares students effectively for the driving theory test, ensuring they grasp crucial concepts necessary for becoming safe and competent drivers.

If your role involves looking after the wellbeing of others at work, this mental health awareness training is ideal for you. Help create a healthy company culture by advocating for mental health issues in your workplace. Increase awareness among colleagues and those in your care. Build your skills in supporting others with mental health difficulties. This mental health first aid course is useful for a wide range of roles where you may be in contact with individuals struggling with mental health.

With the decline of the old Hollywood studio system, a new generation of film makers, many of them exposed to international cinema at film school, expressed themselves on screen with individual voices and a counter culture attitude. Key to this selection of films is the notion of a ‘crisis of public myth’ echoed throughout this period – just who are the heroes and who are the villains? We examine better known and continually highly acclaimed films such as Cool Hand Luke, was it just recycling the chain gang film or doing something more? The Outlaw Josey Wales as an example of the ‘Revisionist Western’ which came out of this period with its differing representation of the people and events of the Old West as previously seen in Classic Hollywood. The Last American Hero arguably questioning youthful attitudes, the law, freedom and the concept of the popular ‘folk heroes’ in a modern corporate world. Cult favourite, The Swimmer offering an example of more unusual comment on materialism, a crisis of national identity and more. With the Blues Brothers serving as an example a film carrying the New Hollywood baton in its attitude and approach after the blockbusters of the mid 1970s, mixing genres in a more comedic, musical and anti-realist style. All promoting knowledge of the subject matter and enthusiasm for film in general. Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Last American Hero (1973), The Swimmer (1968), The Blues Brothers (1980), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Every famous trial is a snapshot of history in the making. We see the cast of characters strutting on the stage that is the court room, acting out their roles against the backdrop of forces that are often beyond their control - the letter of the law, the power of the state, the force of prejudice, the facts of the case. Their focus is the outcome of 'their' trial, but ours is more than that; why is this trial famous, how did it change things, what lessons does it teach us? Join Peter Blood to study the people, issues and outcomes in five famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance.

Vulnerable people are at higher risk of neglect and abuse. Training in safeguarding teaches you how to spot signs that someone may be at harm. It also helps you know what steps to take in case of reported or suspected abuse. This short safeguarding course gives you a view into safeguarding practices and the importance of protecting adults’ rights to live in safety.

This three hour lecture offers an in-depth examination of the rich history of the Old Bailey in London. It delves into the architectural evolution of the building itself, tracing its development from its early days to its current form. Additionally, the lecture explores the Old Bailey's significant role in the British legal system, highlighting its function in upholding and administering the law throughout the centuries. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this iconic courthouse has shaped and been shaped by the legal landscape, reflecting broader societal changes and the pursuit of justice in London and beyond.