WEA courses

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 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.

This course is for women attending WHIST only. Get into drama and boost your self-confidence with this exciting performing arts class. Discover more about Musical Theatre, develop your memory skills, have a go at working as part of a team to create a script and practice your performing skills. Taking place in venue, for women attending WHIST, South Tyneside. This course will boost your confidence as a performer and knowledge of Musical Theatre. Our fun, experienced tutor will encourage and guide you throughout the course supporting your to develop your resilience and motivation. Meet like-minded women at this supportive environment. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.

WEA are proud to deliver this course in partnership with Stockport Continuing Education Service. This course is intended for learners already at Entry Level 3 on their ESOL pathway who require some extra support to learn the specialist vocabulary and employability skills related to care work. After this course learners may continue their studies by joining our Step into Care programme leading to a work placement in a care setting.

This introductory course is for anyone who wants to develop a basic knowledge of working with children up to the age of 5 in early years’ settings such as nurseries or pre-schools. You will understand the importance of communication and will gain confidence in applying skills and techniques that will engage children in their personal development. You will study activities that can stimulate children's growth and learning development in their early years. You will increase your confidence in caring for children in early years’ settings. To progress on to an accredited Early Years’ Course at the WEA, or other courses.

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage

Would you like to learn new skills or change jobs? It can be hard to get back into learning after a long break. This confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This short course can help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning. The objective of this course is to get you into a positive mindset to achieve your goals. You will practise a variety of confidence-building exercises to help that mindset shift come from within. Learn skills to help you succeed in online and face-to-face teaching settings. Regain forgotten study habits. Pick up techniques to help you organise and enjoy your learning process. Understand where you feel most and least sure of yourself and do confidence-building exercises to get the most out of your studies. Confidence-building courses help you improve your self-esteem and overcome obstacles that hold you back. By the end of this course, you will feel confident to go after your learning objectives.

Come and join us to discover the fun and rewarding world of creating your own clothes! On this 10-week course, we will explore some of the essential sewing techniques needed to create some unique and personal garments. Discover how to use a sewing machine confidently and develop some technical skills such as measuring, inserting zips, adding piping and making darts plus using embellishing techniques to give your projects a professional and beautiful finish. As well as developing sewing skills, we will explore ways of creating clothes sustainably and ethically to reduce our impact on the environment and save money.

Beginner’s Digital Skills course for adults. Learn basic computer skills and get digitally fit for modern life. Learning for life and work. Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage. Digital courses online offer you learning for life and work. You’ll learn digital skills to help you in your everyday life. This course could also help you progress to job roles that require digital work skills.

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools’ course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.