WEA courses

During this course we will consider a wide range of novels that were pubished in the 1840s as a continuation of an exploration of literature published through the decades of Victoria’s long reign. We will consider a range of novels by both male and female writers: Barnaby Rudge (Charles Dickens 1841); The Luck of Barry Lyndon (W M Thackeray, 1844); Sybil (Benjamin Disraeli, 1845); Agnes Grey (Anne Bronté, 1847); Shirley (Charlotte Bronté, 1849). The 1840s were a prosperous time for many but but this decade was also known as the Hungry Forties. The 1840s also saw the growth of the realist novel.

This Advanced level course will build on skills gained in the Pre Entry and Intermediate courses that you may have studied previously, or you may be assessed by the tutor as ready for this course straight away. It has been developed in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council which refers learners to this and to other courses hosed at the Old School based in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton. This course is particularly suited to students who are unemployed and have been referred by a Job Centre to improve your spoken and written English and thereby develop the skills to empower you to get that job.

The course aims to encourage learners to attend art exhibitions and/or musical events with a greater background knowledge in order to enhance appreciation. If actual attendance is not possible, to undertake independent research and hence, enjoy a more active and cultural lifestyle. The class also offers an opportunity for learners to interact socially with like- minded people in intellectual pursuits. It also encourages learners to acquire critical and analytical skills through debate and discussion. The course covers all styles and periods from the Renaissance to the present day. It is multi media to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. It is suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

Get a view into the enriching world of teaching and learning. If you’d like to work in a school, with kids or in an admin role, this course is the perfect first step. Whether you plan to get a teaching qualification or just want a taster into the school environment, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for in school staff. In this course you’ll learn foundational concepts for working in a learning environment. It can help you decide whether a job at a school is right for you

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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.

This accredited qualification is suitable for those who are less knowledgeable or unsure of the worlds’ current environmental issues. It is devised to present learners with an introduction to the principles of climate change and environmental awareness. It will ensure learners understand the nature of climate change and the role they can play in helping to reduce waste, emissions, carbon footprints and improve sustainability. Through achieving the qualification, learners will gain the knowledge and understanding to act as drivers for positive environmental change and have a foothold in the emerging environmental sector.

Deepen Your Mindfulness Practice: Intermediate Level Ready to take your mindfulness journey to the next level? This 6-week course builds upon your existing knowledge and techniques, empowering you to significantly reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing. Explore powerful practices like mindful breathing, cultivating a mindful brain, and integrating mindfulness into daily activities. Discover how just a few minutes a day can transform your busy life, fostering inner calm and reducing stress levels.

Get Moving and Feel Empowered! It is said that sitting for long, uninterrupted periods of time may leave you more prone to cardiovascular problems. So come along to this Seated Aerobics course to get those limbs moving, and those hearts pumping! In this 6-week seated aerobics course, you'll experience the benefits of exercise in a comfortable and supportive environment. This low-impact, chair-based program is specifically designed for individuals who may have mobility limitations or prefer a seated workout. Our expert instructor will guide you through a series of exercises that will get your heart rate up, improve your flexibility, balance, and strength, all while seated in a chair.

This course explores history of Britain's relationship with the European Union, from its inception to the present day. The course will cover key events, policies, and political figures that have shaped this relationship, culminating in the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. We will be looking in a comprehensive way at our attitude to the EU from the earliest days, focusing on the factors which led to our eventual entry and navigate through the complex history of Britain’s relationship with the EU, focusing on key events, policies, and political dynamics leading to Brexit and beyond.

Paris between 1870 and 1925, in the period known as La Belle Epoque, saw an outburst of artistic creativity in which music played a major role. Composers such as Bizet, Debussy, Ravel and Satie produced innovations which advanced western musical development by overturning Wagner and re-writing the rule book on harmony and form. After a lull since its Romantic hey-day in the 1830s, Paris was once again the centre of the musical world. The city was now a melting pot for artistic endeavour, transforming influences from Russia, Spain, the Far East and the USA into music which became uniquely and elegantly French. In this course, we trace a period, book-ended by two devastating wars, through its achievements in verismo opera, “total art” ballet, impressionism, avant-garde and jazz.