WEA courses

Joining an art course offers a range of enjoyable experiences that cater to both personal and creative growth. It will provide a structured environment where you can explore different mediums and techniques, allowing you to express your thoughts, emotions, and ideas creatively. As you develop your skills, you discover your unique artistic style and voice, which is deeply fulfilling and empowering. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, there's always something new to learn. The process of mastering new techniques or mediums is exciting and rewarding. This course bring together people with similar interests, fostering a sense of community. Sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and collaborating on projects enhance the learning experience.

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.

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. 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 course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

This course is designed to help new drivers prepare for the driving theory test, a crucial step toward obtaining a driver’s license. The course covers all essential topics included in the driving theory test, such as road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and hazard perception. Through interactive lessons, practice tests, and detailed explanations, participants will gain a solid understanding of the rules of the road and develop the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the theory test.

We will explore the developments in Modern 20th century sculpture through the work of a selection of women sculptors. Then we will consider the way these sculptors experimented with shape and form, in figurative representational and abstract ways which often pushed boundaries and set precedents. We will analyse the sculptor's styles and choice/use of different mediums. We will also consider the wider chronological context of sculpture and how these sculptors relate to the developments. This course is for learners who have an interest in Art and a curiosity for this three-dimensional medium. The course material will cover a range of 20th century material, making comparisons and contrasts.

Learn to develop painting skills and colour mixing, inspired by the world around you.

In this course we will discuss and analyse the following authors and their works. These are: Look Back in Anger - John Osborne. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - Muriel Spark. The Vet's Daughter - Barbara Comyns. A Voice Through A Cloud - Denton Welch. A Kind of Loving - Stan Barstow. These texts are an eclectic blend of plays, novels and the autobiographical in the case of Denton Welch, an eccentric and now largely forgotten. There will be great scope for discussion and the voicing of opinions, and you will be encouraged to develop your own theories and interpretations in a supportive atmosphere.

Develop confidence to read advanced texts in English. This ESOL course teaches you different reading techniques and helps expand your vocabulary. Learn how to improve your reading skills to get the most out of living in the UK. This ESOL level 1 reading course builds on skills you learnt at entry 3. You’ll continue to learn about different styles of text and gain tools to interpret them. This is an English course for adults. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL courses are divided into three areas: reading, writing, and speaking & listening. If you’re helping others find ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

This course is perfect for absolute beginners who are new to sewing or have limited experience. It is also suitable for those who want to learn how to use an overlocker and follow paper patterns confidently and explore their sewing skills. Learn how to read, interpret, and use paper patterns for various projects. By the end of this course, you will have completed several practical projects and gained a solid understanding of how to use paper patterns and an overlocker. You’ll leave with the confidence to tackle more advanced sewing projects, equipped with essential skills and a creative mindset to explore further sewing endeavours.

This comprehensive sewing course is designed for beginners looking to develop essential sewing skills and knowledge. The curriculum covers everything from understanding the key components and stitches of a sewing machine to mastering beginner techniques like sewing in circles and straight lines. Students will learn how to work with various fabrics, create a tote bag, and use commercial patterns effectively. The course also explores the basics of hand-sewing, zipper installation, and topstitching. Additionally, students will gain practical insights into marketing their sewing projects, including using social media, creating adverts, and developing a one-page business plan using the Business Canvas Model.