Our General Programme

The General Programme responds to our mission to stimulate and satisfy the demands of adults for liberal education, differing from our Community and Workplace programmes in that it is marketed directly to the general public.

It is the part of our work that closely relates to expression of student community through courses which have been requested by our Branches, sometimes as continued study, sometimes as new initiatives, and allows volunteers to play a vital role in supporting tutors and administering the courses.

North East Regionallocates approx. 8000 hours to the General Programme, and it is important to make sure that the programme we offer to the general public continues to be varied, of a high standard, and well-publicised.

We provide an average of over 300 general programme courses, and attract 4000 students.

The range of courses is reflected in a selection of titles:

• How Words Work
• Our Stone Age Ancestors
• Russia in the 20th Century
• Watercolour Challenge
• Icing for Christmas
• Egyptology
• Cards and Gift Boxes
• Silver and Iron
• The World Spins On
• Flight - Do we take it for granted?
• Woodwork for Women
• A Calligraphic journey

The aim is accessibility, friendliness, and lively minds; our tutors are second to none in their ability to promote challenging discussion and creative successes among adults of all ages, and from a very wide range of social backgrounds.

The General Programme reflects our involvement in lifelong learning – many of our students age well into retirement with thinking minds and new interests.

The majority of our newly signed up WEA members come from the General Programme in their wish to stand up and be counted in the swell of people confirming their belief in WEA objectves.

Branches are now organising events relating to celebrating 100 years of learning. Their thriving influence in continuing education reflects the most rapidly growing section of the population.