WEA courses

In this course you will listen to, explore and enjoy a wide range of classical music from its earliest eras through to the present day by well-known and more marginal composers. In doing so you will engage with several individual works in different forms in each session thinking about the circumstances of and reasons behind their creation, and the particulars of the sonic landscape they offer through ideas such as genre, style, technique and arrangement, this will set the musical piece in context and also dive into the way the piece was constructed. To complement this we will also pay attention to the life and background of each different composer and how their approach to composition contributes to a distinctive oeuvre. You will also listen to examples of music from other genres such as jazz, film music, contemporary/neo/post-classical, ambient and electronic music.

Learn to have in-depth interactions in BSL. Embrace inclusive communication and help dismantle communication barriers in society. Knowing how to sign can help you in a variety of situations where you need to interact with deaf people. This BSL course is suitable for you if you need to communicate with deaf people or people with hearing impairments. It can help you in a variety of contexts, for example in a voluntary or community role, or simply in social interactions. This course is aimed at advanced-level learners who have a solid base in British Sign Language (BSL). If you are not at an advanced level yet, you can take a beginner’s or improver’s BSL course.

This course will help pre-entry ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) learners to start to learn about the English language and the essential skills they need to use it in their lives here in the UK and to help them on their journey towards work. This pre-entry ESOL course will teach you skills to communicate some basic ideas in English. Through a range of activities, you will develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The course will have an initial assessment at the start to identify that you are the right level to join the course.

This is a great way to start the week if you like doing exercise, dancing and having fun. Keep fit and exercise with a fun and feelgood hour of music and movement and relaxation. Work at your own pace and level. Each session you will work on: - breathing exercises - simple stretching (to get warmed up & alert) - easy aerobic sequences - basic CONTEMPORARY MODERN dance moves (to incorporate into an uplifting song)

We will discuss four novels, published between 1954 and 1961, and think about whether they have stood the test of time. Much of this period has been labelled as the decade of The Angry Young Men. We will be thinking about what that means, and whether any of these four novels belong in that grouping as we look, in detail, at The Tortoise and the Hare, by Elizabeth Jenkins; Lucky Jim, by Kingsley Amis; The Ballad of Peckham Rye by Muriel Spark and A Severed Head, by Iris Murdoch. We will consider how these writers present society.

This course will be delivered through a combination of hands-on drumming sessions, interactive workshops, guided listening sessions, cultural explorations, and performances. Participants will have access to a variety of drums and instruments for hands-on learning and practice. Learners will explore the rich diversity of musical traditions and cultures through drumming develop foundational rhythmic skills and techniques on various percussion instruments.

On this course, you will learn about the key elements of a CV and follow this structure to build your own. You will be guided through a step-by-step process allowing you to build your CV as the course progresses. You will learn about the type of personal information you should include, how to construct your previous education and work experience, as well as how to write an effective personal statement. You will use your existing English to communicate with others on the course but you will continue to develop your wider English skills and learn new vocabulary connected to CV writing. You will need to be working at ESOL Level 1 to join this course. If you are a new WEA learner we will ask you to do a short initial assessment to check your ESOL Level. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority

This is a beginners course to learn some practical skills in hand and skin care, beauty techniques - basic make up application , providing a basic manicure or pedicure treatment, learn how to follow health and safety and working with others effectively in the beauty sector. The purpose of this course is to provide learners with a sound basic knowledge and understanding of the practical skills outlined & to enable them to Develop their skills through being introduced to the beauty Industry and learn about how you should present a professional image in the salon. It will provide learners with a foundation for further learning.

This is a beginners course to learn some practical skills in hand and skin care, beauty techniques - basic make up application , providing a basic manicure or pedicure treatment, learn how to follow health and safety and working with others effectively in the beauty sector. The purpose of this course is to provide learners with a sound basic knowledge and understanding of the practical skills outlined & to enable them to Develop their skills through being introduced to the beauty Industry and learn about how you should present a professional image in the salon. It will provide learners with a foundation for further learning.

The Nail Technology course provides a comprehensive foundation in the art and science of nail care, covering techniques for manicures, , nail enhancements, and nail art. You will learn about nail anatomy, nail diseases, health and safety practices, and client consultation. Hands-on training includes nail shaping, cuticle care, polish application, and various nail enhancement methods such as acrylics, gels, and nail extensions. The course also explores current trends in nail design and customization, equipping students with the skills to create unique and professional nail services. Upon completion, students will be prepared for a career as a nail technician in the beauty industry.