WEA courses

Bring your characters to life with our Creative Writing: Creating and Developing Characters course. Learn techniques for creating complex, believable characters that drive your stories. Ideal for writers looking to enhance their character development skills.

In this online course, we will focus on a century of artistic creation in Britain. From the artists in Cornwall to the war artists during the Second World War, we will study a varied mix of artists and art movements. We will proceed chronologically, but will keep in mind several transversal themes, especially that of the dialogue with artistic centres abroad. In doing so, we will wonder whether modern British art followed a similar path as elsewhere or if some singular traits can be identified. Come and join us online to extend your knowledge of art with the guidance of tutor Caroline Levisse.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse artistic traditions of Australia, spanning thousands of years. You will discover the country’s fascinating artistic heritage, from ancient Aboriginal rock art—dating back over 28,000 years—to contemporary works that reflect the cultural evolution of the region. We will examine both Indigenous artistic traditions (such as bark painting) and the European influences that arrived with colonisation (such as Impressionist landscape painting), analysing how these styles interact and shape Australian art today. This course provides an engaging and thought-provoking introduction. Join us for a journey through Australia's unique artistic landscape! No previous knowledge required.

We will meet online weekly for 11 weeks, and the tutor will demonstrate each of the stitches that will be recorded for you to refer to between the sessions. There will also be handouts to use and plenty of inspiration through class discussion and links to websites and Pinterest, fostering a vibrant community of embroidery enthusiasts. This course will look at the different stitches and patterns used to create beautiful blackwork samples. These can then be turned into pictures or sewn into various projects. Blackwork is a historical embroidery technique using aida or evenweave cloth, and it is characterised by its use of black thread on a white or light-coloured background. Originating in Spain and popularised in England during the Tudor period, blackwork is known for its intricate geometric designs and floral motifs. Blackwork was traditionally used to embellish clothing, particularly cuffs and collars, and is noted for its delicate and sophisticated appearance. The technique often employs a backstitch or a Holbein stitch.You will learn how to create various blackwork patterns, mastering the use of different stitches to achieve stunning effects. Overall, this course aims to not only enhance your embroidery skills but also deepen your appreciation for blackwork.

This class will teach you how to make a range of small projects: cushions, bags, zip purses, peg bag/tea cosy, hanging hearts or birds or you can choose patterns of your own. Weekly skills will also be covered including buttonholes, ways to insert zips, piping, darts and more. Basic knowledge of the sewing machine is needed.

Join us to unleash your creativity and develop your creative skills. This day workshop will give you the opportunity to explore creative themes and ideas to inspire inventive response using a range of mediums to suit the project and your preference . Join us to immerse yourself in a day of creativity and be inspired. Learners will be encouraged to develop and share ideas within the session. Whatever your creative level or direction this workshop is designed to inspire and guide you to develop your creative confidence. Discover how the enjoyment of creative art can be creatively enjoyable and beneficial for well-being.

Build on your calligraphy skills with our Craft: Next Steps in Calligraphy: Italic - Unlocking Creativity course. Learn advanced italic lettering techniques and explore creative applications of italic script. Ideal for individuals with basic calligraphy experience looking to advance their skills.

In this course, we will explore the art that has been uncovered and continues to be uncovered in Pompeii. We will explore both the variety of frescoes and mosaics that may be seen there. Not only will we analyse and discover individual frescoes and mosaics, we will also discuss the lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants and the beliefs and culture which gave rise to them, exploring who art and culture defined these people and their being. There will be scope for lively discussions of the images, and advice given on further reading to enrich your understanding of this fascinating historical moment, arrested by Vesuvio’s eruption.

This five-week course is for those whose first language is NOT English. It is an intermediate (B1) level course and learners should already be familiar with a basic grasp of the English Language in order to access this course. The sessions will develop learners’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Lessons will be delivered in a face-to-face setting using a range of teacher-led and freer interactive activities to develop learners’ proficiency and confidence. In addition to a focus on general pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, students will be encouraged to reflect on the English they hear around them and bring new vocabulary and expressions into the classroom to share.

A friendly and accessible guide to feature writing, both in print and/or for digital media – blogs, online reviews etc. How to write, research, style and structure an article, either/or factual and creative. Taking time to identify a suitable publication for a proposed article and making first contact. This course also explores the online possibilities of reviews and blogging – how to blog consistently and maintain a readership. This course will make use of a mix of informal feedback, lecture using PowerPoint slides, some focused group discussion/creative tasks in breakout rooms and feedback. Suitable for beginners or improvers and those with a passing curiosity!