WEA courses

Explore the captivating evolution of fashion with our course, "Unmentionables." This journey takes us from the earliest evidence and references through to the present day. Looking at diaries, fashion plates and other contemporary sources we will explore the influences which have shaped clothing and underwear trends. How did the clothing of the elite differ from of everyone else? We will also be considering how the industrial revolution and the changing role of women affects underwear. And lastly what about today what are the ethical and sustainability issues we have to consider? Join us to find out more

This session charts to life and work of Vincent van Gough. Vincent was born in 1853 in the Netherlands. He was mostly known as a Post Impressionist painter. The session will be delivered by power point presentation and lecture , handouts will be given where appropriate. The session is tailored to allow learners the opportunity to consolidate their learning as the course is delivered by discussion of their learning outcomes and opinions in a friendly and engaging environment and there will be fun group activities during the course to check on understanding and learning.

This course is a follow on to the previous ‘Writing Your First Novel: Next Level’ course, but suitable for newly enrolling students with experience writing fiction. 'Writing your first Novel: Advanced' is all about the deeper craft of creative writing—those elements that will make your work really stand out when you are making your first steps into the world of writing, regardless of whether you are planning on submitting your work, or if you are just writing for fun. Giving you the opportunity to develop an effective creative writing practice, and further personal development, especially if you want to get that first novel out of your head and onto paper.

Welcome to the ‘Driving Theory part 2’, course. On this course you will focus on essential knowledge for safe driving. Students will explore traffic laws, road signs, and driving regulations in-depth. Practical sessions cover defensive driving techniques, hazard perception, and strategies for various road conditions. Interactive exercises and mock theory tests simulate real-world scenarios to enhance learning and readiness for the official exam. By the course's end, participants will have a solid understanding of road safety principles, equipped to navigate the roads responsibly and confidently. This course prepares students effectively for the driving theory test, ensuring they grasp crucial concepts necessary for becoming safe and competent drivers.

This micro course is designed for learners who want to improve their ability to critically evaluate information in today’s digital world. With the rise of social media and online news, it’s more important than ever to be able to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. The course will cover the basics of media literacy, including how to identify reliable information and recognize biased or misleading content. On completion of this course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Fact Checking in the Digital Age. This badge celebrates those who apply critical thinking and digital literacy skills to navigate the vast landscape of online information, separating facts from falsehoods. Recipients of this badge are committed to maintaining the integrity of digital spaces by promoting accuracy, reliability, and responsible information sharing practices.

This drawing course will take place in the fascinating Victorian Bournemouth Natural Science Society. The Museum is a treasure trove of carefully preserved examples of natural form: butterflies, shells stuffed birds and skulls, which learners will be able to draw in pencil and coloured pencil - a small and intimate version of the Natural History Museum. One to one instruction will be given by the tutor (a professional artist) This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style.

This course will focus on looking at ways of protecting our health. This course will help people manage their health and money better by looking at health facts, budgeting and reducing food waste. We will use numeracy to upskill students in understanding their health in numbers so that they are able to make better choices and increase their mental health and wellbeing. 

The Confidence in your Community course is an exciting additional course which engages learners for an addition session. The course is designed to give them the opportunity to build their confidence in and around their local community; whilst they are out there using their newly learned ESOL skills. The course will focus on identifying local resources (such as libraries, community centres and local services) to help learners to engage more in their communities and build their confidence in accesses these local resources and encouraging them to be more engaged locally also. By learning the vocabulary for and then identifying local services; learners can start their journeys towards engaging in the community more, benefiting themselves and their local area.

This micro course is designed for community learners who want to improve their job application success by learning how to tailor their CVs for different roles. In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each job you apply for, and this course will provide the practical skills to do just that. Throughout the session, learners will explore the key components of a CV, including personal statements, work experience, skills, and qualifications. The course will teach learners how to adapt each section of their CV to match the job description, ensuring they present themselves as the ideal candidate. Learners will also learn about using keywords from job adverts to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how to format their CVs to make a lasting impression. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to customise their CVs confidently for each job application, improving their chances of securing interviews. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their job application strategy and stand out to potential employers.

This micro course is aimed at individuals who are working to actively strengthen bonds within diverse communities, promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaboration. On completion of the course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Community Unity Builder. This badge celebrates those who create environments where different groups can come together, share ideas, and work toward common goals. Recipients of this badge are committed to fostering understanding and cooperation, and they take practical steps to bridge divides within their community.