WEA courses

The Pre-Entry ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course is designed for absolute beginners who are just starting their English language learning journey. It focuses on building foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through practical, everyday situations.

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.

This micro course is aimed at building community in diverse times and finding collaborative solutions for community issues. On this course you will understand how to use skills to create harmonious living and working environments. On completion of this course you will be awarded the digital badge: Peaceful Communities Advocate which honours individuals who actively promote peace, tolerance and unity within their communities.

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 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. 

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.