WEA courses

This three-hour session explores the history of Scandinavian design across four transformative decades, tracing its rise to international prominence. Known for its clean lines, functional elegance, and deep respect for natural materials, Scandinavian design stands out for marrying modernist ideals with warmth, simplicity, and a strong sense of everyday usability. We’ll look at key figures such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Greta Magnusson Grossman, examining how their work shaped national and regional design identities. Through furniture, lighting, textiles, and domestic objects, the session will consider how social democracy, craft traditions, and innovation combined to create a timeless design ethos that continues to resonate today.

As the French celebrate Bastille Day on 14th July, we will explore the dynamic relationship between art and political upheaval during the final decades of the 18th century in France up to 1830. From the twilight of the Ancien Régime to the rise of Napoleon, we will examine how artists such as Jacques-Louis David, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, and Adelaide Labille-Guiard responded to and shaped the revolutionary moment. Through paintings (some very famous, such as David’s Death of Marat), prints, and visual propaganda, we’ll consider how art functioned as a tool of persuasion, resistance, and reinvention. The session will also explore shifting artistic styles, including the decline of Rococo and the rise of Neoclassicism within a rapidly transforming society.

This course equips learners with fundamental digital skills to support their education and lifelong learning. Designed for learners at all stages of their digital journey, it builds confidence in using technology for research, communication, and organisation. Key topics may include: • how to navigate devices: using computers, tablets, and smartphones for learning • online research: using search engines effectively and assessing reliable sources • digital communication: setting up and managing email, using educational platforms, and engaging in online discussions • document creation: writing, saving, and sharing documents using word processing tools • online safety: protecting personal information, recognising scams, and practicing responsible digital behaviour • accessing online learning resources: using e-books, videos, and virtual classrooms Through guided practice, where appropriate, and real-life learning tasks, participants will develop and demonstrate their digital confidence and independence. By the end of the course, learners will be able to effectively use technology to enhance their education and continue their personal development.

The ESOL Skills in Action 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 using their newly learned ESOL skills, by letting them put them into practice in a safe environment. It focuses on giving the learners the opportunity to use their speaking and listening skills to engage with the tutor and their classmates, celebrate their own achievements in completing their previous course and stretch themselves to engage in a class activity. The course should help to build the learner’s confidence so that they feel comfortable enough to use these new ESOL skills in their day to day lives.

This course equips learners with fundamental digital skills to support their education and lifelong learning. Designed for learners at all stages of their digital journey, it builds confidence in using technology for research, communication, and organisation. Key topics may include: • how to navigate devices: using computers, tablets, and smartphones for learning • online research: using search engines effectively and assessing reliable sources • digital communication: setting up and managing email, using educational platforms, and engaging in online discussions • document creation: writing, saving, and sharing documents using word processing tools • online safety: protecting personal information, recognising scams, and practicing responsible digital behaviour • accessing online learning resources: using e-books, videos, and virtual classrooms Through guided practice, where appropriate, and real-life learning tasks, participants will develop and demonstrate their digital confidence and independence. By the end of the course, learners will be able to effectively use technology to enhance their education and continue their personal development.

This course equips learners with fundamental digital skills to support their education and lifelong learning. Designed for learners at all stages of their digital journey, it builds confidence in using technology for research, communication, and organisation. Key topics may include: • how to navigate devices: using computers, tablets, and smartphones for learning • online research: using search engines effectively and assessing reliable sources • digital communication: setting up and managing email, using educational platforms, and engaging in online discussions • document creation: writing, saving, and sharing documents using word processing tools • online safety: protecting personal information, recognising scams, and practicing responsible digital behaviour • accessing online learning resources: using e-books, videos, and virtual classrooms Through guided practice, where appropriate, and real-life learning tasks, participants will develop and demonstrate their digital confidence and independence. By the end of the course, learners will be able to effectively use technology to enhance their education and continue their personal development.

This short practical course will give you the information you need to support your life and work in the UK. The course is idea for newcomers and those those seeking to deepen their understanding of UK systems.Your tutor will focus on how to access local community support services and also give you information about how your basic employment rights. You will learn how to manage your daily life and services in your local area and how to understand working life in the United Kingdom.

Harold Macmillan famously claimed in 1957 that the majority of British people had ‘never had it so good’ What did he mean by this and was this true? This thought provoking course will examine through contemporary evidence, films and through discussion the evidence for this. We will focus on the social, political and economic factors which applied in the lead up to the period and also the challenges which Macmillan himself identified. Lastly we will transition to the present day, and consider whether we are better off today, and if not why not?

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.