WEA courses

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.

Discover the life and work of Artemisia Gentileschi born in Italy in 1593 who is considered to be one of the most accomplished female artists of the 17th century. The session explores her work and the messages it contained . We explore the reasons for her success , her relationships , methods and training. We will look at her early life and when , where and how she began to study . The session explores her early Caravaggio influences and her Italian Baroque style and technique. The session moves on to briefly explore the work of some of the other prominent female artists from other countries through time focusing on the elements of their work but in particular the connections they had which made their work popular despite the social and political limitations upon women at the time . We will then have the opportunity to look at the work of the more contemporary modern works of female artists drawing comparisons with Gentileschi's work. Some of the artists we will discover include icons such as Louise Bourgeois and Tamara de Lempicka as well as more contemporary modern artists such as Tracey Emin.

Unleash your creativity in our "Crafty Creations" course, where you'll learn to make a stylish tote bag, a charming brooch, trendy wristbands, and transform a scarf into a fashionable top. This course is designed for beginners and provides all the guidance you need to create your own accessories. Whether you're looking to add a personal touch to your wardrobe or explore a new hobby, this course offers a fun and supportive environment to develop your crafting skills.

Explore the beauty of Uncial calligraphy in this relaxed and friendly course, perfect for learners of all levels. We’ll combine the classic shapes of traditional Uncial with the more expressive, modern style of Pointed Uncial. Using both broad-edge and pointed pens, you’ll learn how to form letters, build rhythm, and add your own creative touch. With step-by-step guidance, plenty of practice, and a supportive atmosphere, you’ll gain confidence and enjoy the process of learning a timeless script. By the end, you’ll create a finished piece that brings together tradition and personal style.

This course introduces you to the art of Traditional Italic Calligraphy, a graceful script known for its elegant, slanted letterforms. Perfect for beginners and those with some experience, you'll learn the basics of Italic calligraphy, including pen grip, stroke techniques, and letter formation. Alongside the traditional form, you’ll also explore variations of Italic, including italicized serif and more contemporary styles. Through easy-to-follow exercises and demonstrations, you’ll practice both lowercase and uppercase letters, focusing on smooth, flowing writing. By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident creating beautiful calligraphy for cards, invitations, or personal projects

Take a Picture , this time with a broad ‘Summer Theme’- Tell Its Story, a fun, friendly and structured approach to aid you in finding inspiration, putting pen paper and get writing. Every picture tells a story, so we put the focus on getting creative and being inspired by a variety of pictures (ideally taken by yourself with a different theme to prompt us each session). We apply some key hints, tricks and craft to our writing which could be inspired by memory found in fact, fiction or somewhere in between - developing ideas throughout each session.

This course is for carers, former carers and the cared for. Do you find yourself constantly tired and frustrated with life? Are you feeling overburdened with tasks and concerned about experiencing burnout? This workshop will identify the various forms of energy we utilise in our daily routines, provide guidance on preventing burnout and teach you how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through supportive rest.

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

In central London there is a plethora of art which is visible in the streets. There are self-standing statues, statues carved on many buildings, ornamentations on buildings in every style – Gothic, classical, Baroque. Starting from Trafalgar Square we will enjoy the buildings starting with the National Gallery and Saint Martin-in-the-Field. From the square itself the route is down Whitehall, past many government buildings, to the sculptures in Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Saint Margaret’s, the Palace of Westminster. The tour will finish on Westminster bridge, enjoying the splendid views of old and new buildings. On the tour you will learn about architectural styles and many famous people.

Have you always been afraid to draw and paint outside in public? This course will give you confidence to sketch outside with tips on how to draw quick sketches of moving people from location in St James Park by the lake; there will be sketching and watercolour demonstrations, combined with drawing theory, showing ways to use a variety of materials and different styles of drawing from thumb nail sketching to building up a final composition . Combine Watercolour and fine liner pen techniques to add to your art skills, tackling geese, trees, people and the lake. Bring your painting equipment along and join us.