WEA courses

The role of the community interpreter is an integral part of our changing communities and increasingly important. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access the services they need and approach situations which otherwise would not be possible. The Level 2 Certificate in Preparing for the Community Interpreting Role enables learners who are speakers of other languages to develop the language and skills necessary to go on and train as Community Interpreters at Level 3 and Level 4. This is the ideal qualification for anyone who wants to enter the interpreting profession and become a paid interpreter or volunteer in the UK.

Begin your English language journey with our Pre-Entry ESOL: course. Develop basic English skills needed for everyday communication and build a foundation for further language learning. Ideal for beginners with little or no prior English knowledge. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.

This supportive and practical course is designed to help you rebuild self-belief, develop a positive mindset, and regain a sense of purpose. Through guided discussions, real-life strategies, and friendly group activities, you’ll begin to recognise your strengths and feel more in control of your future. Whether you're looking to get back into work, retrain, or simply feel more confident in everyday life, this course offers a safe space to grow. No previous experience needed—just bring yourself and an open mind.

Develop essential digital skills with our Beginner Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using computers, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for individuals with little or no digital experience looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

This short course explores the dynamic gestures, bold colours, and monumental scale that defined Abstract Expressionist painting between approximately 1945 and 1960. We will examine how this radical movement, often associated with a newfound confidence and expressive freedom, marked a turning point in American art history. Previously, such artistic innovation and originality were more commonly seen in European art. Through close analysis of key works and artists, we will consider how Abstract Expressionism emerged in postwar America and discuss the cultural, political, and personal forces that contributed to its development. The course promises lively discussion and visual exploration throughout.

This is a Pre-Entry ESOL course, this course will give you some skills to communicate some basic ideas in English. Through a range of activities, you will develop skills to help you improve your all your four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, with a focus on Speaking and Listening activities.

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.

The course will present painting and drawing techniques in connection with art history references. Different media (such as acrylics, pastels or watercolours) will be explored in a fluid way, natural to the way an artist usually chooses to explore different subjects and themes. Ways of combining techniques through mixed-media will also be explored, and the course will emphasize the importance of choosing the right technique and materials for the desired subject and different ideas needed to be expressed. The course will present different artworks in connection with colour theory or compositional principles. A thematic discussion of artworks from art history as well as from contemporary art will help illustrate different ideas of composition or art theory. The course aims to empower students to understand the visual language of various artists and artistic movements, to understand the ideas that generated them and to help them start discovering a personal artistic style. By the end of the course students will start to create personal, original artworks and will learn to choose the medium that best suits their unique artistic expression.

This session is suitable for beginners and improvers . It is delivered by power point presentation and lecture , it involves discussion and interactive and fun activities which will facilitate learners ability to consolidate their learning as they progress through the session . The course focuses on the artistic movement of Expressionism . This incredible art movement occurred at the beginning of the 20th century and it originated in Northern Europe. This course explores the incredible artists involved in the Expressionist movement , focusing upon the main artists and their influences at the time . This course links well to other courses delivered by this lecturer .