Courses for Adults

Shropshire Regional Course Guide for 2015/16

West Midlands Region westmidlands.wea.org.uk Welcome to the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Region course brochure 2015-16. This brochure tells you about our courses and provides helpful information to get you started.

The WEA, a registered charity, is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education and delivers over 9,500 part-time courses for over 74,000 people each year in and Scotland. The WEA offers a wide ranging curriculum and we do all that we can to make your learning experience a positive one in our friendly and supportive learning environments. You do not need any previous knowledge or qualifications to join most of our courses, only a willingness to share with others your curiosity, ideas and experience.

A better world - equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society. Learning with the Workers’ Educational Association

How to Enrol Once you have found the course you are interested in, you can:

Enrol online: Enrol by phone: www.wea.org.uk/ 01952 614451 courses

Enrolment in person at the first session may be possible for some the course is suitable for you. This will be courses but please bear in mind that a course specified in the brochure. may be full by this time. We strongly advise Classes normally require a minimum number that you pre-enrol on our courses wherever of students to run. If numbers are too low the possible to avoid disappointment. course may be cancelled. Some courses may require that you attend a pre-enrolment session to check that

Help with your learning

We can offer information and advice about: If you have a disability, learning difficulty, l Choosing the right course health issue or other support needs, we will l Fees and financial support do our best to help. Tell us as soon as you l Learning support can so that we can make plans before you start a course. Please contact the Regional l Progression Office. We can also signpost or refer you to other We try to use accessible venues wherever services, such as more in depth guidance. possible but we cannot guarantee this in all Please contact the regional office or take a cases. For details of a venue’s accessibility, look at our website www.wea.org.uk. refer to the online course information If you are in receipt of income-related benefits www.wea.org.uk/courses where available or or a low income, there may be financial call the regional office. support available for help with childcare, You are entitled to Maths and English support travel costs, exam fees, books, costs of to help you achieve the learning outcomes of field trips and tuition fees under certain your course. If you would like an assessment, circumstances. For more information speak to or to discuss support for Maths or English your tutor, call the Regional Office or look at please speak to your tutor, or contact the our website www.wea.org.uk. regional office before your course begins.

West Midlands Regional Office T: 0121 237 8120 I E: [email protected] I W: westmidlands.wea.org.ukuk

01 Course Fees The WEA receives public funding from the Skills For students who are required to pay a fee Funding Agency (SFA) for the majority of its courses for their courses, fees are shown against and this funding supplements the fees paid by each course or on the page where the course students and sponsors. For most of our courses, appears. Course fees may vary as some courses this funding is only available for people who are 19 are designed to attract ‘new’ students or to or over - those born before 31 August 1996. encourage people to try ‘new/target’ courses. For SFA funded courses you are entitled to FREE All students will be asked to provide their date tuition if you are in receipt of certain benefits, of birth at the time of completing an enrolment as listed below (or if you are dependent upon form. This information is required by our funders. someone in receipt of those benefits). We If this information is not provided, a higher course will ask you to bring evidence of your benefit fee will be payable as we will be unable to claim entitlement at the start of the course. funding for you.

n Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) n Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) n Housing Benefit in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) n Working Tax Credit n Universal Credit n Pension Guarantee Credit n Council Tax Reduction (not the 25% single n Asylum Seeker occupancy Council Tax Discount) n Unwaged Dependent (as defined by the Job Centre) of someone on one of the above. Please note these may be subject to change due to funding requirements.

UK residency: students who have not been resident in the UK/EU for the last 3 years will be required to complete a Student Eligibility Form and provide appropriate evidence. If this information is not provided a higher course fee will be payable as we will be unable to claim funding for you.

24+ Advanced Learning Loan There are loans available for all students aged 24 level course on or after 1 August 2015. Please and above studying diploma or certificate level visit: www.wea.org.uk/courses/24-advanced- accredited courses within the Qualifications and learning-loans or contact your Regional Office Credit Framework (QCF) at Level 3 and above. for further information. The loans will apply if you are starting a higher Course cancellation and refunds You can cancel a course booking at any time by second session, a partial refund will be made for informing the WEA in writing. If you cancel before the remaining sessions. the second session, then providing the course is Payment by instalment is available on some longer than three sessions you can request a full longer WEA courses. Where this is the case this refund from the WEA. will usually be included in the course information. Where the course is cancelled by the WEA before For full details of WEA course fees, refunds and the second session, a full refund of fees paid will cancellations, as well as other support which be provided by the WEA. Where a course has may be available to you please visit our website: been cancelled or shortened by the WEA after the http://www.wea.org.uk/about/policies

West Midlands Regional Office T: 0121 237 8120 I E: [email protected] I W: westmidlands.wea.org.ukuk

02 Feedback and complaints We welcome your feedback to help us 0800 013 1903 or email suggestions@wea. improve our service. If you have a suggestion org.uk. You can also contact your Regional on how we could improve our services, Office directly. call our Freephone Suggestions Line on

Staying Safe The WEA is committed to providing a If you have any concerns you can speak to welcoming environment where everyone is our safeguarding staff in the WEA Regional respected, valued and feels safe and secure. Office.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The WEA believes that education plays a collective responsibility. We expect everyone major role in challenging discrimination and involved in the WEA to challenge conditions disadvantage. We are committed to inclusive that place anyone at a disadvantage and learning and ensuring that all our students create an inclusive community in which achieve the best possible outcomes. Equality, diversity is valued and celebrated. Diversity and Inclusion in the WEA is a Learner Agreement and Student Code of Conduct When you enrol with the WEA you will enter Agreement can be found on our website at: into a Learning Agreement with us. This is www.wea.org.uk/policies. These set out our printed on your enrolment form. The Student joint responsibilities for creating a positive Code of Conduct together with the Learner learning environment.

Get involved The WEA is a membership organisation which www.wea.org.uk/getinvolved/join or call encourages our students and supporters to 0117 916 6506. join us to help build a strong voice for adult If you would like to volunteer please speak learning. This is what makes us distinctive to your WEA tutor, local course organiser or and different from other learning providers. branch contact, telephone the Regional Office By becoming a member of the WEA you are or look at our website www.wea.org.uk/ agreeing to the charitable aims, mission and getinvolved/volunteer for more information. values of the Association. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit the website

The information in this brochure is correct at time of going to print, but may be subject to Government Funding changes.

West Midlands Regional Office T: 0121 237 8120 I E: [email protected] I W: westmidlands.wea.org.ukuk

03 Welcome to the WEA

It is essential to book a place on all courses, either by enrolling online www.wea.org.uk/courses or by ringing 01952 614451 to reserve a place and then enrol at the first session. For information on all these courses please contact WEA Shropshire on 01952 614451 or email: [email protected] The Shropshire office is staffed part time. There is an answerphone and messages are picked up regularly.

For general information about the WEA and all its courses across the West Midlands please contact:

Visit: WEA West Midlands Regional Office 4th Floor, Lancaster House, 67 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1NQ

Tel: 0121 237 8120

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.westmidlands.wea.org.uk

04 Enrol and pay online at: www.wea.org.uk Courses in Telford - Autumn Term

Title Tutor Day/Date Time Weeks Fee ID

Drawing Stuart Mann Mon 21/09/15 13.00 - 15.00 10 Free C3123570 and Painting Park Lane Centre Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Woodside, Telford TF7 5QZ (over 50s) Do you think you can’t draw, or that you’re too old to learn? This course will prove you wrong! This term the course will cover learning to draw and paint hands and feet using flesh tones, clouds and skies using different techniques and effects and painting in the style of a favourite artist.

Computers Sue Blair Mon 21/09/15 13.00 - 16.00 7 £73.50 C3123541 for All Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5AN This course lets you learn the areas of computing that interest you, without having to cover things you already know or have no wish to learn. It is for people of all levels and abilities. You can choose from a range of topics, including Internet and Email, Word Processing, Spread Sheets, Power Point and Editing and Changing your Photos. You will have the support of an experienced tutor and friendly volunteers. There are no exams or tests. Everyone over 19 is welcome and you will be able to learn at your own pace.

Computers Sue Blair Tues 22/09/15 9.30 - 12.30 7 £73.50 C3123543 for All Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5AN This course lets you learn the areas of computing that interest you, without having to cover things you already know or have no wish to learn. It is for people of all levels and abilities. You can choose from a range of topics, including Internet and Email, Word Processing, Spread Sheets, Power Point and Editing and Changing your Photos. You will have the support of an experienced tutor and friendly volunteers. There are no exams or tests. Everyone over 19 is welcome and you will be able to learn at your own pace.

Drawing & Stuart Mann Tues 22/09/15 10.00 - 12.00 10 Free C3123571 Painting Jubilee House, High Street, Madeley, Telford TF7 5AH Improvers Have you already mastered the basics and are keen to learn more? This term the course will cover learning to draw and paint hands and feet using flesh (over 50s) tones, clouds and skies using different techniques and effects and painting in the style of a favourite artist.

Life Stuart Mann Tues 22/09/15 19.00 - 21.00 10 £83.50 C3123545 Drawing Jubilee House, High Street, Madeley, Telford TF7 5AH This term you will be learning how to draw the human body with different poses and creating shade with lighting effects, using different media like chalks and black paper, Aqua pastels and charcoal, developing techniques to depict foreshortening and proportion and also experimenting with colours to create vibrant, unique work.

05 Enrol and pay online at: www.wea.org.uk

Courses in Telford - Continued Tai Chi (existing Craig Swinnerton Weds 23/09/15 10.00 - 12.00 10 Free C3123572 students only) Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5AN Tai Chi is an excellent way to stay fit, reduce your stress levels, improve your physical and mental health and keep your brain active. This course is only open to existing learners.

Tai Chi for Craig Swinnerton Weds 23/09/15 13.00 - 15.00 10 Free C3123573 Beginners Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5AN (over 50s) Tai chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Originally developed as a martial art in China, it is also practised as a health-promoting exercise. It can help manage stress, improve physical and mental health. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Bread Jo Blackman Weds 14/10/15 10.00 - 16.30 2 £45.50 C3123548 Making and 21/10/15 Admaston House, Admaston Community Centre, Wellington Road, Admaston, Telford TF5 0BN Gain skills and confidence in making basic yeasted bread and rolls and Italian breads and take home some tasty loaves! The course also offers an insight into the nutritional benefits of ‘real bread’ and how it benefits communities and planet.

Singing for Fun Miriam Walton Mon 21/09/15 14.00 - 16.00 10 Free C3123574 (over 50s) Jubilee House, High Street, Madeley, Telford TF7 5AH Would you like to experience the physical and psychological benefits of singing with others without committing yourself to joining a choir? Singing for Fun offers you a chance to experience a variety of vocal styles without the need to read music or to have previous experience of singing. You will learn how to look after your voice, how easy it is to sing lots of different kinds of music in parts and how enjoyable it is to be part of a singing group.

Yoga for Jayne Evans Thurs 24/09/15 11.15 - 13.15 10 Free C3123575 Wellbeing Brookside Central Community Centre, Bembridge, Brookside, Telford TF3 1NE (over 50s) The course will include: Conscious breathing exercises and postures that improve lung capacity, flexibility and glandular/organ function. Discussions that highlight simple nutritional options that support effective digestion of vital vitamins and minerals and learn basic anatomical functions relative to the practical yoga sets. Yoga can also help with managing stress, improve physical and mental health and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels

06 Enrol and pay online at: www.wea.org.uk

Courses in Telford - Continued Art for Tony Stringfellow Weds 23/09/15 14.00 - 16.00 10 Free C3123577 Everyone Lowe Court, High Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1LZ (over 50s) Art for Everyone is designed for people over 50 who have no or little knowledge of art but are keen to experiment and develop some artistic skills and an appreciation of art in general. It is a fun course and is about learning to express yourself in an artistic way and find your favourite medium. It will give you a basic grounding in art and inspire you to move forward into more specific areas to experiment and expand your skills and understanding. Some basic materials will be provided by the tutor.

Creative Tony Stringfellow Tues 22/09/15 9.30 - 11.30 10 Free C3123579 Writing for the CHEC Building, 31 High Street, Madeley, Telford TF7 5AR Over 50s To give learners an appreciation of creative writing in all its forms and to develop their writing skills and imaginations. Creative writing is about expressing your feelings and imagination in a way that engages people and inspires them. Learners will be introduced to exciting sources of inspiration and writing techniques that will make their writing experience rewarding and expressive.

Art for Tony Stringfellow Tues 22/09/15 13.30 - 15.30 10 Free C3123580 Beginners Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5AN (over 50s) Art for Beginners is designed for people who have no or little knowledge of art but are keen to experiment and develop some artistic skills and an appreciation of art in general. It is a fun course and is about learning to express yourself in an artistic way and find your favourite medium. It will give you a basic grounding in art and inspire you to move forward into more specific areas to experiment and expand your skills and understanding. Some basic materials will be provided by the tutor.

An Introduction Peter Challinor Tues 22/09/15 14.00 - 16.00 10 Free C3123581 to Bird Park Lane Centre Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Woodside, Telford TF7 5QZ Watching The principle aim is to enable students to identify correctly birds that they could see in their (over 50s) own gardens and local areas of countryside. Extensive use will be made of visual and audio material to enhance the subjects covered.

Mindfulness Julie Howe Mon 21/09/15 10.00 - 12.00 10 £73.50 C3123560 Park Lane Centre Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Woodside, Telford TF7 5QZ A course for beginners who want to learn about Mindfulness and become more mindful in their own life. Being more mindful can lead to feeling less stressed and more satisfied with life, amongst many other benefits.

Making the Julie Howe Mon 21/09/15 13.30 - 15.30 10 Free C3123584 Most of Life Dawley Christian Centre, High St, Dawley, Telford TF4 2EX (over 50s) The course provides an introduction to understanding how what we do, think and feel is affected by habits, and how we can learn to manage difficult thoughts and emotions more helpfully.

07 Enrol and pay online at: www.wea.org.uk

Courses in Telford - Continued Patchwork, Anne Marie Tues 22/09/15 13.00 - 15.00 10 Free C3123585 Applique, Lagram Beadwork & Jubilee House, High Street, Madeley, Telford TF7 5AH Embroidery Patchwork, appliqué and embellishment are satisfying, therapeutic crafts anyone can try (over 50s) and achieve wonderful results. By using traditional hand- sewn ‘English’ Patchwork and contemporary appliqué techniques you can create beautiful artistic textiles pieces to adorn your house and treasure forever.

Crochet & Anne Marie Tues 22/09/15 10.00 - 12.00 10 Free C3123586 Knitting Lagram (over 50s) Brookside Central Community Centre, Bembridge, Brookside, Telford TF3 1NE Knitting and Crochet is the do anywhere any-time activity that can bring people together. Making original, bespoke, vintage and hand crafted creations it mixes traditional and contemporary techniques and uses unusual and sustainable materials. A truly enjoyable, snugly, green activity!

08 Enrol and pay online at: www.wea.org.uk Courses in - Autumn Term

Title Tutor Day/Date Time Weeks Fee ID

Appreciating Miriam Walton Mon 21/09/15 19.00 – 21.00 6 £45.50 C3123587 Jazz United Reformed Church, Coleham Head, Shrewsbury SY3 7BJ Would you like a straightforward introduction to the history of jazz and a key to the variety of labels applied to this enduring musical style? Appreciating Jazz offers a 6-part exploration of the main developments in jazz over the last 120 years in an enjoyable setting. You will hear examples of some of the finest artists and tracks and be given notes to help you with further exploration or study. There will also be opportunities to discuss with other students and the tutor what you hear.

Appreciating Miriam Walton Mon 02/11/15 19.00 – 21.00 6 £45.50 C3123588 the Blues United Reformed Church, Coleham Head, Shrewsbury SY3 7BJ The blues has strong historical roots in the sadness that American slaves felt and has had a huge influence on popular music around the world. This 6 week course will look at where the blues started, some of the most influential artists connected with it and its influence on music right up to the current day. You will listen to a range of artists, learn to recognise the structure of blues music and maybe even have a go at writing your own!

Creative Simon Fletcher Weds 23/09/15 10.00 -12.00 10 £73.50 C3123472 Writing Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG (Improvers) This course will focus on ways in which writers who have already enjoyed some writing work- shops can develop their writing skills and put that process into more context.

Creative Writing Simon Fletcher Weds 23/09/15 13.00 – 15.00 10 £73.50 C3123473 (Beginners) Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG If you enjoy creative writing and want to learn a bit more then this course is for you. It will include workshops on writing life stories, short stories and poetry some of which may be based on museum exhibits.

Singing for Miriam Walton Thurs 24/09/15 19.00 – 21.00 10 £73.50 C3123564 Fun All Saints Hall, Queen Street, Castlefields, Shrewsbury SY1 2JU Would you like to experience the physical and psychological benefits of singing with others without committing yourself to joining a choir? Singing for Fun offers you a chance to experi- ence a variety of vocal styles without the need to read music or to have previous experience of singing. You will learn how to look after your voice, how easy it is to sing lots of different kinds of music in parts and how enjoyable it is to be part of a singing group.

09 Enrol and pay online at: www.wea.org.uk Courses in Oswestry - Autumn Term

Title Tutor Day/Date Time Weeks Fee ID

Portrait Drawing Jood Gough Mon 21/09/15 14.00 – 16.00 10 £83.50 C3123539 & Painting Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry SY11 1RB Working from the live model, this is portrait drawing/painting for beginners and those with more experience. Beginners practice fundamental skills for drawing from life and getting a likeness. Those with more experience tackle additional themes including composition, different mediums, using colour.

Crochet & Anne Marie Weds 23/09/15 10.00 – 12.00 10 £73.50 C3123561 Knitting Lagram Oswestry Library, Arthur Street, Oswestry SY11 1JN Knitting and Crochet is the do anywhere any-time activity that can bring people together. Making original, bespoke, vintage and hand crafted creations it mixes traditional and contemporary techniques and uses unusual and sustainable materials. A truly enjoyable, snugly, green activity!

Patchwork, Anne Marie Weds 23/09/15 13.00 – 15.00 10 £73.50 C3123562 Applique, Lagram Beadwork & Oswestry Library, Arthur Street, Oswestry SY11 1JN Embroidery Patchwork, appliqué and embellishment are satisfying, therapeutic crafts anyone can try and achieve wonderful results. By using traditional hand- sewn ‘English’ Patchwork and contemporary appliqué techniques you can create beautiful artistic textiles pieces to adorn your house and treasure forever.

10 New Courses in Shropshire Spring Term (from January 2016) These courses are still being finalised. More courses will be added nearer the time. If you would like to be kept up to date, please join our mailing list by emailing [email protected] or ringing 01952 614451

Ludlow An Introduction to Clay Figure Sculpting An Introduction to Abstract Painting An Introduction to Creative Textiles Eco-Psychology

Shrewsbury An Introduction to Bird Watching

Telford An Introduction to Clay Figure Sculpting An Introduction to Abstract Painting An Introduction to Creative Textiles Enterprise – a Way of Shaping Your Life’s Pattern Embroidery for Beginners

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Read our vision and values at: www.wea.org.uk/about/vision

www.facebook.com/WEA-West-Midlands

@WEAWM

Workers’ Educational Association I West Midlands Region West Midlands Regional Office I 4th floor I Lancaster House 67 Newhall Street I Birmingham I B3 1NQ T: 0121 237 8120 I E: [email protected] W: www.westmidlands.wea.org.uk

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is a charity registered in England and Wales (number 1112775) and in Scotland (number SC039239) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 2806910). Registered Office: Workers’ Educational Association, 4 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4XW.