New Courses for You. Wokingham & District Branch

wea.org.uk

Course guide 2019-20 Wokingham & District Branch New courses for you. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 01 Wokingham & District Branch Course Venues

Both venues have good disabled access and are located close to the town centre, within easy reach of places for lunch during Day Schools. Opposite the Cornerstone there is a small free car park and the Bradbury Centre is within easy walking distance of public (fee paying) car parks .

The Cornerstone The Bradbury Centre Norreys Avenue Rose Street Wokingham RG40 1UE Wokingham RG40 1XS

Contacts For further information, programme brochures or to receive notices of branch events by email, please contact us at: E. [email protected] T. Val 0118 467 1099 Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 02 Enrolment and Support How do I enrol? You can enrol online via our website wea.org.uk Alternatively you can contact our Support team on 0300 303 3464. You will need your credit/debit card available as course fees (where applicable) are taken at the time of enrolling. Enrol today It is really quick and easy to enrol online. You will need to set up an online account for this which you can do very wea.org.uk quickly at the time you enrol, via our website which is safe and secure. or 0300 303 3464 We recommend you enrol early to avoid disappointment. Enrolment for our 2019/2020 Our courses are advertised on our website wea.org.uk. courses will open on 10 June More courses are added all through the year so it’s worth at 10.00am. checking regularly.

Can I enrol in person? I’d love to do a course but I can’t Most courses will require you to enrol in afford it. Can you help? advance of the course. If there are still places We want our courses to be within reach of available on a course this will be shown all adults, so you may be eligible for financial in the course information on our website, support if you are on a low income or receive or alternatively you can ring and check income-related benefits. This could include beforehand. Some courses require you to help with childcare, travel costs, exam fees, attend an initial assessment session to ensure books, costs of field trips and tuition fees you are enrolling onto the most suitable under certain circumstances. course for you, but we’ll make that clear in the course details if this is the case. What if I have a disability, learning difficulty, health issue or other Are classes reliant on size? support needs? Yes. If numbers are too low the course may be cancelled or re-arranged to another time. If there is anything you think you may need support with you can indicate this when you I have some questions. Who do I ask? enrol. Take a look at our website wea.org.uk or give us a call on 0300 303 3464. Do you choose accessible venues? Information on the course venue is available We offer information and in the course details on our website. advice about: I might need help with my maths Choosing the right course Fees and financial support and/or English? Is that ok? Learning support If you would like support with English and/or Progression maths you can indicate this when you enrol. About the WEA Please visit our website wea.org.uk to find out more. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 03 Course Fees and Support

How are courses funded? What does a course cost? The WEA receives public funding from the For students who are required to pay a fee Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for their courses, fees are shown against for the majority of our courses. This funding each course or on the page where the course supplements the fees paid by students and appears. All students will be asked to provide sponsors. For most of our courses, this funding their date of birth at the time they enrol. This is only available for people who are 19 or over. information is required by our funders. Are some courses free? What if I’m new to the UK? For ESFA funded courses, you are entitled Students who have not been resident in the to free tuition if you receive certain benefits, UK/EU for the last 3 years will be required as listed below (or if you are dependent on to complete a Student Eligibility Form and someone who receives those benefits). You provide appropriate evidence. may be asked for evidence of your benefit status such as a letter from Job Centre Plus. Can I apply for a loan? Yes. There are Advanced Learning Loans available for all students aged 19 and Job Seekers Allowance above studying vocational, technical and Employment and Support professional qualifications at Level 3 and Allowance (ESA - work above. related) Can I cancel my course? Universal Credit and earn less than £330 per month You can cancel a course booking at any time by informing the WEA in writing. To find out Income Support, Housing more about our Course Cancellations policy Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Course Refunds policy please visit our (not single occupancy discount) website wea.org.uk or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) support group Can I pay by instalment? Working Tax Credit An option to pay WEA course fees by instalments may be available on WEA courses Pension Guarantee Credit which are 40 hours or more long. Please visit Asylum Seeker our website wea.org.uk to find out more Please note these may be subject to about our Instalments policy. change due to funding requirements.

The information in this brochure is correct at time of going to print, but may be subject to government funding changes. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 04 Wokingham & District Branch Notices

Please book your courses early to avoid disappointment. Bookings can now only be made online at wea.org.uk or by telephoning the WEA central booking line 0300 303 3464. Places on courses can no longer be reserved. NB. Priority course booking for WEA members will start 10.00am 3rd June 2019 and is only by telephone 0300 303 3464. Course booking is open to everyone on 10th June 2019 from 10am by telephone 0300 303 3464 or online at wea.org.uk After this date the telephone line is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm on weekdays and 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays.

Your 2019/20 Programme Social Evening will take place on May 29th 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Cornerstone. Tickets £2.00 at the door. For catering purposes, please let Val know if you intend to be there on 0118 467 1099 or email [email protected]

The 2019 Wokingham & District Branch AGM is on October 30th 2.00 to 4.00pm at the Cornerstone. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Your volunteer committee is keen to meet new members who might join them and, indeed, anyone prepared to assist with our courses. Please let us know if you are able to help us at any level. Contact our Branch Chairman, Dave, to discuss. [email protected] or telephone 0118 467 1099. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 05

Berlin and Vienna – Glorious Art and Architecture, Tragic History with Mike Grundy

Ten weekly meetings, Monday 2.00- 4.00pm Starting 16 September 2019 Course Fee: £90.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 28 October 2019

This course is a journey of discovery through the turbulent history and glorious culture of Berlin and Vienna. The course shows how German art and Berlin’s architecture reflected the dramatic fortunes of this city, at times leading the world (romantic art, anti-war art, the Bauhaus) at others mired in tragedy. Over the same period, we review how Vienna and its cultural output declined from the world pre- eminence of such as Mozart, Mahler and Klimt as it fell from being a capital of a vast European empire.

Mike Grundy has been lecturing across the Thames Valley for 6 years now, initially on the art, architecture and history of London and more recently on the great cities of continental Europe. He enriches his programmes with a broad knowledge of European history and culture and a mischievous sense of humour. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 06

The Art of Photography with Sandra Smith

Eight weekly meetings, Thursdays 10.00- 12.00noon Starting 19 September 2019 Course Fee: £72.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 31 October

Photography was invented in the 1840s but it was never intended specifically as an art form. In this course we will examine the development of photography from the invention of the medium in the 1840s to the present day. Many photographers used prevailing art forms, notably painting, to inform the subjects and composition of their pictures, but it eventually gained its own language, exploiting the changing technical aspects of the medium. We will study a number of great photographers such as Henry Fox Talbot, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier Bresson, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and more recent examples from Diane Arbus, David Bailey and Don McCullin.

Sandra Smith has a BA and MA in Art History and a Diploma in Archaeology. She has taught for the WEA and for the Universities of Reading and Oxford for many years.

Illustration: Ansel Adams: The Tetons and the Snake River 1942 Wikimedia commons Public Domain image. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 07

Life: What is it, where does it come from, and where is it going? with John Fletcher

Eight weekly meetings, Wednesdays 2.00 - 4.00pm Starting 2 October 2019 Course Fee: £72.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 30 October

The findings of modern biology challenge many of our most cherished assumptions about life as a special, privileged domain and they undermine the idea that humans are a species endowed with unique properties, with a central place in the natural world. This course will introduce the key ideas of today’s biology and explore the implications for understanding ourselves and the future of our species.

John recently retired from employment in industrial R&D. He has followed an interest in living things and how they work since school days. He has a BSc in Physiology and Biochemistry and a DPhil in fetal and neonatal growth and development. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 08

The Genius of Antoni Gaudí with Keith Hasted

Day School, Saturday 10.00- 4.00pm 5 October 2019 Course Fee: £35.00 (includes tea and coffee) Venue: The Cornerstone

As Barcelona expanded rapidly around 1900, the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí was creating extraordinary buildings. In houses like the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, and the remarkable Park Güell, he brought new thinking to every aspect of design - but his Temple de la Sagrada Família has been his most fascinating project. In this course we will examine his exceptional contribution to architecture.

Keith Hasted teaches on Oxford University’s Continuing Education programme and for the WEA. With a Master’s based on research into Italian Renaissance palace architecture, he has since developed a special interest in English cathedral architecture.

Illustration © Keith Hasted. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 09

Great Philosophers: Part One Descartes and Locke with Karim Esmail

Branch event, Saturday 10.00- 4.00pm 16 November 2019 Course Fee: £35.00 (includes tea and coffee) Venue: The Cornerstone

The modern period of philosophy began in the 17th century and this Day School is an introduction to some of the key elements in the thought of two of its great philosophers. The first is the 17th century French philosopher, Rene Descartes, the modern period begins with him. The second is the 17th/18th century English philosopher, John Locke. Karim Esmail was formerly a Research Fellow, Oxford and Burney Student, Cambridge and a Visiting Fellow, Harvard. Alongside international articles, he is the author of two clear, original, and best- selling philosophical works on God’s nature and existence. He is a Course Director and Tutor, Cambridge University.

René Descartes 1596-1650 Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 10

Digging Into the Origins of Britain with Mike Pengelly

Six weekly meetings, Tuesday 2.00- 4.00pm Starting 5 November 2019 Course Fee: £54.00 Venue: The Cornerstone

Britain became an island around 8000 years ago, however, it has never been isolated from developments in Europe or beyond. Successive incursions of people and ideas have helped shape the nation we are now. Over a series of 6 lectures, the impact of these interactions will be explored through examining archaeological artefacts, many of which will be available for handling. Topics will include: Why did Farmers start building monuments such as Stonehenge? What it means to be Celtic? How Roman was Roman Britain; Was there light in the Dark Ages?

No previous experience of Archaeology is necessary and after the course participants will have a clear understanding of the contribution made by newcomers in the period 4000 BC to AD 1066 to the development of Britain and, their archaeological legacy.

Since his retirement, Mike Pengelly has completed Diplomas in Archaeology from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and a Masters in Archaeology from the University of Winchester. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 11

England before the Norman Conquest: Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings with Sheila Ephraim

Ten weekly meetings, Tuesday 2.00- 4.00pm Starting 14 January 2020 Course Fee: £90.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 18 February 2020

Come and explore the history of England from the Roman conquest of Britain to the eve of the Norman Conquest. We will trace the formation of England from its status as a Roman province, through the lengthy Anglo-Saxon period and the Viking invasions.

Sheila Ephraim lives and works in Reading with her family where she has taught History courses for the University of Reading and the WEA since 2003 and the University of Oxford since 2010. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 12

English Cathedral Architecture - St Paul’s to the Present Day with Keith Hasted

Eight weekly meetings, Wednesday 2.00- 4.00pm Starting 15 January 2020 Course Fee: £72.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 19 February 2020

From St Paul’s to St Edmundsbury via Westminster, Liverpool, Guildford and Coventry, the Reformation did not end cathedral building in England. After Wren’s new cathedral, Birmingham and Derby chose 18th century churches for new 20th century dioceses. Pugin designed Catholic cathedrals including Birmingham and Southwark and in the 20th century Liverpool saw remarkable rivalry as Anglican and Catholic cathedrals took shape, with a new cathedral for Guildford and Basil Spence’s remarkable design for Coventry.

Illustration © Keith Hasted. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 13

The History of Europe’s Royal Families with Colin Parrish

Ten weekly meetings, Thursday 10.00- 12.00noon Starting 16 January 2020 Course Fee: £90.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 20 February 2020

In addition to that of the United Kingdom there are currently 9 monarchies in Europe. We will be looking at the histories of these dynasties ranging from the royal houses of Sweden and Denmark, with their origins in the Norse sagas, through the Dutch House of Orange and the Spanish monarchs to Monaco’s Grimaldis.

Royal history is Colin Parrish’s lifelong passion. He was appointed to the WEA Sessional Tutor Panel in 2013. He has taught royal history for Surrey Adult and Community Learning since 1995 and is an accredited speaker on royal history related subjects to local Women’s Institutes. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 14

The Awesome Remains of the Two World Wars with Mike Grundy

Day School, Saturday 10.00- 4.00pm 1 February 2020 Fee: £35.00 (includes tea and coffee) Venue: The Cornerstone

Discover how you can still see throughout Europe so many examples of the military infrastructure created for the World Wars. Study the forts of the Maginot Line, Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, the Flak Towers of Berlin and Vienna, “James Bond-style” V2 launch complexes and massive U-Boat pens. We will also review some outstanding memorials of the wars, including Britain’s Menin Gate at Ypres, the astonishing French memorial at Verdun and a destroyer set half way up an Italian mountain-side!

Music and Colour: Where the Senses Meet with Tony Short

Day School, Saturday 10.00- 4.00pm 2 May 2020 Fee: £35.00 (includes tea and coffee) Venue: The Bradbury Centre

This course should appeal to anyone who is interested in knowing more about the links between music and colour and what happens when hearing and seeing merge during artistic creation. For instance: Why do some composers perceive chords as colours? How does one explain the structural similarities of a Poussin painting and a Chopin etude? In addition to exploring the shared terminology of music and art, we will consider such varied topics as synaesthesia (music heard as colour), the golden mean, colour theory and moods and the colours of nature. Illustration: Impression III (Concert), 1911, by Wassily Kandinsky

Anthony Short is a professional violinist, writer and literary editor, who studied at Leeds University and the Guildhall School of Music. He works with major British and Irish orchestras and has written numerous articles for the principal European record companies and the BBC. He is also Head of Strings at Leighton Park School in Reading. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 16

The Portrait: From Classical Antiquity to the 21st Century with Dalila Castelijn

Six weekly meetings, Tuesday 2.00- 4.00pm Starting 12 May 2020 Course Fee: £54.00 Venue: The Cornerstone Half term: 26 May 2020

This course examines the development and changing role of European portraiture through the close study of paintings created by masters such as Holbein, Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Klimt. Role-play, symbolism and likeness will be discussed together with the role of the self-portrait in the work of the artist.

Dalila Castelijn has been teaching history of art and architecture for the WEA for several years. She is an Open University lecturer and leads study tours abroad. Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 17 Other WEA Branch Events

Day Schools and events run by other local WEA branches.

See wea.org.uk or phone 0300 303 3464 for details and enrolment.

Windsor WEA Impressionism - Sandra Smith Saturday 19 October 2019, 9.45am to 3.45pm. Fee: £40 (includes coffee/lunch) Venue: St George’s School, Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1QF

Capability Brown - Adam Smith Saturday 22 February 2020, 9.45am to 3.45pm. Fee: £40 (includes coffee/lunch) Venue: Upton House School, 115 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor, SL4 3DF

Maidenhead WEA The Islamic Golden Age: Origins, Growth and Legacies - Eamonn Gearon Monday 07 October 2019, 10.15am to 4.00pm Fee: £38 (includes tea and coffee) Venue: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF

Art of the Ancient World - Sandra Smith Monday 10 February 2020, 10.15am to 4.00pm. Fee: £38 (includes tea and coffee) Venue: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF

Maidenhead Contact: Steph 0162 856 3676 or [email protected]

Reading WEA Local Interest Day: Politics and Protests in a Prosperous County - Daniel Renshaw Traces the history of popular protest in Reading and Berkshire in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Saturday 2 November 2019, 10.00am to 4.00pm Fee: £38 (includes tea & coffee) Venue: RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 18

Staying Safe The WEA is committed to providing a welcoming environment where everyone is respected, valued and feels safe and secure. If you have any concerns you can speak to your tutor or you can contact our safeguarding staff via your Regional Office, details of which can be found on the back page.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The WEA believes that education plays a major role in challenging discrimination and disadvantage. We are committed to inclusive learning and ensuring that all our students achieve the best possible outcomes. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the WEA is a collective responsibility. We expect everyone involved in the WEA to challenge conditions that place anyone at a disadvantage and create an inclusive community in which diversity is valued and celebrated.

Learner Agreement and Student Code of Conduct When you enrol with the WEA you will enter into a Learning Agreement with us. The Student Code of Conduct together with the Learner Agreement can be found on our website wea.org.uk/policies. These set out our joint responsibilities for creating a positive learning environment.

Get Involved The WEA is a membership organisation which encourages our students and supporters to join us to help build a strong voice for adult learning. This is what makes us distinctive and different from other learning providers. By becoming a member of the WEA you are agreeing to the charitable aims, mission and values of the Association. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit the website wea.org.uk/get-involved/membership or email [email protected] If you would like to volunteer please speak to your WEA tutor, local course organiser, telephone the Regional Office or look at our website wea.org.uk/volunteer for more information. If you can’t find the right course for you please contact your Regional Office or if you are looking for a course to support your career development please contact the National Careers Services. Details of your Regional Office can be found on the back page.

WEA Privacy Notice For full details of our Privacy Policy please visit our website wea.org.uk/privacy-policy This privacy notice is issued by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Education (DfE). It is to inform learners how their personal information will be used by the DfE, the ESFA (an executive agency of the DfE) and any successor bodies to these organisations. For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998, the DfE is the data controller for personal data processed by the ESFA. Further information about use of and access to your personal data, and details of organisations with whom we regularly share data are available gov.uk/government/publications/ esfaprivacynotice

Feedback and Complaints We welcome your feedback to help us improve our service. If you have a suggestion on how we could improve our services please visit our website wea.org.uk/contact-us. You can also contact your Regional Office directly, details of which can be found on the back page. The WEA Southern Region 4 Luke Street London, EC2A 4XW

E. [email protected] W. wea.org.uk/southern

@WEASouthern WEASouthern

The WEA is a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 1112775) and in Scotland (no. SC039239).