wea.org.uk/eastmidlands Adult course guide Autumn 2018-19 There’s a WEA cOourse for you and Learn the WEA way. Your way.

Welcome to the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education.

At the WEA, we believe all adults should have access to the opportunities of education, right on their doorstep. With 2,000+ dedicated tutors, 3,000+ active volunteers and supportive members, working across 2,000+ course venues - we spread our impact nationwide. Together, we believe in access to adult learning for all. We believe in lifelong learning for all. And, we believe adult learning counts towards a better, fairer society for all. Whether it’s about feeling better equipped with the skills to take on tomorrow, or it’s simply learning and debating ideas for the joy of it – we’re here, together, to make good things happen in our communities and to our society. All you need to bring is your willingness and excitement to learn. 01 - 02 Enrolment and Support

How do I enrol? Courses are available to book online or by calling us. We recommend booking quickly to avoid disappointment. The courses listed here are simply a flavour of our offerings. For other courses in your area please visit our website. W. wea.org.uk T. 0300 303 3464

Can I enrol in person? I’d love to do a course but I can’t Possibly. You may be able to turn up at the afford it. Can you help? first session and get involved, but only if the We want our courses to be within reach of course isn’t fully booked. It’s much safer to all adults, so you may be eligible for financial enrol beforehand. Some courses require that support if you are on a low income or receive you attend a pre-assessment session to check income-related benefits. This could include that the course is suitable, but we’ll make that help with childcare, travel costs, exam fees, clear in the course details. books, costs of field trips and tuition fees under certain circumstances. Are classes reliant on size? Yes. If numbers are too low the course may be What if I have a disability, learning cancelled or re-arranged to another time. difficulty, health issue or other support needs? I have some questions. Then we’re ready to help as best we can. Call Who do I ask? us as soon as possible so that we can make Give us a call on 0300 303 3464 or take a look plans before you start a course. at our website wea.org.uk Do you choose accessible venues? We offer information and We try to, wherever possible, but we can’t advice about: guarantee it in all cases. Get in touch for details of a venue’s accessibility. Choosing the right course Fees and financial support Learning support I might need help with my maths Progression and/or English? Is that ok? The WEA Of course. If you would like an assessment, or you want to discuss support with your tutor, then contact us before your course begins. 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 supplements the fees paid by students course appears. All students will be asked and sponsors. For most of our courses, this to provide their date of birth at the time funding is only available for people who are of completing an enrolment form. This 19 or over on the 1st September 2018. information is required by our funders - if this information is not provided, a higher Are some courses free? course fee will be payable as we will be unable to claim funding for you. For ESFA funded courses, you are entitled to free tuition if you receive certain benefits, What if I’m new to the UK? as listed below (or if you are dependent on Students who have not been resident in the someone who receives those benefits). You UK/EU for the last 3 years will be required may be asked for evidence of your benefit to complete a Student Eligibility Form status such as a letter from Job Centre Plus. and provide appropriate evidence. If this information is not provided a higher course fee will be payable as we will be unable to Job Seekers Allowance claim funding for you. Employment and Support Allowance Can I apply for a loan? (ESA - work related) Yes. There are Advanced Learning Loans Universal Credit and earn less than available for all students aged 19 and £338 per month or household earns above studying vocational, technical less than £541 per month and professional qualifications at Level 3 and above. The loans will apply if you are Income Support, Housing Benefit, starting a higher level course on or after 1 Council Tax Reduction (not single August 2018. occupancy discount) or Employment and Support Allowance Can I cancel my course? (ESA) support group You can cancel a course booking at any time Working Tax Credit by informing the WEA in writing. You may Pension Guarantee Credit be eligible for a partial refund - give us a call to find out more. Asylum Seeker Can I pay by instalment? Please note these may be subject to change due to This is available on some longer WEA funding requirements. courses which are 40 hours or more long. For full details of WEA course fees, refunds and cancellations, as well as other support The information in this brochure is correct at which may be available to you, please visit time of going to print, but may be subject to our website. government funding changes. 03 - 04 Northampton and Northamptonshire Areas

Brigstock Page 06 Rothwell Page 09

Corby Page 06 Weston Page 10

Helmdon Page 06 Yelvertoft Page 10

Higham Ferrers Page 07 Page 10

Kettering Page 07 Page 11

Long Buckby Page 07 Branch Booking Form Page 16

Northampton Page 09

Did you know? This brochure is one of a series of six, and includes:- Chesterfield; Derby and Derbyshire; , Leicestershire and Rutland; Lincolnshire and Rutland; Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; and Northampton and Northamptonshire To find out more contact: W. wea.org.uk/eastmidlands E. [email protected] T. 0115 962 8400 About the Region

The WEA was founded in 1903, meaning we’ve been providing high-quality adult education into the heart of communities for 115 years. We offer around 1,000 part time courses across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, and reach over 5,000 students a year.

There are a wide range of subjects and courses to choose from, you can gain new skills, gain qualifications or simply learn for the fun of it!

We’re not like most other education providers; as a charity, we deliver friendly and enjoyable education for all adults whatever their story. We are located in the heart of communities, delivering our courses on your doorstep, most of our students travel less than 3 miles to attend a class.

Our approach means our students can learn in a way that suits them, they can mix and match courses for pleasure or professional life as well making new friends and improving their wellbeing and confidence.

So, take a look, enrol, and learn the WEA way! Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 05 - 06

WEA Brigstock Branch Jan Jerwood T. 01536 370117 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US

Course

History: Behind the Scenes: Improving Life in the Country House £52.00 with Judith Hodgkinson Thu 27/09/2018, 14:00 - 15:30, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339555 Brigstock Village Hall, 8 Bridge Street, Brigstock, , NN14 3ET To give an idea of how country houses were run from the point of view of the servants - from behind the scenes.

WEA Branch Janis T. 01536 772130 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US

Course

Geology: Watching the Weather with Adam Kwolek £52.00 Tue 25/09/2018, 19:15 - 20:45, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339557 Corby International Pool, Parkland Gateway, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QG To provide an introduction to weather studies and to enable students to interpret skies and clouds and to understand the causes of weather phenomena such as clouds, wind, rain, fog, frost and snow.

WEA Helmdon Branch Richard T. 01295 760079 E. [email protected] 10 Church Street, Helmdon, NN13 5QJ

Course

History: Behind the Iron Curtain: Life in Eastern Europe under £52.00 Communism with David Price Tue 18/09/2018, 19:30 - 21:00, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339850 Helmdon Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon, , NN13 5QJ To show how the Soviet model of communism applied in Eastern Europe after WWII affected people’s lives in Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria until the system collapsed in 1989.

Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464

WEA Higham Ferrers Branch Kim Eaves T. 01832 733565 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US Course

History: Victorian Crime and Punishment with Liz Carter £52.00 Tue 25/09/2018, 09:30 - 11:00, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339562 Hope Methodist Church, Linnetts Lane, Higham Ferrers, , NN10 8DE Using local case studies, to investigate how legislation & social attitudes affected criminals, introduced a new police force and changed treatment of prisoners, adult and juvenile, in 19th-century & Wales.

WEA Kettering Branch Lincoln Education T. 01522 522472 E. [email protected] Team Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US

Course

History: Discovering Castles with Mike Ingram £52.00 Tue 25/09/2018, 14:00 - 15:30, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339852 Church House, St Botolphs Road, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, NN15 6SR This course will introduce students to the development of military architecture during the medieval period.

WEA Branch Joan Holah T. 01604 770030 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US Course

History: More Brushstrokes of History with David Price £52.00 Wed 03/10/2018, 14:30 - 16:00, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339854 Long Buckby Community Centre, 41 Station Road, Long Buckby, NN6 7QB To look at history through paintings: sometimes great historical events but also simpler, more everyday aspects of contemporary society; and the backgrounds and motives of the artists.

07 - 08 English, maths and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Functional Skills ESOL (English for English and Maths Speakers of Other

We offer English and maths courses at Languages) various venues across the region.Before If English is not your first language and you enrol on a course, we will meet you you want to improve your speaking, first so that we can find out about your listening, reading and writing skills, one needs and place you on a course that of our ESOL courses could be for you. is the right level for you. Our English We offer ESOL courses in various venues and maths courses lead to nationally across the region. Before you enrol, we recognised qualifications. The classes will meet you so that we can find out what are relaxed, friendly and supportive and your current level of English is, what you are designed to help you to feel more want to achieve and how many hours confident when using English and maths per week you wish to study.We will then in everyday situations. offer you a place on a course that is the right level for you. Our ESOL courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications. To find out more about The classes are relaxed, friendly and courses near you, email supportive and are designed to help you the East Midlands Team at to feel more confident when using English in everyday situations. [email protected] Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464

WEA Northampton Northants Education Team T. 01522 522472 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US Course

Literature: Romantic Poetry with Peter Leyland £46.20 Tue 23/10/2018, 10:00 - 12:00, 6 sessions, Ref. C2339565 St Matthews Parish Centre, 27A The Drive, Northampton, NN1 4RY The course introduces students to the Romantic Era of poetry from roughly 1780 to 1830, including well known poets and others less well known.

Performing Arts & Dance: Shall We Dance? £52.00 with Andrew Mikolajski Mon 24/09/2018, 10:30 - 12:00, 9 sessions, Ref. C2340102 St Matthews Parish Centre, 27A The Drive, Northampton, NN1 4RY To provide a history of dance in Western Europe, from the Renaissance to the present day, to enhance understanding and appreciation of the genre.

History: The Norman and Early Angevin Kings of England £52.00 with Mike Ingram Thu 27/09/2018, 13:30 - 15:00, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339856 St Matthews Parish Centre, 27A The Drive, Northampton, NN1 4RY To introduce learners to the Norman and Angevin Kings of England.

WEA Rothwell Branch Mrs Anne Barrett T. 01536 711837 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US Course

History: The Plantagenets with Aubrey Newman £53.90 Tue 09/10/2018, 14:00 - 16:00, 7 sessions, Ref. C2339566 The Lounge, Madams Gardens, Rushton Road, Rothwell, Kettering, NN14 6EX The Plantagenets - The discovery of the remains of Richard III renewed interest not merely in his immediate predecessors and the Wars of the Roses but in the whole dynasty.

Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 09 - 10

WEA Weston Branch Lincoln Education T. 01522 522472 E. [email protected] Team Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US

Course

History: The English Country House in the 20th Century £53.90 with Adam Smith Wed 03/10/2018, 14:00 - 16:00, 7 sessions, Ref. C2339569 Weston Community Project, 26 High Street, Weston, Towcester, NN12 8PU The course will show how many country houses went through a period of decline in the 20th Century. We will see how this was sometimes followed by the destruction of the house, sometimes by rebirth as a visitor attraction, educational institution etc.

WEA Yelvertoft Branch Lincoln Education T. 01522 522472 E. [email protected] Team Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US

Course

History: Northamptonshire: Its History with Mike Ingram £52.00 Mon 24/09/2018, 14:00 - 15:30, 9 sessions, Ref. C2340001 Yelvertoft Village Hall, Lilbourne Road, Yelvertoft, NN6 6LJ The aim of this course is to introduce learners to the history of Northamptonshire and the many wars and rebellions that took place there.

WEA Towcester Branch Mr David Wilcock T. 01327 351782 E. [email protected] Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US Course

History: Victorian England with Adam Smith £53.90 Wed 03/10/2018, 10:00 - 12:00, 7 sessions, Ref. C2339567 A5 Rangers Club, Islington Road Entrance, Towcester, NN12 6AU The course will consider the social and economic history of the Victorian period. Where possible the lives of real people will be used to illustrate general trends.

Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464

WEA Wellingborough Branch Lincoln Education T. 01522 522472 E. [email protected] Team Lincoln Room 14 Greetwell Place, Lime Kiln Way, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 4US

Course

Music Appreciation: Musicals; Strife, Low Life and High Society £52.00 with David Price Wed 03/10/2018, 19:30 - 21:00, 9 sessions, Ref. C2339568 Friends Meeting House, Quaker House, 29 St. Johns Street, Wellingborough, NN8 4LG A look at the history behind musicals - the political, cultural and social issues that form the basis of the plots and also their historical contexts.

Our courses are free to eligible students, see page 3 for more details. 11 - 12

Try it Believe it DOo it!

The WEA relies on people like you to be volunteers. Whether it’s in the classroom, or behind the scenes, your skills can help us make more of a difference on lives, in communities and in society. As a WEA volunteer you can ... Use and develop your own skills and interests Meet new people in your community Make real change to people’s lives.

Join us today! Visit: wea.org.uk/volunteer When I first started volunteering in Email us: [email protected] the WEA office, I was very nervous and unsure of myself. I lacked confidence – I couldn’t even answer the phone. I’ve come a long way since then. It’s great to engage in work that’s satisfying and work with people to improve my communication skills. I’ve helped the WEA and the WEA has helped me and together we’ve achieved a great deal.

Kamaran, WEA Volunteer BecOome a WEA Tutor

Education should be within reach of everyone - This belief is central to our work at the WEA. Our 2,000+ tutors do an amazing job at making education accessible to adults in their local communities. Will you join them? We’re looking for professionals up and down the country to teach: English, maths, ESOL, community interpreting, history, literature, art, languages, schools and parenting, and much more… Aside from your specialist knowledge, you will have the skills to communicate with learners as adults and the flexibility to shape the course around the needs of the group. More info: wea.org.uk/tutors I want my learners to feel they can talk to me about anything. We’re all in this together, you know? If I can open doors for them, then I’ll do what I can. Rebecca, Tutor in Rochdale 13 - 14 Rekindle your confidence Derek teaches computer I just do things the way I would skills including Microsoft want to learn, I taught students cell coordinate systems in Excel by playing Word, Microsoft Excel and Battleships. Online platforms to support vulnerable adults, who are Students leave regular feedback and often homeless or in temporary nothing is better than being told that I “explained it well enough for [the accommodation, to gain skills students] to understand.” towards employment. Despite turning 65 last year, I still want to learn, I hope my enthusiasm and For the WEA I teach IT classes in desire rubs off on whoever attends the the community, I also have the classes. opportunity to support other classes for adults with a variety of difficulties. Derek - Our students remind me to go back IT tutor Nottingham to basics, if there is a problem start at the beginning rather than jumping in with complex solutions, a lesson that we all need reminding of from time to time.

I just do things the way I would want to learn SuppOort us Believe in us Join us!

Become a WEA member today and help to transform lives, communities and your society through adult education As a WEA member you can ... Support a movement that has Members receive: newsletters, access to championed high quality adult events, an exclusive members’ website, education since 1903 your membership card, and our new member-led Highway magazine. Have your say in how the WEA is run and how we help Join us today! Visit: wea.org.uk/get-involved/ Get involved - connect to your membership local branch or group – volunteer, attend events, find new friends or * Membership is free to volunteers and those on bring along old ones! low income.

Membership of the WEA has brought me long term friendships and personal fulfilment. Betty, Member, Harpenden Branch 15 - 16

Branch Booking Form

For branch courses only, to book simply complete and post the form below.

Name: (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms)

Address:

Postcode:

Tel. Email.

Please book me on the following courses:

Course Title Fee No:

Course Title Fee No:

Course Title Fee No:

Course Title Fee No:

If you claim a free course, please indicate which benefit you receive:

Please return form with fee (if applicable) to the contact details found underneath each branch heading. Cheques should be made payable to: WEA (insert Branch name) i.e. WEA Lowdham Branch. If you like to receive confirmation of your booking, please provide a S.A.E. Case study Pauline Quinn

After suffering a grade 3 subarachnoid haemorrhage, Pauline was unable to talk, walk and needed to relearn most things. In 2013, on the road to recovery, Pauline discovered the WEA and joined Tai Chi, Creative Writing and Art Classes. The courses did more than get her brain and body working again; it gave her peace and even met some life changing connections at Chesterfield Collage.

Since her first class with the WEA, Pauline has now successfully completed Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and still continues to attend WEA classes. Her new goal is to volunteer at Osborn 4 the Spinal and Neurorehabilitation Centre at Northern General Hospital, where her journey began.

The courses did more than get her brain and body working again; it gave her peace and even met some life changing connections Enrol online at wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464 17 - 18

Feedback and Complaints Learning Agreement and Student We welcome your feedback to help us Code of Conduct improve our service. If you have a suggestion When you enrol with the WEA you will enter on how we could improve our services, call into a Learning Agreement with us. This is our Suggestions Line on 0300 303 3464 or printed on your enrolment form. The Student email [email protected]. You can also Code of Conduct together with the Learning contact your Regional Office directly. Agreement can be found on our website at: wea.org.uk/policies. These set out our joint Staying Safe responsibilities for creating a positive learning environment. The WEA is committed to providing a welcoming environment where everyone is respected, valued and feels safe and secure. If Get Involved you have any concerns you can speak to your The WEA is a membership organisation which tutor or you can contact our safeguarding encourages our students and supporters to staff via your Regional Office. join us to help build a strong voice for adult learning. This is what makes us distinctive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and different from other learning providers. By becoming a member of the WEA you are The WEA believes that education plays a agreeing to the charitable aims, mission and major role in challenging discrimination values of the Association. If you are interested and disadvantage. We are committed to in finding out more, please visit the website inclusive learning and ensuring that all our wea.org.uk/get-involved/membership or call students achieve the best possible outcomes. 0207 426 3460. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the WEA is a collective responsibility. We expect everyone If you would like to volunteer please speak involved in the WEA to challenge conditions to your WEA tutor, local course organiser, that place anyone at a disadvantage and telephone the Regional Office or look at create an inclusive community in which our website wea.org.uk/volunteer for more diversity is valued and celebrated. 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 Service on 0800 100 900. The WEA East Midlands Regional Office 39 Mapperley Road Nottingham, NG3 5AQ

T. 0 115 962 8400 E. [email protected] W. wea.org.uk/eastmidlands

@WEAEastMidlands WEA.East.Midlands

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