Community Learning
WAES prides itself on working closely with community partners in a responsive and proactive way to ensure the needs of local learners are met
Much of our work takes place in local schools, libraries, children’s centres, community organisations and third sector service providers. We work with more than 80 such organisations in Westminster and across London. We deliver a substantial community-focused programme open to all and the personal progression, learning and success of our learners is important to us at every stage of their development.
Whatever your circumstances, we provide you with opportunities to learn and develop at your own pace, backed up by our support every step of the way. Our community courses have been carefully prepared to reflect the needs of those looking to learn something new, build an interest, fill skills gaps, or those considering voluntary work or moving into employment.
Build up your confidence, enjoy learning something new, meet new people and develop your potential. The possibilities are endless – all we need is you!
Our courses are mostly FREE or at very low cost.
Community Learning Courses
Here are the four types of Community Learning courses and workshops that we offer.
We also deliver Community Learning via partners and work with other organisations on particular projects.
Community Projects
WAES has a range of projects, where we support the community.
Community Partners
As well as our direct community learning delivery, we fund several partners every year.
In this 1 hour workshop, you will learn how to save money on your bills by improving energy efficiency in your home. Get tips on how to conserve energy, while being kind to your pocket and the planet.
The Green Live Learning Lab is about using your local area to learn about sustainability. We will learn how we can help the environment through changing how we live in our homes, and we will visit local sites to see examples of this.
Led by our popular tutor, you will learn the fundamentals of watercolour painting and drawing in this online course. You will be required to purchase materials to participate in the course.
In this 8 week course, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting in a variety of mediums, developing your artistic technique in a range of projects.
History of Art for all. An exciting new course for the Pimlico Centre introduces you to the history of art. Artist and lecturer John Timberlake will explain what to look for when viewing art and will help you experience art at a deeper and more enriching level.
This community course is free to join for residents of Harrow Road, Queens Park and Westbourne Park wards. Get creative, and be inspired on this 7 week textiles course which will show you how to upcycle and renew an existing piece of clothing or you can create new pieces using recycled fabrics. You will learn a range of sewing skills so you can continue upcycling at home.
Free French Taster Class. Ever dreamed of speaking French? Join our free online taster class and learn basic phrases, numbers, and more.
Learn to speak French with confidence! This beginner's course will help you improve your conversational French and master the fundamentals of French grammar. You'll also learn about French culture and practice your pronunciation.
Free English Pronunciation Taster Session. Ever struggled with English pronunciation? Join our free taster session and learn some valuable tips and techniques to improve your speaking.
This is a free in-person cooking course. Learn to cook healthy and balanced meals on a budget, saving money by using ingredients that don't cost the earth. Led by our experienced cookery tutor at Lisson Grove, you will be cooking and taking home delicious British and international dishes.
Want to communicate more effectively and confidently? Accelerate your communication skills with our 4-week 'Improve Your Pronunciation course'. You'll learn to understand the nuances of English pronunciation and fix common pronunciation problems.
Get creative, be inspired on this ten week art course using a mixture of different textile and craft materials you will create a unique piece of textile art.
In this four week course, learn how to cook delicious world cuisine in next-to-no time.
This improver course is perfect for those who've already mastered the basics. You'll build on your conversational skills, delve deeper into French grammar, and immerse yourself in French culture. You'll refine your pronunciation and learn to engage in more complex conversations while understanding a wider range of texts.
WAES Community Learning offers a diverse range of workshops designed to empower parents and carers in supporting their children's education and well-being. From mastering key math concepts and improving English skills to navigating the digital world and fostering strong family bonds, these workshops provide practical tools and knowledge. Whether you're looking to help with homework, enhance your child's reading and maths skills, or simply enjoy creative activities together, WAES has something to offer.
Want to feel more confident in Maths? By building a strong foundation in math, you'll gain the skills needed to tackle everyday problems, from budgeting to making informed decisions. Our courses include interactive activities, group discussions, and real-world applications, making learning math fun and relevant.
Do you want to feel more confident in English? Our "Gain Confidence in English" course is perfect for you! This course is available from Pre-Entry to Level 1.
- Highly qualified and professionally experienced tutors
- Accessible Central London centres with bespoke facilities and great transport connections
- A wide range of in-person, online, distance learning and community-based courses
- Unique work experience opportunities through partnerships
- Guest speakers offer introductions to career pathways in a variety of sectors
- Excellent progression to employment, apprenticeships or further learning including university
