We offer free hour-long online sessions to inspire you to pursue a passion, find a new hobby or develop existing skills and knowledge. We add more sessions all the time, so keep an eye out!
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Adventures in Philosophy
In this short introduction, never before have Indiana Jones, Captain Kirk and a team of Navy Seals been in the same philosophical space. So be ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into some exciting thinking as we explore some key issues around how we act in the world with others.
Floristry
Want to make the most of your flowers and always get them arranged beautifully then follow this simple and easy to follow video and start creating your own stunning arrangements. Lots of top tips from our industry professional to help you get creative with your supermarket purchases.
Foreign Languages
An introduction to foreign languages online. This is a perfect way to taste learning a language at your own pace before you enrol on a full course. Learn simple sayings and see how easy it is, you’ll be trying it out when you’re on holiday in no time!
History: Life of Florence Nightingale
Learn about the history of Florence Nightingale the influence she had on modern healthcare.
History: Social
Voices of the past: Explore the role of the everyday person in historical events in this introduction to social history.
Voices of the past: The NHS: Explore the history of the NHS from a social history perspective in a bite-sized look at this well-loved institution.
History: The Roman Conquest & Boudica’s Revenge
Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. In this short video presentation we will looking at the period when the Romans first arrived here in AD 43, through to the time when the town was destroyed by Boudica’s marauding army in AD 60/61. This course will whet your appetite for more history courses to follow.
Mindfulness
Take a step out of the everyday and into the calming, relaxing world of mindfulness to truly experience the here and now. Regular practice of mindfulness techniques will help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and low mood in everyday life and lead to increasing productivity and creativity as tensions reduce, allowing you to be more focussed, calm and able to enjoy and truly experience the current moment in time, at any time.
Painting & Drawing
Develop your drawing and painting skills. You can sketch from life and investigate different artists work. You may need materials including a sketchbook with cartridge paper, a selection of pencils, pens, water or acrylic paints, palette, water pot, and kitchen roll – please check course information sheet for details.
Observational Drawing: Measuring Skills
Photography
Make the most of your Smartphone camera with lots of hints and tips so that you are always ready to capture the best image.
Photoshop
Learn how to use photoshop to create a Victorian Tintype Effect and how to manipulate your shutter speed to create different effects.
Pop Art Online
Have some fun with this style of art which began in the 1950s. It is based on simple, bold images of everyday items. Explore yourself using bold and bright colours.
Pottery
You can make so many different decorative items with clay, and it is very cheap to purchase. Flower pots and vases, coffee mugs, wall art, pencil holders, bowls and plates, soap dishes, paperweights, and so much more. To participate in these courses you will need: A small amount of clay, an area to work, a bucket
Textiles
If you’re interested in making clothes or getting creative with fabrics then this session will give you a great start. Covering all the basics in understanding how to drape and work with fabrics all ready for the next stage with your sewing and textile projects.
Use Your Mobile To Record Videos Online
Make the most of your Smartphone camera with lots of hints and tips so that you are always ready to take the best image video photography.
Woodcraft: The Secret Life of a Tree
If you have an interest in woodcrafts then this is a must for you. Explore the fascinating nature of wood through the lifecycle of a tree and gain a deeper understanding about the structure and properties of this versatile natural resource. Whether for DIY or crafting this will increase your knowledge in handling, shaping and making with wood with useful tips on what to use, what to look for and why.
A Chord-ial Introduction to Music
Explore how to play music on different instruments through learning about chords.
Radio Controlled Flying
How about trying something completely different? Flying radio controlled aircraft might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But there are plenty of benefits involved with learning this sport. It’s a great way of improving your manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination, covering mechanical and electrical workings and adds to problem solving skills. And great fun!