Open Event – Waterloo Centre

Thinking about returning to education?

Thinking about returning to education? Come along to our open event, enjoy workshops and taster sessions, and explore the fantastic opportunities waiting for you at our Waterloo Camous.

✅ Taster sessions and workshops

✅ Speak to our expert tutors

✅ Tour our facilities

✅ Discover the right course for your goals

We’ve been supporting adult learners here for over 100 years. You’ll find a warm, inclusive atmosphere, plenty of guidance, and access to enriching events and performances throughout the year.

Explore short courses in: Visual Arts | Music & Dance | Sculpture | Art History | Philosophy | Creative Writing | History — and more!

🎓 We also offer:

• BA and MA degrees in Creative Practice
• Access to Higher Education courses
• Accredited certificates and diplomas in a wide range of subjects
• Interested in studying one of our Higher Education qualifications, at degree or master’s level? Join us for an informal HE drop in and find out more about studying at higher level with us. No appointment needed – just drop in and start the conversation!

Inspiring workshops and taster sessions during our Open Day

Book your place on at Open Event to attend free taster workshops:

Workshops and Tasters

10:00 - 12:00pm Textiles Taster Workshop

Screen print, machine embroidery and collage.

10:00 - 12:00pm Ceramics Taster Workshop

Learn a clay skill in this fun, short taster session and learn about our ceramic classes

10:00 - 12:30pm Print taster

Interested in learning about print techniques? We have a drop-in session planned where you can have a go at using lino plates and using our small print press. You can also have a conversation about our different courses and techniques you can study.

10:00 - 12:30pm Drawing taster

Interested in learning about drawing techniques, in this drop-in session you will have a chance to explore drawing with charcoal.

10:00 - 13:00pm Tree of Life Beaded Pendant Workshop

Create an intricate Tree of Life pendant from wire and gemstone beads. Learn the skills of wire and bead wrapping to create a beaded tree pendant. A fantastic introduction to basic wire working skills. All materials provided.

11:00 – 12:30pm Yoruba Language Taster

Discover the basics of Yorùbá—learn simple greetings, key phrases and explore the rich culture behind one of West Africa’s most widely spoken languages.

11:00 - 12:30pm Jewellery Certificate Courses at Morley Waterloo

Talk to the tutors about our popular Jewellery Certificate courses, visit the jewellery workshop and get your questions answered and your tutor approval in hand for the Level 2 course.

11:00 – 12:30pm Harmonica taster

Discover the world of the harmonica in this relaxed and engaging introductory class for adults. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have a little musical experience, you’ll learn the basics of technique, breathing, and simple melodies in a supportive group setting. Please bring your own harmonica to the class. If you don’t yet have one, feel free to contact the Music Department in advance for recommendations on suitable instruments.

11:00 – 12:30pm Art History Taster: Frida Kahlo: Painting the Self

Explore the colour, courage and creativity of Frida Kahlo in this dynamic taster session and discover how she used powerful self-portraits to explore identity, pain and Mexican culture.

11:00 – 12:30pm Italy in a Suitcase - the Great Migration (1880–1924)

We’ll dive into the Great Migration (1880–1924), exploring the millions of Italians who left home with nothing but a cardboard suitcase and a dream.

12:00-13:00 Introduction to Flamenco Dance

Stamping feet & clapping hands!!! Have you ever wanted to try Flamenco dance? This is your chance. This workshop is aimed at the complete beginner and will include an introduction to flamenco rhythms and fiesta dance movements. Fun and friendly - why not join us?

12:30 – 2:00pm Jazz guitar introduction

Explore the fundamentals of jazz guitar in this friendly introductory class for adults. Ideal for players with some prior guitar experience (no jazz background needed). Please bring your own guitar to class.

12:45 – 2:15pm The Italian Book Club

Join us for a 60-minutes of Italian literature designed specifically for lower-intermediate learners. We’re moving away from dry textbooks and diving into the whimsical, visual world of Italo Calvino, one of Italy’s most beloved storytellers.

1:00 – 2:00pm Step into German

Dreaming of Italy? Join this fun beginner taster session and start speaking Italian from day one. You’ll learn practical phrases for travel, everyday situations and socialising while building confidence in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

1:00 – 2:00pm Step Into Italian

Dreaming of Italy? Join this fun beginner taster session and start speaking Italian from day one. You’ll learn practical phrases for travel, everyday situations and socialising while building confidence in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

1:00 – 2:00pm Step into Japanese

Take your first steps into Japanese in this interactive beginner taster session. You’ll learn practical expressions, practise speaking from the start, and discover how enjoyable and rewarding Japanese can be.

1:30 - 4:00pm Print taster

Interested in learning about print techniques? We have a drop-in session planned where you can have a go at using lino plates and using our small print press. You can also have a conversation about our different courses and techniques you can study.

1:30 - 4:00pm Drawing taster

Interested in learning about drawing techniques, in this drop-in session you will have a chance to explore drawing with charcoal.

2:00 – 3:00pm Jet Set German

Get ready for your next adventure with this lively German for Travel taster session. Practise real-life situations, pick up essential phrases and gain the confidence to make the most of your travels in German-speaking countries.

2:00 – 3:30pm Guitar Maintenance

Bring your guitar and learn how to get the most out of your instrument.

2:30 – 3:30pm Step Into French

Whether you’re new to French or looking to boost your speaking confidence, come and experience a lively taster session where you’ll chat, mingle and practise real-life French as if you were in France or another French-speaking country.

2:30 – 3:30pm Japanese Card Making

Get creative in this relaxing Japanese-inspired card-making workshop. Learn simple Japanese words and symbols while designing beautiful handmade cards inspired by Japanese art, culture and calligraphy.

2:30 – 3:30pm Step into French

Whether you’re new to French or looking to boost your speaking confidence, come and experience a lively taster session where you’ll chat, mingle and practise real-life French as if you were in France or another French-speaking country.

2:30 – 3:30pm Yoruba Language Taster

Discover the basics of Yorùbá—learn simple greetings, key phrases and explore the rich culture behind one of West Africa’s most widely spoken languages.

3:00 – 4:00pm Creative Writing: Reading & Writing Poetry

Reading and writing poetry for fun, expression, or wellbeing. All welcome, including those who have never written a poem before or would like to understand poetry better. Led by Becky Varley-Winter, a published and prize-winning poet experienced in leading poetry courses and creating a welcoming writing space.