Every year on April 22, more than a billion people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. This year, the theme is Our Power, Our Planet, a reminder that protecting this world doesn’t depend on governments alone. It depends on all of us.
And this year, we have a little extra perspective. Just over two weeks ago, four humans looked back at Earth from the vicinity of the Moon and saw exactly what’s worth protecting.
NASA’s Artemis II mission made history. For the first time in over 50 years, a crew of four astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, travelled to the vicinity of the Moon and returned safely to Earth on 10 April. As they looked back from deep space, they saw what every astronaut before them had seen: one fragile blue planet, glowing in darkness.
That image feels especially meaningful this Earth Day. It reminds us that “Our Planet” is not an abstract idea—it’s something real, finite, and worth protecting.
The overview effect: a perspective that changes everything
Astronauts often speak about the overview effect, a profound shift in perspective the moment they see Earth from space.
This idea isn’t new. During Apollo 8, astronauts captured the iconic Earthrise image, showing our planet rising above the lunar horizon. That single photograph helped inspire the modern environmental movement, and just two years later, the first Earth Day was born.
Why our planet needs us
Oceans cover 71% of our planet’s surface, yet less than 1% of all water on Earth is accessible fresh water.
Oceans cover 71% of the planet, yet less than 1% of Earth’s water is accessible as fresh water
A single tree can produce enough oxygen for 2–4 people each day
Around 90% of volcanic activity happens underwater
More water exists in the atmosphere than in all rivers combined
Roughly 100 lightning bolts strike Earth every second
These facts aren’t just interesting. They highlight how complex and delicate our planet really is. Protecting it isn’t optional. It’s a shared responsibility.
Why space missions matter for life on Earth
It might seem counterintuitive, but space exploration is one of our most powerful tools for protecting the planet.
It might sound surprising, but exploring space actually helps us take better care of Earth.
Missions like Artemis II don’t just send people to the Moon—they help build the technology we use every day. Satellites track climate change, spot deforestation, measure rising sea levels, and even help manage water worldwide.
Some clean energy tech we use today—like better solar panels and lighter batteries—also started with space research.
So “Our Power” isn’t just a nice idea. It’s already happening through science, new ideas, and the tools that help us protect our planet.
Ready to be part of the solution? Build your green skills today
The best way to honour Earth Day 2026 isn’t just awareness, it’s skills.
Whether you want to start a career in sustainability, switch to something greener, or just understand the challenges we face, building your knowledge is a great place to begin.
Taking the first step into creative writing can feel daunting, especially if you don’t come from a traditional writing background. Creative writing isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about exploring ideas, experimenting with different styles, and finding your own voice.
We spoke to former creative writing learner Antonia to talk about her experience on our creative writing course, how it transformed her confidence, and how it opened doors into the world of journalism.
Read on to discover her story and the advice she has for aspiring writers.
Meet Antonia
Antonia is a former creative writing learner whose work has been published on Radio X, a milestone that once felt far out of reach. As a creative writing learner at WM College, she didn’t start with industry experience or formal training, just a genuine passion for music and a curiosity about storytelling. Through workshops, feedback, and a supportive classroom environment, she began to shape her voice and grow in confidence. What started as a course to develop her writing gradually became the foundation for real-world opportunities, proving that the skills built in the classroom can travel much further than expected.
“If I had to sum up WM College in one sentence, I’d say they’re a really cool and dynamic college where everyone thrives,” she says
How a creative writing course at WM College launched Antonia’s journalism career
Q: What inspired you to join WM College and the creative writing course?
Two years ago, I was a volunteer at a community radio station and received a Jack Petchey Award, which funded a range of creative activities. I chose a one-day crash course in journalism, taught by Julian Marszalek. He was a fountain of knowledge, and his teaching techniques were easy to follow.
Around the same time, I was an aspiring arts and culture writer with a specific interest in music, but I had no background in creative writing. I became interested in WM College and, while browsing their courses, I saw that Julian also taught a four-week course, so I decided to enrol.
Q: How did you feel about your writing before you started?
I haven’t always been the most confident writer, as I’m dyslexic, and this has sometimes created learning barriers. However, once I discovered my creative voice, I was able to express myself clearly and to the best of my ability through words. I occasionally experienced writer’s block, but through consistent practice, I’ve worked through this challenge and strengthened my editorial skills.
Q: How did your tutor support or challenge you?
There was no such thing as a silly question. It was reassuring to be in a class made up of people of all ages and skill levels. Julian fostered collaboration by having us share our work aloud and offer thoughtful feedback to one another. It created a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we felt comfortable exchanging ideas.
Q: Was there a moment when you felt your confidence grow?
Looking back, I think my confidence grew when I started creating my own work, without worrying that it might be irrelevant. I began reading poems by some of my favourite poets, including Sylvia Plath, Edgar Allan Poe, and John Keats, which motivated me to take the lead. Creative writing soon became one of my main hobbies and played a key role in inspiring my career transition.
Q: How did you get your first piece published?
Julian is a freelance music journalist, and I also took an interest in music journalism. He very kindly connected me with a contact at Radio X, part of Global Media & Entertainment, where I now work. Initially, I completed a few shadowing sessions that helped me understand the publication’s workflow. Within a few weeks, I was contributing to their online features.
Q: What role did the course play in helping you achieve that?
The creative writing course broadened my perspective and introduced me to new opportunities I was excited to explore. It also inspired me to pursue a career in journalism, which I am now actively working towards. I’m currently a trainee journalist at News Associates and contribute as a writer for a small music publication, The Music Mag.
Q: How did it feel seeing your work published on Radio X?
To date, it remains one of my biggest achievements. Seeing my creative project published on a prominent platform gave me a real sense of accomplishment. It motivated me to put myself out there and expand my professional network.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about studying here?
Go for it! WM College is an excellent place that lets you balance your other responsibilities alongside your studies. Their classes are flexible, and assignments can be completed at your own pace. I studied alongside people from all walks of life, which made the environment especially welcoming. This course was the first step that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone – in a positive way. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience and show industry professionals that you’ve had the courage to study something new.
Enrol on a creative writing course
Antonia’s journey is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen overnight; it happens when curiosity meets opportunity.
At WM College, stories like hers show what’s possible when learners have the space to explore, build confidence, and take their next steps with purpose.
Why not discover the creative writing course that’s right for you?
Let’s be honest, by the time March rolls around, most of us in the UK are absolutely done with Winter. After months of grey skies and endless rain, the arrival of the Spring Equinox is the perfect sign that brighter days are on the way. Not only does it mark the first day of Spring, but it’s also the ideal time to try something new.
That shift is actually marked by a real astronomical event called the Spring Equinox, the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
But the equinox isn’t just a fancy science term for “Winter is finally over.” It’s actually a pretty cool moment that humans have been noticing, celebrating, and probably getting excited about.
So, in the spirit of longer days and slightly fewer soggy socks, here are a few fun facts about the first day of Spring.
Fun facts about the Spring Equinox
1.Day and night are almost equal The term equinox comes from Latin, meaning “equal night.” On the spring equinox, day and night are nearly the same length. After this, daylight starts winning, giving us longer evenings and more energy, the perfect motivation to start something new.
2. The sun rises in the perfect direction On the equinox, the sun rises almost exactly in the east and sets due west. It’s one of those rare moments when the Earth feels perfectly aligned with the universe.
3.Humans have celebrated it for centuries Spring has been a symbol of fresh starts and new beginnings for thousands of years. The Persian festival Nowruz begins on the equinox, celebrating growth, family, and the start of a new year. Ancient sites like Stonehenge are aligned with the sun during key seasonal events, showing that humans have always celebrated the return of longer days.
In other words, spring is basically the universe’s way of saying: “Go on… try something new.”
Turn that Spring energy into action
Longer days and brighter light naturally boost our mood and energy. Suddenly, the idea of learning something creative or practical doesn’t feel like a chore; it feels exciting.
That’s where WM College comes in. With part-time and evening courses for adults, it’s the perfect way to channel that spring motivation into action.
Whether you’re looking to get creative, build practical skills, or simply try something new, there’s something for you:
The equinox only lasts a moment, but its message lasts much longer: longer days, brighter energy, and fresh opportunities.
So if the changing season has left you inspired, don’t let it pass by. Take that motivation and try something new. With WM College courses, you can learn a new skill, explore a creative passion, and make the most of the season, all while meeting new people and having fun.
Spring isn’t just about flowers blooming. Sometimes it’s about you blooming, too.
Today, WM College was proud to be represented at the Numeracy for Life Select Committee at the House of Lords, where our Principal and CEO Dipa Ganguli, OBE, was invited to give evidence on the state of adult numeracy in the UK.
This session brought together sector leaders, policymakers and practitioners (Including: Marguerite Hogg, Senior Policy Manager at Association of Colleges, Dr Sue Pember, Policy Advisor at HOLEX and Alex Stevenson, Deputy Director at the Learning and Work Institute) to examine a critical issue: millions of adults lack the numeracy skills needed for everyday life, work and participation in society – and current provision is not keeping pace with need.
Drawing on both national data and lived experience from the classroom, the discussion highlighted not only the scale of the challenge, but also the practical solutions already working on the ground.
The scale of the adult numeracy challenge
The Committee heard that:
Around 16 million adults in the UK have low numeracy skills
Approximately 8–9 million have very low skills, below those expected of a primary school child
Participation in adult maths learning has declined significantly over the past decade
Speakers from across the sector raised concerns about:
Reduced funding for adult education
A shortage of specialist maths teachers
Fragmented provision depending on location
A lack of policy focus on adult numeracy
There was a clear consensus: without urgent action, it could take decades to close the national skills gap.
WM College’s perspective: what works in adult numeracy
Dipa Ganguli brought a vital frontline perspective, grounded in WM College’s work with hundreds of adult learners each year – many of whom have previously struggled with maths or experienced barriers to education.
Her key message was clear:
Adult numeracy is not just about teaching maths – it is about rebuilding confidence, removing barriers, and making learning meaningful.
1. Confidence comes before competence
For many adult learners, the biggest challenge is not ability, but mindset.
Years of negative experiences in education often lead to deep-rooted maths anxiety. Learners frequently arrive believing:
“I’m not good at maths”
“I’ve never been able to do this”
At WM College, the starting point is different. The focus is on:
Creating safe, supportive learning environments
Rebuilding confidence step by step
Helping learners reframe their relationship with maths
Only once confidence grows can skills truly develop.
2. Relevance drives engagement
One of the strongest themes from Dipa’s contribution was the importance of real-life application.
Adults are far more likely to engage when maths is clearly linked to their everyday lives, such as:
Managing household budgets during a cost-of-living crisis
Supporting their children with homework
Understanding payslips, bills, or pensions
Making informed health decisions
When learning feels relevant, participation increases — and so does progression.
3. “Maths by stealth” is highly effective
A standout insight from WM College’s delivery – particularly through programmes like Multiply – is the success of embedding numeracy into practical activities.
Examples include:
Cooking sessions to teach ratios, measurements and budgeting
Sewing and tailoring to explore geometry and proportions
Shopping scenarios to build confidence with percentages and value comparisons
This approach reduces anxiety and stigma, allowing learners to develop skills without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Functional skills matter more than abstract concepts
Dipa highlighted a critical distinction between:
Transferable, everyday maths skills, and
Abstract concepts that are harder to contextualise
Learners respond strongly to:
Budgeting and money management
Understanding offers, discounts and value
Practical problem-solving
By contrast, topics like algebra are often perceived as less relevant and can act as a barrier to engagement.
This raises important questions about how adult maths curricula are designed and assessed.
5. Wraparound support is essential – but costly
Another key insight was the importance of wraparound support in enabling adults to participate and succeed.
This includes:
Childcare support
Travel assistance
Additional learning support in the classroom
At WM College, this support plays a crucial role in retention and achievement. However, it also creates a challenge:
The more support provided to each learner, the fewer learners can be reached overall within existing funding constraints.
This highlights the need for investment that reflects the real cost of effective adult education.
6. Assessment can be a barrier to participation
The Committee also heard that formal assessment requirements can deter many adults from engaging in maths learning.
Dipa emphasised that:
Many learners are motivated by practical outcomes, not qualifications
The pressure of exams can reinforce anxiety and disengagement
Programmes like Multiply were successful in part because they:
Offered flexible, non-accredited learning
Focused on building confidence and skills first
Dipa also highlighted specific exam questions to demonstrate how inaccessible many assessments are. She showed that maths questions are often multi‑layered and written like English comprehension exercises. As a result, even learners who are mathematically capable can struggle – not because of the maths itself, but because the language demands are unnecessarily complex.
There is a clear opportunity to expand this type of provision to re-engage more adults.
Insights from across the sector
Other contributors reinforced and expanded on these themes:
There are growing concerns about the impact of low numeracy on productivity, employment and economic growth.
Funding constraints were identified as a major limiting factor, with significant reductions over the past decade impacting provision, staffing and learner support.
The end of the Multiply programme has left a gap in flexible, community-based learning opportunities.
Evidence showed that adults do want to learn, but need provision that is accessible, relevant and well-supported.
Strong partnership working – with employers, community organisations and public services – was highlighted as essential to reaching learners who would not otherwise engage.
A System designed around adults
A recurring theme throughout the session was the need to rethink how adult numeracy is delivered.
Dipa summarised this powerfully:
We must teach in the way adults learn – not in the way systems are designed.
This means:
Creating supportive, inclusive environments
Starting from the learner’s context and goals
Making learning practical and relevant
Removing unnecessary barriers
Looking ahead
The Numeracy for Life Committee session made one thing clear: adult numeracy is not a marginal issue – it is central to the UK’s economic, social and individual wellbeing.
At WM College, we see every day how the right approach can:
Build confidence
Unlock opportunity
Transform lives
But to scale this impact, we need:
Sustained investment in adult education
Flexible, learner-centred provision
Recognition of numeracy as a critical life skill
We are proud to contribute to this national conversation and remain committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive education that meets the real needs of our communities.
Many people say they want to be actors. Far fewer understand the work that sits behind the spotlight. Acting is more than memorising lines or delivering a performance. It’s a craft that requires imagination, resilience, and courage to explore.
Understanding what the profession is really like is the first step to building strong skills and real confidence. We spoke to our Acting and Drama tutor about his experience in the industry and what learners can expect from the course.
Meet WM College tutor, Christopher
WM College is delighted to welcome Christopher as our new Acting and Drama tutor. With over 14 years of experience as a professional actor, he has performed in Shakespearean productions, on screen, and in the growing world of video games.
Alongside his acting career, Christopher has always been passionate about teaching, delivering guest lectures at universities and coaching aspiring performers in rehearsal rooms.
His approach focuses on helping learners build confidence, develop their skills, find their voice, and understand what it truly means to be a performer.
Catch up below on Christopher’s experience and insights on the craft of acting and drama.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey in acting and drama and teaching?
I’ve been a professional actor for the last 14 years or so. I’ve always taught alongside my time acting and writing – whether that has been guest lecturing on Shakespearean verse at universities or teaching training actors. The majority of my career has been working on stage, mostly in Shakespearean productions, but also in screen work. In the last five years, I have moved into the world of computer games, which has been the most fun I’ve had.
Q: What drew you to teaching acting and drama?
Having found that teaching creative writing has improved my skills as a playwright, the same is true for teaching acting – I’ve learned more about my craft watching actors develop and hone their skills.
Q: Who is this course aimed at, and what can learners expect to gain?
The course is aimed at anyone with a creative itch to scratch. We will look at different theorists and practitioners, as well as doing a lot of practical script and text work. But learning about acting is not a one-size-fits-all; we will see where your strengths and weaknesses lie and help develop your own personal toolkit.
Q: Will there be opportunities for collaborative or performance work during the course?
All acting is reacting, so it will be inherently collaborative – there will be space to learn about monologue and soliloquy too, but 90% of the work we will do will be on our feet exploring performance skills.
Q: What’s your favourite part about teaching acting or drama?
We call it a ‘play’; that thing on a stage is called a ‘play,’ and that is what we as actors should be focused on doing: learning how to play again. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing”. Seeing performers find a little of their five-year-old selves again and work from a place of spontaneity and without a fear of failure – reaching that point is the most satisfying part.
Q: Is there a piece of advice you always give to aspiring actors?
Don’t be afraid to be rubbish, don’t be afraid to fail. If you can get over that hurdle, everything is way easier. But I’d also say that if you’re hoping to be an actor just to be famous, then you don’t want to be an actor. This course is about learning to be a storyteller who works from a place of being an authentic human.
Q: What do you hope learners will take away from your course?
I hope they find confidence, a sense of play, I hope they become more articulate and free in their voice and bodies, but most of all, I hope they are able to see a piece of text and have a better understanding of how to serve the story.
Enrol on our acting and drama course
If you’d love to build confidence, get creative and learn by doing, our performing arts courses at WM College are the perfect place to start. Enrol now in WM College’s Acting and Drama course and start your journey as a storyteller.
Hilary discovered that retirement could be the start of a new creative chapter. Drawing had been part of her life since the 1970s, but her enrolment in printmaking courses for adults at WM College transformed a private hobby into a serious artistic practice. From experimenting with etching in a short course to exhibiting at the Royal Academy, Hilary’s journey shows how adult education can unlock hidden potential at any stage of life.
Her creative journey didn’t begin with a bold career change. Hilary had been attending life drawing classes at the College since 1973, when it was based in Kentish Town. Drawing had been a constant through decades of professional responsibility, yet it had always lived quietly on the edges of her daily life. The two-day etching course shifted that balance, moving her art from the margins to the center of her retirement.
“I didn’t see it as the beginning of anything,” she says. “I just wanted to try etching properly.”
Learning printmaking
The etching process captivated Hilary from the start. Preparing the plate, drawing into metal, allowing the acid to bite, and lifting the paper from the press revealed both the precision and unpredictability of printmaking. It demanded patience, rewarded experimentation, and required focus.
Two days were not enough. What began as curiosity quickly became a commitment to learning and developing her practice.
That initial course led to a year on the UAL Art Foundation programme at WM College. From there, Hilary progressed to a BA in Fine Art at Middlesex University and then completed her Masters in Printmaking from 2018 to 2020. Printmaking became not just an interest, but a practice that defined her life.
Exhibiting prints at the Royal Academy
Since completing her postgraduate studies, Hilary has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Show four times. These achievements were not the result of sudden reinvention, but steady development supported by studio access, expert tuition, and sustained commitment.
“Without WM College,” she reflects, “I would have remained a community worker who drew. Instead, I became a practising artist.”
Her journey illustrates something important about adult education. It is not only about gaining qualifications or changing careers. It is about creating the conditions in which long-held interests can develop into expertise. It is about access to space, teaching, and a community of serious learners.
Lifelong learning
Hilary continues to study in the College print room, experimenting with new etching methods and expanding her practice.
“Printmaking is now my life,” she says.
During her time at WM College, she was awarded the Lowes Dickinson Award in 2025 for her piece “Synchrony”, recognising her as the overall winner.
In a climate where lifelong learning is often spoken about in abstract terms, Hilary’s experience shows what lifelong learning looks like in practice. It builds over time, grows through curiosity, and strengthens with opportunity.
For anyone interested in exploring their creativity, courses like printmaking and etching at WM College offer the space, support, and community to take that first step.
Let’s be honest, screens are everywhere. Phones, laptops, TVs, sometimes it feels like we’re glued to them 24/7.
And honestly? It can get exhausting.
According to the Vision Council, an optical industry group, 80% of adults report using digital devices for more than two hours a day. Modern life keeps us constantly connected, but too much screen time can cause stress, fatigue, and even reduced productivity.
That’s why many adults are turning to screen-free hobbies to switch off, reset, and reconnect with creativity.
Take a look at our top nine inspiring screen-free hobbies you can start with at WM College.
Try these creative screen-free hobbies
1. Painting
Watercolouring is perfect if you want a calm, mindful hobby. There’s no need to worry about creating a masterpiece; starting with leaves, flowers, or simple landscapes is enough to enjoy the soothing flow of paint. For those who want extra guidance, our Watercolour Painting course introduces you to the basics, shows you fun techniques, and helps you experiment in a relaxed, supportive environment.
2. Learn a language
Learning a new language is one of the most fun and screen-free ways to challenge your brain while connecting with other cultures. Flashcards, handwritten vocabulary lists and conversation practice are excellent screen-free hobby alternatives to language apps.
To make it even more engaging, try pairing your learning with cultural activities, e.g., cooking a recipe from the country, listening to its music, or joining one of our language courses at WM College, which guide beginners step by step and make learning fun and stress-free.
3. Learn to play the guitar
Learning to play the guitar is one of those hobbies that rewards curiosity and persistence. Even ten minutes a day can leave you feeling accomplished and calm. Some people love experimenting alone, letting the chords surprise them. Others enjoy the buzz of learning in a group, where a friendly tutor can nudge you past tricky moments. At WM College, our adult guitar classes offer that perfect balance: guidance without pressure, support without judgment, and a chance to share music with others who are just as curious as you are.
4. Patchwork & quilting
Patchworking is one of those hobbies that quietly draws you in. Learning how to measure, cut, and stitch gives your hands something to do and your mind a chance to slow down.
Some people enjoy figuring it out at home, while others prefer learning alongside others, sharing tips and ideas as they go. That’s where a local class, such as our patchwork and quilting courses, can be helpful, offering a gentle starting point and the space to learn at your own pace.
5. Join a choir
Joining a choir brings the added joy of making music with others, learning songs together, and sharing the experience in a friendly, supportive environment. Our adult choir classes provide guidance in a relaxed setting where you can practice, build confidence, and meet others who enjoy music. It’s low-pressure, creative, and a simple way to take a break while doing something enjoyable.
6. Learn how to tailor
Making bags or small textile projects combines creativity with practical skills. Working through a project from start to finish can be very satisfying. Our beginner-friendly classes in textiles offer step-by-step guidance in a relaxed environment. You can learn techniques, explore different fabrics, and enjoy the process at your own pace. It’s a calm, hands-on hobby that lets you focus, experiment, and take pride in something you’ve made yourself.
7. Acting
Acting is a great way to get out of your head and into the moment. Practicing short scenes, improvisation, or movement exercises helps you build confidence, express yourself, and enjoy being creative. Joining a small, supportive group can make it easier to try new things, share ideas, and enjoy the process alongside others.
Yoga is one of those simple ways to slow down and reconnect with your body. You don’t need to be flexible or experienced; even a few gentle stretches can help release tension, improve focus, and leave you feeling calmer.
Starting a beginner class, such as our yoga for beginners, is a great way to learn the basics, get comfortable with the poses, and build a practice that suits your pace. It’s low-pressure, relaxing, and a screen-free way to take care of yourself, even if you only have just a few minutes each day.
9. Try mosaic art
Mosaic art is a great screen-free alternative hobby that encourages patience, sparks creativity, and leaves you with something beautiful you’ve made yourself. Using small pieces of tile, glass, or stone, you gradually see a pattern come to life.
Explore our mosaic courses in association with the London School of Mosaic.
Spending less time on screens can be both refreshing and rewarding. Start small and focus on what genuinely sparks your interest; even a few minutes a day can boost your wellbeing and creativity.
If you’d like a little guidance or a supportive environment to learn in, beginner-friendly classes at WM College can help you get started. Joining a class is a simple way to practise new skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share your interests.
Lunar New Year in London is a moment when the city comes alive with community celebrations, from lion dances in Chinatown to small family gatherings across the capital. It’s a festival that brings together people from China, Vietnam, Korea, and Southeast Asia, sharing traditions, food, and stories of renewal. At WM College, we see it as an opportunity for learners to explore different cultures, experience inclusive traditions, and connect classroom learning with real-life experiences.
We’ve written this blog to help you learn more about Lunar New Year and how it’s celebrated.
What is the Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, often called Chinese New Year, is one of the most important festivals across East and Southeast Asia. It marks the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon, usually falling between late January and mid-February.
Common themes include honoring ancestors, spending time with family, welcoming good fortune, and participating in cultural rituals, traditional foods, and festive performances.
Who celebrates the Lunar New Year?
While many associate the Lunar New Year with Chinese traditions, it is also celebrated by Vietnamese (Tết), Korean (Seollal), Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian communities. Each culture has its own unique rituals, foods, and performances, highlighting the festival’s rich diversity.
Although often called “Chinese New Year” in the West, the celebration extends far beyond China. Countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Tibet observe the occasion in their own ways, combining shared themes of renewal and family reunion with distinct cultural customs.
For Vietnamese families celebrating Tết, the focus is on honouring ancestors, preparing symbolic foods, and welcoming the first visitor of the year, believed to bring good fortune. In Korea, Seollal centres on family gatherings, traditional dress, and rituals that pay respect to previous generations. Across Southeast Asia, community festivals, temple visits, and vibrant markets reflect how traditions evolve while preserving cultural identity.
Together, these diverse celebrations highlight how cultural festivals can strengthen community connections and encourage respect for different identities, values that lie at the heart of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at WM College.
Why is it the Year of the Horse?
The “Year of the Horse” comes from the Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal. The Horse symbolizes energy, independence, and adventure. People born in the Year of the Horse are thought to be hardworking, social, and lively.
The zodiac repeats every 12 years, so the Year of the Horse comes around once every 12 years.
Preparations often include cleaning homes to sweep away bad luck, decorating with red to symbolise prosperity, and exchanging gifts that express wishes for health and success. These rituals may differ across cultures, but the intention is universal: stepping into the new year with optimism.
For learners and communities in London, engaging with celebrations like the Lunar New Year offers more than a cultural experience; it broadens perspectives, challenges assumptions, and strengthens cross-cultural connections. Festivals like this remind us that diversity is not just something to acknowledge, but something to actively celebrate.
Things to do in London for Lunar New Year
The Chinese Lunar New Year festival in London is the largest celebration of its kind outside Asia, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the West End every year. This year, the celebrations will take place from 21 – 22 February, centred on Chinatown and Trafalgar Square.
1. Watch lion & dragon dances
The celebration includes a vibrant parade with colourful floats and what’s described as the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. You’ll also find free stage performances in Trafalgar Square, with traditional dragon and lion dances, music, martial arts displays, and arts & crafts stalls.
2. Taste festive foods
Chinatown hosts festive food and market stalls, while family-friendly entertainment is often set up around Leicester Square.
The celebrations usually start near the east corner of Trafalgar Square and move up Charing Cross Road into Chinatown, though specific routes can vary year to year.
Learn more about culture and diversity at WM College
Lunar New Year shows how culture, creativity, and community come together. At WM College, you can explore these themes through courses in Creative Arts like drawing, painting, and jewellery making, to Performing Arts and Creative Digital Media. There are plenty of opportunities to turn your curiosity about culture into a hands-on experience.
We often wait for someone else to celebrate us, but the truth is, you don’t need a special occasion to treat yourself. Taking time for self-care and personal growth boosts your happiness, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Here are five meaningful ways to treat yourself, each designed to nurture your mind, body, and soul.
1. Invest in learning something new
Treating yourself doesn’t have to be indulgent in the traditional sense, with chocolates or flowers. Learning a new skill, language, or hobby is a gift that keeps giving all year round.
Why not…
Find a weekend course in something you’ve always wanted to try.
Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is time. Taking a day off from work or your usual routine and doing something you love could be just what you need. Why not consider disconnecting from emails and social media, and instead spend time in nature or take on one of our health and wellbeing courses?
Giving yourself the time to rest and recharge doesn’t just feel good, but can help rejuvenate your mind and body, leaving you refreshed, balanced, and ready to take on whatever may come next.
3. Indulge in your favourite foods
A little indulgence can go a long way:
Order that dessert you’ve been craving.
Try a new restaurant or cafe you’ve wanted to explore.
Bake or cook something special just for yourself.
Why it’s a treat: Savoring the little joys reminds you that self-care includes enjoying life’s pleasures.
4. Pamper your body and mind
Taking care of yourself is not just a treat; it’s important. Looking after your body and mind can help you feel less stressed, have more energy, and be happier. This could be gentle exercise, doing something creative, or just taking quiet time for yourself. Why not:
Schedule a spa day, massage, or facial.
Take a long bath with candles and soothing music.
Start a fitness course in Yoga for Beginners that makes you feel strong and energised.
Physical wellbeing directly supports mental and emotional health, and taking care of yourself is empowering.
New experiences help refresh your perspective, spark creativity you didn’t know you had, and create unforgettable memories.
Treating yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Whether it’s learning something new, enjoying your favourite foods, or taking time to relax, every act of self-love strengthens your confidence, happiness, and personal growth.
This Valentine’s Day (or any day), don’t wait for someone else treat yourself. You deserve it!
Learning a new language is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and how you learn makes a big difference. While apps like Duolingo are a popular starting point, in-person classes offer an experience that goes far beyond tapping on a screen.
Here’s why learning a language in person can help you learn faster, feel more confident, and actually enjoy the process.
Learn with real people, not just your phone
Languages are meant to be spoken. In our classroom at WM College, you practise real conversations, hear different accents, and learn how people actually communicate. You’ll meet others who are learning just like you, making lessons more enjoyable and motivating.
Our language classes feel friendly and supportive, helping you build confidence from day one.
Stay motivated with structure and support
Apps are easy to start and easy to forget. In-person classes give you a routine, clear progress, and a tutor who keeps you on track, and what’s better? Our tutors are native from the languages they teach. Having a set time and place to learn helps turn good intentions into real progress and gives you a structured learning approach.
Learn the culture, not just the words
Learning a language is about more than vocabulary. In-person tutors bring the language to life by sharing cultural insights, everyday expressions, and real-world situations. Through group activities and role-play, you learn how the language is actually used.
Get teaching that fits you
Online apps follow the same path for everyone. In a classroom, tutors can adjust lessons to your level, answer questions straight away, and help you improve where you need it most, whether that’s speaking, listening, or grammar.
Build confidence that lasts
Speaking a new language can feel scary at first. In-person classes give you a safe space to practise, make mistakes, and grow in confidence. Over time, you’ll find yourself speaking more naturally and without fear.
Take the next step
At WM College, we offer a range of in-person language courses, including Italian, Spanish and French, taught by experienced tutors in a welcoming learning environment.
If you’ve been thinking about learning a language, this is your sign to give it a try with real people, real conversations, and real progress.
Explore our language courses and start your learning journey with WM College today.
