About the Course
Big Questions started off life as a Workers' Educational Association (WEA) course called 'Great Thinkers' back in the 1990s. It was a course rooted in a wide variety of topics, the main thread being that each week it introduced a new 'thinker' from past and contemporary life. The course was team-taught… and very popular. At one point we found the student numbers barely managed to fit inside the classroom.
Later, Great Thinkers changed venue (it moved to Whitley Bay) and changed title. It then became 'Big Ideas', and instead of being team-taught, it became a single-tutor venture (my co-tutors having moved on to other things). This was again very popular.
But it suffered during the Great Pandemic when it had to move online. Numbers declined and have remained modest ever since. Big Questions is in the manner of a 2026 'reboot', with a whole new set of themes and resources (like this website!). But the idea remains the same: to make the complexities of modern life more accessible to adults via the process of structured enquiry.
About Me
With over 40 years in post-compulsory education, Bea has dedicated her career to making complex ideas accessible to everyone. She came to adult education late, after being made redundant from the civil service in the mid-1980s, and found her calling through WEA evening classes — the same tradition that gave rise to this course.
She has taught across further education, higher education, and community settings, including at Tyne Metropolitan College (1987–2010), where she was Curriculum Leader for Humanities and ICT. She has held national governance roles including President of the Institute for Learning (2011–2014) and Vice-Chair of the IfL Non-Executive Board. She founded the EU-Speak project at Newcastle University and The Science Project.
She is a Partner Governor for Voluntary Sector at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, and President of Tutor Voices: the National Network for Further, Adult, Community and Skills Educators. She is a Fellow of the Society for Education and Training (FSET).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the course?
This course originates from the mind of Bea Groves-McDaniel. She runs and maintains it. The course is NOT a WEA course, even though it originated as one. Today it runs independently.
How much does it cost?
Big Questions runs on a 'pay-what-you-can-afford' basis. Bear in mind the fairness involved: lowest course fees in mainstream adult education start at £30 per course.
Is it face-to-face?
No, the course runs online, using BigBlueButton conferencing. This is EASY to use!
How do I sign up (reserve a place) or ask a question?
Drop an email to Bea Groves-McDaniel at bea@bgmcd.org
Do I need any qualifications or experience to take part?
No, all you need is an enquiring mind and to speak/read English competently. Once you sign up, I'll send you the full timetable and the course logon link.
Is it only for British people?
No, we've had students from all over the world! This is a very friendly and inclusive experience.