Step through a process to take technical analysis to an effective trading system. Through research and testing, we will develop a system and then quantify its probabilities of profit and goal achievement, capital preservation and bankruptcy, as well as determine the capital needed for the system to achieve success. Prerequisite: an elementary knowledge of technical analysis with or without trading experience.
Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor
Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007.
As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.
As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!
This course is available as a WEA Flexi course.
When you enrol in a WEA Flexi course, you have the option of attending each session in person or online via Zoom. You do not need to nominate a preference when you enrol, you can simply attend each session in person or online as it suits you.
Zoom is a popular video conferencing software solution which can be used as a virtual classroom. For an optimal online learning experience, when attending classes via Zoom we recommend you install Zoom Workplace on a desktop or laptop computer with built-in webcam and use a headset with microphone. Alternatively, there is a Zoom Workplace app available so you can participate using a tablet or smartphone, however you may not be able to experience all aspects of the online learning environment when participating this way.
When you enrol in a WEA Flexi course, you will receive an email with a Zoom meeting link at least two days before the course starts. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder or junk mail. If you have not received the email with the Zoom meeting details, please contact us and we will provide the details you need to join the session online.
To join the course session via Zoom, simply click on the Join the Meeting link in the email or click on Join Meeting in the Zoom app and insert the Meeting ID, your name and Passcode in the boxes provided.
Please note: WEA can only provide limited technical support (such as re-sending the meeting details), as students should know how to use Zoom on their computer or device if choosing to attend this way.
Course Description
This course is designed to take your foundational understanding of technical analysis and elevate it into a structured, rules-based trading system.
You’ll learn how to go from idea to implementation by developing a system with clear entry and exit rules, risk management strategies, and defined performance metrics.
By combining research, testing, and psychological insight, you'll build a system tailored to your goals and trading profile.
Whether you're aiming to trade part-time or professionally, this course provides the critical tools for making confident, data-driven decisions.
We’ll explore how to test and refine your trading system, quantify risk and reward, and determine how much capital is needed to avoid common pitfalls such as overexposure and burnout.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like the Trading System Performance Evaluator and Monte Carlo simulations and learn how to transition from simulation to live trading.
This course is ideal for those who have a basic knowledge of technical analysis and are ready to develop a methodical, psychologically sound approach to the markets.
Course Structure
This course is delivered in a structured lecture format, broken down into key topic areas that build foundational knowledge while allowing for real-time questions and interactive discussion.
- Introduction: Turning technical analysis into a trading system
- Self-assessment: Trading psychology, beliefs, and behavioural tendencies
- Building your system: Entry signals, stop losses, exit rules, and risk controls
- Back testing: Historical data, sample size, and system metrics
- Optimisation and robustness testing (avoiding curve fitting)
- Forward testing and paper trading: Reality check and system validation
- Position sizing models: Risk, volatility, and capital preservation
- Simulation tools: Monte Carlo analysis and probability modelling
- Managing emotional pitfalls and common psychological biases
- Preparing for live trading: Technical setup, discipline, and refinement
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Build and test a complete rules-based trading system using technical analysis
- Translate strategy ideas into specific, repeatable trade execution rules
- Conduct back tests and forward tests to evaluate system performance
- Calculate mathematical expectancy, profit factor, and maximum drawdown
- Use position sizing models to manage risk and capital exposure effectively
- Apply simulation tools to estimate profitability, capital retention, and risk of ruin
- Identify and manage psychological biases that influence trading decisions
- Create a written trading plan with detailed tracking, review, and improvement processes
- Prepare technically and mentally for live trading conditions
- Maintain discipline, resilience, and self-awareness in long-term trading success
|