<p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">We are proud to share the inspiring journey of Gemma, a 2022 Sixth Form graduate and Weston College's A Level Student of the Year 2023 who has gone on to pursue her passion for French at the prestigious University of London Institute in Paris!&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Gemma chose to study at Weston College after attending an Open Day and being impressed by the engaging teachers and tailored courses, “my sister had attended the College before me and had a positive experience, so it seemed like a no-brainer”.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">During her time at Weston College, Gemma honed essential skills like time management, organisation, and persuasive writing, which have proven to be invaluable in her academic journey. “My French teacher really prepared me well not only for the A-level exams, but for further education too. My Law teacher was incredible; she boosted my self-confidence and taught us all how to write very convincing arguments with evidence and support to back them up, something that I’ve carried with me through University.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Gemma’s journey didn’t go without challenges, balancing A-level studies with university applications, she had the generous support of her tutors. From writing personal statements to balancing revision, she felt comfortable to gain help from her tutors, learning that she could attend revision sessions while maintaining a healthy life-work balance.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">One of Gemma’s standout memories from Weston College was the build-up to exams and her continued success in French class. "We had finished learning the content for our French exams, and so every week we would use the time to complete a past paper and this one particular week I managed to get 98% correct! It was just a little confidence boost leading up to exams and confirmed for myself that I had made the right decision to choose to study French at University.” She dedicates her success to her lecturer, Emilie, who had been an integral part of her experience at Sixth Form. Gemma recalls “it was so nice that both of our hard work was paying off!” She also fondly recalls a mock trial in her Law class, organised by Octavia (her Law lecturer) that combined fun with practical learning.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Gemma credits her passion for French to an early secondary school teacher whose enthusiasm left a lasting impression. Her love for the language blossomed at Weston College thanks to equally passionate and supportive teachers. "They kept my motivation high and inspired me to continue studying French and look into Further Education."&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Now in her final year of a French Studies degree, Gemma is thriving in Paris, and deep into her dissertation writing. She describes the city as the perfect place to study, work, and live, filled with free museums, libraries, vibrant cafes, and an exciting nightlife. Her next goal is to complete a master’s in teaching English and begin her teaching career in France. “I’m definitely not ready to leave Paris after my Undergraduate degree and I’ve always wanted to teach over in France, so I’m really looking forward to this next chapter and hoping it all goes smoothly!”.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Reflecting on her experience, Gemma has had an exciting journey from walking through the Sixth Form doors, to jetting off to the beautiful city of Paris.&nbsp;"I had a great experience at the College; it made me more independent, confident and prepared me well for everything I wanted to accomplish after college. The teachers I had were fun, engaging and supportive and ultimately, I wouldn’t be where I am now, if I hadn’t had had their support" She also sends her thanks to the College’s careers officer, who encouraged her to apply to Oxford. Although being offered a place at both the University of London Institute in Paris and Oxford University,&nbsp;Gemma ultimately chose Paris; and was deeply appreciative of the officer’s continued support.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;">In December, a group of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; target="_blank">A Level Media</a> students and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank">Creative Arts Media</a> Course students had an exciting opportunity to explore the world of professional media production. They visited BBC’s newest and most advanced studios in Cardiff, where they were introduced to a dynamic environment bursting with cutting-edge technology.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The students toured the BBC newsrooms, gaining insights into the tools and techniques used in modern broadcasting, including augmented reality, virtual reality, green screens, and state-of-the-art cameras. They also explored the radio broadcasting facilities and engaged in conversations with presenters and producers to better understand the complexities of creating live programming.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;3 learners sat at the BBC Cardiff presenting desk&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c107b5f-a2fd-45df-a41f-12e3ce1f4456" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learners in a broadcasting studio practising&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25938d9c-d9b8-42fb-a335-15620bdb2b8b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The visit extended beyond the BBC studios to the National Museum of Cardiff, where the students immersed themselves in the arts, culture, and history of Wales. This enriched their understanding of the cultural context that often influences media production. In the afternoon, they worked collaboratively in groups to tour Cardiff and create engaging vlogs documenting their experiences, combining creativity with technical skills.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;2 learners looking up at a skeleton structure at the National Museum of Cardiff&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2fc37de-d3ea-46e1-b21d-c8e9838b79ca" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">This hands-on experience was invaluable for the students, as it offered a glimpse into potential career paths and opportunities in the media industry. By engaging with professionals and experiencing real-world production environments, they developed a deeper understanding of media processes and the progression opportunities available after completing their studies. The visit served as both an educational and inspirational experience, equipping the learners with practical knowledge and sparking enthusiasm for their future in media.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Group photo of the Media learners by the BBC Cardiff sign&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0389e9cf-8be4-4ce0-947b-8ba77498c863" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Thank you to BBC Cardiff for having our Media learners and giving them insight into the available pathways.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank">If you are interested in applying to one of our Media courses in September, click here.</a></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Our Fashion, Photography, and Art students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the renowned Victoria and Albert Museum (V&amp;A) in Knightsbridge, London, where they immersed themselves in the world of fashion and photography. The group explored the iconic career of supermodel Naomi Campbell, whose exhibition at the V&amp;A showcased a collection of works by some of the world’s top designers and photographers. The exhibition also highlighted Naomi’s significant activism and her cultural impact.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;students standing outside victoria and albert museum in london&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73af149f-eb37-430a-afd5-3051f6247da7" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>In addition to the Naomi Campbell exhibition, the students visited the Fragile Beauty exhibition, which featured a remarkable collection of photographs owned by Elton John. This collection included works from some of the most respected photographers in the industry, covering themes of fashion, celebrity, reportage, and the male body. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for the learners to explore contemporary and modern photography and how it intersects with fashion and society.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;students at albert and victoria museum of fashion and photography&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="361b93ec-843f-4ce6-810c-4f5acb07248b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The trip was led by Nicola Stent, Samantha Gilraine, and Dan Wheatley, who were all impressed by the students’ engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day. Nicola Stent shared her thoughts on the experience, saying, “It was an absolute joy to witness the learners gather inspiration, capture their own photography during the visit, and develop their creative ideas. The students truly showcased their talent, and it’s clear they are on a path to success. They represented Weston College exceptionally well, and we are excited for the next creative visit.”&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;students at albert and victoria museum of fashion and photography&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7276bd77-9004-4b54-a5b3-06e5f3405535" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>This insightful and exciting visit to the V&amp;A provided a wealth of inspiration for the learners, offering them the chance to explore the intersection of art, fashion, and photography at one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This partnership forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>To find out about what A Level subject courses we have to offer, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… click here.</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p>