Creating brighter futures

Weston College Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub (CEH) and the Bristol Hippodrome, renowned ATG Entertainment Venue, are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership to nurture the next generation of creative talent. This innovative collaboration marks an important moment for our students in the arts education landscape, offering opportunities for our aspiring performers and creatives. 

The first initiative of this partnership saw Weston College students embarking on a visit to the Bristol Hippodrome to see the celebrated EduHam/Hamilton Education Performance, where students watched the full show, got to view a full demonstration of roles from numerous departments including cast, musicians, stage management and technical teams as well as a Q+A. 

The College’s Performing Arts team was amazed at how immersive and useful this first experience was for our students and are excited about all the other opportunities that are on the horizon due to this partnership with the Hippodrome, these will include:

• Access to theatre careers: our students will benefit from access to theatre careers guidance, along with robust support to explore and seize diverse placement opportunities. 
• Guest lectures: renowned industry professionals will impart invaluable knowledge and insights through engaging guest lectures, enriching the learning experience of our students. 
• Hippodrome visits: all students across Weston College will have the privilege of visiting the Hippodrome, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of theatre and gaining firsthand exposure to its inner workings. 
• Collaboration with touring companies: students will have exclusive opportunities to collaborate with touring companies, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents on a larger stage. 
• Access to touring shows and workshops: our students will have access to a myriad of touring shows and immersive workshops, allowing them to delve deeper into the craft and hone their skills under expert guidance. 
• Community engagement: the partnership extends beyond the confines of the College, with visits and interactions at key community events aimed at inspiring and inclusively involving the wider community in the creative process. 

Jade Hicks, Creative Arts Dean of Faculty, commented: 

“The ability to watch professional shows has significant benefit to all of our students, for us, it opened doors to the Creative Industries sector and the versatility of job roles needed on such a production. The afternoon was invaluable, re-igniting our love for the arts and providing a welcome break as learners go through their final assessment period.” 

This collaboration between Weston College Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub and the Hippodrome underscores a shared commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the arts. Through a cooperative blend of education, industry partnerships, and community engagement, this partnership is poised to support the landscape of arts education and embed workplace skills that will empower aspiring creatives to realise their full potential and shape the future of the creative industries. 

Interested in our Performing and Production Arts courses? Click here.

Image - Shaq Taylor as Hamilton and Company credit Danny Kaan

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.

This week the Governing Body of Weston College, announced the appointment of Alex Warner as the new Deputy Principal, Curriculum of the Weston College Group.

Alex brings 15 years of experience in the Further and Higher Education sector. His most recent role was at Milton Keynes College where he was Principal with responsibility for campus-based provision and the development of the South Central Institute of Technology.

Alex was a Milton Keynes College Group executive team member and has Prison Education experience. In addition to having held senior leadership roles and responsibilities, Alex also works as an Ofsted Inspector. He has a real passion and enthusiasm for the craft of teaching and learning. 

On his appointment, Alex commented: “I am delighted to be joining Weston College. While the College's reputation and ambitions are reasons in their own right to want to join, the opportunity to work with brilliant colleagues attracted me the most. 

"I have followed the College and many of its brilliant staff for some time and I am looking forward to getting started.”

Alex will be joining Weston College on a fractional basis in May, and then commence full-time in the coming months. 

Andrew Leighton-Price Chair of Governors commented: “The Board is excited that Alex is joining us to strengthen our team, we see Alex continuing and supporting all the great work that our staff teams are doing to make Weston College one of the best in the country. Giving our learners the best start we can.”

This year we’re recognising Mental Health Awareness Week, a week-long celebration from May 13th to May 19th, dedicated to acknowledging and enhancing mental health for all students and lecturers. Each year, we address aspects of mental well-being, and this year's theme, "Moving More," shows the connection between physical activity and mental health.

Movement stems from the link between physical activity and mental wellness. Regular exercise is found to have a positive impact on mental health, enhancing quality of life and overall well-being.

Exercise has been scientifically proven to release endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which reduce stress and promotes contentment. Despite these well-documented benefits, many people struggle to incorporate sufficient movement into their daily lives. Mental Health Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to address these challenges and inspire individuals to prioritise movement for their mental well-being.

It is crucial to acknowledge that messages promoting movement may be triggering for individuals with a history of eating disorders or exercise addiction. For those who may be concerned about excessive exercise or harmful behaviours, please don’t hesitate to contact our welfare team, located at each campus or visit our welfare page here. 

You can always find further resources and support via the Welfare SharePoint. 

Resources you can access:

•  24/7 support via our Student Assistance Programme SAP

   

• Let’s Chat: a hub of resources to help with resilience, esteem, relaxation, moving, eating, anxiety, uncertainty, stress, social media and much more.

   

• Kooth – your online mental wellbeing community. Free, safe and anonymous support.

   

• Samaritans – call 116 123. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you 24/7.

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.