This year’s Raising and Giving Week (RAG Week) at Weston College brought students and staff together once again for a week of fun, creativity and fundraising – this time with a lively Wild West theme.

Across all campuses and subject areas, the college community united to raise money for two incredible causes: UNICEF and Weston Hospicecare.

UNICEF works globally to protect the rights and wellbeing of children, delivering vital support in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Closer to home, Weston Hospicecare provides compassionate palliative care and emotional support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Funds raised throughout the week will be split between these two impactful charities.

RAG Week gives students the opportunity to take part in engaging activities before the exam season begins – all while supporting important causes.

This year’s Wild West theme inspired a fantastic range of events and costumes, with students and staff embracing cowboy hats, boots and creative western-style outfits throughout the week.

Students and staff alike got involved in a packed schedule, which included Wild West-themed games, a competitive Mario Kart tournament, raffles, and ever-popular bake sales hosted across campuses. Students also took part in Pokémon Go raid walks, combining fundraising with outdoor exploration and teamwork.

Fancy dress played a big part in the celebrations, with departments competing to showcase the best Wild West-inspired looks.

One of the standout challenges of the week was the 30-mile stretcher race, organised by Protective Services students and staff. This endurance event tested teamwork and resilience, while raising awareness and funds for the chosen charities.

Overall, the week was a huge success, bringing together students and staff from across the college in a shared effort to make a difference. The enthusiasm, teamwork and generosity on display truly reflected the spirit of RAG Week.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who organised events, participated, or donated. Your support has helped make this year’s Wild West RAG Week both memorable and meaningful.

You can still donate to RAG Week, by clicking here.

Sport students were recently given a unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of elite football during a behind-the-scenes visit to Bristol City Football Club on a busy matchday at Ashton Gate Stadium.

The visit offered learners an exclusive insight into the club’s performance analysis environment, providing a valuable glimpse into the professional standards and practices required at the highest level of the sport. Students were able to engage with industry professionals and gain a deeper understanding of how analysis supports team performance on matchdays.

Luke Morgan, a former Weston College learner who now works as an Analyst at Bristol City FC, made a strong impression on the group by showcasing the opportunities available within the sports industry, helping to build the learner's ambition, raise standards and show them what is possible if they are prepared to work for it.

Dan Pratlett, Head of Sport, said: “We’re really grateful to Luke for giving up his time on a busy matchday to give our learners such a valuable insight. Opportunities like this help learners understand the real standards of elite sport and motivate them to push themselves towards careers in the industry.”

A huge thank you to Luke Morgan and the wider team at Bristol City FC for their time and support in delivering such an impactful experience. The visit highlights the importance of industry links in enhancing education and inspiring the next generation of sport professionals.

Earlier this month, our Art & Design UAL Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma students organised an art exhibition at The Gallery Space in Bristol to showcase their fantastic work to friends, family, and members of the public. 

This exhibition celebrated a range of talents and diverse artwork and gave our students the opportunity to see their artwork being professionally displayed in a real-world setting. The exhibition is entitled ‘Aleatory’, which means relying on chance or an uncontrolled element in the composition and production of art.  

Not only this, the diverse exhibition concentrated on a limited space which featured a range of mediums used by students, such as textiles, fine art, graphics, illustrations, photo media, film and 3D work. It was an excellent opportunity for the students to showcase their talent and potential in a professional environment. 

Giving these students the opportunity to display their work in a professional exhibition offers many benefits including building confidence and a sense of achievement within our learners, as students see their ideas valued and appreciated by friends, family, and the wider public. It also encourages self-expression by giving learners the opportunity to trial a range of different mediums, broaden their skillsets, and help them discover and refine their artistic identity. 

Additionally, exhibiting in a formal setting provides real-world experience of the art industry, including presentation, curation, and audience engagement. It can provide networking opportunities, feedback from a broader audience, and even potential commissions or career pathways. It is an excellent event to develop their portfolio and prepare our students for future careers in the creative industry.  

Rachel Clayton, lecturer in the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, added, “This annual exhibition is a great way for our students to externally present their work in the lively city of Bristol that is known for its vibrant art scene. This year’s exhibition went extremely well, and the private view was extremely busy and successful. It was one of our best years in terms of student commitment, level of student work and public interest, and we were proud to have it all on display for the public to enjoy.” 

A huge well done to all the students who displayed their artwork, your hard work and talent made this event what it was and was an excellent reflection of the diverse artwork students are encouraged to produce.  

This curriculum trip forms part of the Art and Design Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

Progress to the next level in Art & Design! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

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.