Last month, our Protective Services students continued their Ten Tors training, walking several miles in difficult terrains and rough camping to prepare them for the Ten Tors Challenge next month where they will push their limits against other students in this competition. 

The Ten Tors Challenge gives thousands of students the opportunity to navigate a course of 35, 45, or 55 miles in teams across Dartmoor over two days. Teams are required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all their equipment and supplies necessary to safely complete their route and camp overnight. Along the way, they must reach ten nominated tors or checkpoints, testing not only their physical endurance but also their navigation and survival skills. 

On the first day of their training, the students completed an impressive 20-mile route before they settled down for the night and set up their overnight wild camp. This prepared them both physically and mentally for the next stage of their training and gave them an idea of the expectations and challenges that they will face during the official Ten Tors Challenge. 

On the second day of training, the session was cut shorter than planned due to an injury, however, the students quickly worked together and showed strong leadership and initiative, supporting their peers and prioritising safety and wellbeing.  

This experience highlighted the core attributes developed within our Protective Services course. Improving their teamwork skills, composure under pressure, and the ability to lead effectively in challenging and unpredictable environments. Students demonstrated exceptional resilience, unwavering dedication, and strong communication, key qualities essential for a career in the protective services. The efforts from the students were a promising reflection of their commitment and potential for their future careers. 

David Usher, Protective Services lecturer at Weston College, said, “It was fantastic to not only see how far our students have come physically by pushing them to their limits, but also seeing how much they’ve grown mentally, particularly in the face of adversities. The students worked together and overcame challenges, reflecting their adaptability and resilience, and seeing the support they have for their team is the most important skill our students can take away from the UPS course and apply to any future career.” 

A huge well done to all the students who got involved and good luck for the official Ten Tors Challenge in May! 

This curriculum trip forms part of the Protective Services 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.  

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. 

Last month, our Music students received an insightful guest lecture about the History of Lighting Control from industry professional, Mike Halstead. This showed our students interested in production about the development of stage lighting and gave them a deeper understanding into how advanced studio lighting technology has improved throughout history.

Within our Music courses, there is a blend of students who wish to perform, and others who prefer the production aspect, ensuring events run smoothly and the sound and lighting is executed seamlessly. Learning about the history of lighting through demonstrations and a display of vintage lighting equipment allowed our students to gain a practical understanding of how far technology has advanced to improve the efficiency of stage lighting and the modernised technical systems used to control them.

During the session, Mike discussed his career within the industry, his first-hand experience of the progression from manual control desks to modern technology, and the different types of lights including the challenges that may accompany them for different situations. This knowledge equips students with a broader skillset and a more holistic view of production, enhancing both their technical competence and creative decision-making.

This insight into the technical and creative evolution behind live performances and studio environments is invaluable to our students who aim to be the future of the industry. By exploring the development from early manual control boards where operators physically adjusted dimmers and switches, to modern digital systems, students gain a deeper appreciation for how precision and flexibility in lighting have transformed production quality.

A huge thank you to Mike Halstead for taking the time to visit our students, share your extensive knowledge on lighting control, and giving them the opportunity to see vintage lighting equipment and its progression up close.

This workshop forms part of the Music 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. 

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.

Last month, our Level 1 Health and Social Care students became Dementia Friends after receiving an engaging session from Dementia Friends Ambassador, Alan Richardson, who explored what dementia is and the impact it has on people’s lives.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative aims to raise awareness and deepen people’s understanding of dementia, encouraging them to take small actions that can positively impact those living with the condition in their communities.

Alan outlined what it truly means to live well with dementia and how small, everyday actions can make a big difference. This gave our learners a deeper understanding of how to support people with dementia, equipping them with a practical understanding of dementia, as well as a level of empathy and confidence to communicate with people suffering with it.

Following this talk, our learners developed the confidence and communication skills that are essential for careers in the Health and Social Care sector. It was also a powerful opportunity for our students to gain insight into the Alzheimer’s Society and the impact they have on people living with dementia, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society for the next generation to foster going forward.

Dale Bond, Head of Health and Social Care at Weston College, added, “Sessions like these are invaluable in helping our students develop a holistic understanding of the Health and Social Care industry, equipping them with a well-rounded skill set and preparing them for a wide range of future pathways. We aim to ensure students engage with as many employers as possible, giving them insight into the diverse opportunities available, broadening their knowledge, and nurturing kind, empathetic individuals who will thrive in their future careers.”

A huge thank you to Alan Richardson for taking the time to visit our students and share your knowledge!

This guest lecture forms part of the Health and Social Care 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 Healthcare! 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.