Last week, a representative from Bristol Hippodrome, Casey Lloyd, visited our Performing Arts students to deliver a series of workshops across two days, providing them with invaluable skills, knowledge, and insight into working within such a competitive and dynamic industry. 

On the first day, Casey delivered an Exploitation and Networking workshop, giving students an understanding of the best ways to conduct themselves during auditions, interviews, and professional networking opportunities. Students explored how to present themselves confidently and appropriately, with practical examples of what to do and what to avoid in order to make the strongest possible impression. This was an invaluable opportunity for students to learn directly from an industry professional, gaining first-hand advice and guidance that they can apply in the future as they build connections and establish themselves within the Performing Arts sector. 

Following this, students took part in a Puppetry masterclass, where they worked collaboratively in groups to create puppets using brown parcel paper. The session explored the teamwork, creativity, and techniques required within puppetry to develop the structure and movement of a character. This engaging and hands-on workshop encouraged students to think creatively and demonstrated how simple materials can be transformed to create compelling theatrical illusions. 

On the second day, students participated in Audition workshops, where they were challenged to rehearse and perform a provided monologue, applying the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom to a professional-style audition setting. They received valuable feedback and guidance from Casey, helping them to refine their performance techniques and understand industry expectations. This experience will support students’ future careers by developing their confidence, communication, and employability skills. 

The workshops were followed by a Directing and Facilitating session, providing students with practical experience designed to develop their skills in leading, creating, and supporting performances. The session explored how to direct actors, communicate creative ideas, organise rehearsals, explore performance techniques, and make effective artistic decisions. 

The facilitating element focused on encouraging collaboration, creativity, and confidence, while creating an inclusive environment where all performers could contribute their ideas. Through activities including improvisation, script work, group exercises, and rehearsal practice, students developed their ability to guide performances while supporting the creative development of others. 

These workshops provided significant benefits to students’ personal and professional development, helping them to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and communication skills that are essential within the performing arts industry. By working alongside an experienced industry professional, students gained a deeper understanding of professional expectations and developed the ability to adapt, collaborate, and respond creatively in a range of performance settings. 

Joe Miller, Performing Arts lecturer at Weston College, added, “Collaborations like this are a great way for students to learn from professionals and gain valuable insight regarding the processes and expectations of working in such a competitive industry. These experiences can set them apart and provide them with advice and guidance on how to succeed in the industry. Thank you to Casey for being so engaging with the students and delivering such interactive sessions that will have a lasting impression on our learners!” 

Thank you to the Casey and the Bristol Hippodrome for their ongoing support and helping to enrich our student’s future careers. 

These workshops forms part of the Performing Arts 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 Performing Arts! 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.

Last week, our A Level students attended the Sixth Form Summer Ball to celebrate the end of the year with friends, enjoying an evening of music, food and activities.

The event gave students the opportunity to unwind after a busy year and spend time together outside of the classroom. It was a chance to recognise everyone’s hard work and dedication, as well as mark the end of the academic year.

The evening included a range of entertainment, much of it organised and led by students. One of our Sixth Form students delivered a DJ set that created an energetic atmosphere, and a group of our Music and Production students performed live throughout the evening, showcasing their talents and keeping the dancefloor busy.

There was also a games corner, featuring a four-player Mario Kart setup and a foosball table, alongside a student-run bingo session that proved popular. With the recent heatwave, food and ice lollies were a welcome addition and helped everyone stay cool.

To capture the evening, both a student photographer and a professional photographer were there to document the event. This was a fantastic opportunity for a Photography student to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, giving him the chance to understand the expectations and requirements of working with real-world clients and the individual differences between them.

Events like the Sixth Form Summer Ball play an important role in student life. They give students the chance to strengthen friendships, build confidence and celebrate their achievements outside of their studies. Taking part in organising and running activities also helps students develop skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication, which can support them in their next steps after Sixth Form whether that be university, apprenticeships, or employment.

The Summer Ball was a well-earned celebration that brought students and staff together and recognised the effort everyone has put in throughout the year.

A big thank you to the staff who helped organise the event and made it a great way to round off the year for our students.

This event forms part of the A Levels 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.

Earlier this week, our A Level students took part in a series of engaging workshops led by employers from a wide range of industries, giving them valuable insight into potential career pathways and the opportunity to connect with professionals.

Held over two days, this enriching event was organised by Carys Gyatt from our Careers and Employability team and Lynsey McKinstry, our Strategic Business Partnership Manager. It welcomed employers and industry representatives to deliver interactive sessions, answer questions, and share advice on career progression, application processes, and workplace expectations.

On Monday, students heard from a diverse range of employers, including DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, Octavius Infrastructure, Bristol City FC, Visit Somerset, and Great Western Railway. Throughout the day, students took part in practical activities designed to develop their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while learning more about the opportunities available in different sectors.

The programme continued on Tuesday with further sessions from representatives at University of South Wales, University of Exeter, Thatchers Cider, Womble Bond Dickinson, John Hodge, the Ministry of Defence, Octavius Infrastructure, and Great Western Railway. These workshops focused on progression after college, offering practical advice on university and job applications, interview preparation, and the skills employers value most.

By hearing directly from employers and education providers, students gained a clearer understanding of the routes available to them after completing their A Levels. The event also gave them the chance to ask important questions, explore different industries, and begin building professional connections that could support their future ambitions.

For the remainder of the week, the students were visited by other employers such as Erin Bailey from Turner and Townsend who discussed her progression from Weston College Sixth Form to her current role, giving them a realistic and relatable perspective of the potential career routes they could enter following their A Levels.

Maria Miles, Head of Sixth Form at Weston College, said, “Enrichment opportunities like this are a fantastic way for students to learn directly from industry professionals, giving them valuable insight into the wide range of opportunities available after college. It helps them build confidence, develop key employability skills, and make informed decisions about their next steps, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment.”

A huge thank you to all the employers for taking the time to share your insight and deliver invaluable sessions with our learners.

These workshops form part of the A Levels 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.