Creating brighter futures

Last week our fantastic Performing Arts learners put on their brilliant rendition of pantomime 'Babes in the Wood'!

Students professionally performed in several shows from the 7th to the 8th December at the prestigious Blakehay Theatre.

As well as performing evening shows to the general public, learners also got the chance to wow younger crowds of local primary school students at the show's matinees. 

The wonderful production received this feedback from Walliscote Primary School:

"Please thank your wonderful staff and students. The children LOVED the panto, for so many it was a first theatre experience, even more so after the Covid years. It was a joyous experience from start to finish. 

Merry Christmas to you all and thank you once again."

Amazing work guys!

To find out more about our Performing Arts courses, click here.

Learners from our Business Career Excellence Hub are spreading Christmas cheer, through the Business Enterprise Challenge.

Learners studying Business related courses at Weston College have been split into groups, and tasked with raising money for Weston Hospicecare. Each group have been given a Business Mentor, as well as a £50 donation for a start-up budget. The challenge is to turn their £50 into the most profit, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Each group of learners have created their business plan, which includes sourcing products, developing their pricing strategy, coming up with a marketing plan and then selling their product or service.

The groups have also been given a Business Mentor, with lots of key business people from across the town offering their support to this great initiative (full list below).

The challenge which was launched in October is well underway, and last week (W/C: 5th December) learners took to the Sovereign Centre in Weston-super-Mare, to sell their products. With a presence each day, learners showcased their merchandising skills as well as their products – selling Christmas gifts and raising lots of money in the process.

Dean of Faculty for Professional Studies Access to HE & Animal Science at Weston College, Helen George, said: “I have been really impressed with work that the students have been producing as part of the Business Enterprise Challenge.

“Over the course of the challenge so far, we have seen learners grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build some vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers.

“Most importantly learners are raising a lot of money for Weston Hospicecare, which has been the driving force behind the success we have seen to date.

“I wanted to say a big thank you to our Business Mentors as well, they have provided such valuable advice, guidance and feedback to the learners, and we really appreciate the support that they have given us.”

Each group of learners will present their experiences to a judging panel, as well as sharing how much they raised at the end of January, to try to win one of four awards:

• Fundraisers Achievement Award (for the team which raises the most profit)
• Most Sustainable Business Award (for the most sustainable business or product idea)
• Visual Merchandising Award (best trade stand)
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award (awarded to a team which demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurialism)

With the winners being announced at Weston College’s Celebration of Success event, in February 2023.

If you would like to find out more about studying a business courses at Weston College, click here.

Dear Parents/Guardians

As Christmas draws near and we look back on a year of challenges and opportunities it is good to see the phenomenal developments post the covid closure era!

At the various sites of the College, we have continued to invest in state-of-the-at learning and support facilities for our learners ensuring at all times we have been focussed on supportive learning environments with inclusivity at the heart of all we do. I am pleased to report that we opened our new premises in Bristol recently where the city centre location is specialising in facilities that enable rapid progression in gaining new skills with bespoke support. Our world continues to change but at the same time we continue to deliver outstanding resources and commitment to everyone we are responsible for. When it comes to the topic of student support and care, in November we were thrilled to be able to celebrate being the first college to be awarded Gold for the Further Education Mental Health award, along with being the first college to achieve the People, Culture and Wellbeing Award. The wellbeing and safety of our community remains our number one priority.

This newsletter will bring you up to date on our resources and services that maintain outstanding teaching and learning but also how we can support learners over the holiday period.

A reminder that the College will close for the festive period on Friday 23rd December 2022 and will re-open on Tuesday January 3rd 2023 for the start of the spring term. 

From all the Weston College staff and governors, we wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Sir Paul Phillips CBE

Principal & Chief Executive