Creating brighter futures

Recently, our Sixth Form learners demonstrated an act of kindness and compassion, fostering a heartwarming sense of community between themselves and Clarence Park Nursing Home this Christmas. Recognising that the holiday season can be a difficult time for many, particularly for those who may feel alone, the learners wanted to offer a small but meaningful gesture that would make a significant impact.

Last week, the Sixth Form learners prepared and delivered personalised Christmas cards to the residents of Clarence Park Nursing Home. To make their messages more personal and thoughtful, the learners were provided with brief biographies highlighting the residents’ interests and backgrounds. Each Year 2 tutor group participated in this initiative by writing heartfelt letters and creating handmade cards for individuals who resonated with them. This allowed each student to connect with their chosen recipient on a deeper level, adding a special touch to their gesture.

The cards were hand-delivered by a group of four learners accompanied by three members of staff, who visited the nursing home to share the festive spirit. Many of the residents will likely be spending Christmas alone and were therefore deeply touched by the visit. The entire initiative was thoughtfully organised by Di Dourley, one of our teaching learner mentors, who ensured the connection between the learners and the residents was meaningful and well-coordinated.

Seeing the learners engage with the residents and witness their reactions to the cards was a source of immense pride. The residents’ responses were extremely moving, with some overcome by emotion and brought to tears by this simple but powerful gesture. It was a humbling reminder of the impact that kindness can have, especially during the festive season.

We hope this initiative marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship with Clarence Park Nursing Home and its residents. By building these connections, we aim to continue fostering a sense of community and compassion, ensuring that no one feels alone during the holidays. This experience has reminded both our learners and our staff of the importance of giving back and creating joy in the lives of others, no matter how small the gesture may seem.

Well done to our A Level learners for taking the time to write personalised Christmas cards for these residents and thank you to Clarence Park Nursing Home for assisting us with this and bring it all to life.

If you are interested in applying to our Sixth Form next September, click here.

Students from various subjects, including Health and Social Care, Sport and Fitness, Art and Design, and Music, came together to host a memorable Christmas Fair this holiday season, raising funds for Weston Hospice Care. With festive games, delicious treats, and heart-warming activities, the event brought together the public, students, and staff for a day filled with joy, fun, and community spirit. 

This event was publicised to local charities, hospices and care homes to bring them together this Christmas and get them in the festive spirit. All our games and activities were made to be accessible and inclusive so some of our guests gave our Christmas games a go and won a handful of chocolates. 

The learners played a significant role in making the Christmas fair a success. The day featured free festive games for both the staff and the visitors, including throwing 'snowballs’ at reindeer cups, magnetic darts, Christmas bingo, and hoop toss onto reindeer antlers. Guests also enjoyed arts and crafts sessions with pipe cleaners, pompoms, wreath kits, and colouring activities, alongside unique handmade ornaments created by Art and Design learners. 

The event offered something for everyone: a lively ‘Strictly Just Dance’ session judged by students, yoga, accessible walking football, and running football. The tombola and raffle raised money with its abundance of prizes, while the Craft Café served tea, coffee, cakes, and savoury bites. Guests could also get tinselled hair and enjoy live performances by Music students, set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas tunes. 

The Christmas Fair was dedicated to raising funds for Weston Hospice Care, with proceeds from raffles, the tombola, handmade ornaments, and donations supporting the hospice’s vital work. Residents and staff from Weston Hospice Care, Acer House, Orchard House, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston attended, adding to the festive atmosphere. Special guests included the Mayor of Weston-Super-Mare and, of course, Santa Claus himself. 

One of our guests, Laura, said, “it was a very enjoyable morning. My favourite part of the day was the young man playing the guitar.” 

The entire event was made even more festive as students and staff wore Christmas jumpers and accessories, creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Learners enthusiastically led activities and engaged with visitors, ensuring smiles and laughter filled the day. It was a celebration of togetherness and a wonderful way to support a meaningful cause during the holiday season. 

Thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Fair and celebrated the festive season with us, and thank you to our learners for stepping up and helping with the event. 

If you are interested in applying to one of our Health and Social Care, Sport and Fitness, Art and Design, or Music courses next September, click here. 

Yesterday, our ESOL learners held a cultural festival in the Library at our Knightstone Campus, where the learners were given the wonderful opportunity to reclaim their narratives and proudly share their diverse cultures.

There were multiple stations at the event, which included written recipes, experiencing what it's like to be an ESOL learner, and the chance to learn a few words from the learner’s first languages. The learners had created a range of cue cards with phrases translated from their languages into English and were helping attendees of the event to master their pronunciations!

Mini presentations were also taking place during the event, with learners showcasing some of the most symbolic parts of their countries. Two dance performances took place, with our learner Preet very confidently performing a dance by herself, as well as a group of learners dancing in their traditional clothes in a circle for the audience!

Thank you to all of our ESOL learners at the Cultural Festival for being incredibly welcoming and encouraging to everyone attending, and for creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere!

Another thank you to all of the staff who helped to make the Cultural Festival happen – Aleixa Sporidis, Mira Ilieva, Shena Deuchers, Marisha West, and Hande Akdegirmen.

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.