Creating brighter futures

Last Tuesday, we hosted the Youth External Ethics Committee in collaboration with Avon & Somerset Police at our Loxton Campus Bistro.

This dynamic event brought together our students and police representatives for an open and insightful discussion about ethics, accountability, and the challenges of modern policing.

The focus of the event was the use of Stop and Search policies. Our students shared their thoughts on how these practices impact communities, offering honest and thought-provoking perspectives. Police representatives responded by explaining the role of Stop and Search in preventing crime and keeping the public safe.

The session was a powerful example of the importance of open communication. It encouraged mutual understanding, with both groups gaining valuable insights into each other’s experiences and challenges.

We are incredibly proud to provide opportunities like this that empower young voices and engage with important societal issues.

Jason Shears, Superintendent at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of such a thoughtful and dynamic conversation.

“I was particularly impressed with how articulate and respectful everyone was, even when there were differing viewpoints – the enthusiasm from the learners was both refreshing and inspiring.”

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the event.

By hosting initiatives like this, we’re building bridges between our students and the wider community, fostering transparency and collaboration that can drive meaningful change.

Last week, one of our apprentices, Salka, won highly commended at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards in the Creative, Media and Marketing category, representing Weston College and her employer, Mindful Education! 

Salka started her apprenticeship in 2023 as a Marketing Assistant, joining Mindful Education, an educational course provider. At first, she was shy and a little nervous, though throughout time she gained a plethora of knowledge, boosting her confidence and developing skills. Quickly, Mindful Education recognised her incredible abilities, happily taking on additional responsibilities.  

Georgina Monk, Salka’s assessor at Weston College, said “Salka demonstrates an exceptional work ethic. She is highly organised and consistently completes all tasks to an excellent standard and a timely matter. She thrives under pressure, employing effective problem-solving techniques.” Her skills and confidence were evident not only in her coursework, but in her end point assessment too, where she worked hard to achieve all the criteria and received a distinction grade for both assessments. 

Salka shows an unwavering dedication to ethics within her marketing role. She always makes sure that each marketing effort is done with care and transparency, not only aligning with industry standards but also enhancing her employer’s reputation.  

Salka is now rapidly progressing onto her Level 4 Apprenticeship with The JGA Group, and we couldn’t be prouder of how confident and skilled she is, thanks to her assessor and employer.  

For Salka’s incredible commitment and hard work in her coursework and during her time at Mindful Education, we’re proud to have her as one of our many fantastic apprentices. Interested in browsing the apprenticeships we have to offer here at Weston College? Click here. 

The real highlight of Helen’s 20 years at the College has been ‘the people’. It has been the friendships formed, the teamwork, the celebrations of shared successes, and during the tougher times, when staff always come together to support one another. It is these connections that made every day worthwhile and the reason why Helen continues to be totally committed to the College.

During her time at the college Helen is thankful to have had the privilege of working alongside so many talented, dedicated, and inspiring individuals. Reflecting on when she first walked through the doors for her interview two decades ago, she never could have imagined the journey ahead. What makes Weston College so special for Helen is the ethos and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Throughout her time at the college, she has always felt valued as a staff member and feels that she has been given countless opportunities to grow and to take on new challenges. Beginning her career as a Business Lecturer, Helen quickly progressed to a Curriculum Manager, then Head of Faculty, Dean, and now an Assistant Principal.

Helen reflects on some of her fondest memories and the ‘stand out’ moments she recalls are the numerous team events which have been instrumental in helping teams to bond and form long lasting and trusting relationships and most importantly life-long friendships.

Reflecting on what Helen is most proud of, it is the countless learners’ achievements, both academic and personal. Being part of their growth, their progress, and their achievements are what truly makes working here so meaningful and rewarding. It has been a privilege to be part of so many inspirational learner journeys.

A few pieces of wisdom that Helen would like to share which she still reminds herself of regularly is: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” It’s simple, but powerful. Early on, she recalls hesitating in meetings to ask questions for fear of looking inexperienced or unprepared. But she quickly learned that asking questions is one of the most important things we can do to grow. It shows curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn, traits that are invaluable and not a sign of weakness but strength.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice Helen received was from a colleague who taught her the importance of balance. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” In our fast-paced world in education, it’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of yourself. But this simple reminder about self-care, about taking time to recharge, to focus on your health and well-being has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about being productive; it’s about being sustainable in your work and your life.

Looking to the future, Helen is excited about the direction we are heading, under our direction of the new Leadership Team and our new Principal Pat.  There are new challenges ahead and who knows what the education landscape will look like in the next 10 years, but she is looking forward to this with optimism and the same enthusiasm and dedication that have fuelled her over the past 20 years.