Creating brighter futures

The College was delighted to host Loud Speaker for an engaging workshop titled 'The Game of Life.' This empowering session was specifically crafted to guide our students in cultivating resilience and confidence while elevating their aspirations. The workshop seamlessly integrated elements aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence and fostering the development of unique personal storytelling skills. Students from various disciplines, including Sport, Creative Arts, Animal Management, Education and Early Years, Business, Engineering, and Construction Careers Excellence Hubs, enthusiastically participated in this enlightening event. Loud Speaker's dynamic approach left a lasting impact on our students, equipping them with valuable life skills for the journey ahead.

The speakers were fantastic, delivering impactful and thoughtful workshops with high energy. A key element of Loud Speaker’s workshops involve developing young people’s ability to speak confidently in situations like an interview, a first date or on a stage. Loud Speaker say that “For the young people that we interact with, the future is a beautiful mystery. The only thing that’s certain is that they will have to source opportunities and convince people to take a shot on them.”

One of the speakers Richard gave us some inspiring words: “As much as we all love technology and social media, I feel like we’re losing that ability to look someone in the eye and use our voices confidently and competently.  

“I want to be able to go into colleges across the country, especially here at Weston College, to be able to give young people that skill and also make them feel confident that they can use their voices again in any walk of life that they choose to use it.”  

We spoke to our Head of Personal Development and Student Voice, Antonia Travers who said: “It was fantastic to have Loud Speaker come in and deliver exceptional workshops to our learners, for the second time. We had four facilitators deliver eight, three-hour sessions, over three campuses.  

“The workshops were highly energetic and motivational, they supported the development of learner's communication, resilience and inspired them to think about their futures and aim high. 

A huge thank you to Loud Speaker for coming in and inspiring our learners!  

This workshop forms part of the College’s Careers Excellence Hub programme; where we are committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving world and job market. These additional experiences for our students are designed to help our students gain valuable life skills and bridge the gap between education and a career.

Recently our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners took part in an exciting exercise hosted by our LibraryPlus team. The class was given an immersive demonstration of the latest virtual reality (VR) technology, opening a gateway to a new dimension of learning. The students, many of whom had never experienced VR before, eagerly donned headsets to explore innovative tools that could one day revolutionise their educational journey. 

Weston College aims to integrate VR into its curriculum, recognising its potential to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce, where technology plays an increasingly vital role. The students enthusiastically embraced this cutting-edge technology. 

The VR experience was a hit with the ESOL learners. Student Mohammed said: “It was amazing! Very different, and a strange feeling but something very new.” Learner Tony particularly enjoyed the experience saying: “I really enjoyed it; it was super fun!”  

ESOL lecturer John said: “It was an amazing immersive experience. Students were able to explore with focus.” 

Weston College public services students were visited recently by Tony Wilson, a Physical Training Instructor at Bristol Prison for a guest lecture. During the lecture, Tony emphasised the importance of resilience and determination, highlighting the challenges he faced while pursuing his passion for physical training. He spoke passionately about his time at Bristol Prison, emphasising the role of physical fitness in inmate rehabilitation. 

We are particularly excited to have Tony join us, since he is actually a former Weston College student! Tony said: “The public service course equipped me with all the necessary skills and now I am excelling in my role as a [Physical Training Instructor] PTI.” 

Lecturer Nicola lauded the visit saying: “Tony came into college and enthused the current Public Services cohort with tales of his experiences and exploits in the Prison services.”    

Tony Wilson's return to Weston College not only showcased his success but also highlighted our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse career opportunities. The lecture left a lasting impression, motivating students to pursue their passions with determination and aim for a future filled with possibilities. 

This guest speaker forms part of the Public Services Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. 

If you want to find out more about public services courses click here.