Academy learners Chloe Carchrie, Quinten Querl and Ethan Thomas finished 2017 by being selected and representing Weston College in higher honours within their chosen sports.

Netball player Chloe Carchrie was selected in super league franchise Severn Stars u19 squad for fixtures in the New Year. Chloe, who studies sports and exercise science, has been involved in the Stars' training programme since September and has now been rewarded by being selected to represent the stars in competitive fixtures. We are extremely proud of Chloe and would like to reinforce how much of an achievement this is especially with her still only being 16. We wish Chloe the best of luck and know that this is just the start of Chloe’s journey in to elite sport.

Rugby academy learners Quinten Querl and Ethan Thomas also received some good news at the back end of 2017. Academy flyer Quinten was selected into Bristol Rugby’s u18 squad for this year’s u18 premiership season. This is a great achievement for Quinten who has just returned from a season out with a broken leg, also a year young he was selected on the bench for the competitions opener against Bath and scored an outrageous 50 metre try with one of his first touches in a Bristol shirt.

Quinten said about his recent success: “Being at Weston College has really helped me improve and progress as a rugby player. This is through the fantastic coaching staff helping on and off the pitch.

"The programme has taught me many values that have not only helped me become a better athlete but a better person as well. It has also reopened doors for me that I thought had been closed after I was released from bath academy. However, with the help of the coaching staff here and buying into the programme provided has allowed me to be selected for Bristol academy and even play in the U18's academy league, something I thought could not happen.”

Last but not least, Academy fly half Ethan Thomas has been selected in the Irish exiles u18 squad to play against the Independent Schools Lambs’ team on the 14th of January. Ethan has worked extremely hard at all aspects of his game since arriving at college and we are extremely proud and excited for him to have this opportunity. This is the first step on the ladder for potential selection and opportunities to represent Ireland on a higher stage and we are extremely confident that Ethan can impress and take his chance.

Ethan added: “My decision to come to Weston College has been a major influence in the opportunities I am now getting. I feel I have improved a lot as a player since joining the programme and would like to thank the staff and players for giving me the confidence and the chances to try and progress up the elite pathway.”

We wish all our students good luck over the next few weeks and would also like to congratulate our learners on their achievements to date. 

Weston College has received the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Beacon Award for Students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities at an event at The Grove Restaurant at Weston College’s Knightstone Campus.

The award recognises the College’s specialist provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly Weston Bay – the College’s autism spectrum residential training centre. Judges found that the College actively develops and promotes exemplary teaching and learning which benefits its students and sets an example for other colleges across the country to follow.

This year the AoC received 120 submissions from 100 colleges from across the UK.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “This award recognises an area of Weston College provision that has a tangible effect on its learners, enabling them to progress beyond their own expectations. 

“Nationally, only 24% of autistic people are in employment, whereas 100% of the students who study in Weston Bay progress into further study, university, independent living or paid work.”

The award follows investment in the College’s inclusive practice provision over recent years under the direction of Dr Phillips CBE. The Weston Bay facility was the first of its kind in the UK to be opened by a further education college, and its success has led Dr Phillips to work with colleges across the country and internationally to replicate its provision.

Ian Munro, Area Director (South West) for the AoC presented the award at the event and informed the gathering of some of the assessor’s comments. He said: “The winning submission demonstrated outstanding strategic planning for the provision, led by senior management and the governing body and developed over several years. 

“The programme also included a seamless dual approach to teaching and learning; strong professional development and training, with certification at degree and Master’s level, for staff; high quality residential training provision; outstanding success rates.

“All the Beacon criteria were met and many exceeded in this project; and verified through the independent assessors visit to the College.” 

Weston College's Futsal team has beaten two university teams in the FA Female Futsal Cup.

Futsal is a format of football usually played indoors with a smaller ball which has 30% reduced bounce. It is a ‘5 a side game’ but with very different rules to the traditional ‘5 a side’. It is a sport all the greats grew up playing, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The FA Female Futsal Cup is a national tournament that is held once a year by The Football Association.

Weston's Academy of Sport entered a team which had to get past two university teams in the regional qualifiers on Sat 20th January. They won the qualifiers by beating both Exeter University and Plymouth University, with Felicity Hind, Level 2 Sport student, and Desni Darch, Level 3 art and design student, both scoring.

Coach Sarah Adams said “Having won the FA cup previously as a player it was great to give the students the opportunity to experience the buzz of this tournament and fall in love with the sport. Opportunities for futsal are increasing year on year for females and these talented girls have really put Weston College on the map nationally in terms of female futsal.

"This is the first time the College has entered this competition, the students preformed incredibly well competing against experienced adult teams. We never imaged they would get as far as the last 16 and be so close to reaching the quarter finals."

Student Felicity Hind said: “This tournament gave me an insight into an elite competition level that I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to be a part of. It was great to challenge myself by playing against adults and quality, experienced players and I am really proud to have represented the college in the last 16 stages.

"It has made me much more confident, I now have better knowledge of a new sport and can't wait to play it again.”

A Weston College student is through to the WorldSkills final in China after winning gold in the UK event.

Thomas Griffin and fellow Weston College student Jacob Skyrme made it to the UK final where they competed against six others in the web design event.

The three-day competition took place in Birmingham and assessed students’ practical skills, knowledge and employability attributes in timed conditions. More than 3,000 students started out in all categories of the UK competition, with 500 selected for the national finals.

In a first for the College, Thomas Griffin won Gold, which earns him a place in the UK squad for the international WordSkills final in Shanghai in 2021.

A delighted Thomas said: “Getting the opportunity to compete at WorldSkills is something which I am really grateful for.

“There was some tough competition but I was determined to come out on top, and showcase my web development skills.

“In managing to get a medal in my second year proves that, with enough effort and persistence, I can achieve anything.

“I could not have got this far without the support of my friends, family, and my lecturer, Jason Hill, who has been with me every step of the way.

“I am also excited about potentially representing the UK in China, which isn’t something many people can say!”

Jason Hill, HE Curriculum Co-Ordinator Applied Computing, added: “I am delighted for Thomas, and so proud of both Thomas and Jacob who did an amazing job to reach the UK final.

“They worked very hard, and proved that they are capable of work to the highest standard. We are all excited to see the next steps on their journey towards the international finals in Shanghai.”

Weston College has been awarded funds to train five industry professionals to work as post-16 teachers.

It is one of 45 further education (FE) providers selected by the government to receive funding as part of the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme. The initiative was unveiled last year to recruit and retrain industry specialists to work in the FE workforce.

The College will use the funding to recruit specialists from the engineering and digital industries.

Successful candidates, who must have at least three years’ experience in either the engineering or digital sector, will benefit from a specialised teacher training programme over the first two years of employment.

This includes:

• A fully recognised teacher training qualification

• An eight-week induction programme

• A reduced teaching timetable to provide more opportunities for professional development, planning and reflection.

If you’re interested in applying, or would like more information, contact Edd Brown on 01934 411693 or email your CV to Edward.brown@weston.ac.uk or attend our Engineering to education event on the 25th July. 16:00 - 18:30 at our South West Skills Campus. 

TTF is part of a wider drive to prepare for the introduction of T Levels from 2020. T Levels, which will be available at Weston College, are vocational equivalents to A Levels and will cover 15 industry-related subjects. They have been introduced to help produce skilled workers for sectors that have found it difficult to recruit in recent years.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “This is a unique opportunity for engineering or digital specialists to embark on a rewarding career in further education.

“It not only gives them a head-start in the industry, but enables them to work at one of the country’s top Colleges and benefit from all the support, resources and progression opportunities they’ll need to achieve success.”

In announcing the winning TTF bids, Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Anne Milton said: “Teaching in further education is an incredibly rewarding career. We are reforming technical education in this country with the introduction of new T Levels and we want more staff with industry skills to pass on their expertise and inspire the next generation.

“I’m thrilled to announce the second round of providers who will be offered funding to help over 160 industry professionals to become FE teachers.

“We’ve already seen fantastic stories of success. The fund has supported 47 new teachers to date, and I am looking forward to more teachers joining the profession to inspire, energise and bring on the next generation of highly-skilled young people.”

TTF was designed in partnership with the Association of Colleges and the Education and Training Foundation.

The foundation’s chief executive David Russell said there was a “vital need” to bring industry talent into the sector to pass expertise and experience on to learners, teachers and trainers.

Looking for a way to increase your employability?

Employers often ask for you to give examples of where you’ve overcome challenges or when you’ve shown specific skills such as leadership, communication and showing initiative. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is the perfect chance for you to enhance your CV gain those skills and experiences.

Available to all students, this free enrichment activity incorporates elements from the RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marines. With no previous experience required, Cadets take part in regular drill exercises, practical survival activities as well as specialist skills such as shooting, flying and more.

As well as increasing your confidence and skills, this programme serves as a brilliant platform for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career within the armed forces.

Contingent Commander and Science Lecturer Rob Heaton said: “Through unique and fun learning opportunities the CCF provides valuable life skills which are vital for further study or employment.

"From leadership through the NCO scheme, to self-reliance during Duke of Edinburgh the Cadet force provides learners with an amazing opportunity to gain new life experiences.”

A previous cadet added “I’ve made new friends, learnt new skills and discovered how I can improve myself as a person and I can’t wait to continue my journey.”

CCF meetings take place every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm during term time only.

All uniform and activities are completely free.

A Weston College Apprentice brewer saw his own bottled bitter served at Weston College ‘Oscars’ glittering awards evening attended by 300 people to honour apprentices and businesses. 

Dean Masters, 19, scooped Entrepreneur of the Year at the College's Excellence in Business Training Awards 2013 event on Thursday (June 13th) at the Winter Gardens. 

Dean, who works for Masters Brewery in Wellington, was also Highly Commended in the Hospitality Learner of the Year both for his creative skills and the way he has overhauled the independent brewery’s website.  
He said: “It’s fantastic to win the awards and see my specially brewed 4.3 per cent bitter served up. I’ve also made a Hawaiian Dwarf 7.5 per cent beer brewed with fresh mangoes plus a locally sourced mint and chocolate Imperial Stout.” 
The UK Apprentice of the Year, Emma Rogers, of Cheddar, also took Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award. 
The 20-year-old mum-of-one won Gold for Great Britain at WorldSkills competitions and recently opened her own beauty business in Wedmore.
She said: “I wasn’t expecting this and I really believe in the power of education. My aim is to become a role model and inspire other young people to go for their dreams.”
Employer of the Year was awarded to Broad Street Hair who also took Hair and Beauty Employer of the Year.

Director Wayne Hill who set up the company with sister, Tracy Taylor, has six branches in North Somerset and is set to expand.

Wayne said: “It’s fantastic to win the awards and I want to thank Academy Manager, Charlotte Leach, who deals with the Apprentices. Charlotte has a degree in physics and biology but decided to work for Broad Street because she loves teaching and hairdressing.

“We have 24 Apprentices and we work very closely with Weston College so it’s great to be recognised by them. “

John Kennedy took Achieving Above All the Odds Award.

The 45-year-old was addicted to drugs and alcohol since he was 14 and only learned to read and write when he was 29.

He has now been clean for eight years and supports people with addiction at Weston’s Broadway Lodge centre.

He said: “I am very happy with my life now. For so many years I just took, now I spend my time giving and it’s very rewarding.”

Alliance Homes took Construction Employer of the Year and Compliance Manager, Ian Carpenter said: “We have 12 Apprentices and I love to see young people gain the skills they need to be successful for the rest of their lives.”

Apprentice Amie Johnson won Sale of Residential Property Learner of the Year working for Heritage Estate Agents.

The 20-year-old has excelled in her job by selling more homes in Yatton and Clevedon than any of the other qualified employees.

She said: “I love my job and one day I’d like to run my own business, it’s fantastic to win this award.”

The evening was sponsored by Honeyfield Property Services and n-ergy. Judges included Department for Work and Pensions Partnership Manager, Tim Cowley and N-ergy Executive Director Tracy Jones. Students from the Wessex Academy of Performing Arts entertained guests before a three-course dinner.

Keynote speaker, Director of Skills for South West England Local Enterprise Partnership, Jane Middleton who said: “I am delighted to work with Weston College and this is one of the most successful Local Enterprise Partnerships in the UK.”

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips OBE thanked everyone attending and said: “The last 12 months have proved exceptional for us despite the challenging economic climate.

“We place great emphasis on partnerships with businesses, funding agencies, North Somerset Council and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, partner schools and universities.”

A Level students at Weston College achieved a 99.8 per cent pass and 20 per cent of Higher Education students achieved a first class honours degree – way above the national average of 14 per cent.

There has been a 113 per cent growth in Apprentices as the College’s Business Enterprise Centre works with more than 1000 employers from Gloucestershire to Cornwall.

There are more than 50 apprenticeship programmes and over 90 per cent go on to become permanent employees.

Dr Phillips added: “Our motto is ‘Creating Brighter Futures. At Weston College the learner comes first. This is assisted by the tremendous partnerships we've made with business, and efforts of learners themselves.”

List of Business Awards 2013

Students:

Accountancy Learner of the Year: Yannis Aravadinos

Beauty Learner of the Year: Rebecca Morley

Business Learner of the Year: Cara Hiscox

Care Learner of the Year: Sarah Porter

Childcare Learner of the Year: Elizabeth Williams

Customer Service Learner of the Year: Nicola Durkin

Hair Learner of the Year: Bethany Miller

Hospitality and Catering Learner of the Year: Steven Newman

Sale of Residential Property Learner of the Year: Amie Johnston

Principal’s Awards:

Entrepreneur of the Year Dean Masters

Student who has made the biggest impact Chris Dixon

Achieving above all odds John Kennedy

Outstanding achievement of the Year to Emma Rogers

Opportunity North Somerset Award: Delyth Meredith-Jones

Business Awards:

Small Business Employer of the Year: Meiji Techno

Large Business Employer of the Year: Logistics company DHL

Care and Childcare Employer of the Year: Little Bears Day Nursery

Construction Employer of the Year: Alliance Homes

Hair and Beauty Employer of the Year: Broad Street Hair

Sales of Residential Property Employer of the Year: Michael Gould Property Agent

Hospitality Employer of the Year: The Golden Lion

Teaching Assistant Employer of the Year: Mead Vale Primary School

Principal’s Awards:

Individual’s Commitment to Training: Jenny Evans, Shared Lives, North Somerset Council

Business’ Commitment to Training: North Somerset Council

Employer of the Year: Broad Street Hair

If you would like to view the pictures from this evening's event, please view them here. 

Whether you’re dreading the thought of staying in education for another two years, or have thrived at school, choosing to come to college could be the perfect decision for you.

Weston College offers a much larger choice of courses than any school is able to. As well as a wide range of A levels, we offer vocational qualifications which are focused on preparing you for work; you may even spend your time learning practical skills in our Hair and Beauty Centre, training kitchen and restaurant or Automotive Technology Centre. On top of this, Weston College is the only place in North Somerset where you can start with an entry-level course and leave with a degree. But the difference between school and college doesn’t stop there!

Although the idea of leaving the familiar surroundings of your school might seem daunting, coming to college is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and expand your social circle. Lots of other people will be new to college at the same time as you, so your new surroundings will be the perfect place to create friendships.

We provide our students with a fantastic level of support; as well as having a Personal Tutor, you will have access to our Welfare and Student Support Services team, who can help with non-academic concerns such as: health, housing, alcohol, drugs and bullying. We also have excellent provisions for students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

You will learn in an adult environment, helping you to prepare for university or work; you will be able to work independently and take responsibility for your own studies, while receiving support from teachers who are well-qualified, experienced and passionate about their subjects. It’s likely you’ll be on a first name basis with your teachers. Because there’s a high ratio of tutors to students, you’ll receive all the support you need from your Personal Tutor.

At school, it is likely that you would be expected to be there all day, every day. At college, your timetable probably won’t be so full and you will have the flexibility to study at home, or elsewhere, when you don’t have class. Our LibraryPlus facilities provide a great environment for studying outside of class time. Along with books, DVDs and eBooks, you can borrow computers and iPads for use in the library.

We run a wide variety of enrichment activities, so there’s something for everyone. You could choose to get involved in film club, LAN gaming, volunteering, dance and music lessons. There are also groups for young carers and LGBTA. If you enjoy sports then there are opportunities to play football (for both men and women), rugby, netball and golf with our Sports Academy. Other sporting opportunities include classes on mixed martial arts, ultimate frisbee, table tennis and archery amongst others. For an affordable termly fee, you can join our industry-standard gym at the Knightstone Campus.

You may also choose to become a student ambassador, volunteering your time to support College events such as open evenings, collegiate interviews and marketing events. Being a student ambassador will help you develop a number of key skills including: teamwork, public speaking, interpersonal skills and self-confidence. This makes a fantastic addition to your CV and/or UCAS application.

Finally, Weston College is officially Ofsted outstanding and can boast excellent pass rates, so you can rest assured that we’re good at what we do! Our pass rates speak for themselves – 98% for both A levels and vocational courses.

The College can also help you get an apprenticeship or traineeship, both of which enable to get practical experience in a number of different industries. 90% of our apprentices are offered permanent positions by their employers at the end of their training.

Browse our website to see the full range of courses Weston College offers or request a prospectus.  If you have any questions, give us a call on 01934 411 411.

This week is New Year New You week, and our team is on hand at all campuses to give free help and guidance towards your health and wellbeing goals for the new year. Click here to find out about the fun and free sessions we're holding, and read on to discover our top tips for a healthy mind...

Eat healthily

The things you consume have a big effect on your mental happiness. Eating a balanced diet will keep your energy levels up throughout the day and make you feel a lot healthier.

Watch what you drink

Drinking water and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine can also improve your mental health, as well as stopping smoking. Drinking water helps your body flush out toxins and is key to healthy skin, preventing spots, making your eyes look brighter and makes you more alert.

Be more active

Exercising every day has both physical and mental benefits. Exercise makes your body release endorphins which can greatly improve your mood. Walking or cycling (instead of driving), dancing, and even doing housework are all easy ways to get the blood pumping. Combine this with eating healthy and you’ll start to look and feel better.

Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is also essential to relaxing your brain. Get into a good sleep routine and try not to watch television or browse the internet before sleeping - this could disrupt your body's natural sleep process through intrusive blue light.

Talk to others

Feeling connected with other people is an important part of what makes us human and neglecting this part of life can have detrimental effects on your mental health. Many mental health problems can be helped or even prevented by keeping in touch with others and maintaining strong relationships. If you are having difficulties then some of the best help can be given by friends or family, so talk to them about how you feel as well as listening to their thoughts and emotions.

Do something new

This one’s easy – all you have to do is something you’ve never done before, even something as simple as visiting a new place, starting a new hobby or reading a book by an author you’ve never heard of. New experiences challenge your brain to process and store new information and keep it active.

Remember that help is available

It might seem easy to start these changes, but sticking to them is going to challenge you. Our health care assistants are on hand to help you achieve your healthy living goals.