News and events

Joe Miller, Weston College’s lecturer in Performing Arts, recently confirmed his dedication to both education and professional performance with a triumphant return to the stage. For 21 years, Joe graced international venues with his talent, particularly as the lead in the acclaimed Irish dance show "Spirit of the Dance." After a five-year hiatus from performing, where Joe concentrated on his teaching, Joe received a special invitation to lead the show once more, this time in Beijing, China, during the February half-term break.

Joe's decision to continue his involvement in the professional dance scene shows his commitment to inspiring his students in Dance and Performing Arts at Weston College. By demonstrating first-hand the rewards of dedication and pursuit of one's passion, Joe hopes to instil a similar drive in his students. Witnessing their lecturer actively engaged in the industry in which he teaches serves as a powerful motivator for students to pursue their dreams with enthusiasm and resilience.

Performing at the prestigious National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, Joe captivated audiences of up to 5000 attendees each night for a week.

Reflecting on his experience, Joe shared, "I love what I do, and seeing my learners' excitement as they watched videos and photos of me performing professionally once again is truly inspiring. They need to see that passion and hard work can lead to fulfilling careers in the performing arts."

In addition to his performances, Joe seized the opportunity to contribute to the show's promotional efforts by participating in the filming of a new promotional video.

Joe's return to professional dance not only reaffirms his expertise but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for our aspiring performers. His dedication to maintaining industry relevance while nurturing the next generation of talent embodies the ethos of Weston College's commitment to excellence in arts education.

Interested in applying for Performing and Production Arts? Click here.

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. 

Weston College and North Somerset Council are pleased to announce a partnership aimed at providing invaluable real-life experience for Education and Early Years learners while offering vital support to families in the local community.

Through this partnership, North Somerset Council will be running their ‘Let’s Play’ group from the 17th April, every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Weston College's Knightstone Campus. This initiative brings together Senior Children Centre Workers and Children Centre Workers from the Council to facilitate the sessions, and the College’s students will be able to take part in planning and delivering these sessions to gain a real insight into the sector.

The Council’s ‘Let’s Play’ team’s expertise will not only support the College's Early Years learners but also enrich the lives of local families with children under the age of 5.

The ‘Let’s Play’ group is a free weekly gathering open to all families with young children in the local community. It aims to provide a nurturing environment where children can engage in activities aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) developmental goals. Additionally, the group fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages positive interactions and enhances the home learning environment.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “This partnership is a fantastic way for North Somerset Council and Weston College to work together and enhance people’s skills, learning and employment opportunities, while also helping local families.

“Students can learn from our knowledgeable and skilled children’s centre colleagues, and by helping to deliver ‘Let’s Play’ sessions they’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience of working in the early years sector.

“Local families will also benefit, as our popular free ‘Let’s Play’ sessions provide a range of fun indoor activities for children under five, designed to help their development.”

This collaboration demonstrates North Somerset Council's dedication to supporting the College in nurturing the workforce of the future. As an employer endorser of the Weston College Education Careers Excellence Hub, this is another example of the Council being committed to providing learners with hands-on experiences that prepare them for the demands of the workforce while serving the needs of the community.

By witnessing first-hand the role of support and social workers in the community, learners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of child development and family dynamics.

This initiative aligns with Weston College's mission to provide innovative educational opportunities that empower learners to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. By partnering with North Somerset Council, the College continues to break new ground in experiential learning and community engagement.

Click here for more information about the ‘Let’s Play’ group and North Somerset Council’s Children’s Centres.

You can also follow the Children Centres team on Facebook.

If you are interested in studying an Education and Early Years course or apprenticeship at the College, click here.

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. 

Our Level 2 Floristry learners recently received a captivating floristry masterclass featuring industry expert Vanda Flowers. The students were provided an enlightening experience as they delved into crucial topics surrounding the floristry industry. 

Vanda Flowers engaged the florists with an insightful industry talk that included an interactive Q&A session. The primary focus of the discussion was the escalating costs of flowers and the underlying causes, shedding light on the challenges faced by florists in the current market. 

One of the key takeaways from the masterclass was the exploration of alternative strategies to enhance profits within the floristry business. Participants were guided through innovative approaches to diversify their stock and maximise revenue streams, contributing to the sustainability and growth of their businesses. 

A significant portion of the discussion centred around the increasing demand for locally sourced flowers, as opposed to relying solely on Dutch suppliers. The emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility emerged as a prevailing theme, reflecting the industry's commitment to eco-friendly practices. 

We are hopeful of a potential relaunch of the Level 2 Floristry course in September. However, this initiative is contingent upon securing necessary funding. The college eagerly awaits confirmation to proceed with this valuable educational opportunity. 

The floristry masterclass with Vanda Flowers served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to gain valuable knowledge, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards a more sustainable and thriving floristry sector.

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.