News and events

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Weston College recognises the importance of promoting safe online practices among its learners. In anticipation of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 6th, the College is collaborating with the British Computer Society (BCS) to empower learners to navigate digital spaces responsibly while maximising the benefits they offer for learning and growth.

Safer Internet Day serves as an opportunity to inspire positive change, and Weston College is fully committed to this cause. To mark the occasion, learners are encouraged to participate in the "Big Safer Internet Survey," which aims to gather insights into their concerns and experiences online. This anonymous survey will provide valuable feedback that informs the College's digital policies and initiatives.

In addition to the survey, learners will engage in a fun and interactive password cracker cyber security game, developed in-house by our digital technologists. These activities aim to raise awareness about cybersecurity in an engaging and accessible manner.

Recognising the importance of addressing local challenges, Weston College has also created a comprehensive digital tutorial specifically tailored for 16-19 learners. This tutorial equips learners with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to make safer online choices, addressing concerns identified within the student body.

"We believe that fostering a safe online environment is essential for empowering learners to thrive in today's digital world," said Jo Philpott, Senior Vice Principal at Weston College. "Through collaborative efforts with the BCS and our dedicated teams, we are proud to offer a range of resources and activities that promote digital literacy and safety."

To further support the initiative, Weston College invites educators, technologists, employers, policymakers, and digital experts to join a networking opportunity at the Loxton Campus from 4pm-5pm on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. This flagship Safer Internet Day event, organised in partnership with the BCS, provides a platform for discussing local and global strategies for promoting online safety.

"We are excited to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to champion a safer internet for all," added Jo Philpott. "By collaborating and sharing insights, we can make meaningful contributions to digital safety at both local and global levels."

Guest speakers at the event include:

Professor Victoria Baines FBCS, Online Trust, Safety, and Cybersecurity Expert Prof. Victoria Baines Julia Adamson MBE, Managing Director Education and Public Benefit at BCS Julia Adamson MBE; Clare Moody, Co-Chief Executive, Equally Ours Clare Moody; Daniel Aldridge, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BCS Dan Aldridge - OpenUK

Daniel Aldridge, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Computer Society, said: "We know online bullying, fraud and exploitation are huge concerns for young people and their families.

"This year, we at the British Computer Society are partnering with students and apprentices at Weston College to champion a safer internet for all through ‘local action inspiring global change’.

"We're bringing world-class speakers to Weston to engage with our excellent learners and educators here, raise awareness, identify opportunities and inspire action."

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.

Students on the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design have been working on a special project!  

As part of the course learners have been spending 9 weeks in rotating specialisms where they work in Visual Communication, Surface and Form and Interdisciplinary Fine Art. The graphic work is part of a 1-day project on pen to Mouse and the textile, fashion and costume work was a 3-week project around the theme of Order and Chaos. The students take these loose themes and investigate further how they can make the project personal to them. Each student will do practical experimentation as primary research and research into other artists for secondary research.  

This project has had a fantastic impact on the students. They have shown that they are able to problem solve, use exhaustive idea generation and understand the theory behind their own and other artist's work. In addition to this they have learned about using varied materials and processes, as well as expanding on their creative process as a whole and producing complete pieces of work that will support their practical portfolio when attending upcoming University interviews.   

Lecturer Rachel Clayton said: "the students have been working hard throughout these exciting projects, building on their practical skills, and producing sophisticated outcomes through extensive workshops. They have used their broad practical knowledge and in-depth theoretical understanding to create work that is ambitious, playful and of a high standard. 

“This work will support their portfolios for their upcoming University interviews across the country, including prestigious institutions such as Central St Martins, Goldsmiths, Camberwell and London College of Fashion to name a few. We are so proud of what they are achieving and the quality of the work they are producing- well done!" 

This project forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Congratulations to the learners who created these impressive pieces! 

Find out more about the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, click here.

For more creative arts courses, 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.

The College's ISO 27001 certification has been retained for the fifth consecutive year, distinguishing Weston College as one of the few FE Colleges in the UK to consistently meet this international standard.

In the face of escalating cyber threats targeting the education sector, Weston College reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding learner and stakeholder data through its ISO 27001 Certification. The College's Information Security Management System (ISMS) has once again demonstrated its robust structure and approach, earning praise from the assessor overseeing the certification process.

The education sector has increasingly become a target for cyberattacks, making data security a top priority for institutions. Weston College's proactive stance and adherence to internationally recognised best practices assure learners, staff, and stakeholders alike.

The assessor, expressed his admiration for the College's Information Security Management System, noting its resilience and effectiveness in safeguarding sensitive information. This accolade reinforces Weston College's position as a leader in Information Security Assurance within the education sector.

The ISO 27001 certification, established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), sets stringent requirements for information security management. It ensures the protection of assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee details, and information entrusted by third parties.

Matt Beaver, Director of IT, Systems & Compliance at the Weston College Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “The continuation of this certification following a thorough external audit is a huge achievement for the College and reflects the enormous commitment and effort all areas within the scope of this certification have put in."

"We have invested a lot of time and effort into ensuring that we protect the data of everyone that we deal with at Weston College – putting their safety first."

Weston College's ISO 27001 certification not only fortifies its commitment to data security but also positions the institution as a trusted partner for larger employers and organisations handling sensitive information or intellectual property.

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.