News and events

Media learners are starting their very own radio station! 

Creative Media Production doesn’t just mean making videos. As well as full-blown TV production, podcasts and all aspects of filmmaking, our Creative Media department also expands into radio production.  

As a result, learners are excited to be launching their very own radio station: Weston Waves! 

From hosting shows/interviews and mixing music to elements of video and managing broadcast output, Media learners are developing a huge range of skills in order to manage all aspects of producing a professional show. Learners have access to industry standard equipment, enabling them to gain relevant and invaluable experience that will make them extremely employable on completion of their course.  

The station is being championed by Media lecturer Mel Edmonds, who has a huge range of skills and experience from a diverse background as a News Editor and Broadcast Journalist with 20 years of experience working in commercial radio newsrooms alongside training presenters and journalists. 

Mel’s industry background has not only brought years of knowledge for students to learn from but has also led to famous faces from high-profile stations sending in their words of wisdom and support for the Weston Waves team! 
 

INDUSTRY TESTIMONIALS

Steve Parkinson from Bauer Media:

"Hi - I'm Steve Parkinson from Bauer Media and boss of KISS Kerrang! Absolute Radio and more fantastic radio stations. Radio and audio IS fantastic and so important to the creative arts. 9 out of 10 people listen to radio in the UK each week, and it’s the oldest medium still evolving and launching new services on a multitude of platforms. Radio and audio is visual now too which opens up even more opportunities career wise. So to you all at Weston College - good luck for a great launch of Weston Waves!" 

Voice Over Artist Sally Bailey (who has recorded the jingles for Weston Waves):

"Media students have also played a big part in marketing the station. From designing the logo, posters and banners, to sourcing a professional voice over artist”

Video form Virgin Radio's Mike Cass:

Weston College’s Creative Arts department increases career-boosting benefits through the creation of the Creative Arts Career Excellence Hub. These innovative subject specific hubs allow for students at Weston College to have access to exclusive opportunities such as these close connections with big industry names. Endorsed by employers, this enables for better integration with the sector to make sure class content is relative and opens doors for learners, so they leave college with more than just a qualification. 

Weston Waves is set to debut at the college’s Creative Arts Summer Festival – a phenomenal showcase of performances and art from across all our creative courses. This festival style event for all the family is running 16th – 18th June at Loxton Campus. 

In preparation, learners were visited by Weston College Group Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Phillips CBE, who is to receive a Knighthood from the Queen for outstanding contributions in his field. The talented team were able to talk with the “Sir” to be, talk about Creative Arts at Weston College and also got the Principal to request 3 songs top play! 

From September, it will broadcast to all campuses via Teams every lunchtime and late opening hours. 

I began the Childcare Level 3 course at Weston College straight after finishing school. Many placements were offered throughout the course to help give an insight into what working in this field would be like, including the responsibilities and daily tasks of the nursery practitioners.

My first placement on the course with Weston College was at Little Bears Day Nursery, which then allowed me to return to work there full-time after I qualified. I have now been there for almost 5 years. Throughout that time, I have been able to progress from room support to Key Worker, and then again to Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo).

I think work experience benefits the learning experience at Weston College hugely, as it helped me understand how much more goes into being a practitioner in a nursery, including the impact and responsibility you have for the children that we look after. Placements at Little Bears hugely benefit the learners as they can see how we work with the children, and help gain confidence to achieve good communication with the parents and other practitioners.

In order to enhance their college journey, a learner can experience a more hands-on and practical experience in a work environment, whilst learning and doing the job. It can show them how to work as part of a team and building good relationships with colleagues and professionals. In this field in particular, it allows the learner to deeper understand many aspects including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), taking good quality observations, and working with children of all ages and developmental needs.

As a local employer and a Career Excellence Hub endorser, I would expect learners to be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude when coming into this workplace, with a passion to work with children and eager to learn new things. I very much look forward to taking on new learners on placement and hopefully, in the future, taking them on as employees!

Kayleigh and Kim, Little Bears Nursery

Weston College Business Awards is back for 2022, after a three-year break.

The event which is taking place at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare on the 30th June, is a fantastic celebration of learners and employers, with a total of 29 awards up for grabs during the event.

We are delighted to share our shortlist for the ten employer awards, with the winners being announced on the night.

Good luck to all of the nominees!