TERM 4 2021-2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach Easter this last term has been absolutely fantastic in terms of learner progress and new course provision across the organisation. So many different events have taken place including a fabulous Celebration of Success recognising the many accomplishments of our learners but also bringing home how much learners have achieved. This essentially is what Weston College is about – creating brighter futures for everyone who studies with us.
The pandemic has without doubt affected so many people and this term it has been good to see the return of face-to-face teaching. In walking around the campuses and talking to learners they tell me of the positive learning experiences they are having and really enjoy the individual and group support that is available to them. I now see learners growing in confidence and looking forward to future progression.
In a term which has seen academic expectations succeeded, learners excel and great sporting triumphs, it has been an absolute pleasure to observe so many successes.
With best wishes,
Dr Paul Phillips, CBE
Principal and Chief Executive
News: Curriculum success stories and highlights
- Hospitality and Catering Department Gains National Success
- High Flying Football Academy Success!
- Weston College Scoop National Apprenticeship Award
- Local Dressmaker Inspires the Next Generation of Seamstresses!
- Alumni Josh Helps Students to Become Sepsis Savvy
- Weston College Host AHT Southwest Regional Heats
In the spotlight!
Weston Hospice Care Business Enterprise Challenge
60 business learners have been competing in an Enterprise Challenge, which was set by Weston Hospice Care. Weston Hospice Care secured 11 local employers, who have not only provided invaluable mentorship to their group of students, but also invested £50 to help them set up their business.
Each group were required to source products/develop a service, develop a pricing strategy, marketing campaign and sell the product/service to their target consumers, with the ultimate aim of raising the most profit. 100% of the profits raised by each group was donated to Weston Hospice Care - £2667!
The 11 groups took part in the project between September – December and presented to a team of Judges before Christmas.
Budding Entrepreneur Award
This team set up a business selling chocolate hampers. They were recognised as having the best product idea, an excellent marketing/social media campaign, for demonstrating excellent customer service and teamwork throughout the challenge. They raised a profit of £512.
Congratulations to: Chloe Crandon, Ruby Gane, James Latchford, Stephen Clapham, Lucas Evans and Morgan Aldous.
Overall Winners (Fundraisers Achievement Award/Most Profit Raised)
The winners of the Business Enterprise Challenge achieved a profit of £624. This team held a trade fair, selling trade space to businesses to sell their goods at a Christmas market. To boost their income, they used their initiative to raise further funds through a raffle on the evening with 45 prizes securing donations from many local businesses.
Congratulations to: Jess Febry, Kiearna Thomas and Amy Knott.
Sustainability Award
This team set up a business selling sustainable eco-friendly biodegradable bamboo hot drink flasks. They deserve this award in recognition for their sustainable and ethical business idea. This group generated £740 in sales revenue and £340 profit in total.
Congratulations to: Madeline Jeffreys, Alejandro Prado, Elliott Rose, Libby Avery and Hannah Bennett.
Best Visual Merchandising and Customer Service Award
This team set up a business selling a range of confectionary gift items. They worked exceptionally well with their Mentor Gill Bute (North Somerset Councillor and Managing Director of Gilda Cane), Gill praised the learners for their enthusiasm and professionalism throughout. This team deserves special recognition for having the best Trade Stand and exceptional Customer Service. The group achieved a total profit of £208
Congratulations to: Evie Purvis, Emma Young, Elizabeth Millard and Evan Thomas.
Exams and Assessments
Supporting your young person who maybe taking exams for the first time or may need that bit more reassurance:
- Work with your young person to find a revision style that works for them.
- Make time to regularly talk with them, not just about exams, and sometimes they may need you just to listen.
- Encourage them to take breaks and do things that are enjoyable and relaxing.
- Be sure they are drinking water often and eating a healthy and balanced diet.
- Spot the signs of stress including, headaches, irritable behaviour, loss of appetite, low mood.
- Reassure and reinforce that you are proud of them, no matter what happens.
- Anxiety and stress can be more apparent at bedtime, try to help them get a good night sleep.
- Support them to develop relaxation techniques and perhaps practice mindfulness with them.
- Try not to ask them to dissect the exam or to dwell on it.
- Remain positive, helpful and remind them of their strengths and qualities!
Your young person can access: learning mentors, library resources, revision tips and techniques, exam preparation, dealing with exam stress and more by visiting Revision and Exam Support (sharepoint.com).
English and Maths
What help is available?
CENTURY
Every student enrolled on English and maths programmes at Weston College has a Century account: https://www.century.tech/
CENTURY is an AI-powered online home learning platform that tailors study materials to the needs of every learner. CENTURY instantly identifies gaps in learning and remedies misconception, supporting and stretching students at a pace that is right for them. Please support your young person to complete a minimum of five learning nuggets per week in preparation for the exam.
English and Maths accelerate programme
As part of the Government’s Tuition Fund initiative, it is possible for students to receive additional 1:1 or small group support to supplement their English and maths classes. Our fully qualified learning coaches offer bespoke, individualised sessions to support, develop and consolidate students’ maths and English skills. To book a session, please use the buttons below:
GCSE maths
- Friday 20 May 09.00-10.45
- Tuesday 7 June 09.00-10.45
- Monday 13 June 09.00-10.45
GCSE English
- Wednesday 18 May 09.00-10.45
- Friday 10 June 09.00-10.45
Student Support Services
Welfare and pastoral support services
It is incredibly important that we ensure our learners feel fully supported and have access to services that can help. Weston College’s Welfare and Pastoral Support Team continue to provide a confidential non-judgemental service for all our learners.
Welfare offers the opportunity to access information, advice, and support about a wide range of issues which could impact your young person’s learning including: emotional health (anxiety/stress), relationships, course/college concerns, homelessness, finance, substance misuse, transition support and attendance.We also have a confidential counselling service available.
Welfare are available daily, onsite at all campuses via welfare@weston.ac.uk or 01934 411411. For Safeguarding emergencies out of hours call 01934 411464 - leave a message.
Your young person can also access Togetherall – free 24/7 support, by signing up via their College email account.
Please also encourage them to check out the wide variety of resources on the Welfare pages on the Student Zone for welfare tips for this term.
Wellbeing@Weston – our new approach to mental health and wellbeing!
With its focus on people, the Wellbeing@Weston strategy sets out our approach to enhancing and developing an inclusive and caring environment at Weston College. We want our students and staff to feel supported and able to reach their potential.
As part of the College prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of students, the below gives an overview of all the support packages, activities, resources and commitment that will be made as part of Wellbeing@Weston. We will:
- Provide students with access to an easy-to-use Wellbeing@Weston online platform that is full of resources, guides and support to help them manage your wellbeing.
- Ensure they have access to a three-tier support system with multiple entry points to ensure they can access high quality, personalised support.
- Include Wellbeing@Weston packages in their programme of study that will be built around where they are in their learner journey
- Produce campus wellbeing activity timetables in addition to a digital health and fitness programme including access to Les Mills+.
- Give them the opportunity to achieve a digital wellbeing badge that will give them the opportunity to achieve a qualification championed by the Government.
- Provide them access to 1:1 internal counselling support with trained practitioners.
Careers
UCAS and Higher Education
The UCAS deadline has passed, but it is still not too late for your young person to apply to study a degree from September 2022. Your young person needs to submit their application as soon as possible to stand the best chance of being offered a place. They have received information and assistance, plus there is detailed information for them to access via the Careers Advice Team student SharePoint. For more information, please see: Careers, Advice and Guidance for our Next Steps Progression Webinars on Uni, Apprenticeships and Employment. We will also be hosting a Higher Education Parents Information Evening (date tbc) in the summer term
Student finance 2022
Students applying to university for September 2022 should complete their student finance application by 20 May 2022 to be guaranteed their funding will be in place for the 2022/23 academic year. Go to Student Finance England for more information and to start an application please see here.
Responding to university offers
If your young person is holding offers from universities, they must check their personal reply deadline on UCAS Track (if all offers are received by 19 May 2022, they must reply by 9 June 2022, or risk losing their offer). They should check Track to view their personal deadline.
They may be holding unconditional or conditional offers. To help them decide which to choose, here are some key things to think about. For information for how to reply to offers click here.
If your young person has used all five choices on their UCAS application, and is not holding any offers, they will be able to add another choice using Extra; which is another chance to gain a place at university, available until 4 July 2022. If they are eligible, they will be able to apply to additional universities, one at a time. If they don't get the offer they want in Extra, they can still use Clearing to add another choice later in the UCAS cycle (from 5 July 2022). Find out more about Extra.
Applying to university for 2023 or considering a degree apprenticeship?
Following on from the Intro to HE e-module that all students in Level 3, Year 1, have completed this term the Careers Advice Team will be going into groups in May/June to help them start UCAS and apprenticeship applications for September 2023.
UCW will be holding an Open Day on June 11 2022 for anyone interested in finding out more about our HE full-time and part-time courses.
Forthcoming relevant opportunities, events and employment
New for the summer term! Our termly careers newsletter, packed with careers, apprenticeships and HE opportunities and resources will be sent out to parents and carers after the Easter break.
CV Competition for our full-time 16-19 learners! To be in with a chance of winning a £50 (winning entry) or £20 (runner-up), learners can head over to the Careers Advice Sharepoint Page to find out all the information they need to submit their entry by 5pm on 22 April 2022
Is your young person thinking about an apprenticeship?
Thinking of a career after College, then Weston College have a number of apprenticeship vacancies available
- Apprenticeships are jobs with extra benefits
- Clear career pathways
- They offer a personalised approach to learning
- Get qualified from Level 2 to degree level
Visit Apprenticeship to view current vacancies. If you need expert advice and guidance, call 01934 411594 or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk or read Georgia’s story on how an apprenticeship benefited her.
Student's Union
Upcoming trip to Thorpe Park
The Students' Union executive team are organising a trip Thorpe Park for 22 April. More details soon to follow.
Clubs and societies
New clubs are starting up across the campuses. We have Chess at Loxton, Anime, Tea N Talk at Knightstone. College wide clubs include LGBT+, Christian Union and Esports are mostly online. We going to organising in person meets next term and we welcome any new ideas for clubs!
We are currently looking for next year's Students' Union executive team, if your young person would be interested in becoming a part of the SU team or if they want to join any clubs, please email student.union@weston.ac.uk"
Totum
All students of Weston College can download the free TOTUM App offering them access to hundreds of student discounts!
TOTUM also offers the opportunity, to upgrade your membership to access even more discounts including 10% off at the Co-op. This enhanced membership provides a TOTUM card and an accredited Age Pass ID card. See all the latest TOTM offers here.
Weston College students have access to thousands of online courses and videos through LinkedIn Learning.
LinkedIn Learning helps you discover and develop new skills through expert-led courses and video tutorials covering a wide range of topics and applications. Your new skills will be added to you own LinkedIn profile for employers to see! You can also use the LinkedIn Learning app (on Apple and Android) to keep learning on your smartphone.
Visit the LinkedIn Learning website and your young person can sign in using their Weston College login details to get started!
LibraryPlus has a large collection of resources to support learners whilst studying at Weston College with books, magazines and online resources such as eBooks and eJournals, which can be accessed at any time. As well as our resources, LibraryPlus offers laptops to use on campus and bookable PCs and study spaces so the learner can work independently or as part of a group.
If a student is not very confident or would like to upskill in certain areas, then we can provide 1:1 support sessions in using Office365, accessing our resources, research skills and IT Basics. These are bookable sessions via LibraryPlus and we also offer drop-in workshops too so that the student always feel supported.
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
Weston College students can complete a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS) in either Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, completely for free!
Microsoft Office Specialist certifications are internationally recognised qualifications demonstrating that you have a strong understanding of working with Microsoft Office applications and are a great way to make your CV stand out from the crowd.
To support students with achieving the certification, they will be given access to a full training course which includes instructional videos, practice exercises, and a mock exam.
Find out further information and they should register their interest on our Microsoft Certification SharePoint site.
Working for the College?
We are seeking additional invigilators to support Weston College students to fulfil their full potential through the provision of a safe and secure environment in which to sit public exams and assessments in accordance with Joint Council for Qualification and Awarding Body guidelines.
Invigilators are individuals who:
- Are IT confident and competent
- Can work with accuracy and attention to detail
- Are able to work in a regulated environment both autonomously and as part of a team, consistently delivering a quality service with minimal or no supervision
- Are able to communicate with and relate well to students and staff, demonstrating a confident, calm, professional and reassuring presence
- Have common sense, confidence and organisational skills
- Have the ability to remain focused and vigilant during long periods of inactivity
- Can work flexibly and respond to unplanned situations professionally
Invigilators are employed through our recruitment agency Forward Futures. Initial discussions about the role are welcomed please contact Lauren Rogers 01934 422791.
All other vacancies can be found at Working for the College.
College Updates
Importance of remembering ID badges
It is important to remind learners of the need to bring their student ID badge with them. This ensures we know who is on campus for health and safety reasons. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.
Livechat
Remember that Weston College website has a LiveChat function, so if you have any questions or require assistance, please check it out! There are LiveChat support agents available during opening hours, but you are also able to leave a message outside of these hours, and we will get back to you the next working day.
Contact details
It is very important to remember to keep us updated with any change to students contact details. If a student’s telephone number, postal address, or personal email address changes, please ask your young person to log in to (Proportal) to update these. Please also remember to make sure your young person regularly checks their student emails for important information!
Bakers Dolphin travel to College
If a student experiences problems with any of the Bakers Dolphin coaches not turning up, please contact their Operations Department on 01934 415000.
Adult Learning Opportunities
FREE Level 3 Courses from the National Skills Fund
If you're aged 19+ and don't already have a Level 3 qualification, we can now offer a number of courses for FREE! Plus, from 1 April, low-waged or unemployed learners can enrol onto a National Skills Fund (NSF) course, even if they already have a Level 3, as long as it has not been achieved since the NSF started on 1 April 2021.
We currently have courses covering a variety of subject areas - and as many are full Level 3 qualifications, they're ideal whether you're looking to retrain, upskill or progress on to University.
Here’s what we can offer:
-
Your course and all associated examination fees, for FREE - providing you live in the South West of England.
-
A mixture of classroom based lectures and online learning.
-
Support available via your own tutor to help you succeed.
-
All the benefits of studying at Weston College - including exclusive student discounts.
Follow this link to see available courses, for more information and to apply.
Get into Uni with Access to HE
Our Access to Higher Education courses are designed to give you the skills, experience and qualifications needed to get into University. Click this link to discover more and apply today to start in September.
New training opportunities for adults in North Somerset
We want to see North Somerset thrive, and to support local business to Accelerate.
Through our Accelerate programme, we will be offering a programme of 56 dedicated skills sessions and masterclasses, for free. They will be delivered by industry experts and trainers focussing on themes that will support local business, including: business planning, digital support, sustainability, green agenda, mental health and wellbeing, sales and business planning.
The skills sessions will offer qualification-based training and more advanced professional support as we invest in the skills, employment opportunities, business growth and capability of you and your business needs.
Click Accelerate for more information.
