<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Students from various subjects, including </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">,&nbsp;came together to host a memorable Christmas Fair this holiday season, raising funds for Weston Hospice Care. With festive games, delicious treats, and heart-warming activities, the event brought together the public, students, and staff for a day filled with joy, fun, and community spirit.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This event was publicised to local charities, hospices and care homes to bring them together this Christmas and get them in the festive spirit. All our games and activities were made to be accessible and inclusive so some of our guests gave our Christmas games a go and won a handful of chocolates.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners played a significant role in making the Christmas fair a success. The day featured free festive games for both the staff and the visitors, including&nbsp;throwing 'snowballs’ at reindeer cups, magnetic darts, Christmas bingo, and hoop toss onto reindeer antlers. Guests also enjoyed arts and crafts sessions with pipe cleaners, pompoms, wreath kits, and colouring activities, alongside unique handmade ornaments created by Art and Design learners.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Resident throwing a snowball at reindeer cups&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16e3fc70-d10c-4d15-9be7-2f95dfa60808" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The event offered something for everyone: a lively ‘Strictly Just Dance’ session judged by students, yoga, accessible walking football, and running football. The tombola and raffle raised money with its abundance of prizes, while the Craft Café served tea, coffee, cakes, and savoury bites. Guests could also get tinselled hair and enjoy live performances by Music students, set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas tunes.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;3 learners with raffle prizes selling raffle tickets&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9db52e2-c1ba-4adc-832d-f785af5b0197" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students and residents playing Christmas Bingo&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f948fbf-a6a6-4ee0-a581-9b9c99ecc027" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Music learner singing and playing the guitar to an audience&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17110a45-e6fa-4566-abdf-b6dc8c47fa3c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Christmas Fair was dedicated to raising funds for Weston Hospice Care, with proceeds from raffles, the tombola, handmade ornaments, and donations supporting the hospice’s vital work. Residents and staff from Weston Hospice Care, Acer House, Orchard House, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston attended, adding to the festive atmosphere. Special guests included the Mayor of Weston-Super-Mare and, of course, Santa Claus himself.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">One of our guests, Laura, said, “it was a very enjoyable morning. My favourite part of the day was the young man playing the guitar.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The entire event was made even more festive as students and staff wore Christmas jumpers and accessories, creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Learners enthusiastically led activities and engaged with visitors, ensuring smiles and laughter filled the day. It was a celebration of togetherness and a wonderful way to support a meaningful cause during the holiday season.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learners with Christmas photo props&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31565b3d-8e40-4da6-b6b8-38c3b171328b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Fair and celebrated the festive season with us, and thank you to our learners for stepping up and helping with the event.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, or </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses next September, click here.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p>Weston-super-Mare AFC, in partnership with Weston College, is inviting talented young footballers aged 15 to 19 to an exclusive Academy Trial Day.</p><p>The event, designed to inspire and develop the next generation of players, will take place on 3rd January, and offers a unique blend of professional coaching and educational opportunities.</p><p>The Academy Trial Day provides a platform for participants to showcase their skills while exploring pathways that combine football and academics through Weston College’s tailored programmes.</p><p>Event Highlights:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Professional Coaching: Participants will train with Weston-super-Mare AFC’s experienced Academy staff and gain valuable insights into the professional football environment.&nbsp;</li><li>Pathway Opportunities: Learn about Weston College’s innovative educational programmes designed to help students balance athletic and academic pursuits.&nbsp;</li><li>Player Development: Compete alongside current U16 players and challenge yourself against talented peers in a high-level training session.</li></ul><p>Simon Panes, Academy Director at Weston-super-Mare AFC, said: “We at the academy strive to offer the perfect footballing pathway built around full-time education. The club and the academy are now attracting players from a larger geographical area due to its success and high profile. All our staff aim to improve every facet of the academy and the standard of player within. We look forward to welcoming you to our January trials to showcase your talent.”</p><p>Jack Gadd, Student Engagement Manager at Weston College, added: “We’re delighted to be offering this exciting opportunity, alongside Weston-super-Mare AFC.</p><p>“We’re passionate about providing learners with pathways that support them in achieving sporting success, and this established partnership is the perfect example of this. Through opportunities such as these, our learners can achieve both their sporting and academic goals.”</p><p>Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.&nbsp;</p><p>This is an exceptional chance for young players to take their football journey to the next level while planning their future with Weston College’s support.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/weston-collegeafc-football-trials">For further details and to reserve your place, please click here.</a></p>

<p>Former learner Lottie has proved to be a shining star, both on and off the pitch. We caught up with her, to discover her journey from studying at Weston College to playing professional rugby in France!</p><p><em>When I began my studies at Weston College in September 2019, I had no idea how transformative the next two years would be.</em></p><p><em>My academic focus was on A Levels in law, psychology, and combined English literature and language, but the opportunities that came through the College’s sport programmes truly shaped my future.</em></p><p><em>During my time at Weston College from 2019 to 2021, the staff and coaches worked with me to ensure that I could excel both on and off the pitch.</em></p><p><em>The flexibility they offered allowed me to balance my rigorous A Level studies with my demanding rugby training schedule. It wasn’t just the understanding from my tutors that helped—it was the quality of coaching that made the biggest difference. The coaches constantly pushed us to improve and offered personalised support to hone our skills. What stood out the most, however, was the off-pitch support the College provided. Rugby is about much more than what happens during a match. Weston College gave me access to nutrition advice, psychological support, and game analysis sessions—elements that allowed me to fully embrace what it means to be an athlete. This holistic approach prepared me for the challenges I would face later, both in my university years and beyond.</em></p><p><em>After completing my studies at Weston, I went on to graduate with a law degree from the University of Exeter. I was part of their High Performance Pathway for all three years, representing the 1XV and even captaining the team on multiple occasions. During my final year, I was fortunate enough to play for the Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup Competition. I also kept up my passion for 7s rugby by playing with Boom Beavers in the Super Sevens Series.</em></p><p><em>Weston College had set the foundation for my athletic and academic success, but it didn’t stop there. Thanks to the skills and mindset I had developed, I was able to take the next step in my rugby career—joining Montpellier in the Elite 1 league in France. This was not only a chance to grow in my sport but also an opportunity to fulfil a personal goal of learning a new language and living abroad. The move to Montpellier was an exciting next chapter in my journey. I had always wanted to experience life in another country, so after graduating from Exeter, I began researching opportunities to play rugby abroad.</em></p><p><em>Knowing a few players who had gone to France, I decided to reach out to various teams, and Montpellier responded. I visited the city in February, met the coaches, and knew right away that this was where I wanted to be.</em></p><p><em>Now, after six weeks of training with the team, including a Super Sevens tournament and a match against the Belgium National Team, I’m ready to start the season. French rugby is known for its flair, and I can’t wait to incorporate that style into my game.</em></p><p><em>For anyone looking to follow a similar path, my advice is simple: always remember why you love your sport. Rugby can be intense, with the pressures of selections, performances, and winning, but at its core, it should be fun. It should be something that fills your cup, not drains it. While it won’t always be easy, finding joy in the little moments—whether in training or in a match—will keep you motivated and passionate.</em></p><p><em>Looking back, I realise how pivotal my time at Weston College was. The academic support, combined with their comprehensive approach to sports development, gave me the tools I needed to succeed both as a student and as an athlete. I owe a big thank you to the College, and particularly to Jack Gadd, for all the encouragement and guidance along the way.</em></p><p><em>If you’re considering studying at Weston College, especially if you’re passionate about sports, I can’t recommend it enough. The College is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals, both academically and athletically, and I’m proud to be one of its success stories.</em></p><p>A big thank you to Lottie, and good luck for the season! <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you would like to study a Sports course at Weston College, click here.</a></p><p>Photo credit Simon King.</p>