<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The real highlight of Helen’s 20 years at the College has been ‘the people’. It has been the friendships formed, the teamwork, the celebrations of shared successes, and during the tougher times, when staff always come together to support one another. It is these connections that made every day worthwhile and the reason why Helen continues to be totally committed to the College.</p><p>During her time at the college Helen is thankful to have had the privilege of working alongside so many talented, dedicated, and inspiring individuals. Reflecting on when she first walked through the doors for her interview two decades ago, she never could have imagined the journey ahead. What makes Weston College so special for Helen is the ethos and unwavering commitment to excellence.</p><p>Throughout her time at the college, she has always felt valued as a staff member and feels that she has been given countless opportunities to grow and to take on new challenges. Beginning her career as a Business Lecturer, Helen quickly progressed to a Curriculum Manager, then Head of Faculty, Dean, and now an Assistant Principal.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Helen George, assistant principal of curriculum&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="98c2b0c2-98c2-48e0-8e32-d0cbdc7ab17d" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_400x400&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Helen reflects on some of her fondest memories and the ‘stand out’ moments she recalls are the numerous team events which have been instrumental in helping teams to bond and form long lasting and trusting relationships and most importantly life-long friendships.</p><p>Reflecting on what Helen is most proud of, it is the countless learners’ achievements, both academic and personal. Being part of their growth, their progress, and their achievements are what truly makes working here so meaningful and rewarding. It has been a privilege to be part of so many inspirational learner journeys.</p><p>A few pieces of wisdom that Helen would like to share which she still reminds herself of regularly is: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” It’s simple, but powerful. Early on, she recalls hesitating in meetings to ask questions for fear of looking inexperienced or unprepared. But she quickly learned that asking questions is one of the most important things we can do to grow. It shows curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn, traits that are invaluable and not a sign of weakness but strength.</p><p>One of the most impactful pieces of advice Helen received was from a colleague who taught her the importance of balance. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” In our fast-paced world in education, it’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of yourself. But this simple reminder about self-care, about taking time to recharge, to focus on your health and well-being has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about being productive; it’s about being sustainable in your work and your life.</p><p>Looking to the future, Helen is excited about the direction we are heading, under our direction of the new Leadership Team and our new Principal Pat.&nbsp; There are new challenges ahead and who knows what the education landscape will look like in the next 10 years, but she is looking forward to this with optimism and the same enthusiasm and dedication that have fuelled her over the past 20 years.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston-Super-Mare came alive last week as the town hosted its second annual Black History Month Forum, bringing together community members, local businesses, and allies to celebrate, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, echoed throughout the event, as 13 speakers, half of whom were local, shared their insights and experiences with a packed room of over 130 attendees at Weston College Conference Centre.&nbsp;</p><p>The forum was a space where the global majority and allies gathered to see themselves reflected, to learn, and to engage in deep discussions about identity, health, education, and anti-racism. Our speakers came from diverse backgrounds, representing heritage from countries like Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. The conversations were powerful, often challenging, but ultimately inspiring. From the rich tapestry of heritage to the sharp focus on issues affecting our communities today, this forum was about more than just celebration—it was about building bridges and understanding.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;jason serlomey giving a speech at black history month event&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8eafbc43-0a63-40a9-95de-701c0298dc4b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Korede Adedoyin, who travelled from Essex on the day, took us on a journey through education, highlighting how we are often living decisions made for us long before we were born. Yet, as she reminded us, we hold the power to shape the future for the generations to come. Her call to action was felt deeply throughout the room.&nbsp;</p><p>Chipo’s discussion on rest provided a powerful moment of reflection. After a first half filled with hard-hitting truths and intense discussions, Chipo, embodying the voice we all needed to hear, called out to everyone: Now rest. This powerful reminder reinforced the value of recuperation and taking time to care for ourselves.&nbsp;</p><p>One of the key panels of the day was led by Louise, who facilitated a critical discussion on health and wellbeing. Vanessa, Sheridan, and Janneka joined her, with Vanessa captivating the audience with her passionate talk on health disparities and the unique challenges Black women face in the UK. Vanessa, a champion for Black women’s health, shared crucial data highlighting that our health experiences are not the same as others in this country. Her words sparked a rich discussion about the intersection of race and gender and why we must prioritise our health and wellbeing.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;female student listening into the black history month speeches&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d270c660-a5c7-4f15-9e0f-5dbe96d55b10" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The audience’s engagement was palpable during the Q&amp;A sessions, where questions dug deep into the core of anti-racism as a humanitarian issue. One attendee asked about mending the broken trust between the Black community and the NHS, a conversation that many agreed was long overdue. Another question explored the power of narrative and the role of AI in shaping our health stories, leading to a vibrant discussion on decolonising archives and reclaiming our data and history.&nbsp;</p><p>Kayode shared a particularly powerful story about his experience with discrimination in a hotel—a moment that left the room audibly gasping. His encounter was a stark reminder that anti-racism isn’t just about combating overt acts of racism; it’s about dismantling an ideology that affects all of us, including those within our own communities.&nbsp;</p><p>One of the most beautiful aspects of the forum was the multi-generational attendance. Elders sat with open ears and hearts, listening intently to the conversations around them, while young children, as young as one, played, listened, and engaged in their own ways. Health and Social Care students helped create a welcoming space for the children, donating books and games with anti-discrimination themes, which created a nurturing environment for learning and play. These learners worked tirelessly as volunteers to serve their community, and the event simply could not have happened without their incredible support.&nbsp;</p><p>Special thanks go to Weston College for providing the venue and Weston Health for their generous support. Our volunteers, particularly the media students led by their teachers, documented the event and engaged with the community, while the Health and Social Care students helped ensure that the children were well cared for. This event truly embodied the spirit of community, with the town of Weston-super-Mare coming together to support this important cause.&nbsp;</p><p>We were also honoured to welcome the Mayor of Weston, who shared a few words of support, acknowledging the importance of this forum in bringing the community together and in promoting inclusivity.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;the mayor talking at the black history month event&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08f6abb2-2120-4840-a53b-e8fb83ea50fa" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The overwhelming feedback from attendees was that they wanted more: more stories, more networking, and more tickets. The event sold out within weeks, leaving many people disappointed. Next year, we plan to host the forum at The Winter Gardens, with a capacity of 500—more than double this year’s venue. We’re already planning for it to be bigger, better, and even more impactful.&nbsp;</p><p>This year’s event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Weston College, Race Equality North Somerset, and Weston Health. Race Equality North Somerset played a key role in covering the expenses of bringing speakers from across the UK and ensuring reasonable adaptations for parents. The Global Majority Inclusion Group at Weston was instrumental in providing support throughout the event, and our Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.&nbsp;</p><p>Weston-Super-Mare, we did it. And we’ll continue to do it—together. Here’s to next year’s forum, to reclaiming our narratives, and to celebrating Black excellence in all its forms.</p><p><em>Louise Hill-Davis</em></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">June marks Pride Month, a time for celebration, awareness, and continued allyship. We proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ Community, acknowledging both the progress made and the ongoing challenges that need to be addressed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and diversity. However, it is crucial to recognise that LGBTQ+ lives are still in danger. As highlighted in the research conducted by Libby (our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Manager) in her doctoral research proposal, "<em>During pride month, the UK is bombarded by messages from well-meaning companies and individuals of ‘love is love’ and ‘don’t hide your pride’; yet they fail to address or acknowledge the core issue facing the LGBTQ+ community: LGBTQ+ lives are in danger</em>.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At Weston College, we are dedicated to supporting our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and the wider community. We do this by listening, creating safe spaces and constantly re-evaluating our practices and training to ensure it is up to date and progressive. Our strong links with the <a href="https://www.nslgbtforum.com/">North Somerset LGBT Forum</a> provide a great place for local meetups, support groups, and coffee drop-ins at their venue on 68 Meadow Street in Weston-Super-Mare. These connections are vital in creating a sense of belonging and support within our community.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This month, we are raising awareness and showing our allyship through several exciting events. We are proud to present the upcoming queer musical <a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/ucw-prese… Talking About Jamie,</a>' a powerful story that champions diversity and acceptance. Additionally, we are hosting a Pride Prom for learners on June 21st at Loxton Campus and a Pride Silent Disco for the entire community on the same day. These events aim to celebrate diversity, encourage inclusivity, and provide a safe and welcoming space for all.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As we celebrate Pride Month, we stand with our LGBTQ+ community in solidarity and reaffirm our dedication to making Weston College a place of safety, support, and empowerment for all.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Below are some College and external events you can get involved in this LGBTQ+ Pride Month:&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong><u>Our Events:</u></strong>&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>LGBTQ+ Prom:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Loxton’s Performance Space&nbsp;</li><li>Friday 21st June&nbsp;</li><li>6pm – 8:30pm&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-seKHr… your free tickets here!</a></li></ul><p><strong>Pride Silent Disco:</strong></p><ul><li>Loxton Campus&nbsp;</li><li>Friday 21st June&nbsp;</li><li>8:30pm – 10pm</li><li><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-seKHr… your free tickets here!</a></li></ul><p><strong>‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’:</strong></p><ul><li>Weston Playhouse&nbsp;</li><li>June 6th and 7th&nbsp;</li><li>7pm&nbsp;</li><li><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/ucw-prese… more here</u></a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong><u>Local Events:</u></strong>&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Beautifully Proud Exhibition:</strong></p><ul><li>Weston Museum&nbsp;</li><li>25th – 29th June&nbsp;</li><li>10am – 4pm&nbsp;</li><li><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.visit-westonsupermare.com/whats-on/lgbt/pride-month-in-west… more here</u></a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Bristol Pride:</strong></p><ul><li>Multiple events running between 29th June and 14th July&nbsp;</li><li><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://bristolpride.co.uk/"><u>Read more here</u></a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Broadoak Academy’s Festival of Culture:</strong></p><ul><li>Broadoak Academy playing fields&nbsp;</li><li>Saturday 15th June&nbsp;</li><li>11am – 4pm&nbsp;</li></ul>