<p>We welcomed year 11 students into the Weston Digital Hub for a Digital taster day. Being one of the leading colleges in the UK for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… and digital studies</a>, we want to give as many students as possible, the opportunity to study with us and reach their individual ambitions. Through the taster day, we showcased our exceptional lecturers and facilities that assist our learners in becoming successful in the IT industry.</p>

<p>9 students from Hans Price Academy and 2 from Churchill Academy attended the taster day, to decide if Computing and Digital Technologies was the career route for them; every student that was asked said they enjoyed themselves, and 9 out of 10 said they would attend a Digital taster session again, with the 10th saying maybe.</p>

<p>One of the attendees stated: “This day was amazing! I wasn’t sure this subject area would be for me, but I was wrong, and now my aim is to do as well as I can in my GCSEs to get onto the Digital course!”</p>

<p>They continued: “I loved working as a team and learning to play different games I’ve never played before!”</p>

<p>As a result of attending the taster day, and having the opportunity to join the Esports Academy, all but one said of the students asked, said that they’d want to apply for Weston College.</p>

<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, said: “Here at Weston College, it’s crucial to us that every potential student is given the opportunity to explore every pathway that could lead them to their dream career. The taster day was incredible, and the engagement, passion at positive feedback from the attendees is the reason we continue doing the work we do. We can’t wait to welcome our next group of year 11s to have their taster day with the college.”</p>

<p>Find out more about upcoming <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/taster-days">taster days</a>, and other <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">events</a&gt;, via the links!</p>

<p>On 21st October, World Esports Day, our incredible Esports team took part in a Twitch livestream Charity event for the <a href="https://www.winstonswish.org/">Winston’s Wish</a>; a charity supporting children and families coping with the loss of a parent or sibling. The event was in partnership with <a href="https://www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/">Coventry College’</a>s <a href="https://www.coventrycrosshairs.com/">Coventry Crosshairs</a>, and the teams competed in games of Overwatch, Valorant and Rocket League.</p>

<p>When the goal of £250 was smashed before the first games had even finished, it was increased to an ambitious £500 in the break. Everyone was thrilled when that goal was also reached, reaching £506 in the end!</p>

<p>The results of the games are as follows:</p>

<p>Our Rocket League team lost 3-2, going the entire distance in the best of 5, and only losing after 4 minutes of Overtime. They showed incredible effort, however, and provided amazing entertainment for the audience!</p>

<p>The Coventry Crosshairs Valorant team were very strong, and won 13-5 against the Weston Waveriders.</p>

<p>Finally, our Overwatch team got a 3-1 win against Coventry, though the Crosshairs showed incredible resilience and sportsmanship.</p>

<p>When the stream ended, the average viewership was 55 concurrent views across 4 hours of stream time – the team were so grateful for the continued support throughout gameplay.</p>

<p>The lecturers want to give a huge shout-out to the learners who got involved and allowed this to all take place. It was an incredible event, and we’re so proud of everyone who took part, and a huge thank you to everyone who donated and watched the stream!</p>

<p>Here at Weston College, we want to ensure that our students are completely ready to progress onto higher levels – both in terms of having the knowledge and skills, but also having the confidence and self-belief that they can succeed when progressing. Therefore, the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… programmes</a> we offer are the ideal way to give a little extra support, in a variety of modules.</p>

<p>As well as providing extra support, the Progression programme is also designed to allow learners to have a preview of the course before dedicating themselves to the full T Level course. Maria said:<em> “after doing my GCSEs, I had 2 options: either I wanted to go into a job involving computers or become a beautician. I know they are completely different industries, but I couldn’t decide which one to choose”</em>. After applying for both and having interviews, Maria decided to start on the Digital T Level progression journey.</p>

<p>Since starting the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… T Level course</a>, Maria has had the opportunity to work with a local company as part of the industry placement on the T Level course. With this involving learning new skills such as PHP programming and website design. Within the course, Maria was able to learn areas such as<em> “programming, web development, cyber security and emerging technology and also take part in an employer set project. In my programming lessons I’m learning python library’s NumPy, Pandas, Tkinter.”</em></p>

<p>Megan, another learner who has transitioned onto the Digital T Level from the Computing Transition Programme, said that she was <em>“incredibly excited to be progressing to study a T Level course."</em> She continued, <em>"I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year of my T level program course, and the opportunities and skills which I have developed in the programme. The course has really reinforced my passion for working in data analysis. Before this course I was not sure what sector I wanted to work in. I'm looking forward to my next steps where I will be studying a T Level in Digital, Production, Design and Development where I can improve my knowledge within computing subjects.”</em></p>

<p>We are so proud that Weston College has been one of the first providers in the country to offer both the T Level and Transition programmes, and that they’ve both already seen such success in the learner’s journey towards their respective industries, particularly the computing industry in Maria and Megan’s case.</p>

<p>If you are interested in learning more about <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a>, click here!</p>