<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… </a><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a> students came together for an exciting collaborative project, giving them valuable hands-on experience of working on a professional photoshoot inspired by the unique style of Marie Antoinette.</p><p>Working from a creative hair and makeup brief, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a> students showcased their skills by designing elaborate hairstyles, intricate headdresses, and striking makeup looks that blended historical influences with contemporary beauty trends. To complete the modern interpretation of Marie Antoinette’s extravagant aesthetic, students also styled their models in modernised corsets and lace garments. The project provided an excellent opportunity for students to experiment with new techniques, explore their creativity, and develop their own unique interpretations of the brief.</p><p>Students approached the project from a variety of perspectives. Some chose to portray Marie Antoinette through a regal and aristocratic lens, creating elegant and refined looks, while others focused on her dramatic downfall, incorporating prosthetics and special effects makeup to reference her execution. This creative freedom allowed students to push their boundaries, develop their technical skills, and express their individuality.</p><p>The project also provided <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students with the opportunity to work directly with clients and capture the stunning creations produced by the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a> students. Through careful consideration of lighting, composition, and posing, they brought the concepts to life, creating high-quality images that reflected the vision of the brief while showcasing the artistry of their peers.</p><p>Collaborative opportunities such as this are invaluable in helping students work alongside peers from different disciplines and gain an appreciation for the diverse talents across the college. These experiences also build confidence, adaptability, and communication skills by exposing students to a range of creative briefs and working styles, which are essential qualities for success in client-facing and fast-paced industries. In addition, projects like this strengthen students’ portfolios, broaden their creative experience, and open doors to future career opportunities.</p><p>Paul French, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; Lecturer at Weston College, said: “Collaborations with other CEH areas are a great opportunity for our students to step out of their comfort zones and work with new people on a variety of projects. It builds their adaptability whilst giving them the chance to develop their communication skills and capture photographs that both they and the client are proud of. Not only that, but it is also a fantastic way to celebrate the talent of students from other courses and see the amazing work they produce.”</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, added: “Workshops like this are an excellent opportunity for students to express their creativity and develop designs that reflect both the brief and their individuality. They also help prepare students for a wide range of careers within the sector by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and create more extravagant and intricate designs, enhancing both their portfolios and skillsets.</p><p>“A huge thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students for capturing such high-quality images of the final looks. This kind of collaboration is invaluable to both groups, and it is wonderful to see all of the students’ hard work documented so professionally.”</p><p>Well done to all the students involved. The exceptional standard of work produced throughout this project is a fantastic reflection of the talent, creativity, and bright future of these industries.</p><p>This collaboration forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">…; or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/makeup-wigs-and-special-effects-ba-hons/?…, Wigs and Special Effects</a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</u></a> students hosted a live gig at <strong>The Brit Bar</strong> in Weston-super-Mare, performing a diverse range of songs throughout the evening and gaining valuable hands-on experience in front of a live audience.</p><p>Throughout the night, students performed sets spanning multiple genres, showcasing both their musical talent and individual stage presence. The event featured a solo performance from <strong>Scarlett Davidson</strong>, as well as duets and band performances from <strong>Heron</strong>, <strong>PVA Glue</strong>, and <strong>Sub Octave</strong>. The evening not only celebrated the creativity and hard work of our students, but also gave them practical insight into what goes into delivering a successful live production.</p><p>Performing in established local venues such as The Brit Bar offers students an invaluable opportunity to experience the realities of the music industry in a supportive but professional environment. Live performances help students develop confidence, improve their stage presence, and learn how to engage with different audiences which are essential skills for aspiring musicians and performers.</p><p>Events like these also allow students to connect with other local artists, venue staff, and members of the community, helping them build professional networks and establish themselves within the local music scene. Experiencing a real venue environment encourages adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, while also helping students discover their own performance style and artistic identity.</p><p>For many students, performing live is a pivotal first step towards future opportunities in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and production</u></a>. Whether pursuing higher education, gig work, or careers within the entertainment industry, these experiences provide a realistic and inspiring introduction to the demands and rewards of not just performing professionally, but also understanding the effort and planning it takes to organise a successful gig.</p><p>Oz Cahill, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; lecturer at Weston College, added, “It’s fantastic to see our students performing at external venues, as experiences like this provide invaluable real-world insight that will help prepare them for future careers in the music industry. Not only does it build their confidence, but it also gives them the opportunity to develop their stage presence and learn how to connect with a live audience.”</p><p>“We encourage our students to take part in as many enriching opportunities as possible, helping them gain experience, build professional networks, and establish themselves within the local music scene. A huge thank you to The Brit Bar for providing our students with this incredible opportunity and for continuing to support and nurture the next generation of the music industry.”&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students who performed and we look forward to seeing where you go next!</p><p>This performance forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Photos credited to </em><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </em></a><em>student, Louis Havinden.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students at Weston College are benefiting from the extensive industry experience of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… and Fitness</a> lecturer, Isaac Berry, whose successful coaching career continues to shape and enhance the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.</p><p>Alongside teaching and coaching students at the College, Isaac is currently coaching <strong>AFC Stoneham</strong>, who recently celebrated a historic victory in the <strong>FA Vase Final</strong> at <strong>Wembley Stadium</strong>. The achievement highlights the real-world expertise that staff bring into students’ learning environments, giving them valuable insight into the demands and rewards of working within the sports industry.</p><p>Isaac’s background in football coaching involves both professional clubs and educational programmes. Throughout his career, he has worked within the academy at <strong>Colchester United</strong>, where he also managed the college football programme, before moving on to become Head Coach of a football college programme in Newbury. In addition to his work in the UK, he has also coached in the United States during the summer months, further broadening his experience within the sport.</p><p>Now in his second season with AFC Stoneham, Isaac has assisted in guiding the club to remarkable success, winning six trophies in just two seasons, including the <strong>FA Vase trophy</strong> at Wembley, marking a significant milestone for the club and everyone connected to it.</p><p>For students, having lecturers with current industry involvement offers significant benefits to both their learning and personal development. Isaac’s continued work in football allows him to bring up-to-date knowledge, modern coaching ideas, and real-life experiences directly into lessons and practical sessions, giving students a clearer understanding of the realities of the sports industry.</p><p>Not only this, Isaac will also be <strong>Weston College’s Football Academy First Team</strong> coach in September, further strengthening opportunities for aspiring footballers and coaches within the College’s academy pathway. Students are able to learn not only technical and tactical knowledge, but also the resilience, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills required to succeed in such a competitive industry.</p><p>Reflecting on the rewards and challenges of coaching, Isaac explained that some of the most rewarding aspects is the teamwork, seeing ideas and game plans come to life on the pitch, and building strong bonds and friendships throughout the sport. However, he also highlighted the importance of perseverance, explaining that setbacks are part of the journey and encouraging students to keep going through the difficult moments in order to achieve the rewards.</p><p>His advice to students hoping to progress into professional coaching is centred around dedication and passion for the sport. He explained that coaching can be the best job in the world, but requires commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to work hard in all conditions.</p><p>He also emphasised the importance of how remaining active within the industry directly benefits his students, as it enables him to provide relevant examples and maintain valuable professional connections that can support learners as they progress into careers within <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… added, “Being involved in the industry allows me to give students real-life experiences and examples during lessons and practical sessions. It helps me stay up to date with modern ideas and trends within the game, while also continuing to build contacts that can support students and provide networking opportunities for them as they move into the industry themselves.”</p><p>Isaac also expressed his gratitude to Weston College’s <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; Department and management team for supporting his continued work within football alongside his teaching career.</p><p>By learning from lecturers with active industry experience, our students gain far more than classroom knowledge. They are exposed to current industry standards, professional expectations, and practical insights that help build confidence, develop employability skills, and prepare them for successful futures within the sports sector.</p><p>This forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… and Fitness</a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p>