Creating brighter futures

On the evening of April 3rd, students from a range of fashion and creative courses at Weston College came together to showcase their talent at Elevate, a spectacular fashion show held in the Regency Suite on the Grand Pier.  This event gave learners the chance to present their work on a professional catwalk in front of friends, family, and the public. Also, the £321 raised from ticket sales will be donated to Weston Hospicecare. 

The show featured collections and designs from A Level Fashion and Textiles students, Extended Diploma Fashion, Business and Retail students, and Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up students. Hair and makeup were also provided by learners from the HE Hair, Makeup, Prosthetics and Production course. We also had a range of volunteer models from across different subject areas, showcasing the amazing collaboration of the entire college.  

Each collection was the result of months of creativity, research, and technical skill, developing initial ideas, conducting visual and factual research, experimenting with illustrations and media, and refining their concepts before constructing their final garments in chosen fabrics.  

The Extended Diploma in Fashion, Business and Retail students explored themes such as Contrast, Refabrication, and Nostalgia, allowing for various interpretations and unique outcomes. Some examples include explorations of the architectural contrast within the National Trust’s Tyntesfield House, designs focused on the healing potential of flora, and investigations into the psychology of nostalgia through brain scans and synaptic imagery. Others took a more cultural approach, drawing on rock music from the 1970s to early 2000s.  

A Level Fashion and Textiles students brought an equally diverse range of ideas to life, exploring cultural heritage, mental health, and ethical issues in fashion. From intricate Sashiko-inspired patterns to visual critiques of the denim industry’s environmental impact, these students demonstrated powerful, individual visions that reflected deep personal engagement with their themes. 

The creativity didn’t stop at the garments. Students from the Extended Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up created stunning looks that carried strong environmental messages. Their work responded to themes such as climate change, the ozone layer, California wildfires, and human impact on the planet—resulting in dramatic, thoughtful, and visually compelling headpieces and makeup designs.  

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of Weston College, expressed her gratitude to both the students and the community for making this event possible, adding, “The Elevate Fashion Show was a true celebration—not just of the incredible creativity and talent of our fashion learners, but also of the community spirit that made it all possible.   

“Thanks must go to Michelle Michael and the team at the Grand Pier for so generously providing the Regency Suite free of charge, giving our students the unique opportunity to showcase their work in a truly professional setting. Thanks to this support, every ticket sold will go directly to Weston Hospicecare. We’re also grateful to St John’s Church for their kind loan of a lighting system that helped the show come to life. This event is a great example of what happens when education and community come together to lift up the next generation of creatives.”  

Elevate is a great example of how Weston College’s Career Excellence Hubs give our students the career-preparing opportunities to gain first-hand experience in presenting a collection within a professional setting, developing their confidence, communication skills, and understanding of the production and logistics behind a runway event. The evening also offered invaluable exposure to peers, industry professionals, and potential employers which is essential for anyone pursuing a future in fashion or performance industries.  

For many of the student models, walking the runway was a transformative experience. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they rose to the challenge with bravery and confidence, contributing to the energy and spirit of the event and supporting their peers on a night that celebrated creativity, courage, and collaboration. Elevate was an amazing reflection of the talent and dedication of our Weston College students, enhanced by community to bring this event to life for a great cause.  

Well done to all of our students who got involved in designing, creating, and modelling—this night wouldn't have been possible without your efforts! Also, a big thank you to our fantastic Photography students: Harrison, Ethan, Cerys, Annabel, Taylor and Cameron for capturing the night perfectly!

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 here. 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. 

This year’s Raising and Giving Week (RAG Week) at Weston College was a great example of collaboration across all subject areas. With the theme of ‘Flower Power’, the college came together to raise money for two incredible local charities: Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal.  

Weston Hospicecare offers vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and provides essential emotional support for their families. The Grand Appeal supports Bristol Children’s Hospital, helping to deliver life-saving care for sick children and their loved ones. The funds raised throughout RAG Week were split evenly between these two amazing charities.  

Throughout the week, students and staff took part in a wide variety of fundraising events, ranging from raffles and bake sales, to more active sessions such as sponsored walks, races and football matches. This week takes place every year across the country and is a fantastic way for all students to get involved and take part in fun activities before exam season begins.  

Outside of the activities, many people took the flower power theme seriously, with departments such as Health and Social Care and Performing Arts dressed up in bright colours and 70s-style clothes. Not only this, the reception team and some support staff created a ‘Westonbury Festival’ theme, wearing some amazing flower power outfits which ended up winning them best dressed!  

Another popular RAG Week tradition is a college-wide raffle which featured a range of popular prizes, including day passes and tickets to local attractions such as spas, cinemas, and activity centres. Many departments also organised bake sales across each campus as these are always popular and delicious.  

Across the week, Protective Services hosted two major events: a flower-themed two-hour Zumbathon open to all, and a five-hour stretcher relay along the seafront, covering 26 miles. These activities were a great way for students to have fun with friends as well as enjoy some exercise for two amazing causes.  

Other departments also got involved, with Early Years students running a Craft and Wellbeing morning, offering slime-making and loom band activities, while ESOL students provided lanyard name cards written in various languages. Media students hosted a pyjama and movie marathon afternoon, and FIP students got involved by running “tutor torture” activities, getting the chance to pie their lecturers in the face.   

Our Digital students hosted Esports tournaments in games such as Fortnite, Overwatch, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals. They also raffled a high-end gaming monitor generously donated by MSI UK where they raised an amazing £555 from this raffle alone.  

On top of this, Construction students contributed by building eight wooden benches. Five were donated to care homes, where students also spent time chatting with residents and sharing biscuits. The remaining three were sold in a silent auction for staff.  

Sports-related fundraising included football matches and gym challenges, and the Motor Vehicle department added some competition with a Gran Turismo racing challenge using their driving rig, where participants completed a sighting lap and a timed lap.  

Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus of the college, with each subject area contributing in its own way, helping to create a fun, inclusive, and impactful week. In total, RAG Week raised £4774.10 for Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal.  

Thank you to everyone who helped organise, get involved, or donate. This support made the week possible and allowed us to raise the amount we did!  

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 here. 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. 

Recently a group of Early Years learners, studying either the T Level or a degree with University Centre Weston (UCW), embarked on an exciting residential to Budapest.  

Over three days, the group immersed themselves in Hungarian culture, education, and history, gaining invaluable insights and experiences which will not only improve their classroom knowledge, but also their personal and professional development. 

Here is how the trip unfolded: 

Day 1 – A Warm Hungarian Welcome 
After an early morning start, our students landed in Budapest, eager to begin their journey. Their first day was spent exploring the city's stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.  

The highlight of the day, however, came with visits to two local kindergartens. Here, our learners engaged with Hungarian educators and children, exchanging knowledge and experiences about early years education.  

This experience reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in order to create a well-rounded generation of future educators. 

Day 2 – Immersed in History and Culture 
Our learners embarked on a guided walking tour of Budapest, delving deep into the city's fascinating history.  

With the help of their knowledgeable guide, the group discovered how Hungary’s past has influenced its present, particularly in education and family life. This immersive experience allowed our students to develop a deeper appreciation for the culture in Budapest while broadening their global perspectives. 

Day 3 – Growth and Discovery 
As the trip came to a close, the learners were enriched by the experiences they had gained. From navigating public transport and managing personal finances to trying traditional Hungarian cuisine and stepping outside their comfort zones, each student demonstrated resilience and adaptability.  

These real-world experiences will enhance their personal and professional growth, making them more confident and well-rounded individuals. 

Lucy Drew, Head of Education and Early Years at Weston College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our learners for embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity.  

“This trip has provided them with skills and memories that will last a lifetime, reinforcing the value of international learning opportunities in education.” 

If you would like to study an Education and Early Years course at Weston College, click here. 

This trip forms part of the Education and Early Years Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.