Last month, learners from our SEND provision took part in a 10-day trip to Canada through the Turing Scheme, giving them the opportunity to experience a different culture, visit some of Ontario’s most well-known attractions, and spend time together outside the classroom. 

During the trip, students visited a range of locations across Ontario, including the South Simcoe Railway, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Amazon Fulfilment Centre. They also spent time in Algonquin Provincial Park, where they enjoyed a picnic before continuing their journey to Niagara Falls. 

A major highlight of the trip was the visit to Niagara Falls. Students travelled on the Falls Incline Railway before taking part in Journey Behind the Falls, which offers visitors a unique view of the waterfalls from tunnels carved into the rock behind them. They also explored the Niagara Parks Power Station and learned more about the area's history and hydroelectric power generation. 

The group continued to explore the Niagara region with a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, which crosses above the Niagara Whirlpool and rapids, followed by the White Water Walk, where students were able to experience the force of the river from a close distance. They also took a boat tour to the base of the falls, providing a different perspective of one of Canada’s most famous landmarks. 

Other activities included a visit to the Maple Leaf Chocolate Factory Educational Experience, a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the CN Tower Experience in Toronto, where students enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. 

The Turing Scheme provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to participate in international educational experiences that promote inclusion, independence, and personal growth. A trip to Canada allows students from our SEND provision to develop confidence by navigating new environments, engaging with different cultures, and taking part in activities that may be outside their usual comfort zone. These experiences help students build resilience, improve communication and social skills, and develop a greater sense of self-belief in their abilities. 

For many SEND students, opportunities to travel abroad can be limited, but thanks to the funding and support available through the Turing Scheme, it has helped to remove these barriers and ensure that international mobility is accessible to all learners.  

By participating in a structured and supported overseas programme, students gain valuable life and employability skills, increase their independence, and broaden their understanding of the world. The experience also helps to raise aspirations, encouraging students to pursue their course, training, and employment opportunities with greater confidence. 

Well done to the students who went on this trip and stepped out of their comfort zone to take part in the various activities, and thank you to the staff who supervised the trip, it wouldn’t have been possible without your support. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the SEND 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. 

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.

Weston College recently celebrated the achievements of students who completed the Bristol Airport Take Off Programme, an 11-week initiative delivered in partnership with Bristol Airport and North Somerset Council. The programme has successfully supported adults who were not in employment, education or training, helping them to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress into meaningful employment opportunities.

Over the course of the programme, students benefited from mentoring, employability workshops and tailored skills development designed to prepare them for the workplace. Students gained valuable hands-on experience through work placements at Centreline – Aviation Services, Boots, WHSmiths and Apcoa Car Park. The students also had an industry talk from Easyjet, a tour of Bristol Airport, and received personalised one-to-one support and took part in mock interviews with employers, helping them to build confidence, improve their communication skills and gain a greater understanding of employer expectations.

The programme provided training in customer service, employability and industry-specific skills, alongside confidence-building activities that enabled students to recognise their strengths and aspirations. As a result, students left the programme with enhanced workplace skills, increased self-belief and improved prospects for securing employment, including opportunities with Bristol Airport's Business Partners and other local employers.

The positive impact of the programme has already been demonstrated through its employment outcomes, with 25% of the cohort successfully offered employment, and we are continuing to support the remaining learners in preparing for further work experience and interviews. This achievement reflects both the dedication of the students and the effectiveness of the support provided throughout the programme, helping participants take an important step towards sustainable employment and future career success.

The achievements of the students were celebrated at a graduation event held at the Winter Gardens, where students, partners and supporters came together to recognise the progress made throughout the programme and the positive impact it has had on the lives of those involved.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: "We are delighted to partner with Bristol Airport on the Take Off Programme. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing inclusive education and training opportunities, ensuring individuals from all backgrounds can develop the skills needed to thrive in the workforce."

Last month, our Photography and UAL Hair and Media Makeup 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.

Working from a creative hair and makeup brief, Hair and Media Makeup 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.

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.

The project also provided Photography students with the opportunity to work directly with clients and capture the stunning creations produced by the Hair and Media Makeup 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.

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.

Paul French, Photography 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.”

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.

“A huge thank you to the Photography 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.”

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.

This collaboration forms part of the Photography and Hair and Beauty 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. 

Progress to the next level in Photography or Makeup, Wigs and Special Effects! At University Centre Weston (UCW) 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. Click here!

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.