Our new Year 1 T Level Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction learners have had a great start to the year with a team-building visit to Farm Foundations.

After a short coach journey, learners spent the day outdoors meeting a range of animals, including tortoises, runner ducks, horses, sheep, chickens and pigs, while learning about the farm's role in supporting the local community.

Learners helped measure and set out new pig enclosures being built for a pair of teenage pigs, complete with their very own luxury paddling pool. The practical activity provided an excellent opportunity to apply surveying and setting-out skills in a real-world environment while developing teamwork and communication skills.

The day was full of teamwork, problem-solving and plenty of laughs. Learners built campfires, toasted marshmallows and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sunshine. Not everything went entirely to plan, however, with two learners ending up with melted marshmallow on their knees and one unlucky learner's hoodie attracting the attention of a curious horse, which decided it looked like a tasty snack.

Learners also learned about the structure of the farm's Community Interest Company (CIC) and the positive impact it has on young people and the wider community.

The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for learners to get to know one another, develop confidence, and experience practical activities that reflect the collaborative nature of the construction sector.

One learner commented, "It was great to see all the animals and have the opportunity to use equipment on site. It was a really good experience."

Another learner said, "The day was really enjoyable and was a good way to apply our skills in a real-life setting."

Weston College would like to thank everyone at Farm Foundations, particularly Maxine, Charlotte and Mark, for making the visit such a memorable start to the learners' T Level journey.

The college looks forward to continuing its relationship with Farm Foundations and providing learners with further opportunities to develop their skills through meaningful community-based projects.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Construction 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 Construction! 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.

Weston College has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for 2026–2027, joining a global community of schools and education providers leading innovation and digital transformation in education.

The Microsoft Showcase School programme recognises institutions demonstrating a strong commitment to using technology, including Microsoft tools and artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance teaching, learning and the wider educational experience.

As a Microsoft Showcase School, Weston College will have opportunities to connect with education leaders and educators from around the world, share best practice and engage with Microsoft programme and product teams. The College will also have access to community calls, events, newsletters and professional learning opportunities throughout the 2026–2027 programme year.

As part of the programme, Weston College will also have the opportunity to access up to five Microsoft Certiport certification exam vouchers, supporting staff professional development and helping to further strengthen digital skills across the College.

The recognition reflects Weston College’s continued commitment to ensuring its staff and students develop the digital skills and experience needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven and AI-powered world.

This week, our A Level students completing the Social Action Pathway welcomed Tony Hobden, CEO of Shiva Charity, which raises funds to support children and communities in Nepal. The session gave students a first-hand insight into the impact that fundraising and charitable work can have on communities and the importance of taking action to support others.

As part of Weston College’s Sixth Form, students complete an enrichment pathway alongside their A Levels, providing opportunities to broaden their understanding of wider issues, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their community.

The Social Action Pathway enables students to plan and deliver their own initiatives to raise money and awareness for charities and causes that matter to them. Working independently or as part of a group, students have the freedom to choose their own focus and take responsibility for developing their ideas from conception through to delivery.

During the session, Tony shared his experiences of raising awareness and funds for Shiva Charity, whose work in Nepal focuses on improving access to education through building and maintaining schools, child sponsorship and teacher training. The charity is also providing emergency support following the devastating landslides and flooding across the Rasuwa region and Central Nepal.

Tony also spoke about his latest fundraising challenge, Scoot 4 Nepal, which will see him ride 1,000km across Nepal over 10 days on a pink scooter to raise funds for clean drinking water systems in rural schools. His target is to raise £80,000 to install and maintain 50 water purification systems, with around £40,000 already raised through the campaign.

The session encouraged students to consider how they can create meaningful change through their own Social Action projects. As they develop their initiatives, students will build a range of transferable skills, from communication, marketing and event organisation to leadership, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. They will also gain confidence in taking an idea from planning to action, adapting to challenges along the way.

Most importantly, the pathway encourages students to recognise that making a difference is not always about the size of an initiative, but the positive impact it can have on others. Whether supporting an established charity, raising awareness of an important issue or giving back to their local community, students are empowered to take action on causes they are passionate about.

Nicola Stent, Sixth Form Lecturer and Head of the Social Action Pathway, said: “The Social Action Pathway gives students a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference while developing skills and experiences that will support them beyond Sixth Form. It encourages them to look beyond themselves, understand the importance of empathy and compassion, and recognise the impact they can have within their community. By planning and delivering their own initiatives, students develop valuable employability and life skills, while seeing first-hand that raising awareness and inspiring others to get involved can be just as important as raising money.”

A huge thank you to Tony for taking the time to share his journey with the students and encouraging them to get involved.

This pathway forms part of the Sixth Form 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.