This week, we were delighted to welcome Nick Elston, award-winning speaker, facilitator and Founder of Forging People, to the Conference Centre for a powerful and engaging guest lecture delivered to our SEND learners.

Nick’s session explored a range of important topics, including:

• Anxiety
• Self-doubt
• Fear of rejection
• Finding your voice
• Speaking up and being heard

He began with “How to Forge Ahead”, a thought-provoking session focused on mental health, resilience and personal growth. Nick openly shared stories from his own life, speaking candidly about the challenges he has faced and the strategies that helped him overcome them. He highlighted how fear often stems from the stories we tell ourselves, scenarios we imagine long before they ever happen, and encouraged learners to recognise these patterns. Nick offered practical tools, advice and techniques to help manage moments of uncertainty, reduce self-doubt and seek support when it is needed most.

The lecture then moved into “Find Your Voice”, a dynamic and interactive session all about communicating with confidence whether in interviews, presentations, applications, educational settings or everyday life. Our learners showed exceptional enthusiasm, with many stepping to the front to take part in Nick’s speaking exercises. They shared what brings them joy and what frustrates them, all while building confidence in their own communication styles.

Throughout the session, learners asked thoughtful questions and engaged with the material. They left feeling empowered, equipped with new strategies and a stronger understanding of how to express themselves effectively, reinforcing the message that every voice matters and deserves to be heard.

A huge thank you to Nick Elston for delivering such an inspiring, honest and impactful session. His guidance has provided our learners with valuable skills and insights they can carry forward throughout their lives.

Weston College are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with The Bristol Hippodrome, strengthening our shared commitment to providing students with industry-relevant, inspirational learning experiences within the world of live performance.

This renewed collaboration builds on the success of last year’s partnership and has already seen Performing Arts students start the academic year with a trip to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in September. The production also serves as a creative foundation for several workshops and skill-building sessions that are now in place for learners across the department.

As part of the partnership, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning team will deliver a series of specialist workshops designed to broaden student expertise and deepen their understanding of the performing arts industry. These include:

• Pathways Into the Industry: Offering real-world guidance from current industry professionals on employment routes, opportunities, and navigating the balance between exploitation and opportunity.
• Audition Techniques: Students will take part in professional-standard audition sessions, observed by industry experts, followed by personalised feedback.
• Directing and Facilitation: A new area not currently part of the curriculum, giving students additional skills that can support careers as freelance practitioners.
• Networking Skills: An essential workshop helping students develop the confidence and know-how to build connections and “get their foot in the door.”

In addition, the Creative Learning team will deliver a bespoke puppetry workshop, giving students insight into the specialist techniques used in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This practical experience offers a rare chance to explore a performance discipline that is increasingly sought after in modern theatre productions.

The partnership also extends to the professional development of Weston College staff. Lecturers will continue to access CPD opportunities directly with The Bristol Hippodrome, ensuring their teaching remains informed by current local, national, and international industry practice.

Beyond the Performing Arts department, the collaboration continues to create exciting opportunities for other areas of the College. Our Photography learners have previously worked with The Bristol Hippodrome and will do so again, giving students the unique chance to gain experience in a professional setting rarely accessible to learners.

The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning Department said:

“We are so excited to renew our partnership with Weston College. Expanding on the work completed last year, we are continuing to provide direct skill development into the College from our industry to help inspire the next generation of industry professionals. As one of the larger venues in the South West, we are invested in helping educational spaces engage with the live entertainment industry.”

Weston College and University Centre Weston have become White Ribbon Accredited in recognition of their commitment to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls.

Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) are proud to announce that they have become White Ribbon Accredited organisations, demonstrating a shared commitment to ending men’s violence against women and girls. By aligning with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to challenge gender-based violence the College and UCW are reinforcing their dedication to fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all.

As White Ribbon Accredited organisations, Weston College and UCW will deliver a comprehensive multi-year action plan to transform staff culture, strengthen internal systems, and positively influence the wider communities they serve. Accreditation provides an opportunity to ensure their campuses are safe spaces for everyone and to empower staff and students to become changemakers who actively challenge misogyny, sexism, and harmful attitudes whenever they arise.

Actions being taken as part of the accreditation include the development of a Domestic Abuse Policy for employees, appointing White Ribbon Ambassadors across departments to champion positive behaviours, and raising awareness through community engagement, training and partnership work.

As part of this commitment, Weston College Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Jason Selormey, has been selected as one of 16 White Ribbon Ambassadors featured in a national photography exhibition by acclaimed photographer Claudia Janke. The exhibition launches today (25 November) on White Ribbon Day at centre:mk in Milton Keynes and runs throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Photo credit Claudia Janke

Jason said:

“I believe it’s our duty to create a world where women feel safe, heard, and respected. Speaking up is one way we can all contribute to change.”

From 25 November, Weston College and UCW will be sharing Jason’s portrait and story across their channels, encouraging staff, students, and the wider community to amplify the message and make the White Ribbon Promise: never to use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

The White Ribbon UK Team said:

“White Ribbon Accredited Organisations can make a real difference towards ending violence against women by promoting a culture of respect and equality among their staff and wider communities. By raising awareness among employees, people can learn how to become allies and call out violent and abusive behaviour when they see it. We are delighted to welcome Weston College and University Centre Weston as White Ribbon Accredited Organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”

 

 

 

 

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