Learners from the T Level Digital Production, Design and Development course recently took part in the West of England Transport Data Hackathon, a collaborative industry-led event hosted by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority in partnership with AECOM.

The hackathon brought together students, industry professionals and researchers, giving learners a valuable opportunity to work alongside experts in the field while attempting to overcome real-world transport challenges using authentic datasets and digital tools.

Over the course of the week, learners worked in teams to address challenges linked to the region’s Integrated Micromobility Service (IMS), which manages shared e-scooters, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath. Teams were encouraged to think creatively, explore open datasets and develop innovative digital solutions, with several choosing to design websites or applications using Python.

To conclude the week, students created a formal presentation and presented them in their Bristol offices, showcasing their solutions to a judging panel and responding to questions about their technical decisions, data insights and potential real-world impact.

Participation in the hackathon enabled learners to develop and demonstrate a broad range of skills, including programming and coding, data analysis and statistical thinking, as well as transferable skills such as collaboration, communication and critical problem-solving. Learners also gained first-hand experience of working with live transport data and addressing challenges faced by the region.

By engaging directly with real transport systems, learners enhanced their employability and gained a deeper understanding of how digital skills can be applied to encourage change. Events such as this hackathon provide invaluable insight into the industry, empowering students to build confidence, apply their classroom knowledge, and prepare for potential careers in digital and data transport solutions.

Well done to all the students involved, they presented themselves with professionalism and maturity and engaged well with industry professionals.

This curriculum project forms part of the Computing and Digital 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 Computing and Digital! 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.

Last week, our Music and Production students performed at their Winter Showcase, performing for their family and friends in the Michael Eavis Performance Suite at Loxton Campus.

Within the showcase, students performed a variety of pieces to reflect their progression this term, kickstarting the evening with individual performances from Mina and Saynel, followed by sets from bands such as Jaregona, Pulverised, Grimshaw, Killing Whales, Sub Octave, Covered in Bottles, and Bürdwatchers.

This wide variety of Music genres made for an exciting evening suited to many tastes. Students, staff, friends, and family all came together to enjoy the fantastic tunes and vibes throughout the evening.

The Michael Eavis Suite reflected a real-life gig, with students adjusting the lighting and sound from behind-the-scenes and Photography students capturing the evening with professional cameras and a range of angles. This was excellent practice for our students, not only gaining real-world experience, but also improving their adaptability and resilience to new situations.

Not only did this event build the students confidence, but it also celebrated the progress they have made throughout this term. Students worked hard to put this production together and ensure the seamless execution of it, not only the performers, but the light and sound production team.

A huge well done to all the students involved, the effort and passion was reflected within each performance, and it was a fantastic event. Also, a big thank you to the Music and Production lecturers, this production also would not have been possible without the tireless efforts they dedicated to ensuring the success of the event.

This Winter Showcase forms part of the Music and Production 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.

Our Year 1 Level 3 Performing Arts students are showcasing their hard work with a Winter Showcase, performing over two evenings for their family and friends at Knightstone Campus’ Berkoff Theatre, whilst the Year 2 Level 3 Performing Arts students are touring local primary schools across Weston-super-Mare to give younger students the chance to see a pantomime of Cinderella Eco Warrior just before they break up for Christmas. 

Not only does performing in primary schools improve our students’ confidence, but it also gives younger students a free and accessible pantomime performance that may not be regularly available to them. This Cinderella interpretation also promotes recycling and sustainability, giving them a fun and informative show to enjoy outside of the classroom which will hopefully spark an interest in Performing Arts in the future. 

Our Level 2 Performing Arts learners also performed a matinee showing at Knightstone Campus’ Berkoff Theatre, of a shorter and more traditional Cinderella. This showcase reflected their hard work and the progress they have made throughout this term. 

Within the Year 1 Level 3 showcase, students performed a variety of pieces from each pathway, including Dance such as Jazz, Tap, Commercial, and World Dance; Acting including Physical Theatre and Musical Theatre; and Singing including Show choir and Musical Theatre. This creative ensemble showcases their wide variety of skills and the progress the students have made during their first term on their course. 

Students performed a range of numbers, including musical and dance numbers from Annie, Matilda, and Grease, dances with popular songs such as Levitating, Houdini, and My Own Best Friend, and dance blocks from Street Dance, Tap, Flamenco and Tango. Show Choir also performed Christmas songs, and Physical Theatre students performed scenes from Othello.  

In addition, students had the opportunity to create their own pieces for the show, showcasing their hard work and professional development while strengthening their teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. By listening to feedback and building on it, they improved their technique, adaptability, and overall confidence which they can apply to future performances and will be invaluable to their careers in the Performing Arts industry. 

This wide range of acts reflects the diverse and dynamic Performing Arts courses, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone and try a variety of career paths which helps students find their style and develop their skills. 

A huge well done to the Performing Arts students who have worked hard to perfect this high-quality performance. This performance also wouldn't have been possible without the tireless efforts and invaluable professional insight from the amazing Performing Arts lecturers Joe Miller who choreographed the dances, and Lisa Frost and Fiona Philp who directed the production. 

This Winter Showcase forms part of the Performing Arts 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 SUBJECT! 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.