Creating brighter futures

Early Years and Education students recently had the opportunity to go to Berlin! Students immersed themselves in new educational settings and cultural experiences. The trip was an exciting adventure filled with new friendships, personal growth, and profound insights into alternative educational approaches. 

The trip offered students the opportunity to explore early years and primary settings vastly different from their own, visiting both the Kita Perelplatz kindergarten and Fichtelgebirger Primary school. Led by dedicated lecturers, the group delved into the heart of Berlin’s educational landscape, at an early years setting catering to children aged 2-6 and a primary setting for children aged 6-11. Both environments embraced an ‘open work’ approach, prioritizing choice, independence, and freedom for the children — a stark contrast to traditional educational paradigms.   

Going abroad was a big step for students, but it was all worth it! One student said: “This is so out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I had the courage to come.” Another student said: “This has been an amazing experience and I want to go on the trip next year.”  

Beyond the educational immersion, students relished the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Berlin. From its rich history to its modern cultural offerings, Berlin captivated the hearts and minds of the students. Students were able to visit the Berlin Wall as well as the famous TV tower!  

Early Years lecturer Stacey commented on the trip saying: “Everyone wants to make education and the care of young children the best it can be, and the reflective conversations that followed our visit to the German educational settings highlighted our shared vision for the children in our care and the difference each one of us can make to a child’s life.” 

This international trip forms part of the Education 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. 

Find out more about Education and Early Years by clicking here! 

Weston College is proud to announce a recent visit from Luke Potter, an esteemed musician, songwriter, and producer, renowned for his extensive experience in the music industry with top-flight artists. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled educational opportunities for our music learners, Luke Potter generously dedicated his time to share invaluable insights into various facets of the music industry. 

During his visit, Luke Potter imparted his wealth of knowledge and expertise, offering students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the music business. From songwriting techniques to production secrets, his guidance proved instrumental for budding artists seeking to navigate the competitive landscape of the industry. 

Recognising the immense value of Luke Potter's mentorship, Weston College is thrilled to announce that he has agreed to return in the upcoming academic year to host an exclusive songwriting workshop. This workshop promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for students to further hone their skills under the guidance of a seasoned professional. 

Luke Potter's commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical talent aligns perfectly with Weston College's mission to empower students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen field. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming workshop and are grateful to Luke Potter for his ongoing support and dedication to education within the music industry. 

Music lecturer Oz Cahill said: “Luke’s visit is adding great value to our courses, alongside yet another important industry connection.” 

This guest speaker forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

A big thanks to Luke for coming in! To find out more about Music at Weston College, click here.

Supported internships can be a powerful tool to unlock young people’s potential, and also support employers with attracting a wider talent pool, which can be highly effective.

Supported internships offer a valuable chance for young individuals aged 16-24 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to acquire significant work exposure, all under the guidance of a skilled job coach. The job coach works closely with both the individual and the employer, to find a successful match.

The aim is to support young people into sustainable paid employment, giving them the confidence and skills to work independently.

They are also a fantastic opportunity for employers, not only to gain extra support, but often young people on supported internships will bring fresh ideas and new approaches, which can be highly beneficial. Through supported internships employers can create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

We caught up with a few of our learners, who are on their supported internship, to see how they were getting on: