I’m Leslie Warren, a qualified Chartered Surveyor and currently an Asset Manager for a c.£4bn (AuM) UK property portfolio.

Last year when I was searching for a job, I attended the Weston College Takeover Day at the Job Centre, as I wanted to refresh my Microsoft Excel skills. Whilst there I found out about the Pre-employment courses on offer at the college and decided to apply.

The course was really beneficial to me, as I increased my skills in Excel, improved my CV, and I also found out about AI, and how this can be utilised to enhance job applications.

I used the AI elements of the course to create a PowerPoint presentation, which I then used in the interview to get the job I have now.

I enjoyed the course, met some lovely people, enjoyed visiting Weston College and benefited from what I learned there.

The teaching was excellent, the tutor able to disseminate information to a wide demographic with skill, patience, care and kindness shown at all times.

I now work nationally, from home most of the time, but with an office in Bristol and London that I visit weekly as well as completing site visits when required.

The type of tasks I complete include Asset-Evaluations, Options Appraisals (which are Board Reports that request a decision on a recommendation that I create), managing budgets, conducting and commissioning financial analysis, portfolio management and Net-Present-Valuations.

The part that I most enjoy about my job is when I identify an underperforming asset and my recommendation to dispose of it is approved by the board, and I then get the chance to financially prove myself by acquiring capital receipt from open market disposals that more than cover the cost of hiring me.

My time at Weston College brought me up to speed with contemporary norms and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have had the chance to learn.

Leslie.

Special guests and pupils from the nine schools who are Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) trust, gathered for the very first Opening Worlds Curriculum Symposium at Weston College on Tuesday 21st May 2024.

In 2023 ELAN adopted the Opening Worlds curriculum for humanities: geography, history and religious education written and designed by Steve Mastin and Christine Counsell.

To open the evening, thanks to our tech team at Weston College and IT whizz Emma Parkins, Opening World’s writer Steve Mastin beamed in live via video call from Kazakhstan to talk directly with the children.

Following on, children and special guests enjoyed a lovely two-course dinner, catered for by our incredible catering and hospitality learners, providing the learners with an additional opportunity to support their own studies and show off what they can do.

Over dinner, children entertained their table with amazing stories, facts and knowledge about some of their favourite subjects.

The second half of the evening saw an interactive and rather competitive quiz pitting schools and their wisdom against each other – no adult input allowed and absolutely not required.

It was edge-of-the-seat action and very tightly fought with the overall winners Oldmixon Primary School taking the trophy!

Marie Berry, Headteacher at Bourneville Primary School, said: “What an amazing night! To have witnessed the pure joy in the room was an absolute privilege. Definitely a top ELAN moment.

“Thank you to everyone who put so much into making it the great success it was. The children were fantastic, and I think we can certainly say quality teaching is paying off.

“Councillor Gibbons was absolutely blown away by the children’s knowledge and looking around the room I could see similar responses from many of the guests. It’ll be an event I remember always.”

Matthew, a Year 3 student from Locking Primary School, added: “This is the most special evening of my entire life. I liked the quiz. There were so many questions, and we really did try our best! The dessert was delicious too!”

The CEO of ELAN, Adam Matthews, said: “The children’s knowledge, enthusiasm, love of learning and desire to discuss the subjects they had studied (and beyond) made a special evening extraordinary. It will go down as one of my standout moments in education.”

Extend Learning Academies Network is a group of North Somerset primary schools and nurseries situated at Banwell, Bournville, Locking, Oldmixon, Mead Vale, Mendip Green, Milton Park, Walliscote and Windwhistle.

This week, Louise Hill-Davies has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a published author. She has contributed to a collective anthology of poetry and short stories featuring works from authors who have persevered through adversity and injustice to find a route forward against the odds. This remarkable anthology includes contributions from notable figures such as Greg Williams, actress Courteney Cox, actors Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Jay Ellis, YouTuber KSI, rugby union player Maro Itoje, and singer-songwriter Sinead Harnett, among many others. 

The book centres around powerful life lessons, with contributors sharing their experiences navigating difficult personal circumstances. It showcases how, even when weathering the toughest storms, they found the strength to move forward instead of giving up. This anthology is a powerful celebration of human resilience and love, offering a vehicle for hope and encouraging readers to create a better ecosystem for preserving their mental health and wellbeing. 

Louise’s story, based on true events, centres on Lauren, a mother who faced systemic racism through the healthcare she received during the birth of her daughter. This powerful narrative shines a critical but necessary light on the challenges black women encounter in maternal care. Louise’s work not only resonates deeply on a personal level but also addresses broader societal issues, a message she passionately shares with our health learners. 

We are incredibly proud of Louise for her amazing contribution to this anthology. Her story is not only a testament to her strength and resilience but also an important reminder of the work still needed to address systemic racism in healthcare. Louise’s voice adds a crucial perspective to this collection, and her dedication to raising awareness is truly commendable. 

Louise’s involvement in this anthology underscores her commitment to advocacy and education, highlighting the importance of addressing and overcoming systemic injustices. Her story is a profound addition to the anthology, offering readers an insightful and impactful narrative that challenges and inspires. 

“I Wanted to Quit Too” is available now on amazon.

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.