In a spectacular display of talent and dedication, the Performing Arts students at Weston College brought the glitz and glamour of the 1920s to life with their electrifying performance of the iconic musical, Chicago. As one of their highly anticipated end-of-year productions in June, the students poured their hearts and souls into perfecting the show, leaving the audience spellbound and in awe of their remarkable abilities. 

Chicago, originally written by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb, and adapted for the theatre by David Thompson, is a tantalising exploration of fame, justice, and the media machine, all against the backdrop of real-life murders. With its complex characters and intricate plot, the musical provided an excellent opportunity for the learners to delve into new performance styles and techniques, challenging them to push past their limits. 

Sophie, who skilfully portrayed the lead role of Roxie, expressed her enthusiasm for the production. "The shows themselves were the highlight of my college journey so far," she said, "and were of a high professional standard which gave the students a taste of what the professional industry looked like." This experience not only allowed the students to showcase their talent but also provided a glimpse into the standards of a professional performance. 

The ambitious production was brought to life under the expert guidance of the college's own lecturers, Lisa Frost and Joe Miller, who served as directors and choreographers. Working tirelessly alongside the students, they ensured that every aspect of the show exuded excellence. Blayke, who mesmerised the audience with her portrayal of Velma, shared, "The shows gave us an opportunity to see how a professional show runs both in the final performance and rehearsals." The students were in awe of the amazing choreography and direction provided by their lecturers, inspiring them to further develop their skills and strive for the best show possible. 

Katie, who also brilliantly embodied the role of Roxie, spoke of the personal growth she experienced throughout the process. "I have gained a lot more confidence in myself since Chicago and have found myself improving on weaknesses," she revealed. This transformative journey was a testament to the power of performing arts education, nurturing not only their artistic abilities but also their self-belief and resilience. 

The performing arts course at Weston College offers a gateway to the world of stage performance, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue further studies or a career in the performing arts industry. Located at Knightstone Campus, the program annually presents aspiring performers with the opportunity to audition and take center stage in full-scale productions, much like the mesmerising rendition of Chicago. 

Chicago was nothing short of extraordinary. Their hard work, passion, and dedication were evident in every scene, as they transported the audience back in time to the roaring twenties. Congratulations to all the performing arts students for their incredible show! Their collective talent and commitment to their craft serve as a shining example of the remarkable opportunities and experiences that await those who pursue their passion in the performing arts at Weston College.  

To find out more, click here.

Weston College are delighted to announce that Somerset Football Association are joining the Sports & Fitness Careers Excellence Hub for the 2023/24 academic year. The College, which offers Sports & Fitness courses including BTEC Fitness and Sports Exercise Science, Apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications in Community Coaching, has award-winning Careers Excellence Hubs for each faculty subject area across the College with several industry partnerships in place. The purpose of Careers Excellence Hubs, which is part of the College’s ‘Making Careers Everybody’s Business' strategy, is for curriculum areas to work closely with employers to highlight the breadth of careers available, offer work placements, develop the skills of learners beyond the qualification they are studying, supporting their progression to higher education and employment.

Somerset FA are the not-for-profit body responsible for the development and governance of grassroots football in Somerset since 1885. They work closely with the national Football Association to ensure national strategies are implemented in our region, alongside a vital role in football administration and governance.

David Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships commented “Somerset FA share our passion for encouraging participation in sport at all levels, and we share a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to play football. Weston College, through our Careers Excellence Hubs, are building collaborative employer partnerships aligned to our curriculum areas, creating a high-quality learner experience at our College and learners ready to progress to employment and higher education when they complete their course. We’re looking forward to having Somerset FA part of our employer community.”

Jon Pike, Chief Executive of Somerset Football Association commented “Somerset FA are looking forward to working with Weston College to inspire and create opportunities for their students, partnering with their Sports & Fitness Careers Excellence Hub. As the governing body for football in the region commented to the development of grassroots football, we share Weston College’s passion for increasing participation in football and its approach to inclusivity, and we look forward to supporting the students by highlighting the breadth of careers in football.”

To view our sports courses click here. Employers looking to work with Weston College can email employers@weston.ac.uk

The NextGen Business Breakfast, held on Thursday 13th July at the prestigious Winter Gardens, was an astounding success, bringing together over 150 local businesses for a morning of insight and inspiration. Sponsored by Natwest, Business Leader, Business West, and Albert Goodman, the event showcased remarkable speakers and highlighted future opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The event kicked off with a captivating keynote speech by Andy Lewis MBE, a celebrated Paralympian. Andy shared his personal journey of triumph over challenges, serving as a shining example of determination and resilience for all attendees. His inspirational story left a lasting impact on the audience, reminding them of the power of overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.

Lynsey McKinstry, representing Weston College delivered an impassioned talk on breaking down barriers to employment for young adults and learners with additional needs. She pledged a supported internship program that would pave the way for fulfilling employment opportunities, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities within the local community.

Looking ahead, the NextGen Speaker Series continues with a focus on leading change. Launched at the event was stage 2 of the Government Funded Project Management Skills Bootcamp course which returns in October, offering 20 spaces (subject to eligibility and funding availability) for a 10-day immersive learning experience. Details regarding the course can be found here.

To secure a ticket for the NextGen event in October, interested parties are encouraged to email employers@weston.ac.uk and confirm their attendance, allowing them to be added to the exclusive guest list.

The upcoming October session will feature Dr. Zara Nanu MBE as the keynote speaker. Dr. Nanu is the CEO of Gapsquare, an award-winning organization dedicated to using AI and data analytics to address gender, ethnicity, disability, and pay inequity issues in the workplace. With her extensive expertise in building diverse and inclusive workplaces, Dr. Nanu has been at the forefront of empowering employers globally to create fair and equitable work environments.