During the first week of induction, our English and Maths team were busy putting together creative challenges for GCSE and Functional Skills English and Maths Learners to take part in.

At our South West Skills Campus, learners took part in ‘English is Everywhere’. This engaging workshop involved multiple activities such as inserting correct punctuation into jokes and seeing who can build the tallest towers by answering revision questions.

Furthermore, at our Loxton Campus, learners put their heads together to complete teambuilding activities such as English revision Jenga and a penalty shoot-out in our Health and Active Living Skills Centre sports hall where one correct answer = one shot at the goal.

Similarly, maths skills were also put to the test. Learners were tasked with creating questions for their fellow students from a 3D exhibition! Real life scenarios e.g. Glastonbury Festival and FIFA were used in order to inspire an interest in maths and utilise their maths skills to relatable situations.

The aim of this was to positively reinforce English and maths skills outside of the classroom in a wider context. By using an alternative approach, learners become more relaxed and engaged with the work at hand, thus making it more engaging and fun to learn. Moreover it was an opportunity for vocational staff and the English and maths team to work together collaboratively and demonstrate to learners the seamless and integrated relationship.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group visited the sessions. He commented: “The passion and enthusiasm that our staff put into their work never ceases to impress me. At Weston College the learners come first and adapting our teaching to their needs is just one of the ways we go above and beyond to inspire them.

“Some of these learners might have previously had negative experiences with these core subjects, therefore it’s essential that we give them a fresh start, capture their interest and continue to support them to achieve success with their maths and English GCSEs.”

This type of work is an example of why last year, Weston College was named among the first 21 colleges to establish a maths centre of excellence.

The new centres were announced in response to Sir Adrian Smith’s review of post-16 maths education, which recommended improving basic maths for people over 16.

The chosen colleges, which will share £40 million of funding over five years, are spread across the country. Weston College is one of only two centres in the South West.

As well as improving the quality of basic maths provision for low-attaining young people over 16, the new centres will design new teaching approaches, develop high-quality resources, build teachers’ skills and spread best practice.

Adults from across Bristol are invited to a free workshop being organised by Training Solutions this month (January) to help them find Apprenticeships with employers.

People aged 16 and above can attend the workshop, which will take place on Thursday, January 29 at Connexions in Bristol city centre, to find out about the Apprenticeship programme run by Training Solutions, prepare for interviews, be more confident and gain overall job search skills.

Anita Al-Zamily, Employer Liaison Officer at Training Solutions, explained: "We are hosting the Apprenticeship workshop on January 29 from 1.30pm until 4pm at the Connexions on Colston Avenue to give people an overview of the Apprenticeship course as well as helping them learn how to find a job and working on their interview skills, which will stand them in good stead for getting an Apprenticeship.

"We are hoping it will help those who are keen to do an Apprenticeship to secure employment with businesses in the area. Those wishing to attend the workshop need to book a place by either calling me on 01934 411573."

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, which means the majority of an Apprentice's training takes place in a practical way, directly in the workplace.

All Apprenticeship training will lead to nationally recognised qualifications designed to meet industry standards. Tuition fees for eligible adults are paid for by Government funding.

In Bristol and Somerset organisations and companies who want to develop their staff and their businesses are signing up for Apprenticeship programmes in partnership with Training Solutions. Cadbury House Hotel, Health Club and Spa in Congresbury near Bristol is one of the businesses benefiting from the relationship.

Laura Pengelly from Cheddar, James Day from Clevedon and Andrew Woodley from Worle are all undertaking Apprenticeship programmes and have all recently received job promotions at the Hotel.

Mark Veale, Head Chef at Cadbury House, said: "Laura, James and Andrew are doing exceptionally well in their jobs and have all deserved their promotions. They have handled the pressure of being given extra responsibility in their jobs and have performed better.

"I am very pleased with the structure of their training provided by Training Solutions. They are training on-site at Cadbury House, which means they are learning and improving their skills in a ‘real kitchen' situation.

"Another benefit of their Apprenticeships is the opportunity to gain a qualification. The training provided by Training Solutions has had a beneficial impact on the development of the hotel's staff. There is a long-standing relationship between Cadbury House and the College."

Training Solutions work with more than 1,000 businesses and organisations supporting them to achieve significant improvements in overall performance. It does this by helping businesses maximise their performance of one of their most expensive resources - their people.

Training Solutions also offers a wide range of flexible, business-related training, development and consultancy services including qualifications, professional development workshops and coaching and mentoring programmes.

If you are interested in attending the Apprenticeship workshop, which takes place at Connexions on Colston Avenue in Bristol on Thursday, January 29 from 1.30pm until 4pm, please call Anita Al-Zamily at Training Solutions on 01934 411573 to book a place.

The Member of European Parliament for the South West of England and Gibraltar gave a talk at Weston College’s new £880,000 Sustainability Centre.

Julie Girling, a former Chief Whip of Conservatives in the European Union, spoke to members of the local Chamber of Commerce on Friday, November 21^st.

Weston and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce President, Gail Parsons, said: “As a Chamber of Commerce we are well aware of the benefits of European collaboration.

“With major projects like French energy giant EDF’s Hinkley Point nuclear reactor build having a significant positive impact on business across Weston and North Somerset.

“It was interesting listening to Julie talk about how this cooperation works at a national level.”

The bespoke community Sustainability Centre Julie visited opened in October on Weston College’s South West Skills Campus where an £11 million revamp is in progress.

The Locking Road-based building is a high-spec environmentally-friendly property built around an oak frame of natural materials with classrooms and lecture theatre.

Renewable technology includes photo-voltaic cells, ground-source heat pump, and rainwater harvesting system. It is designed to teach the next generation of sustainable construction students and show local people how green technology transform living spaces and saves money.

Other site developments include the Lord Baker Innovation Centre, named after a former Home Secretary, and dedicated to vocational education and skills training.

The MEP’s visit was hosted by Training Solutions, providing apprenticeships, training and development for the over 1400 businesses that the College works with across the region.

Training Solutions Account Coordinator Christopher Batt added: “It was a pleasure to welcome our MEP to Weston College and our new Sustainability Centre.

“Julie gave an excellent description of the makeup of the European Union before taking questions on EU finances, regulation, EU-US trade talks and freedom of movement.

“Interestingly, she said that the European Commission has had a change of emphasis to create jobs rather than progressing citizens’ rights.”