Weston College students had a chance to meet Michael Gove, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, and local MP John Penrose, last week at an event hosted by Weston-super-Mare Conservative Association.

The students, who are currently studying A Level Government and Politics at Weston College’s Sixth Form Centre, were invited to the Royal Hotel for a three course meal followed by a speech from Mr Gove, who last week was voted out of the Conservative Party leadership election.

Kori, 17, said: “I found the evening thoroughly interesting. It’s cool to see politicians in the flesh because it shows us that the things we learnt in class are more than just theory or history.

“Meeting the politicians brings the concept of politics back to reality.”

Mardi McLay, Lecturer in Government and Politics at Weston College, said: “This was a unique experience providing the students with an opportunity to see first-hand, politics in action.”

Eve Mason, Weston College’s Curriculum Lead in Humanities, Legal and Social Studies, said: “Mr Gove was an interesting and entertaining speaker, who spoke on a range of contemporary matters.

“The students gained a valuable insight into the political process, talking at length to one of Mr Gove’s advisors to find out how he got into politics and what it’s like working for an MP.”

During his speech, Mr Gove paid special tribute to the students, saying: “It’s good to see the amazing young people from Weston College here this evening.

“Everyone in the town should feel proud of the College, and it deserves congratulations for everything it has achieved.”

Mr Gove has previously commended the College for its work in the offender learning sector, where it delivers education in nine prisons across the South West of England.

Students from Weston College’s Education, Health and Lifestyle faculty have donated 430 Easter eggs to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children’s play unit.

The donation follows a faculty competition which saw the College’s Early Years, Health and Social Care, and Sport and Public Services departments go head-to-head to collect as many eggs as possible in 10 days.

The Health and Social Care department won the competition by collecting a total of 220 eggs.

Delyse Taylor, Subject Area Manager for Weston College’s Health and Social Care courses, said: “It was an amazing team effort from the staff and students who got behind the competition.

“The inspiration to make a difference for the children at the hospital was a huge motivation, and the students were delighted to be able to present the Easter eggs last Friday to the staff in the play unit.”

Weston College is promoting volunteering opportunities to its students and staff with the goal of 2017 hours of volunteering to be pledged across the College this year.

If your organisation has volunteering opportunities it would like to advertise within the College, contact zoe.ashman@weston.ac.uk 

So your secondary education is coming to an end and you're faced with many choices...

Different people learn in different ways, and some may choose to stay on at a local sixth form. For the majority of local school leavers, Weston College is a popular option due to the diverse range of courses and wanting to experience a fresh environment with a lively and exciting atmosphere as well.

If you're considering College but are unsure about how it compares to school, read on!