Last month, a group of Year 1 learners from the Level 3 Sport Coaching course and Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science course had the opportunity to visit the University of South Wales (USW) to gain insight into what sports science and coaching within higher education would entail. The visit provided them with hands-on experience in key aspects of the field while allowing them to explore potential pathways for their future careers and studies.

The day began with a visit to the Glyntaff campus, where learners participated in a VO2 max test. This involved one student taking on the role of the test subject on an exercise bike while the rest of the group acted as the research team. They were responsible for monitoring the test, handling the equipment, and collecting data. After the test, the group analysed their findings to measure the oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchanged during the experiment, ultimately determining the participant's VO2 max.

Following this, the learners moved to the USW Sports Park, where they engaged in a strength and conditioning session. Here, they underwent pressure plate testing to assess their lower-body power and identify any potential muscle imbalances. This hands-on session gave them valuable insights into performance assessment and injury prevention strategies.

The day continued with a physiotherapy session that focused on CPR training in a sports context. The learners participated in a role-play scenario where they had to respond to a player collapsing during a match, giving them the chance to practice administering CPR on a dummy and using a defibrillator. This activity showed the students the importance of emergency response in sports settings and the necessary training required for the role.

Overall, this trip to USW was a fantastic opportunity for our learners as it allowed them to explore the various sports courses, career pathways and opportunities available to them after completing their Level 3 qualifications. It also gave the learners the chance to network and interact with university lecturers and industry professionals. Additionally, the hands-on experience allowed them to envision what their future roles might entail, providing them with a clearer perspective on their potential career paths.

These opportunities are essential in helping students make informed decisions about their futures while developing their practical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Thank you to USW for hosting our students and showing them the amazing opportunities available to them in higher education.

If you are interested in applying to one of our Sport and Fitness courses in September, click here.

On January 28th, our Esports learners took an exciting trip to Sky Guild Gaming Centre where our Weston Waveriders team competed against 3 teams in the Viper’s Chamber Tournament: London Legion from the College of Esports, Conel Cyphers from the Capital City College, and City from the University of London.

This amazing tournament not only gave our learners the chance to play up against fantastic teams from across London in a Local Area Network (LAN) event, but it also raised money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity who give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible.

During the tournament, our learners first went up against the London Legion team where they fought hard, however they unfortunately lost as they couldn't find an answer to their competitors attacking side. Once the following matches were determined, our learners went up against City University where they played the best they could, almost making a late comeback but unfortunately lost and were eliminated with a final score of 13-7.

Although they didn’t win, their performance was fantastic and they fought hard against their opponents! This was a chance to not only meet with like-minded individuals with a passion for Esports, but also network with industry professionals like Nik Turner and Adrian Liu, and gain further experience at an in-person tournament.

Will Price, one of our Esports lecturers, added, “this trip greatly benefitted our learners as they got to interact and experience a LAN event that was managed to a professional level, as well as get to interact with some top industry leaders in the Esports space in the UK.

The experience of competing against other university teams gives them a taste of what Esports at University looks like, with some positive experiences for the future and a fun filled trip as a core memory for them to leave the college with.”

The SCL College students assisted in the event organisation and did an excellent job in everything they did, from production and hosting to administration and referees, they demonstrated fantastic skills and acted as a template for our learners of what to do when it comes to the Events project that all Esports students complete during their course.

Overall, it was a very successful day that not only gave our learners the chance to improve their skills in a physical tournament, but also raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity. They walked away with a better understanding of alternative game tactics which will help develop their overall performance, as well as some goodies including MSI baseball caps and an adorable collection of plushies!

Thank you to Sky Guild Gaming Centre for hosting our learners and holding such an amazing event. We’d also like to congratulate the opposing teams for playing extremely well: London Legion, Conel Cyphers, and City University!

If you are interested in applying to one of our Computing and Digital Technologies courses in September, click here.

In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue, our second Ignite Programme has been a success – a three-week dynamic, hands-on course designed to boost confidence and equip our learners for their next steps, whether that be entering employment, pursuing further training, or focusing on personal development.

Throughout the three-week programme, learners engaged in various activities including:

• Team building 
• Building self confidence 
• Goal setting 
• Communication skills 
• Visits to fire stations 
• Outdoor activities 
• Health and wellbeing 
• Cooking skills 
• Interview skills 
• Presentation skills

The learners made significant progress during the programme and worked together incredibly to achieve all tasks they were given.

On the last day of Ignite, the learners showcased their skills in a live demonstration for an audience, where they were tasked with building a water dam that would be used to release water from a hosepipe. Following the demonstration, the learners took to the stage to present their journey over the past few weeks. They shared what they had learned, the challenges they faced, and the impact the experience had on them. Each individual spoke with confidence and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

To conclude the event, the learners were awarded certificates by the Mayor in recognition of their successful completion of the programme!

Following the programme, learners had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with a tutor to discuss their next steps and explore how to achieve their goals. The Ignite programme was immensely rewarding for both the learners who participated and the team who helped bring it to life!

Mike Hudson, Director of Adult Recruitment, expressed his pride in the collaborative effort behind Ignite:

"I am incredibly proud of how Weston College, DWP, and Avon Fire & Rescue Service have come together to design and deliver Ignite. Our goal was to create a course that not only boosts self-confidence but also encourages teamwork and personal growth. We wanted something truly impactful, and what better way to achieve that than by partnering with Avon Fire & Rescue Service? Their involvement has added an exciting, hands-on dimension to learning, striking the perfect balance between physical activities and theoretical knowledge to keep learners engaged and motivated."

Reflecting on the programme’s success, Mike recalled a standout moment:

"On the first day, I stepped into the classroom to find a quiet, reserved group of learners who barely spoke to each other. Fast forward to their presentation day at the fire station, and the transformation was remarkable, laughter filled the room, and one learner was even dressed in full firefighter gear! It was a truly rewarding sight and exactly what we set out to achieve. By the end of the course, learners had grown in confidence, stepped out of their comfort zones, and were ready to take their next steps toward employment or further education."

The Ignite course exemplifies the power of collaboration in supporting the community, demonstrating how education, public services, and employment initiatives can come together to create lasting impact.

A huge thank you to all Weston College staff involved, and to Avon Fire and Rescue for partnering with us to make this incredible opportunity possible!

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.