Joe Miller, Weston College’s lecturer in Performing Arts, recently confirmed his dedication to both education and professional performance with a triumphant return to the stage. For 21 years, Joe graced international venues with his talent, particularly as the lead in the acclaimed Irish dance show "Spirit of the Dance." After a five-year hiatus from performing, where Joe concentrated on his teaching, Joe received a special invitation to lead the show once more, this time in Beijing, China, during the February half-term break.

Joe's decision to continue his involvement in the professional dance scene shows his commitment to inspiring his students in Dance and Performing Arts at Weston College. By demonstrating first-hand the rewards of dedication and pursuit of one's passion, Joe hopes to instil a similar drive in his students. Witnessing their lecturer actively engaged in the industry in which he teaches serves as a powerful motivator for students to pursue their dreams with enthusiasm and resilience.

Performing at the prestigious National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, Joe captivated audiences of up to 5000 attendees each night for a week.

Reflecting on his experience, Joe shared, "I love what I do, and seeing my learners' excitement as they watched videos and photos of me performing professionally once again is truly inspiring. They need to see that passion and hard work can lead to fulfilling careers in the performing arts."

In addition to his performances, Joe seized the opportunity to contribute to the show's promotional efforts by participating in the filming of a new promotional video.

Joe's return to professional dance not only reaffirms his expertise but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for our aspiring performers. His dedication to maintaining industry relevance while nurturing the next generation of talent embodies the ethos of Weston College's commitment to excellence in arts education.

Interested in applying for Performing and Production Arts? Click here.

Weston College and North Somerset Council are pleased to announce a partnership aimed at providing invaluable real-life experience for Education and Early Years learners while offering vital support to families in the local community.

Through this partnership, North Somerset Council will be running their ‘Let’s Play’ group from the 17th April, every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Weston College's Knightstone Campus. This initiative brings together Senior Children Centre Workers and Children Centre Workers from the Council to facilitate the sessions, and the College’s students will be able to take part in planning and delivering these sessions to gain a real insight into the sector.

The Council’s ‘Let’s Play’ team’s expertise will not only support the College's Early Years learners but also enrich the lives of local families with children under the age of 5.

The ‘Let’s Play’ group is a free weekly gathering open to all families with young children in the local community. It aims to provide a nurturing environment where children can engage in activities aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) developmental goals. Additionally, the group fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages positive interactions and enhances the home learning environment.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “This partnership is a fantastic way for North Somerset Council and Weston College to work together and enhance people’s skills, learning and employment opportunities, while also helping local families.

“Students can learn from our knowledgeable and skilled children’s centre colleagues, and by helping to deliver ‘Let’s Play’ sessions they’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience of working in the early years sector.

“Local families will also benefit, as our popular free ‘Let’s Play’ sessions provide a range of fun indoor activities for children under five, designed to help their development.”

This collaboration demonstrates North Somerset Council's dedication to supporting the College in nurturing the workforce of the future. As an employer endorser of the Weston College Education Careers Excellence Hub, this is another example of the Council being committed to providing learners with hands-on experiences that prepare them for the demands of the workforce while serving the needs of the community.

By witnessing first-hand the role of support and social workers in the community, learners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of child development and family dynamics.

This initiative aligns with Weston College's mission to provide innovative educational opportunities that empower learners to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. By partnering with North Somerset Council, the College continues to break new ground in experiential learning and community engagement.

For more information about the ‘Let’s Play’ group and North Somerset Council’s Children’s Centres, please visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/childrens-centres. You can also follow the team on Facebook (NorthSomersetCC).

If you are interested in studying an Education and Early Years course or apprenticeship at the College, please visit Education and Early Years | Weston College

Our Level 2 Floristry learners recently received a captivating floristry masterclass featuring industry expert Vanda Flowers. The students were provided an enlightening experience as they delved into crucial topics surrounding the floristry industry. 

Vanda Flowers engaged the florists with an insightful industry talk that included an interactive Q&A session. The primary focus of the discussion was the escalating costs of flowers and the underlying causes, shedding light on the challenges faced by florists in the current market. 

One of the key takeaways from the masterclass was the exploration of alternative strategies to enhance profits within the floristry business. Participants were guided through innovative approaches to diversify their stock and maximise revenue streams, contributing to the sustainability and growth of their businesses. 

A significant portion of the discussion centred around the increasing demand for locally sourced flowers, as opposed to relying solely on Dutch suppliers. The emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility emerged as a prevailing theme, reflecting the industry's commitment to eco-friendly practices. 

We are hopeful of a potential relaunch of the Level 2 Floristry course in September. However, this initiative is contingent upon securing necessary funding. The college eagerly awaits confirmation to proceed with this valuable educational opportunity. 

The floristry masterclass with Vanda Flowers served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to gain valuable knowledge, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards a more sustainable and thriving floristry sector.

Weston College's Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners recently lent their skills and expertise to Worle School's Staff to celebrate Wellbeing Day, offering mini hand treatments to the school's hardworking staff. The event proved to be a resounding success, providing an opportunity for staff members to unwind and indulge in a pampering experience. 

The Beauty Therapists demonstrated their proficiency in the field, showcasing a combination of professionalism and genuine care throughout the event. The mini hand treatments were well-received, leaving a positive impact. 

"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to Worle School's Staff Wellbeing Day," said Jenna Ratcliffe, the Divisional Lead of Service Sector Industries at Weston College. "Our Hair and Beauty learners have not only showcased their talents but have also embodied the values of our college – professionalism, skill, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others." 

The mini hand treatments provided a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation for Worle School's staff, reinforcing the importance of self-care and wellness in the educational community. 

This pampering day forms part of the Hair and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.   

To see more about our Hair and Beauty, click here. 

Our music learners performed brilliantly at The Brit Bar! Acts including Lilac Sundae, Pavillion, The Like-Minded and The Koppers performed to promote Independent Venue Week. Our music learners were specifically requested, due to their quality and dedication! 

Independent Venue Week is an annual celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. Over 200 independent venues take part in the annual Celebration, with this number growing every year. During the week, independent venues come together with artists, promoters, agents, record labels and media to create a unique series of special live events to highlight the work these venues do year-round. Independent venues are cultural hubs for learning, creativity, arts and culture more widely connecting people in their local community. 

Music Instructor at Weston College, Oz Cahill said “It has been amazing seeing these students perform so well at The Brit Bar, they really shined. It is excellent to see the students performing for a good cause as well, promoting Independent Venue Week.” 

This real-life industry experience forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. 

Find out more about music at Weston College by clicking here!

A Level Media and Creative Arts students embarked on a captivating journey, curated by Media lecturer Ethan in collaboration with Creative Arts lecturer Nichola, delving into the mesmerising universe of Harry Potter to see the stages of the Hollywood-style feature film production. 

This extraordinary joint trip aimed to provide learners with a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and ignite inspiration for their practical coursework in Media and Creative Arts. 

The students were treated to an enchanting tour where they had the chance to explore the original sets and props used in the iconic Harry Potter film series. From the magical allure of Diagon Alley to the majestic Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾, the learners were transported into the heart of the wizarding world. 

One of the highlights of the trip included a thrilling greenscreen film experience, where students got dressed into their wizarding robes and rode broomsticks, mirroring the exhilarating scenes from the movies. The hands-on activity allowed them to understand the magic of filmmaking and provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes wizardry that brings the beloved characters to life on screen. 

Ethan expressed his enthusiasm for the trip, stating, "This immersive experience was designed to go beyond the classroom, providing our students with a tangible connection to the magic of film production”. 

The learners were thrilled by the experience, expressing their delight at the opportunity to step into the magical realm they had only seen on screen. The trip not only provided a fun and engaging outing but also enriched their educational journey, allowing them to draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Harry Potter universe. 

This magical visit forms part of the Sixth Form Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

This trip forms part of the A Levels Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

Interested in our Media A Level course? Click here.

Want to see more about our Creative Arts courses? Click here.

Please click here to read the letter from North Somerset Council regarding the increase of measles across the country:

 Information for Parents and Carers

We welcomed some canine models to our Loxton Campus recently, for an exciting dog photoshoot!  

Level 3 Creative & Commercial Photography students opened up their studio to members of the public for a free photography session for their dogs. Working in shifts over three days, the learners worked carefully to produce amazing snaps of the dogs, capturing the best angles and getting doggy smiles. After each session, dog owners received their photos in high-resolution digital form. 

Animal welfare was our top priority. All the dogs and their owners had a great time and were well looked-after. Among the excitement, the dogs lapped up all the attention and put their best paw forward! It wasn’t just the dogs enjoying themselves, the students enjoyed the interaction with the dogs and the exercise also proved very beneficial for the mental health of students and staff alike. 

Aside from all the fun and enjoyment, the sessions taught photography learners a wide range of important skills. Students learned to work with clients by working with the dog owners, plan their time effectively, prepare and use studio and camera equipment creatively, carry out risk assessments, solve practical and technical problems, and work as a team. Achieving success in these areas, and overcoming challenges helped to build learner’s self-confidence as well as their communication skills.  

Photography lecturer Paul French hailed the session as a triumph, saying: “Despite some excited behaviour among our doggie divas, the shoots were a huge success and rewarding experience for the learners who enjoyed a great sense of accomplishment. The owners were delighted with the photos which are even now enhancing our student portfolios to support progression.”  

Always quick with a joke, Paul added: “I anticipate seeing our pet portraits on the cover of DOGUE magazine shortly!”  

Find out more about our UAL Diploma in Creative and Commercial Photography here. Find out more about all of our Creative Arts courses here.   

Weston College proudly announces the exceptional results and positive feedback received from the Association of Colleges (AoC) regarding its delivery of the FA Women's Football Apprentice programme. As the national training provider for this ground-breaking initiative, Weston College has excelled in providing a transformative apprenticeship that not only fosters increased female participation in football but also enhances employability skills for a promising career in the sport. 

The FA Women's Football Apprentice programme spans 22 months and is delivered by ten colleges nationwide, with Weston College being one of those. The initiative aims to empower young women in football by offering a level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer apprenticeship. The programme's unique approach not only cultivates skills in community sports but also equips participants to take on leadership roles in women's football. 

Statistics reveal that an impressive 90% of the current apprentices feel confident in their communication skills to engage with more diverse stakeholders in women's football. Furthermore, a remarkable 100% of the apprentices feel better equipped to take on leadership roles in women's football from completing their apprenticeship so far. 

Georgia Ferdinando, an alumna of Weston College's FA Women's Football Apprentice programme, completed her apprenticeship in August 2022. She attributes her personal and professional growth to the program, stating, "Without my apprenticeship, there are so many things I just wouldn't have done." Georgia has since become a valuable asset to the community, joining the Somerset FA Youth Council. She is now a Sport and Wellbeing Engagement Officer here at Weston College! She notes, "The journey I have been on with my confidence is something I am really proud of, and I credit it to the support I received during my apprenticeship." 

The success of the program is praised by line managers of the current apprentices. One manager expresses gratitude, stating, "If the support from the FA and AoC wasn't there, we simply couldn't offer an apprenticeship opportunity like this. It has really benefitted the college and also our apprentice." 

Weston College remains committed to fostering the next generation of female leaders in football and is honoured to be recognized for its outstanding contribution to the FA Women's Football Apprentice programme.  

Weston College also expresses their gratitude to the Association of Colleges (AoC) and FA for giving such incredible opportunities to students that aspire to have a career in sport.

If you're interested in our Sport and Fitness courses, click here to find out more!