News and events

Weston College are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with The Bristol Hippodrome, strengthening our shared commitment to providing students with industry-relevant, inspirational learning experiences within the world of live performance.

This renewed collaboration builds on the success of last year’s partnership and has already seen Performing Arts students start the academic year with a trip to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in September. The production also serves as a creative foundation for several workshops and skill-building sessions that are now in place for learners across the department.

As part of the partnership, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning team will deliver a series of specialist workshops designed to broaden student expertise and deepen their understanding of the performing arts industry. These include:

• Pathways Into the Industry: Offering real-world guidance from current industry professionals on employment routes, opportunities, and navigating the balance between exploitation and opportunity.
• Audition Techniques: Students will take part in professional-standard audition sessions, observed by industry experts, followed by personalised feedback.
• Directing and Facilitation: A new area not currently part of the curriculum, giving students additional skills that can support careers as freelance practitioners.
• Networking Skills: An essential workshop helping students develop the confidence and know-how to build connections and “get their foot in the door.”

In addition, the Creative Learning team will deliver a bespoke puppetry workshop, giving students insight into the specialist techniques used in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This practical experience offers a rare chance to explore a performance discipline that is increasingly sought after in modern theatre productions.

The partnership also extends to the professional development of Weston College staff. Lecturers will continue to access CPD opportunities directly with The Bristol Hippodrome, ensuring their teaching remains informed by current local, national, and international industry practice.

Beyond the Performing Arts department, the collaboration continues to create exciting opportunities for other areas of the College. Our Photography learners have previously worked with The Bristol Hippodrome and will do so again, giving students the unique chance to gain experience in a professional setting rarely accessible to learners.

The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning Department said:

“We are so excited to renew our partnership with Weston College. Expanding on the work completed last year, we are continuing to provide direct skill development into the College from our industry to help inspire the next generation of industry professionals. As one of the larger venues in the South West, we are invested in helping educational spaces engage with the live entertainment industry.”

Weston College and University Centre Weston have become White Ribbon Accredited in recognition of their commitment to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls.

Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) are proud to announce that they have become White Ribbon Accredited organisations, demonstrating a shared commitment to ending men’s violence against women and girls. By aligning with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to challenge gender-based violence the College and UCW are reinforcing their dedication to fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all.

As White Ribbon Accredited organisations, Weston College and UCW will deliver a comprehensive multi-year action plan to transform staff culture, strengthen internal systems, and positively influence the wider communities they serve. Accreditation provides an opportunity to ensure their campuses are safe spaces for everyone and to empower staff and students to become changemakers who actively challenge misogyny, sexism, and harmful attitudes whenever they arise.

Actions being taken as part of the accreditation include the development of a Domestic Abuse Policy for employees, appointing White Ribbon Ambassadors across departments to champion positive behaviours, and raising awareness through community engagement, training and partnership work.

As part of this commitment, Weston College Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Jason Selormey, has been selected as one of 16 White Ribbon Ambassadors featured in a national photography exhibition by acclaimed photographer Claudia Janke. The exhibition launches today (25 November) on White Ribbon Day at centre:mk in Milton Keynes and runs throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Photo credit Claudia Janke

Jason said:

“I believe it’s our duty to create a world where women feel safe, heard, and respected. Speaking up is one way we can all contribute to change.”

From 25 November, Weston College and UCW will be sharing Jason’s portrait and story across their channels, encouraging staff, students, and the wider community to amplify the message and make the White Ribbon Promise: never to use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

The White Ribbon UK Team said:

“White Ribbon Accredited Organisations can make a real difference towards ending violence against women by promoting a culture of respect and equality among their staff and wider communities. By raising awareness among employees, people can learn how to become allies and call out violent and abusive behaviour when they see it. We are delighted to welcome Weston College and University Centre Weston as White Ribbon Accredited Organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Weston College (@westoncollege)

Our ESOL learners at Weston College have already launched into an exciting new season of extracurricular activities - and we’re delighted to share an update on what they’ve been up to.

The ESOL learners began with a fantastic trip to the University of Bath, including a short visit into the city before heading home. A huge thank you to Liza and her team at the council for their generous financial and hands-on support, and to the Virtual Schools team for kindly providing the sandwiches.

The visit was a real highlight - upon arrival, our learners were welcomed by two outstanding university ambassadors who offered a full campus tour and took the time to answer every question. This visit tied perfectly into the learner’s ESOL project, A Dream College, which has included group presentations and will conclude next week with a lively debate: College Campus vs. University Campus.

The students found the experience deeply inspiring, with many expressing a genuine interest in studying at Bath in the future. They were particularly impressed by the Olympic-sized swimming pool, the expansive athletics track and gym, the modern study spaces, and the vibrant students’ union.

ESOL also marked the first of their four Parents/Corporate Parents Afternoons. Families, carers, and corporate parents had the opportunity to meet with learners and tutors to discuss progress, development, and targets. They also shared a presentation showcasing the activities and tailored approaches used to help every learner reach their full potential. Our ESOL learners were incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements, and it was wonderful to see families engaging so positively with their learning journey.