Celebrating Success – Impact of FE
At Weston College we believe recognising the success of learners throughout their entire journey in education is essential. Motivating students and sharing their accomplishments fills us with pride and promotes to the community that access to great education creates brighter futures.
In 2015 Weston College rebranded higher education provision to University Centre Weston (UCW). UCW offers over 45 degrees in partnership with University of the West of England and Bath Spa University.
To recognise and celebrate our degree learners’ achievements we hold the annual UCW Awards whereby learners are nominated for awards by their lecturers and peers who then attend an evening that celebrates their accomplishments.
Katie Wilkinson and Olivia Brown (pictured above with Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE) attended the evening. Both learners began their journey with Weston College on Further Education courses and have since progressed onto degree courses at UCW.
Olivia, who currently studies a degree in Business with Management commented: “It was a natural progression from the Level 3 BTEC course onto my degree. Throughout my time at Weston College the amount of support available and acknowledgement of success shows that they want us to do our best and be out best.
“The UCW awards was a great night, recognising and celebrating the hard work both staff and students put in. I think Weston do really well at motivating students by sharing their success.
“My next step is to progress onto the BA Honours programme and then follow a career which focuses on business sustainability.”
Katie continued: “I started studying A Levels at Weston College Sixth Form and then progressed onto FDA Business with Management. It felt great to be recognised alongside like-minded people and it’s been amazing to look back on my journey at Weston College and remember what I’ve achieved in that time.”
“After finishing my foundation year I hope to progress onto the BA Honours Business Management to advance my knowledge. Beyond this I would like to either start in graduate role in human resources or study a postgraduate diploma in education to teach business.”
Chris Carter, Vice Chair of the Governors Body, commented: “It was a delight to be part of this event and share in our learner’s successes. Showcasing the superb successes of our learners not only benefits them by recognising their achievement but also gives the wider community an insight into the great work being done by the dedicated staff at Weston College who continually raise the bar within the F.E.sector.
The total college income in England has fallen by £1 billion since the start of the decade and now totals £6.5 billion. As a result of this we are actively supporting the ‘Love our Colleges’ campaign from the Association of Colleges. This involves working together with other providers of FE to raise awareness about the importance of funding and benefits it can give back to learners and communities. The ability to continue to provide outstanding education relies on government funding therefore it is imperative that we give this campaign our full backing to enhance learning for future generations in a time where resources continue to diminish.
Jodie Goodman, winner of the Business, Enterprise and Services Faculty Student of the Year award with Chris Carter, Vice Chair of the Governors Body.
Lead Governor for Sustainability, Gemma Day, with Grace Fox who was given the Principal Gold Award for Student Success of the Year.
