Leading the future in Sport Education
Our motto ‘Creating Brighter Futures’ is clearly evident within our sporting provision.
As well as boasting fantastic facilities – including the brand-new Health and Active Living Centre (HALC) – our outstanding courses form a range of progression pathways, which have resulted in four former students being employed in our sport faculty.
We sat down with Matt, Dan, Liam and Sarah (pictured left to right) and asked them about their experiences and how the College has developed over the years.
We cannot wait to continue to build on our existing success and create brighter futures for more young people. Click here for more information on Sport courses.
Liam James
Level 3 National Diploma in Sport > Sport Studies at Worcester University > Started working at Weston College in 2012.
“I wanted to get into teaching, specifically at Weston College, because I had such a good experience here. College is where I developed most as a person and was able to apply myself fully. This is where I realised that sport was the path I really wanted to follow and that’s thanks to the staff and support I received.
“The programmes on offer are developing each year and our links with sport academies, schools and employers form an outstanding provision. Before, this was all carried out across different sites which weren’t really fit for purpose. Now we have state-of-the art facilities and we, as staff, can enhance learning by giving learners access to specialist resources and equipment that they would not normally access in FE.
“Overall, I think the HALC was necessary to give College Sport its own identity and create a home for all things sport and health in Weston.”
Sarah Adams
Level 3 National Diploma in Sport > Football Performance at University of South Wales > Started working at Weston College in 2017.
“Weston College was actually the furthest away for me when I was choosing where to study. But, as well as my involvement with the Somerset Female Football provision, travelling from Bristol was well worth it because of the College’s connections and high-quality courses.
“I think there’s massive value in recruiting alumni into teaching. It makes me more relatable and shows learners that they too can succeed and thrive in the sport industry.
“Returning to Weston to teach made me realise how much of my specialist knowledge is transferable. I’m now able to embellish knowledge from my career in order to bring more context to the content I’m delivering and enhance the classroom experience.
“Previously it has been difficult for College Sport to uphold strong community links. Now we have the HALC facility, schools can come to us and experience sport at Weston at its best.”
Matt Wyatt
A Levels in Sport, Biology and Computing > Foundation Degree in Sport Health & Fitness at University Centre Weston > Started working at Weston College in 2009.
“A lot has changed since I started working here. With the expansion and growth of the College, you would expect a decrease in quality. However it’s quite the opposite with the reputation of the College excelling through the years.
“The College is brilliant for investing in its staff. By providing support and training, this has enabled the team to continue to provide the best possible education across a broadening spectrum of qualifications. Everything you could wish to study is available right here.
“The new facility (HALC) speaks for itself. Having all sport in one place creates a closer-knit community experience and we no longer have to travel to access specific equipment.”
Dan Dishkin
Level 3 National Diploma in Sport > Sport Education at University of Gloucestershire > Started working at Weston College in 2016.
“If it weren’t for the tutors and staff at Weston College I don’t think I would have pushed myself to go to university and end up where I am today. Being able to concentrate on the subject I enjoyed gave me focus. I matured a lot whilst at college – you’re treated more like an adult and given a bit more flexibility when learning.
“Because I’ve been through the Weston College experience, I feel confident that I can reflect and pass on experiences from, what I would describe as, two of the best years of my life.
“I would have loved to have the HALC on my doorstop back when I was applying for College. The facilities are second to none and the level of expertise amongst the staff gives you so much more than just a curriculum to follow. Previously the facilities did not reflect this quality so it’s fantastic to now have the means to continue to grow.
“With growing concerns regarding mental and physical health, the HALC has come at the best possible time. Members of the local community, across various age ranges, will be able to access, learn and benefit from this excellent facility.”
Liam James
Level 3 National Diploma in Sport > Sport Studies at Worcester University > Started working at Weston College in 2012.
“I wanted to get into teaching, specifically at Weston College, because I had such a good experience here. College is where I developed most as a person and was able to apply myself fully. This is where I realised that sport was the path I really wanted to follow and that’s thanks to the staff and support I received.
“The programmes on offer are developing each year and our links with sport academies, schools and employers form an outstanding provision. Before, this was all carried out across different sites which weren’t really fit for purpose. Now we have state-of-the art facilities and we, as staff, can enhance learning by giving learners access to specialist resources and equipment that they would not normally access in FE.
“Overall, I think the HALC was necessary to give College Sport its own identity and create a home for all things sport and health in Weston.”
Sarah Adams
Level 3 National Diploma in Sport > Football Performance at University of South Wales > Started working at Weston College in 2017.
“Weston College was actually the furthest away for me when I was choosing where to study. But, as well as my involvement with the Somerset Female Football provision, travelling from Bristol was well worth it because of the College’s connections and high-quality courses.
“I think there’s massive value in recruiting alumni into teaching. It makes me more relatable and shows learners that they too can succeed and thrive in the sport industry.
“Returning to Weston to teach made me realise how much of my specialist knowledge is transferable. I’m now able to embellish knowledge from my career in order to bring more context to the content I’m delivering and enhance the classroom experience.
“Previously it has been difficult for College Sport to uphold strong community links. Now we have the HALC facility, schools can come to us and experience sport at Weston at its best.”
Matt Wyatt
A Levels in Sport, Biology and Computing > Foundation Degree in Sport Health & Fitness at University Centre Weston > Started working at Weston College in 2009.
“A lot has changed since I started working here. With the expansion and growth of the College, you would expect a decrease in quality. However it’s quite the opposite with the reputation of the College excelling through the years.
“The College is brilliant for investing in its staff. By providing support and training, this has enabled the team to continue to provide the best possible education across a broadening spectrum of qualifications. Everything you could wish to study is available right here.
“The new facility (HALC) speaks for itself. Having all sport in one place creates a closer-knit community experience and we no longer have to travel to access specific equipment.”
Dan Dishkin
Level 3 National Diploma in Sport > Sport Education at University of Gloucestershire > Started working at Weston College in 2016.
“If it weren’t for the tutors and staff at Weston College I don’t think I would have pushed myself to go to university and end up where I am today. Being able to concentrate on the subject I enjoyed gave me focus. I matured a lot whilst at college – you’re treated more like an adult and given a bit more flexibility when learning.
“Because I’ve been through the Weston College experience, I feel confident that I can reflect and pass on experiences from, what I would describe as, two of the best years of my life.
“I would have loved to have the HALC on my doorstop back when I was applying for College. The facilities are second to none and the level of expertise amongst the staff gives you so much more than just a curriculum to follow. Previously the facilities did not reflect this quality so it’s fantastic to now have the means to continue to grow.
“With growing concerns regarding mental and physical health, the HALC has come at the best possible time. Members of the local community, across various age ranges, will be able to access, learn and benefit from this excellent facility.”
