Last month, Year 1 Media and Production students at Weston College showcased a series of original documentaries to their peers and staff, presenting several weeks of research, planning, and production.

Each group selected a unique topic and developed a narrative through interviews, B-roll footage, and creative storytelling. Subjects ranged from the early 90s rave scene and local music culture to game creation, street art in Bristol, and even the ghosts of Shepton Mallet Prison.

To bring their ideas to life, students networked beyond the college, connecting with industry professionals, visiting other colleges, and travelling to Bristol to capture authentic footage. Their documentaries demonstrated not only technical skills but also the ability to research thoroughly and think creatively.

Following the screenings, a panel of judges made up of Media staff provided constructive feedback, while students shared peer reviews using forms throughout the screenings. This process is vital for personal and professional growth, helping students refine techniques and develop engaging, concise content.

The Media and Production course offers aspiring videographers, producers, journalists, and presenters with hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and building on the core skills required for success in the creative industries.

Gina Hele, Head of Media, Game & Animation, Photography and UX at Weston College, added, “These screenings are a fantastic way for students to showcase their creativity and learn from constructive feedback. They have an invaluable impact on our students’ development and it was inspiring to see how they pushed boundaries and produced diverse, well-researched documentaries.”

A huge well done to each group, they showcased their hard work, professionalism, and passion within their project and it was a great way to kickstart their careers in Media.

This project forms part of the Media and Production Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Art, Film, Game and Graphic Design! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

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.