Last week, our Year 2 Level 3 Performing Arts students gained valuable industry experience at Puxton Park, where they took part in a Halloween-themed work experience opportunity. Dressing up as spooky characters, students interacted with members of the public, handed out sweets to Trick or Treaters and brought their characters to life through creative performances.

Students transformed into a variety of spooky personalities, including clowns, witches, vampires, dolls, pirates, mermaids, and Vikings. Positioned behind Trick or Treat doors across the park, they waited for visitors to knock before stepping into character, engaging with families and handing out bags of sweets. Some also volunteered to work Puxton Park’s Moonlit Pumpkin Patch where they remained in costume and walked around the patch greeting guests. This provided learners with the opportunity to put their performance skills into practice in a real-world setting, entertaining visitors of all ages and helping to create a fun and memorable Halloween experience for families.

The experience was led by Level 3 student Lola, who took on the responsibility of being the main point of contact throughout the week, managing any issues that arose and supporting her peers. This provided Lola with a fantastic opportunity to develop her leadership and problem-solving skills, while giving all students a greater sense of responsibility and ownership by working independently within an established workplace. Students also demonstrated excellent professionalism and respect throughout the experience, receiving very positive feedback from both visitors and Puxton Park staff. Working in shifts, they ensured everyone had the opportunity to experience different areas of the park while allowing time for regular breaks.

The project also provided an exciting opportunity for cross-college collaboration, with our Level 3 Theatrical, Special Effects, Prosthetics and Make-up Extended Diploma students joining the experience to create the Performing Arts students' character make-up. Each Make-up student was given a brief outlining their counterpart's costume and was responsible for bringing the character to life through their make-up application. As part of their work experience hours, this allowed them to apply the techniques and knowledge developed in the classroom to a practical, industry-inspired setting, while working collaboratively with learners from another curriculum area.

Opportunities like this provide our students with valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to develop their confidence, enhance their skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment. The support of local businesses and employers, such as Puxton Park, is a fantastic example of community collaboration, helping to nurture future talent while providing our students with valuable opportunities for professional growth.

Abbie Hannaby, Careers and Employability Co-ordinator at Weston College, said: “Work Experience is a fantastic opportunity that provides our students with valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to develop their confidence, enhance their skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment, helping to prepare them for their future careers. The support of local businesses and employers, such as Puxton Park, is a fantastic example of community collaboration, helping to nurture future talent while providing our students with valuable opportunities for professional growth.”

A huge well done to our students for working incredibly hard throughout the week and presenting themselves professionally.

This work experience opportunity forms part of the Performing Arts 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 Musical Theatre or Make-up, Wigs and Special Effects! 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!

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