This month, Weston College celebrated Raising and Giving (RAG) Week with the theme of the Wild West. The themed event gave everyone the chance to organise games, activities, and raffles in support of two incredible charities: Weston Hospicecare and UNICEF. 

Weston Hospicecare provides vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering essential emotional support to their families. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) operates in over 190 countries, working to protect children’s rights through initiatives such as vaccinations, education, access to food and clean water, and safeguarding. 

Throughout the week, students from across the college took part in a wide variety of fundraising activities, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and community spirit. RAG Week is held annually at colleges across the UK and is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, have fun, and make a difference ahead of the exam season. 

Our SEND learners played a huge role in the week’s success, hosting an exciting lineup of events including a dance-a-thon, Mario Kart tournaments, Buckaroo and Pony Club racing, karaoke sessions, and even a Wild West-themed bar serving snacks and drinks. Their energy and commitment were outstanding, with multiple events taking place each day. 

Other curriculum areas also embraced the challenge, with Construction students going above and beyond by selling scrap wood and organising a raffle featuring high-quality tools. Across the college, staff and students fully embraced the theme, dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of denim. The Student Engagement Team added to the atmosphere by selling themed accessories, helping to raise additional funds while encouraging participation. 

Protective Services students also organised an impressive 30-mile Wild West-themed stretcher relay challenge along the seafront. This provided a great opportunity for students to have fun, stay active, and support two meaningful causes, as well as prepare them for the upcoming Ten Tors Challenge and future careers in the Protective Services industry.  

A highlight of the week was the college-wide raffle, which included a range of popular prizes such as day passes and tickets to local attractions, including restaurants, cinemas, and activity centres. Bake sales were also held to boost fundraising efforts. 

Other curriculum areas across the college also got involved, with Early Years students enjoying a pyjama day, while Business and Travel students organised a games afternoon and football match. Health and Social Care and Sport students hosted a Nerf gun tin can alley and a rodeo rush event, and Digital students led a Pokémon GO raid walk through Weston-super-Mare town centre. 

Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus, creating an exciting, inclusive, and impactful celebration of community and charity. In total, RAG Week raised an impressive amount for Weston Hospicecare and UNICEF. 

Thank you to everyone who organised events, took part, or made a donation. Your support made the week such a success and helped raise an incredible amount for these important causes.

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.