<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College was delighted to welcome the <strong>National Youth Theatre</strong> to deliver its <strong>IGNITE Your Creativity</strong> programme, a series of fully funded, industry-led workshops designed to inspire and engage students from across a wide range of creative and technical curriculum areas. Delivered in partnership with and supported by <strong>Netflix</strong>, the programme provided learners with practical, hands-on experiences that introduced them to the wide range of creative and technical roles within film, television, theatre and related industries.&nbsp;</p><p>Taking place over a two-week period, the workshops enabled students to work closely with industry professionals, gaining first-hand insight into how creative projects are developed and delivered in professional environments. Learners explored a variety of roles and responsibilities, from performance and production to technical and behind-the-scenes careers, while developing confidence, teamwork skills and a greater understanding of working on professional film and theatre sets.&nbsp;</p><p>The programme engaged students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… Hair and Makeup</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/send/… Work</u></a> and Creative Media Extension learners with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…;, and the King’s Trust cohort. Sessions were carefully tailored to meet the needs of each group, ensuring that all participants were able to access meaningful, relevant and inclusive learning experiences, regardless of background or career stage.&nbsp;</p><p>Students were introduced to a wide range of creative disciplines, including acting and performance, directing and assistant directing, producing, research, camera and sound, podcast and audio production, screenwriting and vertical drama. Learners studying fashion, hair and makeup explored costume design, fabrication, set and prop creation, hair, wigs and special effects makeup for productions. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; learners and those preparing for employment benefitted from accessible delivery, clear progression routes and increased confidence in exploring creative career pathways.&nbsp;</p><p>The practical, short-format sessions had a positive impact on student engagement, motivation and attendance. Fully funded delivery, bursaries and adaptable approaches helped remove barriers to participation, reinforcing the college’s commitment to inclusive education. The programme also strengthened progression by highlighting routes into mentoring, showreel development, industry networks and further specialist training.&nbsp;</p><p>Students who participated in the workshops have been offered to take part in a fully funded, one-week National Youth Theatre course taking place during February Half Term at the <strong>Blakehay Theatre</strong>, Weston-super-Mare. This intensive programme will enable learners to collaboratively create a short film for use in CVs and showreels, while receiving mentoring and guidance from more than ten industry professionals. Students will gain hands-on technical experience across key production areas, including sound, camera, lighting, make-up and design, alongside the opportunity to take part in industry visits that deepen their understanding of professional creative environments.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with high-profile employers and gain experience that will enhance their portfolio. It is also a great networking opportunity, giving students the chance to continue to work with the National Youth Theatre in the future and gain hands-on experience in a range of potential career paths.&nbsp;</p><p>Ethan Shi, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Media</u></a> Lecturer, added, "Breaking into the creative industries, such as Film and TV, can be challenging. It takes confidence. It takes skills. It takes passion. But even more so, opportunities. When employers and industry speakers step into the classroom, they will demonstrate and support learners by turning their imagination and career prospects into real pathways. They show not just what it takes to gain a foothold, but also demonstrate the diverse roles and potential that can be achieved through the right guidance, access, and progression."&nbsp;</p><p>Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnership Manager at Weston College, said, “We are so grateful to the National Youth Theatre for delivering these workshops to our students. It is employer engagement like that is invaluable for our students personal and professional development. Hearing directly from industry professionals helped bring careers in the Creative industry to life and showed learners the wide range of roles available within production. These opportunities allow students from all pathways to build confidence, understand employer expectations and see how their skills can translate into real employment.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge thank you to the team at the National Youth Theatre who took the time to visit our students and deliver these impactful workshops.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Art</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Fashion</u></a> students took a trip to London to enrich themselves in famous exhibitions, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students visiting Arches London Bridge exhibition space to see the Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition, and the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students visiting the Tate Modern Museum.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During the visit, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students browsed the Versace exhibition which blended history, culture, and iconic designs, showcasing over 450 rare and original vintage pieces, many never-before displayed in the UK. Featuring elegant ensembles worn by Princess Diana and bold statements modelled by Kate Moss, to stage outfits styled for Elton John, this exhibition combines fashion with pop culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Gianni Versace redefined fashion, creating bold designs that celebrated culture, individuality, and personal expression, challenging norms and building relationships between people and their clothes. This exhibition allowed our students to engage with his designs and immerse themselves in his choices, inspiring them to think creatively and create fashion with meaning and purpose.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Not only this, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students also browsed the Tate Modern where they got the chance to explore modern and contemporary art from across the world, from paintings and photography, to sculptures and large-scale installations. This was a great opportunity for students to explore displays from world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, and experience a wide variety of styles, expressions, and interpretations of art. This inspired our students to express their creativity in a range of ways, trialling mediums and different expressions to further their skills and development.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;A Level Art students standing in front of the Tate Modern Gallery&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b86b1b8-5a21-4650-8987-b816028f7440" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>This enriching trip was an excellent opportunity for our students to explore new techniques and approaches to art and fashion, broadening their interpretations and creativity to design not just attractive designs, but also creations with depth, meaning, and symbolism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Nicola Stent, Lecturer in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; at Weston College, said, “I was so impressed with the attitudes of the students for embracing and making the most out of each piece of work on display. They took the time to read the background for each exhibit in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the meaning and decisions behind the designer’s work.  Students were excited and inspired after experiencing the wide range of designs and I’m excited to see how this trip will reflect in their upcoming work!”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to the students for engaging and interacting with the exhibitions so professionally.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Form</u></a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design-ba-hons/"><u>Art and Design</u></a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> 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. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Following our recent Q&amp;A session with local Labour MP, <strong>Dan Aldridge</strong>, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Politics</u></a> students received a visit from <strong>Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg</strong>, a former Cabinet Minister and Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for North East Somerset. He shared his experiences, roles and responsibilities, and answered any questions that students had regarding his career. &nbsp;</p><p>Jacob Rees-Mogg remained in Parliament from 2010 to 2024, serving on many committees and Government posts. He was the <strong>Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons</strong> from 2019-2022, as well as serving as <strong>Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy</strong> and <strong>Minister of State for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency</strong> in the <strong>Cabinet of Office</strong> in 2022.  &nbsp;</p><p>During the visit, Jacob Rees-Mogg discussed topics such as whether <strong>Brexit </strong>was the right decision as he played a major and influential part in Brexit. He was initially a prominent backbench campaigner for the UK to leave the European Union and later acted as a government minister responsible for delivering on its outcomes. &nbsp;</p><p>Sir Jacob also discussed his memories of arguing with Margaret Thatcher regarding the handover of Hong Kong and the role of current politicians that are presenting current affairs media content. He outlined how Cabinet Government functions and what well-known politicians are like in real life having worked alongside many of them. It is this industry insight that gives our students a better understanding of life as a politician and the responsibilities that accompany this type of career.  &nbsp;</p><p>Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg not only answered any questions the students had regarding his experiences in parliament, but also encouraged students to get involved in whatever way they could, no matter their political party preference. This increases their understanding of local politics, gives them more experience for their careers, and gives them a voice for their future. &nbsp;</p><p>Having such an influential Member of Parliament engage with our students was a very important part of their political journey and a core memory from their A Level experience. It had a positive impact on their personal and professional development as aspiring future politicians and acted as an excellent networking opportunity for students. &nbsp;</p><p>A big thank you to Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg for taking the time to visit our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Politics</u></a> students and answer any questions they had.  &nbsp;</p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Form</u></a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong>&nbsp;</p>