<p>Weston College recently hosted a ‘Careers in Law’ event, as part of the Career Excellence Hub, for students at Loxton Campus. The College’s legal courses continue to see growth with a large number of A Level Law students at its Sixth Form and Paralegal Apprenticeships providing routes into legal careers.&nbsp;</p><p>The College has exciting plans to offer a brand new Legal Services T Level course for school leavers from September 2024, the first Legal T Level in the region.</p><p>The legal and professional services sector, employs over 65,000 people in the region according to research by the West of England Combined Authority. Recognising the breadth of careers in the sector for learners and the College’s ‘careers not courses’ ethos, the event provided an opportunity to collaborate with employers to showcase careers to learners. Employers including Burges Salmon, Simmons and Simmons, CMS, Foot Anstey, Womble Bond Dickinson, RPC, Irwin Mitchell and VWV attended, meeting students during the event.</p><p>Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth &amp; Employer Partnerships at Weston College said “Thank you to our employer partners for supporting our ‘careers not courses’ ethos. Our region has a large legal sector which is evolving at pace through its use of technology and various pathways for learners to join the sector. This creates exciting career opportunities on our doorstep for learners. It was fantastic to see our students engaging with potential future employers and discovering the breadth of careers available. We’re look forward to collaborating with employers as we create our new Legal Services T Level launching in September 2024.”</p><p>Employers commented on the enthusiastic engagement from College students.</p><p>Lauren Gardener, Early Talent Executive at RPC said “We thoroughly enjoyed connecting with students from Weston College, it was great to meet so many engaged individuals with a genuine passion about working in a law firm. We hope that after sharing our Legal and Claims Handling apprenticeship opportunities, we have inspired the students to continue their pursuit in a career within law."</p><p>Keith Mitchelhill, Early Talent Recruitment Advisor at Womble Bond Dickinson said “It was a pleasure to speak with the students of Weston College, they all came incredibly well prepared and we had some very insightful conversations regarding how to best display their experience and the different routes into law.”</p><p>Harry Keaveney, Legal Apprentice at Burges Salmon said “The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students was remarkable. This reflects the excellent work that the college is doing to prepare them for their future careers. It’s clear that Weston College is dedicated to creating valuable opportunities for students and we look forward to working with them in the future."</p><p>If you would like to find out more about Weston College's A Level courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… click here.&nbsp;</a></p><p>Employers looking to upskill staff through the College’s legal courses or access future talent can contact employers@weston.ac.uk</p>

<p>Learners studying A Level Fashion went on a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum, in Knightsbridge, London last Friday.&nbsp;</p><p>44 learners in total went on the trip, where they had the opportunity to visit an array of exhibitions, including DIVA, which is running until April 2024.</p><p>DIVA celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.</p><p>There was a spectacular collection of costumers which were worn by icons including Maria Callas, CHER, Rihanna, Elton John and Marilyn Monroe.</p><p>Lecturer in Textiles, Nicola Stent, who ran the trip, said: “At Weston College we are passionate about giving our learners the opportunity to broaden their horizons, which is a critical part of our Career Excellence Hubs.</p><p>“This trip allowed learners to not only expand their knowledge, but also cultivate the skills and maturity necessary for their future endeavours.</p><p>“Witnessing the passion and enthusiasm of our learners, I was deeply impressed by their attitude towards learning. Many exhibited a keen attention to detail, thoroughly engaging with the exhibits and displaying a remarkable level of maturity within the museum setting.</p><p>“The magic of Knightsbridge became a backdrop to the growth and enrichment of our students, and it was truly a pleasure to be part of this transformative journey."</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… you would like to find out more about our A Level Fashion courses, please click here.</a></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%202%20Web_1.png" data-entity-uuid="4fdee783-86d1-4010-b754-562bb9ed5e0e" data-entity-type="file" alt="3 dresses on display at DIVA exhibition" width="300" height="400"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%204%20Web%20a_0.png" data-entity-uuid="ba28262b-7ea5-4a52-ab3a-4686b22b3c55" data-entity-type="file" alt="dress on display at DIVA exhibition" width="300" height="400"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%205%20Web_1.png" data-entity-uuid="c6a77835-7771-415c-9c98-980ee13997ea" data-entity-type="file" alt="Dress on display in V&amp;A Museum" width="300" height="400"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Students%20by%20dress%201%20Web.png" data-entity-uuid="8c8d591d-17f1-4326-8379-c58466db709d" data-entity-type="file" alt="Students standing by dress at DIVA" width="300" height="400"><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Students studying <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds?utm_s… Levels, Vocational subjects, and T Levels</a> at Weston College celebrate outstanding grades on results day 2023.</p><p>Results at Weston College were yet again very impressive for learners across the campuses of the College Group. The new <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a> included the subject disciplines of Health, Engineering, Education &amp; Early Years. Digital, Design, and Construction achieved a 100% pass rate with 77% of learners achieving the highest grades.</p><p>T Levels are qualifications for 16- to 19-year-olds, taken after GCSEs. They are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels and focus on technical and vocational skills. They can help students into skilled employment, higher study, or apprenticeships.</p><p>Similarly, for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</a>, 100% pass rates were realised in Computer Science, Economics, English, French, Media, Photography, Textiles, Criminology, IT, and Sport with Polish and Russian scoring 100% A*-B!</p><p>The College also witnessed hundreds of students achieving their vocational qualifications, in Animal Management, Business, Construction, Creative Arts, Education, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Motor Vehicle, Public Services, and Sport.</p><p>Weston College Group Principal and Chief Executive Sir Paul Phillips CBE said:</p><p>“These results are a testament to the hard work and diligence of both staff and students and reflect yet again a superb progression to Higher Education and employment”.</p><p>“At Weston College, you’re not just taught how to pass an exam. Our focus looks not only on the present, but the future too with a key focus on kickstarting incredible careers. Our study programmes raise aspirations, and we work alongside industry to prepare students for their next step – whether that’s a Degree, Higher Apprenticeship, or the world of work.</p><p>“A massive congratulations and thank-you to the cohort of 2023. I wish each learner every success in their onward journey.”</p><p>A Level student Harrison Byrom who picked up his results today commented:</p><p>"It's an incredible feeling to have achieved A* in English Language and Literature, A in History, B in Politics, and an A in my EPQ. These results have opened the door for me to pursue my passion for History at Oxford University. For me, Weston College has an environment that is so much more enriching than traditional school settings, and the curriculum content has been an absolute blast to engage with. My time here has truly helped shape my character, pushing me to grow and evolve. I'm amazed at the brilliant friendships I've forged along the way. Weston College has been a pivotal chapter in my educational journey, and I can't wait to see where the next one at Oxford takes me."</p><p>Also, Iona Chambers was delighted with her results, which she collected from Loxton Campus with her Mum, Iona said:</p><p>“I am absolutely thrilled with my results and couldn't be happier. Achieving Criminology A*, Biology A, and English Literature B is a dream come true. My journey at Weston College has been nothing short of amazing. The support I received from the teachers and the Autism Hub has been incredible. After my GCSEs, I wasn't certain if A Levels were the right path for me, but from the moment I stepped into the College, I was embraced with warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support from everyone around me. I am particularly grateful to Jude and Nadine from the support team who have been absolutely incredible. With this solid foundation, I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of my education, studying Conservation and Archaeology at Cardiff University.”</p><p>T Level student in Education and Early Years, Hannah Morris picked up her results today and said:</p><p>“I am really happy with the results I have received today. I feel really grateful to all my tutors at the College who really encouraged me and helped me reach my goal. The T Level course has really helped boost my confidence and make me the person I am today. With this qualification, I can now continue to pursue my career within a local nursery.</p><p>T Levels are backed by employers and also contain 315 hours of an Industry Placement, which this year Bristol Port has given five Weston College T Level learners the opportunity to carry out their placements at the Port. David Brown, the Chief Executive Officer commented:</p><p>“The Bristol Port Company are passionate about developing future talent within our business and we have hosted T Level students from Weston College on their industry placement this year. The students have worked closely with our team and have made a positive impression. It’s good to see the new employer-led T Level courses giving young people the technical skills and practical experience they need for the workplace, supported by Weston College.”</p><p>The College’s Vocational qualifications were also outstanding this year. Business Extended Diploma student, Tallulah Stradling received the top grade and commented:</p><p>“I am really happy with my results! I can’t believe that I managed to get D*, D*, D*, and I am now off to Exeter University to study Law. I have really enjoyed my experience at Weston College – from the support to the course, it has been amazing.”</p><p>Overall, college results were exceptional with a similar set of outcomes to last year, albeit with a slight overall downward shift of 1%-2%. Sir Phillips added how pleased he was to see the take-up and advancement of T Levels reflecting their importance in curriculum delivery and learner progression.</p>