<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>Weston College are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/">The Bristol Hippodrome</a>, strengthening our shared commitment to providing students with industry-relevant, inspirational learning experiences within the world of live performance.</p><p>This renewed collaboration builds on the success of last year’s partnership and has already seen Performing Arts students start the academic year with a trip to see<strong> The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe </strong>in September. The production also serves as a creative foundation for several workshops and skill-building sessions that are now in place for learners across the department.</p><p>As part of the partnership, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning team will deliver a series of specialist workshops designed to broaden student expertise and deepen their understanding of the performing arts industry. These include:</p><ul><li><strong>Pathways Into the Industry:</strong> Offering real-world guidance from current industry professionals on employment routes, opportunities, and navigating the balance between exploitation and opportunity.</li><li><strong>Audition Techniques:</strong> Students will take part in professional-standard audition sessions, observed by industry experts, followed by personalised feedback.</li><li><strong>Directing and Facilitation:</strong> A new area not currently part of the curriculum, giving students additional skills that can support careers as freelance practitioners.</li><li><strong>Networking Skills:</strong> An essential workshop helping students develop the confidence and know-how to build connections and “get their foot in the door.”</li></ul><p>In addition, the Creative Learning team will deliver a <strong>bespoke puppetry workshop,</strong> giving students insight into the specialist techniques used in <strong>The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.</strong> This practical experience offers a rare chance to explore a performance discipline that is increasingly sought after in modern theatre productions.</p><p>The partnership also extends to the professional development of Weston College staff. Lecturers will continue to access <strong>CPD opportunities </strong>directly with The Bristol Hippodrome, ensuring their teaching remains informed by current local, national, and international industry practice.</p><p>Beyond the Performing Arts department, the collaboration continues to create exciting opportunities for other areas of the College. Our Photography learners have <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/photography-students-gain-work-experience… worked with The Bristol Hippodrome </a>and will do so again, giving students the unique chance to gain experience in a professional setting rarely accessible to learners.</p><p>The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning Department said:</p><p><em>“We are so excited to renew our partnership with Weston College. Expanding on the work completed last year, we are continuing to provide direct skill development into the College from our industry to help inspire the next generation of industry professionals. As one of the larger venues in the South West, we are invested in helping educational spaces engage with the live entertainment industry.”</em></p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Students on Weston&nbsp;College’s&nbsp;<a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design</a>&nbsp;have recently completed an impactful project titled “Visual Rebellion: The Rule Breakers”,&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;their creativity and critical thinking through bold artistic exploration.&nbsp;</p><p>The&nbsp;<a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design</a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;1-year&nbsp;pre-degree course designed to give students the opportunity to trial a wide range of mediums before specialising. It is completely free to all students, allowing you to get a foundation diploma which you often get at university. It&nbsp;provides valuable time for learners&nbsp;to refine their skills, explore their interests, and prepare for progression into higher education or creative industries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students working on their individual projects&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c48fb3c1-71e5-41f8-8c00-51189af81eed" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The project encouraged learners to break formal rules in art and design, using their work to express authentic beliefs and challenge social, political, and personal conventions. Themes explored included political and social issues,&nbsp;personal experiences, and the boundaries of scale and material use.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the project, students investigated influential artists who&nbsp;cover&nbsp;topics such as propaganda, war, corruption, and exploitation. The aim was to provoke thought, foster creativity, and stimulate dialogue through art that carries personal meaning and relevance.&nbsp;</p><p>The first&nbsp;part of the&nbsp;project&nbsp;focused on research, including a trip to Bristol and seminars on research methodologies. Learners explored five avenues of “Visual Rebellion”,&nbsp;collecting imagery and presenting their findings digitally.&nbsp;</p><p>Over the following weeks, students rotated through specialist pathways including <strong>Surface &amp; Form</strong>, <strong>Interdisciplinary Fine Art</strong>, and <strong>Visual Communication</strong>, breaking the project down into three different outcomes of the Visual Rebellion theme across the 6-week period.&nbsp;Students also took part in practical workshops&nbsp;which&nbsp;offered hands-on experience in <strong>digital media</strong>, <strong>printmaking</strong>, <strong>3D design,</strong> <strong>collage</strong>, <strong>lens-based work</strong>, and <strong>illustrative sewing</strong>.&nbsp;This was a fantastic opportunity for them to trial a range of mediums&nbsp;and figure out which form of art was their preferred&nbsp;pathway.&nbsp;</p><p>Each learner&nbsp;maintained&nbsp;a record of their journey through sketchbooks and personal blogs, documenting research, workshop outcomes, and reflections&nbsp;which&nbsp;built their portfolios and&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;the effort and research gone into their artwork. The project concluded with a thorough evaluation of each pathway and the overall experience.&nbsp;</p><p>This course is&nbsp;a fantastic opportunity for students who are unsure what they want to do and who fancy exploring new ways&nbsp;to express themselves&nbsp;through&nbsp;art. Whether you have formally studied art before does not matter too much on this course, all you need is to have completed&nbsp;a Level 3&nbsp;course&nbsp;and have&nbsp;a passion&nbsp;for creativity.&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students and the amazing work they have produced so far!&nbsp;</p><p>This project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design</strong></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-by-subject/art-film-game-and-graphic-desi… Arts</a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</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/">Click here!</a></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>