<p>Last month, Weston College was lucky enough to gain funding from the Turing Scheme to take our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</a> students on a 15-day trip to New York City, where students not only got to experience all the sights of a big city, but also got to take part in many activities and attractions that have furthered their skills and knowledge of the industry.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p><p>The Turing Scheme is a fantastic programme which offers funding to education providers to support students to pursue study and work placements worldwide. This provides learners with career-building opportunities and international experiences that will enhance their education and enrich them in different cultures.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p><p>This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the students who may not have had the chance to leave the UK, let alone travel across the world. Thanks to the Turing Scheme, this trip was extremely affordable, with some students getting to go completely free of charge!<o:p></o:p></p><p>During this 15-day trip, the students’ itineraries were jam-packed! Not only did they take part in a range of Broadway classes with the Broadway Dance Centre, but they also got to watch three Broadway shows which were tailored to each pathway! They saw ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ for the students on the Acting pathway, ‘Death Becomes Her’ for the Musical Theatre pathway, and ‘The Great Gatsby’ for the Dance pathway. This was a fantastic experience that allowed all students to see live performances at a professional level which many of them aspire for.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students posing in front of the &apos;The Play That Goes Wrong&apos; sign&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3a0da20-d99f-4c14-b9e2-c101470346f2" 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>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students posing in front of &apos;The Great Gatsby&apos; sign&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d443e8b-a8c6-42e2-9e93-942c57d08e87" 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><o:p></o:p></p><p>To further enrich themselves in the history of performing arts and experience all the city has to offer, the students took part in a range of activities: from a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall, a guided tour of the Lincoln Centre, and visiting the Museum of Broadway, to attractions like ‘The Ride’ where they experienced flash mobs and pop-up shows, Summit One Vanderbilt observatory, and the powerful 9/11 Memorial Museum.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students standing in front of &apos;The Ride&apos; bus&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="98abbea4-1f4e-42f0-9ed1-a1c46a8c8bc9" 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>&nbsp;</p><p><o:p></o:p></p><p>Outside of these amazing activities, students also got the chance to see the tourist sights of New York and indulge in the different foods. However, according to the group, majority would agree that the Cheesecake Factory was ultimately the best they tried!</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students standing in front of The Cheesecake Factory&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0da2cc7f-7955-4d0a-b3f2-74b76b58672a" 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>&nbsp;</p><p><o:p></o:p></p><p>Joe Miller, one of our Performing Arts lecturers at Weston College who attended the trip with the students, was astounded by their progression over the duration of the trip, adding, “it was so amazing to see&nbsp;how the students progressed in not only their techniques and their performance, but also seeing their independence and confidence grow with everyday tasks.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p><p>We wanted to encourage independence for the students in a big city by getting them to chat to workers and people themselves, as well as independently navigate groups to places we’d been to give them a sense of accomplishment and confidence–it was amazing to see the personal growth in such a short space of time!”<o:p></o:p></p><p>This trip was not only important for personal growth, but also professional growth. Getting the chance to witness and work with many other performers and professionals throughout the trip gave the learners a better understanding of how competitive and tough the industry is and how much hard work and resilience is required to make it.<o:p></o:p></p><p>According to Joe, the impact of this trip has already been reflected in their hard work since arriving back home. He has noticed more rigorous training and a focus on techniques in order to improve their skills and pursue their careers.<o:p></o:p></p><p>This fantastic trip would not have been possible without Joe Miller, Jade Hicks and Annette Milburn who all supervised and helped to organise the trip to make it the most fulfilling and memorable experience for the students as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… you’re interested in applying to one of our Performing Arts courses in September, click here.</a><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Last month, members of the public had the opportunity to book their dogs onto a free pet photoshoot in the photography studios at Loxton Campus. These sessions were run by Year 1 and Year 2 <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… 3 Photography</a> students, offering them a valuable hands-on learning experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p>The students had the chance to photograph a wide variety of dog breeds, including Dachshunds, Huskies, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and many others. This annual event is always in high demand and sells out quickly. Not only does it provide an exciting real-world opportunity for students to enhance their photography skills, but it also allows the public to receive stunning, high-quality portraits of their beloved pets—completely free of charge.<o:p></o:p></p><p>The experience proved to be an excellent challenge for the students, helping them adapt to the needs of each dog. Not only this, capturing the perfect shot developed the students’ patience, quick thinking, and the ability to work with energetic subjects that were not always keen to sit still! These kinds of challenges are typical in professional photography due to the dynamic nature of the job, making this the perfect way for learners to gain industry experience in a controlled environment and prepare them for their future careers.<o:p></o:p></p><p>As well as gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced, client-focused setting, the students also got to develop their personal portfolios that they can use after college.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Paul French, one of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; lecturers who organises the event each year, ensures it runs smoothly for the public, the students, and the dogs. "This event provides invaluable experience for our learners, giving them a glimpse into their future as photographers and insight into the industry. The students stepped up to the challenge and portrayed a fantastic level of maturity and professionalism—a great reflection of Weston College and the well-rounded students we produce", Paul added.<o:p></o:p></p><p>The annual dog photoshoot continues to be a highlight for both students and the community, encouraging skill development, creativity, and the joy of capturing unforgettable moments with your precious pups.</p><p>Check out a few of this year's amazing pet portraits:</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Black and brown dog quizzically looking into the camera&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="407a8c3b-5108-4231-b49e-536f9efaae03" 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>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Grey and white dog crouched towards the camera&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a106a66-2cf8-4270-84e0-792159c50063" 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>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;French bulldog looking at the camera with her tongue out&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88dfd4f4-829f-4910-8ed8-806789f438e2" 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>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Pomeranian looking at the camera with her tongue out&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b388addb-90de-49c8-8944-8c66c1e9157f" 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>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Light brown dachshund looking up into the camera&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="313c0b4c-6463-4560-845f-5a8e74ab17fe" 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>&nbsp;</p><p><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… you’re interested in applying to one of our Photography courses in September, click here.</a><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of&nbsp;<strong>William Palmer</strong>, a former <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Art &amp; Design</a> student at Weston College, who has been recognised with the top award at London Fashion Week. William was honoured with the prestigious&nbsp;<strong>L'Oréal Professional Creative Award</strong>&nbsp;for his MA show at the renowned&nbsp;<strong>Central Saint Martins (CSM)</strong>.<o:p></o:p></p><p>William’s exceptional talent and creative vision shone through at the&nbsp;<strong>Central Saint Martins MA Fashion press show</strong>, where his work captivated the industry’s leading figures. The winners were selected by none other than&nbsp;<strong>Yu Masui</strong>, the eccentric Japanese influencer and talent scout for the esteemed&nbsp;<strong>LVMH Prize</strong>, further solidifying William’s place among fashion’s rising stars.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Since his Foundation year at Weston College, William has built on that knowledge and had a lot of experience with products before landing a place at&nbsp;<strong>CSM</strong>. He was hired by&nbsp;<strong>Dover Street Market</strong>&nbsp;to produce collections for&nbsp;<strong>Gosha Rubchinskiy</strong>&nbsp;and later oversaw the product development of brands under the Dover Street Market Paris umbrella, such as&nbsp;<strong>ERL</strong>.<o:p></o:p></p><p>During the show, William was one of the very few who showed clothes that could be immediately sold on a shop floor, including an oversized duffle coat, a check shirt, and a trench coat.<o:p></o:p></p><p>It was a fun collection, too. “I took the tongue-in-cheek attitude of lad culture, subverting it through funny fabrics, like the tea towels, and the teacup hats. I use humour a lot also. I drew parallels between adolescence and adulthood. I’m trying to make a more playful, carefree type of guy. The world would be better for everyone,” William added.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Three of William&apos;s designs on models: 1 in a large, oversized duffle coat, 1 tea towel flannel shirt and a teacup hat, and 1 in a brown coat and a hoodie jumpsuit&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47299540-b2e8-4281-aee3-facf3cca9cb4" 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><em>Image courtesy of Women's Wear Daily</em></p><p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Art &amp; Design</a> course at Weston College provided William with the skills and techniques required to get into Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London, saying, “My pre-degree course provided me with essential foundational skills, basic knowledge, and the opportunity to develop a portfolio that ultimately helped me secure further studies.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p><p>It was during my A-Level studies at Weston College that I first discovered my drive to pursue fashion design. Following that, I enrolled in an Art Foundation course, which became one of my most memorable years. Surrounded by a diverse group of creatives from various backgrounds, I had the chance to specialize in fashion for the first time. This focused approach allowed me to take my passion seriously, equipping me with the skills and confidence to continue my studies in London.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>Rachel Clayton</strong>, William's former tutor at&nbsp;<strong>Weston College's Foundation Art &amp; Design</strong>&nbsp;programme, shared his pride: "William's dedication and innovative approach were evident from the start. I am over the moon to see him receive such a distinguished honour. His journey from a dedicated <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Art &amp; Design</a> learner at Weston College to receiving one of the most coveted accolades in the fashion industry is truly inspiring. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, passion, and innovative approach to fashion design.”<o:p></o:p></p><p>His former tutors and everyone at Weston College are incredibly proud of this remarkable milestone in his career. We look forward to seeing his continued success and influence in the fashion world.</p><p>To see more of William's amazing designs, check out his Instagram <em>@williampalmer_uk</em><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… you are interested in applying to our UAL Foundation Art &amp; Design course, click here.</a></p><p>&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&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>. 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><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>