<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, Weston College opened its doors to new and returning students as they embarked on the start of the new academic year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Over three days, each CEH area welcomed first-year students with a wide variety of activities designed to help them settle in, build friendships, and get familiar with both their learning environment and the tools they’ll be using throughout their studies.&nbsp;</p><p>The college executive team ran Welcome Talks across Knightstone, Loxton and South West Skills campus in order to introduce themselves to the students and outline the expectations for the upcoming year.&nbsp;Students were also shown the key college policies and procedures to ensure they are fully prepared for the year ahead.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Deputy Principals, Gary and Ben, outlining the expectations and policies at Weston College&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7e8770a-f4a7-4a9a-8671-b4668ac51faf" 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>Across all campuses, faculties organised engaging activities that blended fun with learning. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></strong></a> students, for example, took a tour of Puxton Park facilities where they met the animals before participating in a game of crazy golf, water rafting, and a tractor ride across the park.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; students took part in themed activities such as filling out passports and a mini-Sports Day, encouraging teamwork and collaboration. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></strong></a> students explored their creativity through crafts, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… &amp; Design</u></strong></a> students designed and produced album covers and playing cards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Some departments jumped straight into hands-on learning, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… &amp; Catering</u></strong></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; </strong>&amp;<strong> </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; students getting involved with styling techniques and Ready Steady Cook, showcasing their practical skills and gaining a clearer picture of their courses.&nbsp;</p><p>In <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…;, students took on a range of exciting challenges including peer interviews, creating time-capsule messages for their future selves, tackling a TV sitcom project, and reimagining classic fairytales. These activities highlighted both the practical nature of the subject and the creative freedom it offers.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Form</u></strong></a> students took part in a scavenger hunt to explore their campus, while Photography students sharpened their technical skills by taking headshots of classmates. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></strong></a> students worked with interactive simulation dummies and conducted lab-based solution testing, whilst <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students jumped straight into energetic team-building activities, from basketball to a lively game of human battleships.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Arts</u></strong></a> created a welcoming atmosphere with fun icebreaker games such as team shuffle races, human rock-paper-scissors, and human snap—ensuring plenty of laughter and bonding.&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, departments including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… &amp; Animation</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></strong></a> all ran engaging icebreaker and problem-solving activities that encouraged teamwork and introduced students to course-related challenges.&nbsp;</p><p>These Welcome Days not only ease the transition into college life but also build confidence and friendships from day one. At Weston College, we understand that starting college can feel daunting, which is why we’re committed to making the experience as engaging and enjoyable as possible for every learner.&nbsp;</p><p>After such a positive start, we can’t wait to see what our students go on to achieve throughout this academic year!&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds"><u>If you would like to join us, it’s not too late to apply for this academic year. Click here to see our courses.</u></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students.&nbsp;</p><p>Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.</p><p>At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a>, <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/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… and Production</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/which-level-right-me"><u>Leve… Explained</u></a> page to gain a more in-depth understanding.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are still unsure, email <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:enquiries@weston.ac.uk"><u>enquiries@weston.ac.uk</u></a&gt; or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.</p>

<p>This month, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students at Puxton Park Campus have been immersing themselves in an important conservation project as part of their Wildlife and Conservation module. The focus of this project has been on increasing biodiversity and supporting local bird populations through the construction and monitoring of birdhouses, specifically designed for sparrows and owls.&nbsp;</p><p>The project involves creating and painting nest boxes, which are scheduled to be installed around the campus in the coming weeks. These birdhouses aim to encourage on-site breeding, offering safe and suitable habitats for local bird species and contributing to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;2 birdhouses made by the students&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="facfe1d0-ec8e-4f73-ade2-042affc15ae1" 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>This hands-on initiative provides a vital learning opportunity for learners. Students are not only enhancing their understanding of animal behaviour and habitat requirements, but also gaining real-world skills in conservation techniques. By actively participating in improving wildlife habitats, they are learning the long-term importance of habitat preservation and the role it plays in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;</p><p>With habitat loss continuing to pose a significant threat to global wildlife, projects like this are essential. They prepare the next generation of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> professionals to understand and prevent the threats facing the natural world. Through this work, students are encouraged and empowered to become proactive in the community, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to conservation efforts now and in the future.&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students who took part in this project, it really will have positive impacts!&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… you are interested in applying to one of our Animal Management courses, click here.</u></a>&nbsp;</p>