<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; students visited the <strong>Warner Bros. Studio Tour London</strong> to take part in a masterclass titled <em>The Art of Movie Make-up </em>where students got to see the time, craft and skills behind <strong>the Making of Harry Potter</strong>, followed by a behind-the-scenes studio tour. This experience gave students a unique insight into the creation of one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. &nbsp;</p><p>During the masterclass, students explored the powerful impact that hair and makeup have on a character’s physical appearance. They learned how distinctive features help define and identify characters, such as Harry Potter’s iconic scar and glasses, Voldemort’s nose, and Draco Malfoy’s slicked-back, platinum-blonde hair. These visual elements extend beyond the films themselves and have become instantly recognisable symbols of the franchise. &nbsp;</p><p>Students were then guided through the step-by-step process used by professional makeup artists to create characters for film. This begins with carefully reading the full script and analysing character descriptions to determine the appropriate hair and makeup required to bring the director’s vision to life. This foundational stage is essential, allowing each character’s look to be developed and refined through multiple stages of collaboration and feedback. &nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the session, students also learned a range of fascinating facts about the Harry Potter films and the design choices behind each character. They gained insight into the challenges makeup artists face in maintaining consistency and continuity, particularly across long-running film franchises where actors change and grow over time. &nbsp;</p><p>To apply their learning, students took part in a creative activity in which they designed their own character. They selected a name, gender, species, and defining characteristics, using personality traits as a guide for their character’s visual appearance. This task highlighted how hair and makeup can help communicate a character’s background, journey, and role within a story. &nbsp;</p><p>To conclude the visit, students viewed authentic prosthetics and wigs used in the Harry Potter films, bringing to life the transformative impact that hair and makeup can have on screen. &nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the trip provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, learn directly from industry professionals, and develop a deeper understanding of the vital role hair and makeup play in shaping a character’s personality and backstory. This is particularly important in book-to-film adaptations, where meeting audience expectations is crucial to maintaining authenticity and enjoyment. &nbsp;</p><p>The experience also allowed students to network with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain insight into potential career pathways after college. They learned about routes into hair and makeup for TV and film, and gained an honest understanding of both the rewards and challenges of working in a high-pressure industry that plays a key role in the success of modern cinematography. &nbsp;</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students, benefitting not only their professional development but also their personal growth. It helped build their confidence, creativity, and determination to achieve the careers they aspire to. By giving students the chance to explore a range of pathways within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; sector, we are broadening their prospects and helping them gain a clearer understanding of the careers they could pursue after completing their course. As a college, we are committed to ensuring they feel fully prepared and supported as they take their next step.” &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/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; 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 SUBJECT! 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>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, we had four Weston College students competing in the national <strong>WorldSkills</strong> competition. Maddie and Ellie competed in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy Practitioner</u></a> Skill category, Oscar competed in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… Skills</u></a> Digital category, and Jodi competed in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… Skills</u></a> Horticulture competition.&nbsp;</p><p>WorldSkills is a fantastic competition that aims to improve the skills and development of young people across the world. It encourages our students to step outside their comfort zone and go against a range of different people to improve their confidence and ability and be a part of something they may have not previously considered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Our students competed in a range of tasks and did a fantastic job, with Maddie placing 3rd nationally in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy Practitioner</u></a> Skill category and Oscar getting a Highly Commended award in the Foundation Skills Digital category. This is a fantastic achievement that they should be extremely proud of. It will also improve their skills and their confidence for future careers and personal development.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Ellie and Jodie also did exceptionally well, becoming finalists in the regional competitions before progressing to the national competition. This is a huge achievement and is an excellent way to improve the students’ resilience, adaptability, and confidence. It also improves their transferrable skills such as their time-management and their problem-solving skills. They also got to meet like-minded individuals and network with professionals in the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>We recently received an email from Ellie’s parents, thanking the Hair and Beauty team for supporting Ellie throughout the competition and her studies, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Ellie’s dad and I would like to thank you all so much for all the training, coaching, and time you have given Ellie in preparation for the WorldSkills 2025 finals.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Your dedication and belief in her abilities have made an incredible impact on her journey. We are truly proud of her achievement, and her dedication to the competition was second to none. She did it for herself, but she also worked extremely hard for you.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Thank you for being such inspiring mentors and we wish you every success in your candidates going forward.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p>As a college, we would like to say a massive well done to the students who competed, but also a huge well done and thank you to the lecturers behind-the-scenes who worked tirelessly with the students, training and supporting them to ensure they went in feeling confident and prepared.&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>

<p>Beauty Therapy student, Maddie, proudly secured a bronze medal at this year’s WorldSkills UK national finals.</p><p>Competing against over 400 entrants from across the country, Maddie impressed judges with her professionalism, technical skill and ability to perform under pressure - ultimately earning a remarkable third-place finish.</p><p>Maddie currently works at Cadbury House Spa, one of Weston College’s valued Career Excellence Hub employers, where she continues to develop her industry experience alongside her studies.</p><p>This year, WorldSkills UK raised the bar by keeping competitors on their toes. Participants were given no prior knowledge of the tasks they would be assessed on, and even found that their models were changed on the day.&nbsp;</p><p>The aim was to test higher-order professional competencies such as resilience, adaptability and confidence when handling the unexpected - qualities essential within the industry. Despite these challenges, Maddie excelled across all three mystery tasks.</p><p>Head of Service Sectors, Jenna Ratcliffe, said: “We are so proud of Maddie. Her calm approach and impressive technical ability shone through each challenge, earning her a place on the national podium and highlighting the high standards of training delivered at Weston College. Maddie has been a pleasure to train, and her commitment, professionalism and determination have been evident throughout her journey.</p><p>“As we look ahead to the next competition cycle, we are now beginning to form our new competition squad. Any learners who are interested in getting involved should speak to their tutors about taking part.”</p><p>Find out more about our Beauty Therapy courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…;