<p>Our<strong> ESOL learners</strong> at Weston College have already launched into an exciting new season of <strong>extracurricular activities</strong> - and we’re delighted to share an update on what they’ve been up to.</p><p>The ESOL learners began with a fantastic trip to the University of Bath, including a short visit into the city before heading home. A huge thank you to Liza and her team at the council for their generous financial and hands-on support, and to the Virtual Schools team for kindly providing the sandwiches.</p><p>The visit was a real highlight - upon arrival, our learners were welcomed by two outstanding university ambassadors who offered a full campus tour and took the time to answer every question. This visit tied perfectly into the learner’s ESOL project,<em><strong> A Dream College</strong></em>, which has included group presentations and will conclude next week with a lively debate: <strong>College Campus vs. University Campus.</strong></p><p>The students found the experience deeply inspiring, with many expressing a genuine interest in studying at Bath in the future. They were particularly impressed by the <strong>Olympic-sized swimming pool</strong>, the <strong>expansive athletics track and gym</strong>, the <strong>modern study spaces</strong>, and the <strong>vibrant students’ union.</strong></p><p>ESOL also marked the first of their four <strong>Parents/Corporate Parents Afternoons.</strong> Families, carers, and corporate parents had the opportunity to meet with learners and tutors to discuss progress, development, and targets. They also shared a presentation showcasing the activities and tailored approaches used to help every learner reach their full potential. Our ESOL learners were incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements, and it was wonderful to see families engaging so positively with their learning journey.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b13bc10-fac2-40f3-90da-80e8be617c7e" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity>

<p>I’m Jackson, and I recently completed a Motor Vehicle course at Weston College.</p><p>My time at the college was transformative, and I'm thrilled to share a bit of my journey with you.</p><p>When I enrolled in the motor vehicle course, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.</p><p>What I found was a stimulating experience that went far beyond just understanding how vehicles work.</p><p>The course offered me a hands-on grasp of both the mechanical and electrical systems that power our daily rides. There were challenges, of course, but each hurdle gave me a clearer view of the intricacies between gears and circuits.</p><p>The lecturers and staff at Weston College were phenomenal. Their support pushed me to expand my horizons and strive for greatness. Without their guidance and unique teaching styles, I wouldn't have achieved the success I did.</p><p>They didn't just teach; they inspired and mentored, making the learning process a collaborative and encouraging journey.</p><p>I have always struggled with Maths, but I knew it was essential for my future career goals. Weston College offered the perfect environment to tackle this challenge.</p><p>The decision to complete my Functional Skills in maths was driven by my career aspirations and the supportive teachers who believed in me. Their dedication made all the difference, transforming what once seemed impossible into an achievable goal.</p><p>Studying maths in college was a breath of fresh air compared to my school days. The mature classroom atmosphere and the passionate teachers created a space where learning was not only easier but also enjoyable – allowing me to gain the skills and qualifications I needed.</p><p>I recently received my Maths qualification, which was not only a huge relief, but also a fantastic moment.</p><p>So, what's next for me? I'm gearing up to join the army, specifically the REME Regiment as a Vehicle Mechanic. The skills and knowledge I've gained at Weston College have equipped me for this exciting journey, and I can't wait to serve and continue learning in such a dynamic field.</p><p><em>Jackson</em></p><p>If you would like to follow in Jackson’s footsteps, you can study one of our course in the Career Excellence Hub in Motor Vehicle.<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; Find out more, by clicking here.</a></p>

<p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{187}" paraid="385857061">Recently our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners took part in an exciting exercise hosted by our LibraryPlus team. The class was given an immersive demonstration of the latest virtual reality (VR) technology, opening a gateway to a new dimension of learning. The students, many of whom had never experienced VR before, eagerly donned headsets to explore innovative tools that could one day revolutionise their educational journey.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{205}" paraid="1882773131">Weston College aims to integrate VR into its curriculum, recognising its potential to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce, where technology plays an increasingly vital role. The students enthusiastically embraced this cutting-edge technology.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{233}" paraid="1907290390">The VR experience was a hit with the ESOL learners. Student Mohammed said: “It was amazing! Very different, and a strange feeling but something very new.” Learner Tony particularly enjoyed the experience saying: “I really enjoyed it; it was super fun!”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{251}" paraid="1139757022">ESOL lecturer John said: “It was an amazing immersive experience. Students were able to explore with focus.”&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{251}" paraid="1139757022">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learner using VR technology&quot;" data-align="center" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a0ad876-135c-47dc-8c3f-a3e85fd7e9fe" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_750x750&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity>