<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>Following the South West Regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong> hosted at Weston College, some of our HE and FE students progressed to the AHT Final in Blackpool that took place over 2 days.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the competitions, our FE and HE learners showcased exceptional skill, determination, and passion across the two days in each category, and this was truly reflected in the fantastic results of our students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Weston College Further Education (FE) students from <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/hair-… and Media</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; attended, as well as UCW Higher Education (HE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… and Prosthetics</u></a>.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student made up in prosthetics as a green monster&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca0c738d-f939-4b29-a2c8-7670eab5fbdb" 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>For the competition, the students and staff travelled up on the Saturday to explore Blackpool and settle in before the competition ahead. On the Sunday, learners competed in the direct entry competitions which included Spa Body Massage, Prosthetics, Nails, and Catwalk Hair. Within these categories, the learners managed to secure 1st place in Spa Body Massages and Prosthetics, a 3rd place in Prosthetics, and 4th place in Nails.&nbsp;</p><p>The National Finals took place on the Monday where both HE and FE students competed in a range of categories, including Body Painting, Create an Injury, Face Painting, Fantasy Make up, Cut and Blow dry, Fantasy Hair, and Hair styling. Similar to the direct entry competitions, the results for these competitions were amazing, with the Face Painting securing 1st place, Create an Injury achieving 3rd place, and Fantasy Makeup gaining 4th place out of 27 participants!&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the competition, students were required to adhere to very strict guidelines and themes. This created a real-life, client-customer simulation for some students as it required learners to think creatively whilst remaining within the rules, regulations and requirements set by the competition.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student wearing a flower headdress with foundation dripping from her eyes&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5502f9fc-8b29-44c8-9c05-a62a60e8a6f9" 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 was a fantastic opportunity for learners to apply their skills and follow instructions whilst adding their own creative freedom to their work. Not only this, they also got the chance to meet like-minded individuals with a passion for hairdressing, makeup and beauty, as well as network with industry professionals and gain constructive criticism to further enhance their skills.&nbsp;</p><p>These types of competitions are great for building confidence in the next generation of professionals, whilst also giving them credited awards that they can include in their portfolio in order to show off their talent and ability to future employers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, expressed the pride she felt for the students, saying, “to step onto the competition floor takes courage, but to medal among such outstanding talent is even more impressive! Many of our learners pushed well beyond the limits of their qualifications, proving just how committed and capable they are.&nbsp;</p><p>Competitions such as this allow students to gain hands-on experience of working with specifications in a pressured environment which only improves and develops their time-management, professionalism, and their general abilities. We couldn’t be prouder of how our students did and how they represented Weston College. It was a true testament to their hard work!”&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students who participated in this competition!&nbsp;</p><p>If you are interested in applying to one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Prosthetics</u></a> or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Barbering</u></a> courses, click here. &nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… you are interested in applying to the UCW Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Degree course, 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>