<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, a wide range of students took a trip to <strong>New York City</strong> to visit the iconic tourist attractions and experience the sights of one of the most famous cities in the world. This trip was largely funded by the <strong>Turing Scheme</strong> and allowed students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</a> to explore New York for two weeks for an affordable rate.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Group photo in front of the statue of liberty&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5add5d7e-3290-47e1-ba68-43a441be72a8" 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>The Turing Scheme is the UK’s global programme for studying and working abroad, enabling students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to gain the confidence, skills, and international experience that employers value. Weston College has been fortunate enough to secure over £216,000 in Turing Scheme funding to transform student experience and create unforgettable memories.</p><p>During the trip, our students visited iconic tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, and Times Square, exploring the areas and enjoying the sights that the city offered.</p><p>On top of this, some students took part in workshops such as a Broadway Dance Centre class and a Stage Combat workshop, as well as others using their free time to attend a football match, Broadway shows such as Six the Musical, The Great Gatsby, and Death Becomes Her. They even received backstage tours of Radio City Music Hall and experienced the harrowing 9/11 Memorial Museum which had a last impact on the students.</p><p>Outside of the activities and sights, students had lots of free time for shopping and trying new foods, with corndogs being a new favourite. Not only this, they also saw many celebrities entering the Devil Wears Parada 2 Premier, and even met Daniel Radcliffe after his show and took a selfie with him, a definite highlight of the trip!</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;2 students taking a selfie with Daniel Radcliffe&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aad53a38-2ddc-43ed-a930-421aabfb1c91" 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>Students adapted well to New York and quickly became used to the fast-paced atmosphere, navigating their way around, and the general feel of such a huge city. They faced some challenges through the trip, however everyone showed fantastic resilience, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as developing their independence, confidence, and trust in themselves and others.</p><p>This trip created unforgettable memories accessible to everyone, as well as introduced students to their peers across different curriculum areas, building lasting friendships with people they may not have had the opportunity to meet.</p><p>Joe Miller, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</a> lecturer at Weston College and supervisor of the trip, added, “This trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in a vibrant city with many different cultures. The group were such a pleasure to travel with, they were appreciative, mature, and happy to try new things, and they really pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. It was great to see every learner grow across the two weeks and I’d like to say a huge thank you to the staff who accompanied me on this trip, your support was invaluable and made the experience far more seamless and enjoyable!”</p><p>As a college, we’d also like to say a huge thank you to the Turing Scheme for making this experience possible and enabling our students to go on fantastic trips like this to enrich their future careers.</p><p>Thank you to Joe Miller, Lucy Cruse, Heather Boucher, and Hannah Prior for supervising the students on this trip and ensuring they made lasting memories!</p><p>This trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</a> Careers Excellence Hubs. 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><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></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Weston College is proud to spotlight the remarkable achievements of two former A Level students, Sophie Long and Dan Aldridge MP, whose journeys from the classroom to influential careers demonstrate the transformative power of education, resilience, and ambition.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>From aspiring student to a respected figure in broadcast journalism, <strong>Sophie Long</strong>’s career reflects both dedication and adaptability in a fast-changing media landscape. After studying at Weston College, Sophie built an impressive career across local and national media, becoming a familiar and trusted presenter on BBC News. Her journey highlights how the foundations developed during her time at college - curiosity, determination, and a passion for storytelling - have translated into long-term success.&nbsp;</p><p>Despite her achievements, Sophie remains closely connected to Weston College. As an active alumnus, she continues to support and inspire current students by sharing her industry knowledge and encouraging aspiring journalists to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Her commitment to giving back exemplifies the strength of the College’s alumni community.&nbsp;</p><p>Reflecting on her experience, Sophie said:&nbsp;</p><p>“<em>The media landscape is so different now from the one I entered nearly 30 years ago and it’s lovely to see how the facilities have been updated to prepare students to go off into the ever-changing world of media. It is such a dynamic industry, so it is great to see that students have access to such high-quality equipment and opportunities within Weston College, and I’m excited to hear more about the work they create within their new podcast suite in the future.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p>Equally inspiring is the journey of <strong>Dan Aldridge MP</strong>, who now serves as the Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare. Dan’s path into further education was not without challenges, as illness disrupted his early studies. However, his time at Weston College marked a turning point, where he rebuilt his confidence and developed the resilience that would shape his future.&nbsp;</p><p>Today, Dan is a strong advocate for opportunity, skills, and education, using his platform to champion the importance of further education in transforming lives. His continued engagement with Weston College reflects a deep commitment to ensuring others have access to the same opportunities that helped him succeed.&nbsp;</p><p>Reflecting on his journey, Dan said:&nbsp;</p><p>“<em>Weston College didn’t just give me qualifications - it gave me belief. It challenged me to think differently about what I was capable of, and that’s something that has stayed with me ever since.</em>”&nbsp;</p><p>Both Sophie and Dan have been recognised as Weston College Alumni Trailblazers, a testament to their achievements and ongoing contributions to their respective fields. Their stories highlight the lasting impact of education, showing how the skills and confidence developed during college years can open doors to meaningful and influential careers.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This month, Weston College celebrated <strong>Raising and Giving (RAG) Week</strong> with the theme of the Wild West. The themed event gave everyone the chance to organise games, activities, and raffles in support of two incredible charities: <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> provides vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering essential emotional support to their families. <strong>UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)</strong> operates in over 190 countries, working to protect children’s rights through initiatives such as vaccinations, education, access to food and clean water, and safeguarding.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the week, students from across the college took part in a wide variety of fundraising activities, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and community spirit. RAG Week is held annually at colleges across the UK and is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, have fun, and make a difference ahead of the exam season.&nbsp;</p><p>Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; learners played a huge role in the week’s success, hosting an exciting lineup of events including a dance-a-thon, Mario Kart tournaments, Buckaroo and Pony Club racing, karaoke sessions, and even a Wild West-themed bar serving snacks and drinks. Their energy and commitment were outstanding, with multiple events taking place each day.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas also embraced the challenge, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; students going above and beyond by selling scrap wood and organising a raffle featuring high-quality tools. Across the college, staff and students fully embraced the theme, dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of denim. The Student Engagement Team added to the atmosphere by selling themed accessories, helping to raise additional funds while encouraging participation.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students also organised an impressive 30-mile Wild West-themed stretcher relay challenge along the seafront. This provided a great opportunity for students to have fun, stay active, and support two meaningful causes, as well as prepare them for the upcoming Ten Tors Challenge and future careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> industry. &nbsp;</p><p>A highlight of the week was the college-wide raffle, which included a range of popular prizes such as day passes and tickets to local attractions, including restaurants, cinemas, and activity centres. Bake sales were also held to boost fundraising efforts.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas across the college also got involved, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a> students enjoying a pyjama day, while <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 organised a games afternoon and football match. <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> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students hosted a Nerf gun tin can alley and a rodeo rush event, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; students led a Pokémon GO raid walk through Weston-super-Mare town centre.&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus, creating an exciting, inclusive, and impactful celebration of community and charity. In total, RAG Week raised an impressive&nbsp;£3,723.98 for <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to everyone who organised events, took part, or made a donation. Your support made the week such a success and helped raise an incredible amount for these important causes.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []"><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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">&nbsp;</p>