<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College has welcomed new and returning students for the 2026/27 academic year, with each Career Excellence Hub hosting a range of induction activities designed to help learners settle into college life, meet their peers and staff, and get to know their new learning environment.</p><p>The year began with Welcome Talks led by the College Executive Team. These sessions introduced students to the College’s leadership team and outlined key expectations for the year ahead, alongside important policies and procedures to help learners make a confident start to their studies.</p><p>Across the campuses, faculties also organised a variety of activities combining fun, creativity and practical learning.</p><p><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 toured the Puxton Park campus, met the animals, and took part in hands-on team-building activities.</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…; learners took part in human bingo and a range of icebreakers, 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 created a collaborative ‘Class of 2027’, using collages and personalised playing cards to showcase their creativity.</p><p>For some learners, induction provided an early opportunity to get hands-on with their future careers. <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-… &amp; Beauty</u></strong></a> learners began developing essential kitchen and salon skills, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students completed practical diagnostic activities, becoming familiar with the equipment and techniques they will use throughout their studies.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></strong></a> students explored their campus through a scavenger hunt before taking part in introductory subject sessions. <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> learners worked with interactive simulation dummies during practical assessments and observations, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students got active with team-building and multi-sport challenges.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Arts</u></strong></a> students were introduced to the course through choreography sessions and fun group challenges, including a creative competition to create a wedding dress using toilet paper.</p><p>Learners across <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/educa… Years</u></strong></a>, <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> also took part in icebreakers, problem-solving challenges and team activities, helping them build relationships while tackling challenges linked to their chosen subjects.</p><p>These Welcome Days play an important role in helping learners make a positive transition into college. Alongside introducing students to their courses and learning environments, they provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and start creating a sense of belonging from day one.</p><p>At Weston College, we know that starting a new chapter can feel daunting, so we are committed to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every learner.</p><p>It has been fantastic to see our new and returning students make such a positive start to the year, and we can’t wait to see everything they go on to achieve throughout 2026/27!</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="0 0 []">Earlier this month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</u></a> students hosted a live gig at <strong>The Brit Bar</strong> in Weston-super-Mare, performing a diverse range of songs throughout the evening and gaining valuable hands-on experience in front of a live audience.</p><p>Throughout the night, students performed sets spanning multiple genres, showcasing both their musical talent and individual stage presence. The event featured a solo performance from <strong>Scarlett Davidson</strong>, as well as duets and band performances from <strong>Heron</strong>, <strong>PVA Glue</strong>, and <strong>Sub Octave</strong>. The evening not only celebrated the creativity and hard work of our students, but also gave them practical insight into what goes into delivering a successful live production.</p><p>Performing in established local venues such as The Brit Bar offers students an invaluable opportunity to experience the realities of the music industry in a supportive but professional environment. Live performances help students develop confidence, improve their stage presence, and learn how to engage with different audiences which are essential skills for aspiring musicians and performers.</p><p>Events like these also allow students to connect with other local artists, venue staff, and members of the community, helping them build professional networks and establish themselves within the local music scene. Experiencing a real venue environment encourages adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, while also helping students discover their own performance style and artistic identity.</p><p>For many students, performing live is a pivotal first step towards future opportunities in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and production</u></a>. Whether pursuing higher education, gig work, or careers within the entertainment industry, these experiences provide a realistic and inspiring introduction to the demands and rewards of not just performing professionally, but also understanding the effort and planning it takes to organise a successful gig.</p><p>Oz Cahill, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; lecturer at Weston College, added, “It’s fantastic to see our students performing at external venues, as experiences like this provide invaluable real-world insight that will help prepare them for future careers in the music industry. Not only does it build their confidence, but it also gives them the opportunity to develop their stage presence and learn how to connect with a live audience.”</p><p>“We encourage our students to take part in as many enriching opportunities as possible, helping them gain experience, build professional networks, and establish themselves within the local music scene. A huge thank you to The Brit Bar for providing our students with this incredible opportunity and for continuing to support and nurture the next generation of the music industry.”&nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students who performed and we look forward to seeing where you go next!</p><p>This performance forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Production</u></a> 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.</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><em>Photos credited to </em><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </em></a><em>student, Louis Havinden.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… Performance and Production</a> students at Weston College took part in an inspiring Q&amp;A session with musician and former student, <strong>Beth Rowley</strong>. During the session, Beth shared her journey into the music industry, reflected on the experiences that shaped her career, offered invaluable advice to students hoping to follow a similar path, and even performed a few songs with guitarist, Tom Kuras.&nbsp;</p><p>Beth’s journey began at Weston College, where she initially studied <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</a> before discovering her passion for music and progressing onto one of the&nbsp;<a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; courses. Reflecting on her time at Weston College, Beth explained how pivotal those years were in shaping her future, allowing her to develop her creativity, build confidence, and connect with like-minded people who shared her interests. Her studies also helped her progress to <strong>the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) </strong>in Bournemouth, an experience she credits with opening many doors within the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>During the session, Beth discussed her musical influences and recalled her first major break while studying at BIMM, when she toured with <strong>Ronan Keating</strong> as a backing vocalist. She described this as a defining moment in her career, helping her recognise her value within the industry and giving her the confidence to pursue music professionally. Beth encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity available to them, emphasising that experience and exposure are essential for career development.&nbsp;</p><p>She also highlighted the importance of performing in smaller venues and building a community through live music. Beth encouraged students to attend open mic nights and use intimate performances as an opportunity to discover their stage presence, develop audience engagement skills, and refine their personal style. She explained that these smaller gigs are often where musicians build both confidence and a loyal fanbase.&nbsp;</p><p>Drawing from her own experiences, Beth advised students to work on the areas they find most challenging, rather than focusing solely on their natural strengths. Developing a wider skillset, she explained, can make musicians more adaptable, independent, and versatile within the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>Alongside the highlights of her career, Beth also spoke openly about the challenges she has faced. In particular, she discussed the growing role of social media within the music industry and the increasing pressure artists face to constantly self-promote their music and performances online. Beth reflected on how this shift can sometimes make the industry feel less personal, with greater emphasis placed on creating engaging content rather than focusing solely on the music itself. Her honesty gave students valuable insight into the realities of working within a modern creative industry and how quickly&nbsp;it&nbsp;can adapt.&nbsp;</p><p>Beyond performance, Beth encouraged students to think about the business side of music. She stressed the importance of understanding industry-standard fees, setting boundaries with venues, and recognising personal value as an artist. For students beginning their careers, this advice offered an important reminder that confidence and professionalism are just as essential as talent.&nbsp;</p><p>Comparing today’s Weston College facilities to those available during her time as a student, Beth praised the College’s updated equipment and industry-standard resources. She spoke enthusiastically about the opportunities now available to learners and even expressed interest in returning to collaborate and record with students in the future. &nbsp;</p><p>This session allowed our students to ask insightful questions, listen to a fantastic live performance,&nbsp;and engage with a talented musician who was once in their shoes. Her&nbsp;openness provided students with an honest and relatable perspective, outlining the challenges, sharing her insight and guidance, whilst also discussing how she overcame self-doubt and navigated changes throughout her&nbsp;creative career.&nbsp;</p><p>Beth finished the session with valuable advice, saying, “Your job has to be fun because life is too short to do something you don’t love every day. Fortunately, music has always been enjoyable for me, so I have no regrets. Music helps me get up in the morning. It provides an escape and that’s what you need from your career.”&nbsp;</p><p>Oz Cahill, Music and Production lecturer at Weston College, added, “It was fantastic to welcome Beth back to the College to share her invaluable insight with our current students. Seeing her successful career journey is hugely inspiring and demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. Hearing her honest reflections and industry experience gave students a genuine insight into what a career in music really looks like.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge thank you to Beth for taking the time to share her insight with our students and perform for them!</p><p>This session forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… Performance and Production</a> 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><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><em>Photos credited to </em><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </em></a><em>student, Louis Havinden.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>