<p>Two teams from Weston College’s <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> department recently took on one of the UK’s most demanding endurance challenges: the Ten Tors competition on Dartmoor. Taking part in the 45-mile and 55-mile events respectively, both teams demonstrated exceptional determination and commitment, making their college proud in their first-ever appearance at the event.</p><p>The Ten Tors Challenge brings together approximately 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, each navigating a course of 35, 45, or 55 miles, depending on their age, across Dartmoor. Over two days, teams are required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all the equipment and supplies necessary to safely complete their route and camp overnight. Along the way, they must reach ten nominated tors or checkpoints, testing not only their physical endurance but also their navigation and survival skills.</p><p>David Usher, one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> lecturers, praised the students’ performance, saying, “We are really proud of the teams' achievements in this tough event. This was our first time participating in the event and we have learnt a lot for future involvement. Training will start in earnest in September for next year’s event, where we are looking to set the standard for the quickest times possible.”</p><p>Participation in the Ten Tors is a great example of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> curriculum at Weston College, where students are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and leadership through real-world challenges. Events like this prepare students for future service careers by pushing them beyond their perceived limits and reinforcing the value of teamwork, strategy, and mental strength.</p><p>This year’s competition offered invaluable lessons. Beyond navigating Dartmoor’s terrain and tackling its varying inclines, students were also responsible for carrying all essential gear needed for the two-day expedition.</p><p>We’d like to congratulate all those who took part! The physical and mental endurance displayed by all participants, including students from other schools, was inspiring.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… you’re interested in joining the adventure with one of our Uniformed Protective Services courses, click here.</a></p>

<p>Dean Owen, a Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 3 Uniformed Protective Services (UPS)</u></a> student at Weston College, has secured a fantastic scholarship to become an Officer in the <strong>British Army</strong>,<strong> </strong>an ambition he’s pursued since the age of 14. This scholarship not only allows him to complete a university qualification, but also sets him on a direct path to leadership within the Army.&nbsp;</p><p>Once he has completed his <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; course at Weston College, Dean will begin studying a Business Management Degree at the <strong>University of Exeter</strong>, where he will also complete the <strong>University Officer Training Course</strong>, a consistent programme involving weekly evening sessions, eight weekends, and a two-week training camp. This will prepare him for the full-time Officer Training at the <strong>Royal Military Academy Sandhurst </strong>which he will progress to following his degree.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Dean and other Army cadets walking along in a line in uniform&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3268250-3ac4-4b55-85f7-b02b9b997f1b" 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>His journey into the Army will include two years of officer development, followed by 20 weeks of Regiment training in Infantry. Dean then hopes to join the elite Ranger Regiment, which requires an additional 22 weeks of specialist training. The Rangers form part of the Army's Special Operations Capable battalions, and entry is highly competitive.&nbsp;</p><p>Dean’s achievement is very impressive due to the determination and effort he has invested to secure this scholarship, acquiring his success&nbsp;completely independently based on his own hard work. &nbsp;</p><p>Throughout his college years, Dean has been involved in residential trips, rigorous training, and consistently maintained a high level of fitness to pass the physical assessments. The scholarship selection process was intense, requiring a fitness test, medical screening, paperwork, and participation in a 3-day selection board.&nbsp;</p><p>Out of around 800 applicants, only 150 were awarded the scholarship, and Dean secured his place. He believes his success was due to his embodiment of the Army's disciplines and core values. Dean added, “just from the application process, fitness tests and selection board, it showed me what I was really capable of. I was working at 100% effort, and it made me realise what I could do—and that made me really proud.”&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Dean and another Army cadet person standing in uniform&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f3f6f5-6763-40ad-ae03-3550f06f21c9" 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>The scholarship provides a structured seven-year path: three years at university and four years of Army service, although recipients can begin military service straight out of college if they choose. Dean will receive an annual bursary starting at £2,000, with the potential to rise depending on performance during training. Once he completes his education and training, Dean will enter the Army as a Commissioned Officer.&nbsp;</p><p>Dean’s ambition is to serve a full 22-year career in the Army, ideally in the Rangers, and rise through the ranks. For him, the scholarship is more than financial support, it’s the gateway to a meaningful and fulfilling career. He sees it as an opportunity to lead, to challenge himself, and to make a lasting contribution.&nbsp;</p><p>Dean’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with focus, resilience, and a clear career path. His future in the Army is bright, and his journey is only just beginning. Good luck in the future Dean!&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… you’re interested in a Protective Services course, click here.</u></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This year’s Raising and Giving Week (<strong>RAG Week</strong>) at Weston College was a great example of collaboration across all subject areas. With the theme of ‘Flower Power’, the college came together to raise money for two incredible local charities: <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>The Grand Appeal</strong>. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> offers vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and provides essential emotional support for their families. <strong>The Grand Appeal </strong>supports Bristol Children’s Hospital, helping to deliver life-saving care for sick children and their loved ones. The funds raised throughout RAG Week were split evenly between these two amazing charities. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Throughout the week, students and staff took part in a wide variety of fundraising events, ranging from raffles and bake sales, to more active sessions such as sponsored walks, races and football matches. This week takes place every year across the country and is a fantastic way for all students to get involved and take part in fun activities before exam season begins. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Outside of the activities, many people took the flower power theme seriously, with departments such as </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Health and Social Care</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Performing Arts</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> dressed up in bright colours and 70s-style clothes. Not only this, the reception team and some support staff created a ‘Westonbury Festival’ theme, wearing some amazing flower power outfits which ended up winning them best dressed! &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Support staff wearing flower power-themed outfits&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32f7f0cc-ce9c-4f7a-bdff-ab15e794d087" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Another popular RAG Week tradition is a college-wide raffle which featured a range of popular prizes, including day passes and tickets to local attractions such as spas, cinemas, and activity centres. Many departments also organised bake sales across each campus as these are always popular and delicious. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Across the week, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Protective Services</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> hosted two major events: a flower-themed two-hour Zumbathon open to all, and a five-hour stretcher relay along the seafront, covering 26 miles. These activities were a great way for students to have fun with friends as well as enjoy some exercise for two amazing causes. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students dancing at a 2-hour zumbathon event&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edbc41cd-fd11-40b0-8e0b-ddcc9ef9dd8c" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Other departments also got involved, with </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Early Years</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students running a Craft and Wellbeing morning, offering slime-making and loom band activities, while ESOL students provided lanyard name cards written in various languages. </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Media</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students hosted a pyjama and movie marathon afternoon, and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">FIP</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students got involved by running “tutor torture” activities, getting the chance to pie their lecturers in the face.  &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;ESOL students writing names in their language&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b12f7dc-d5ce-443d-9600-632e73274474" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Digital</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students hosted Esports tournaments in games such as Fortnite, Overwatch, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals. They also raffled a high-end gaming monitor generously donated by MSI UK where they raised an amazing £555 from this raffle alone. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Esports students playing in tournaments&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce7b9e90-c172-4146-bc19-46da721d0064" 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 style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">On top of this, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Construction</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students contributed by building eight wooden benches. Five were donated to care homes, where students also spent time chatting with residents and sharing biscuits. The remaining three were sold in a silent auction for staff. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Sports-related fundraising included football matches and gym challenges, and the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Motor Vehicle</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> department added some competition with a Gran Turismo racing challenge using their driving rig, where participants completed a sighting lap and a timed lap. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus of the college, with each subject area contributing in its own way, helping to create a fun, inclusive, and impactful week. In total, RAG Week raised £5112 for <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>The Grand Appeal</strong>. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to everyone who helped organise, get involved, or donate. This support made the week possible and allowed us to raise the amount we did! &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><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></span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>. 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;</span></p>