Jon Barnett is one of our wonderful Computing lecturers here at Weston College. We caught up with him to find out a bit more about what he contributes to the digital faculty.

Jon explained why he enjoys working for Weston College: “I love working here because of the friendly and welcoming environment for both students and staff. It is always a team approach to development and learning, with everyone helping each other. I’ve never worked in an organisation where everyone feels so valued and important!”

“A normal day as a computing lecturer at college usually starts with a staff meeting to discuss any issues, and we work together to build resources. Its brilliant working as such a tight-knit team, as along with working with all your friends, they’re also always there to support you.

“The morning lessons are always full of discussion and developing new skills with the learners, which then takes us up to lunch, where there is another opportunity to chat with the staff again. Lunchtime is also typically where struggling students will come to me for help, where I’m able to encourage and support them, to boost their confidence for the rest of the day. The afternoon teaching sessions are followed typically by a meeting or an opportunity to review the work that our students have done.

“Although this is what a typical day is like, no two days are the same when working with passionate learners who are constantly out doing themselves with their quality of work; it’s an absolute pleasure to see!

“The best part of my role is watching a learner make a break-through; helping a student achieve the moment where all the pieces fall into place is one of the most satisfying moments in teaching.”

Jon told us: “my biggest achievement in this role was watching a group of students develop their own programs, and then watching their pride in their work and the confidence it gave them afterwards.

“If you’re reading this and thinking of going into the teaching profession, particularly digital or computing my advice for you is be as natural, honest and genuine as possible. The learners and the staff will appreciate it, and you’ll bond with them better if you have these attributes. Finally, just enjoy it; it’s a fulfilling and fun job, so have a good time watching these learners develop their skills in front of you. While digital has been around for a little while, it is still one of the most up and coming subjects out there, with so many new inventions on the horizon. Being able to inspire the new generation of people in the digital industry is just as exciting as it is rewarding.”

Last week our fantastic Performing Arts learners put on their brilliant rendition of pantomime 'Babes in the Wood'!

Students professionally performed in several shows from the 7th to the 8th December at the prestigious Blakehay Theatre.

As well as performing evening shows to the general public, learners also got the chance to wow younger crowds of local primary school students at the show's matinees. 

The wonderful production received this feedback from Walliscote Primary School:

"Please thank your wonderful staff and students. The children LOVED the panto, for so many it was a first theatre experience, even more so after the Covid years. It was a joyous experience from start to finish. 

Merry Christmas to you all and thank you once again."

Amazing work guys!

To find out more about our Performing Arts courses, click here.

Learners from our Business Career Excellence Hub are spreading Christmas cheer, through the Business Enterprise Challenge.

Learners studying Business related courses at Weston College have been split into groups, and tasked with raising money for Weston Hospicecare. Each group have been given a Business Mentor, as well as a £50 donation for a start-up budget. The challenge is to turn their £50 into the most profit, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Each group of learners have created their business plan, which includes sourcing products, developing their pricing strategy, coming up with a marketing plan and then selling their product or service.

The groups have also been given a Business Mentor, with lots of key business people from across the town offering their support to this great initiative (full list below).

The challenge which was launched in October is well underway, and last week (W/C: 5th December) learners took to the Sovereign Centre in Weston-super-Mare, to sell their products. With a presence each day, learners showcased their merchandising skills as well as their products – selling Christmas gifts and raising lots of money in the process.

Dean of Faculty for Professional Studies Access to HE & Animal Science at Weston College, Helen George, said: “I have been really impressed with work that the students have been producing as part of the Business Enterprise Challenge.

“Over the course of the challenge so far, we have seen learners grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build some vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers.

“Most importantly learners are raising a lot of money for Weston Hospicecare, which has been the driving force behind the success we have seen to date.

“I wanted to say a big thank you to our Business Mentors as well, they have provided such valuable advice, guidance and feedback to the learners, and we really appreciate the support that they have given us.”

Each group of learners will present their experiences to a judging panel, as well as sharing how much they raised at the end of January, to try to win one of four awards:

• Fundraisers Achievement Award (for the team which raises the most profit)
• Most Sustainable Business Award (for the most sustainable business or product idea)
• Visual Merchandising Award (best trade stand)
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award (awarded to a team which demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurialism)

With the winners being announced at Weston College’s Celebration of Success event, in February 2023.

If you would like to find out more about studying a business courses at Weston College, click here.