COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
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QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers.
Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career.
A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
LATEST NEWS
Creative Arts and Design (CAD) is an area that has given us some of the most successful alumni over the years. With its vast range of subjects, our CAD department offers the perfect balance of the practical hands on learning combined with theory, to ensure you leave us a master of your craft.
Here are some of our best CAD success stories to date…
Keith Kilpin - Digital Designer
Keith's journey began on a BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design. He then undertook the Graphic Design Foundation Degree before completing the BA (Hons) top up. Keith is now part of the creative team in the digital department, designing games, apps and websites.
He said: “Working at Aardman Animations is a dream come true! It’s simple; without Weston College I would not be where I am today.”
“Weston College has helped me transform myself enabling me to achieve a First Class Honours Degree! The patience and support that I received from my tutors really helped me get the best out of myself.
Holly Quinn - Graphic Designer
This former Weston College student has been named as one of the ‘brightest young stars’ in the UK computer games industry. Holly Quinn, who studied a Diploma in Graphic Design, went on to become the creative director of PQube, where she handled the firm’s Japanese releases.
Holly now works as a Product Designer at Tomato Sauce Limited.
She said: “Weston College has a really great teaching environment and brilliant staff, which helped me to flourish and develop my skills. “I had a really good time at Weston and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an inspirational college.”
Lydia Richards - Fashion Designer
After completing her Art and Design UAL Diploma at Weston College, Lydia went on to study at London College of Fashion and gained an internship with Alexander Wang. She moved to Paris to begin a six-month paid placement at international fashion brand Louis Vuitton.
Following this, she earned a Leather Seller's Emerging Talent award. She now is a Senior Accessories Designer at Cushnie et Ochs, based in New York.
“I loved my time at Weston College,” she said. “The tutors at the College were amazing. It was about so much more than your final grade – they were really interested in progressing your creativity and discovering what you really wanted to do.”
Twenty six Weston College and University Centre Weston Animal Management, Business Management and Travel and Tourism students returned from the trip of a lifetime to San Francisco earlier this month.
The trip saw the students have incredible experiences such as visiting the headquarters of Facebook, Google, and Apple, walking the Golden Gate Bridge and visiting the infamous Alcatraz prison. The fun didn’t stop there, they got to attend the Academy of Science, the Aquarium, the Zoo and The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Lecturer Olivia Hill said: “The trip contained some amazing opportunities for students that they may not have got to experience in the UK.
"Visiting headquarters of leading tech firms was a real plus for business students, while the animal students had a fantastic learning experience at the Academy of sciences.
"For Travel and tourism students, Alcatraz provided them with a great example of how a top tourist attraction can run.”
Josie Skuse, Travel and Tourism student, said: “The trip was fantastic, we were able to see and do so many things.
"It was so interesting to experience the culture of San Francisco and learn about the importance of historical events that happened in the area. Alcatraz was an experience I will never forget.
"Seeing iconic locations and visiting the headquarters of internet giants such as Google and Facebook was great to see. We visited Japanese Tea Gardens, Pier 39 and the academy of science, which was fascinating.
"The whole trip was very enjoyable and well run with a great community of student and teachers to travel with.”
This year Weston College hospitality students will get the opportunity to learn from renowned chef, Mikey Bain.
Mikey enjoys a growing reputation in the industry, having learnt under some of the UK’s best chefs such as Ramon Farthing and Martin Burge who have successfully run Michelin Star restaurants. Having served a great tutelage under these chefs, it wasn’t long before Mikey was running his own kitchen. He had great success here too, having achieved 2 AA rosettes whilst running the kitchen at Beechfield House Hotel. Mikey is now Senior Sous chef at Calcot Manor.
Sandra Bull, Divisional Lead for Hair, Beauty, Hospitality and Catering at Weston College said: “We are delighted to welcome Mikey to the team through the chef’s forum. He has had a great career so far and has a lot of experience to share with our students."
Mikey added: “I am thrilled to be presented with this opportunity, and cannot wait to get started. Learning from industry professionals has really helped me grow into the chef I am today, and I would love to share my expertise to help future chefs.”
For more information on our hospitality offering, click here.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
