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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
Last week Sport learners held another instalment in their series of sports and exercise festivals.
The festivals are a fantastic initiative put in place in order to engage local schools and boost the presence of inclusive sport practice within the community.
Read more about the festivals here.
The most recent event was a football festival in partnership with local Uphill-based school, Westhaven.
According to Head Teacher, Jamie Peacock, “Westhaven is a specialist school, and a unique environment, for children and young people who experience complex barriers to learning.”
The festival, which took place at Loxton Campus in our Health and Active Living Skills Centre, was an excellent opportunity for both Weston College and Westhaven students to collaborate and engage in a fun-filled, active-focused afternoon.
Our Sport learners planned, set up and carried out a circuit of fun activities centred around improving football skills which the Westhaven learners eagerly participated in.
Jack, Sports Academy and Enrichment Management, said “We’re really excited to be growing and building local links with local stakeholders. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to provide sport and enrichment to the community.”
Sports learners, Ella and Skyia, had this to say:
“We had the opportunity to work with the Westhaven students, teaching them the basics and getting them involved in sport.
We think this is important because we’re practicing valuable skills that we’ll need in our future coaching careers. It’s also really important to encourage inclusivity in sports and exercise.”
Amazing work guys!
To learn more about Sport courses at Weston College, click here.
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.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
