Weston College was delighted to welcome renowned Sudanese diaspora writer, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, as the keynote speaker at this year’s Academic Conference, themed ‘New Beginnings’.

The Conference is an annual event that kicks off the academic year for all college staff, ahead of the start of term for students in September. The ‘New Beginnings’ conference marks a significant moment in the College’s journey, as it embraces a new era of leadership and renewed commitment to fostering a diverse, ambitious, and inclusive educational environment.
 

Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a former mechanical engineer turned influential voice in global discourse, has made significant contributions across multiple fields. She has authored four critically acclaimed books, written two plays, and is currently developing several projects for screen. 

Her work, which spans both fiction and non-fiction, delves into the complexities of human and power dynamics in politics, culture, and technology. Through her insightful analysis of systemic challenges, Yassmin has become a powerful advocate for transformative justice and a fairer, safer world for all. 

The ‘New Beginnings’ Academic Conference aligns with a pivotal time for Weston College, as the institution welcomes its new Principal and CEO, Pat Jones alongside a new Deputy Principal Alex Warner and Chief Finance Officer Janet Stephens. 

The Conference explored how these new beginnings will influence staff behaviours, ambitions, and expectations—particularly in how they inspire and shape the ambitions of our learners. Additionally, Weston College is proud to be on a journey towards achieving Investors in Diversity status, reinforcing our commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture that values and celebrates diversity at every level. 

Yassmin’s participation emphasised this commitment, offering staff an opportunity to engage with her unique perspectives on creating equitable and inclusive environments. 

Pat Jones, reflecting on the significance of the event, stated: “We were honoured to have Yassmin Abdel-Magied join us as our keynote speaker. Her insights on systemic change, justice, and the power of narrative were incredibly relevant as we embark on this new chapter for Weston College. Her work exemplifies the values we strive to instil in our community, and we look forward to continuing to support our staff and learners to create their brighter futures this academic year and beyond.”

Our HGV Bootcamp has had a profoundly inspiring impact on Andy, who has successfully transitioned into his dream career, showcasing the effectiveness of our training program.

Andy secured a position with Towens, a company he had strategically targeted during the career planning segment of our employability course.

Andy has shared his enthusiasm for his new career, crediting the HGV Bootcamp for his success:

“I excelled throughout the entire bootcamp and can't thank Weston College enough for the hard work you put in for all the students. The HGV Bootcamp provided a calm and clear learning environment. The day after I passed my test, I went straight to Towens. The following day, I spoke with the managers, and I started my training the day after that. I’m now fully employed as a Class 2 tipper driver for Towens, just as I set out to be. I absolutely love my new career. Many thanks again to the team at Weston College - you've helped change my life."

If you’re ready to kickstart your own career, click here.

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 here. 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.

At this year’s Creative Arts Summer Show, we saw impressive work from our students! Our learners on the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design - Pre-Degree showed strong talent!  

We’re putting a spotlight on some of the work produced and taking you behind the scenes into the inspiration behind the pieces.  

Jack: 

Jack’s work revolves around the idea of perfection and imperfection. He achieved this by having one side of his piece being ‘perfect and clean’ and the other being more chaotic. As Jack eventually aims to be an illustrator, he chose a geometric layout. The linework in the chaotic side of the piece corresponds to letters in a paragraph based on the word perfection, showing an impressive blending of ideas.  

Izzy: 

Izzy’s work is about her connection with her coastline. Living in a coastal area, she has a strong focus on the impact that climate change is having on these areas. A key inspiration behind this theme was finding out that a walking route that Izzy regularly takes with her dog would be underwater by 2050 due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. To achieve this, her work has the colours of nature, using flowers and florals from this coastline.  

Edith: 

Edith’s work centres on the theme of identity, especially regarding being a twin. The work was inspired by her journey to be independent and discovering her own personality. The course has helped Edith to discover new working processes and has prepared her for university, which she will be going to after a gap year.  

Mercedesz: 

Mercedesz’ work has many elements including a section inspired by a spider's web. This represents an area where a spider can hunt but is also the home for the spider. The work focuses on a theme of home, which can be lost but also found. The focus point of the piece represents a starting point for Mercedesz to create her new home from, with many elements branching off. 

Sydney: 

Sydney’s work was about rebirth and the healing process from a traumatic event. She was inspired by self-grief, creating work based on looking after yourself and healing independently. Sydney used crochet to achieve this effect. She describes the course as a completely different experience to A Levels and secondary school. Her words to anyone thinking about the Foundation Arts course are clear: “It's the best thing ever! Just do it!”.  

Feeling inspired? Find out more about the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design - Pre-Degree by clicking here!