Earlier this month, our Automotive students were recognised for their outstanding commitment to attendance as part of a two-week attendance incentive organised by the Student Engagement Team.

Students who achieved 100% attendance during the initiative were rewarded with a visit to the Haynes Motor Museum, home to the UK's largest collection of cars and motorcycles. During the trip, they explored a diverse range of historic and modern vehicles, gaining a greater appreciation of the evolution of the automotive industry. To round off the day, students also enjoyed an exciting go-karting experience, putting their driving skills to the test as they competed against their classmates on the track.

Visits such as this provide Automotive students with valuable opportunities to enhance their learning beyond the classroom. By examining vehicles up close, students can explore developments in automotive design, engineering, manufacturing techniques, and vehicle technology, helping to bring classroom theory to life. The museum's extensive collection encourages curiosity and provides real-world context for the knowledge and skills students develop throughout their course, while showcasing the innovation that continues to shape the industry.

The visit also highlighted the importance of regular attendance in achieving academic success. Students who attend consistently are better placed to keep pace with their studies, build their technical knowledge, and fully engage with practical learning opportunities that are essential to developing industry-ready skills. Rewarding excellent attendance through initiatives such as this not only celebrates students' commitment but also reinforces the positive habits that contribute to stronger academic outcomes, increased confidence, and future career success.

Congratulations to all of the students who achieved 100% attendance during the incentive. Their dedication and commitment have been recognised with a memorable experience that celebrates the value of consistently engaging with their studies.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Automotive Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

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.

Earlier this month, our Music and Production students hosted a live gig at The Brit Bar in Weston-super-Mare, performing a diverse range of songs throughout the evening and gaining valuable hands-on experience in front of a live audience.

Throughout the night, students performed sets spanning multiple genres, showcasing both their musical talent and individual stage presence. The event featured a solo performance from Scarlett Davidson, as well as duets and band performances from Heron, PVA Glue, and Sub Octave. The evening not only celebrated the creativity and hard work of our students, but also gave them practical insight into what goes into delivering a successful live production.

Performing in established local venues such as The Brit Bar offers students an invaluable opportunity to experience the realities of the music industry in a supportive but professional environment. Live performances help students develop confidence, improve their stage presence, and learn how to engage with different audiences which are essential skills for aspiring musicians and performers.

Events like these also allow students to connect with other local artists, venue staff, and members of the community, helping them build professional networks and establish themselves within the local music scene. Experiencing a real venue environment encourages adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, while also helping students discover their own performance style and artistic identity.

For many students, performing live is a pivotal first step towards future opportunities in music and production. Whether pursuing higher education, gig work, or careers within the entertainment industry, these experiences provide a realistic and inspiring introduction to the demands and rewards of not just performing professionally, but also understanding the effort and planning it takes to organise a successful gig.

Oz Cahill, Music lecturer at Weston College, added, “It’s fantastic to see our students performing at external venues, as experiences like this provide invaluable real-world insight that will help prepare them for future careers in the music industry. Not only does it build their confidence, but it also gives them the opportunity to develop their stage presence and learn how to connect with a live audience.”

“We encourage our students to take part in as many enriching opportunities as possible, helping them gain experience, build professional networks, and establish themselves within the local music scene. A huge thank you to The Brit Bar for providing our students with this incredible opportunity and for continuing to support and nurture the next generation of the music industry.” 

Well done to all the students who performed and we look forward to seeing where you go next!

This performance forms part of the Music and Production Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

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.

Photos credited to Photography student, Louis Havinden.

Our Sport students at Weston College are benefiting from the extensive industry experience of Sport and Fitness lecturer, Isaac Berry, whose successful coaching career continues to shape and enhance the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. 

Alongside teaching and coaching students at the College, Isaac is currently coaching AFC Stoneham, who recently celebrated a historic victory in the FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium. The achievement highlights the real-world expertise that staff bring into students’ learning environments, giving them valuable insight into the demands and rewards of working within the sports industry. 

Isaac’s background in football coaching involves both professional clubs and educational programmes. Throughout his career, he has worked within the academy at Colchester United, where he also managed the college football programme, before moving on to become Head Coach of a football college programme in Newbury. In addition to his work in the UK, he has also coached in the United States during the summer months, further broadening his experience within the sport. 

Now in his second season with AFC Stoneham, Isaac has assisted in guiding the club to remarkable success, winning six trophies in just two seasons, including the FA Vase trophy at Wembley, marking a significant milestone for the club and everyone connected to it. 

For students, having lecturers with current industry involvement offers significant benefits to both their learning and personal development. Isaac’s continued work in football allows him to bring up-to-date knowledge, modern coaching ideas, and real-life experiences directly into lessons and practical sessions, giving students a clearer understanding of the realities of the sports industry. 

Not only this, Isaac will also be Weston College’s Football Academy First Team coach in September, further strengthening opportunities for aspiring footballers and coaches within the College’s academy pathway. Students are able to learn not only technical and tactical knowledge, but also the resilience, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills required to succeed in such a competitive industry. 

Reflecting on the rewards and challenges of coaching, Isaac explained that some of the most rewarding aspects is the teamwork, seeing ideas and game plans come to life on the pitch, and building strong bonds and friendships throughout the sport. However, he also highlighted the importance of perseverance, explaining that setbacks are part of the journey and encouraging students to keep going through the difficult moments in order to achieve the rewards. 

His advice to students hoping to progress into professional coaching is centred around dedication and passion for the sport. He explained that coaching can be the best job in the world, but requires commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to work hard in all conditions.  

He also emphasised the importance of how remaining active within the industry directly benefits his students, as it enables him to provide relevant examples and maintain valuable professional connections that can support learners as they progress into careers within sport.  

He added, “Being involved in the industry allows me to give students real-life experiences and examples during lessons and practical sessions. It helps me stay up to date with modern ideas and trends within the game, while also continuing to build contacts that can support students and provide networking opportunities for them as they move into the industry themselves.”  

Isaac also expressed his gratitude to Weston College’s Sport Department and management team for supporting his continued work within football alongside his teaching career.  

By learning from lecturers with active industry experience, our students gain far more than classroom knowledge. They are exposed to current industry standards, professional expectations, and practical insights that help build confidence, develop employability skills, and prepare them for successful futures within the sports sector.  

This forms part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

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.