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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
Here at Weston College, we want to ensure that our students are completely ready to progress onto higher levels – both in terms of having the knowledge and skills, but also having the confidence and self-belief that they can succeed when progressing. Therefore, the Progression programmes we offer are the ideal way to give a little extra support, in a variety of modules.
As well as providing extra support, the Progression programme is also designed to allow learners to have a preview of the course before dedicating themselves to the full T Level course. Maria said: “after doing my GCSEs, I had 2 options: either I wanted to go into a job involving computers or become a beautician. I know they are completely different industries, but I couldn’t decide which one to choose”. After applying for both and having interviews, Maria decided to start on the Digital T Level progression journey.
Since starting the full T Level course, Maria has had the opportunity to work with a local company as part of the industry placement on the T Level course. With this involving learning new skills such as PHP programming and website design. Within the course, Maria was able to learn areas such as “programming, web development, cyber security and emerging technology and also take part in an employer set project. In my programming lessons I’m learning python library’s NumPy, Pandas, Tkinter.”
Megan, another learner who has transitioned onto the Digital T Level from the Computing Transition Programme, said that she was “incredibly excited to be progressing to study a T Level course." She continued, "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year of my T level program course, and the opportunities and skills which I have developed in the programme. The course has really reinforced my passion for working in data analysis. Before this course I was not sure what sector I wanted to work in. I'm looking forward to my next steps where I will be studying a T Level in Digital, Production, Design and Development where I can improve my knowledge within computing subjects.”
We are so proud that Weston College has been one of the first providers in the country to offer both the T Level and Transition programmes, and that they’ve both already seen such success in the learner’s journey towards their respective industries, particularly the computing industry in Maria and Megan’s case.
If you are interested in learning more about T Levels, click here!
Weston College proudly announces the nomination of Paige Crocker, a trailblazing student, for the prestigious AoC Student Awards in the category of Student Green Commitment. Paige's exceptional journey, dedication to sustainability, and invaluable contribution to the community have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
Paige, enrolled in the SEND Foundation Learning - Extension Studies, has demonstrated unparalleled determination, becoming a beacon of inspiration in environmental advocacy. Overcoming significant learning barriers, Paige emerged as an ambassador for sustainability, challenging stereotypes as she championed neurodiversity. Her passion for environmental causes has inspired others, proving that the pursuit of sustainability is a universal concern accessible to all.
Commencing her journey at Weston College in 2019, Paige underwent a transformative process, blossoming from a vulnerable individual into a confident advocate for positive change. She embarked on community action projects, participating in local council 'litter picks,' which sparked her deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.
Paige's pivotal role in the college's 'Green Space' sustainable shop underscores her dedication. Not only does she help in a customer-facing capacity, but she also actively creates products, showcasing an unwavering commitment that extends beyond duty. Her leadership skills within the shop and mentoring of peers facing similar challenges highlight her character and unwavering determination.
Her impact extends far beyond the college walls. Paige has represented the institution at various events, including the Sustainable Business Breakfast and local festivals, spreading awareness about sustainability and inspiring the wider community.
Wellbeing Week is taking place from the 10-14th October. As part of this week, and giving voice to mental health, on the 12th, we will be welcoming Hope Virgo. Hope is a mental health campaigner, speaker and author, and she will be discussing the impact and severity of both mental health issues, and eating disorders, with the learners at Weston College.
In 2016, Hope realised the stigma faced by those affected is huge, and she wanted to do more to help. Through the sharing of her own story, as well as trying to showcase to society that eating disorders can be present in all body types, she began writing and speaking in schools. Hope has been doing this for around 5 years now!
Hope’s aim for the talk with the learners is to raise awareness for those who are struggling, and to educate everyone. Furthermore, she hopes to teach the learners how to hold a conversation on the topic of mental health, and come to the understanding that people are able to make a full recovery.
Hope’s advice for a student who is struggling is to seek support, surround yourself with the right people, speak up, and have confidence that things can change! As for the whole college, Hope reminds us to continue talking about eating disorders, and to make the college a safe place for anyone struggling.
On October 17th, Hope is launching an eating disorder manifesto and a school nurse toolkit to assist in empowering people to have the tricky conversations and to push for commitment from the government to further tackle the issue at hand.
Hope tells the college: “For too long people have been left suffering in silence and people have spent too long shying away from conversations around eating disorders as they are afraid of triggering people and causing upset. I want to help empower students to speak up and to offer support to each other.”
We look forward to hearing her talk and empower our learners!
If you want to get involved with, and support this initiative, you can:
- Sign the #DumpTheScales petition.
- Take a photo and use the #ChangeTheStory hashtag when sharing.
- Avoid diet chat as it could be triggering for others.
- Check in with each other.
Follow Hope Virgo here:
- Instagram: @hopevirgo_
- Twitter: @hopevirgo
Keep an eye on our social media platforms to see what else we will be doing for Wellbeing Week!
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
