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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
The Wessex Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA) at the College has welcomed two visiting lecturers from one of the entertainment capitals of the world, Las Vegas.
Michael Lugering, Professor of Acting, and Louis Kavouras, Professor of Dance, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), spent two days running specialist master classes for students on Foundation Degrees in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre, run in partnership with Bath Spa University, as part of a recently launched collaborative performance project between WAPA and UNLV.
The project involves a number of staff exchanges, along with the sharing of workshops via platforms including Skype, Facetime and YouTube. This will culminate in a unique joint performance in two different time zones via Skype in April 2015 which will be televised across the USA.
The partnership between the two institutions will also potentially provide students with the opportunity to study in Las Vegas, and students from UNLV will be joining WAPA students to perform at Move It! 2015, a large national dance event in London.
Beau Coleman, 22, is studying the BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. She said: “The workshops have been really interesting. My favourite part was breaking down the aspects of a movement and learning how emotions influence movements. I think this partnership is going to be fantastic for the future students, and everyone is really excited about it already.”
Michael Lugering said: “We’ve loved working with the fantastic staff and students in the wonderful spaces they have available to them here at Weston College. It was very important for us to come and have a face-to-face interaction with them in a real space. Our challenge going forward will be to maintain the connection we have built once we return to the States. I am hopeful though that the power of performance will transcend the physical distance.”
The workshops run by Michael and Louis form part of a suite of workshops organised by WAPA and run by visiting professionals, including:
- Tim Richards who teaches the MA in Musical Theatre at Royal Welsh College in Cardiff
- Dr Ed Blake, a leading physiotherapist from Harley Street, who came to talk about the physiology of the voice and specific medical disorders relating to the vocal organs
- Joe Miller, Resident Director for Spirit Productions, who came to teach choreographies for the shows WAPA take on tour
WAPA maintains many close links with employers and professionals, and students will continue to benefit from the embedding of such workshops within the degree courses run at Weston College.
The Wessex Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA) at the College has welcomed two visiting lecturers from one of the entertainment capitals of the world, Las Vegas.
Professional make-up artist Jennifer Lenard took a break from working on the set of the upcoming period drama Fanny Lye Deliver'd to guest lecture at Weston College on Tuesday (29th March).
Jennifer, who specialises in airbrushing, wig making and prosthetics, began her career working on TV productions such as Last of the Summer Wine, Dalziel and Pascoe, and Dancing on Ice, and her recent credits include The Office, Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice, and Star Trek.
She came to Weston College to demonstrate a variety of airbrushing techniques to the College’s Hair and Media, and Level 2 Beauty students. She transformed College student Jessica Rees, age 17, into a geisha – complete with kimono – and answered question about working in the professional make-up industry.
Sandra Bull, Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Curriculum Manager, said: “Jennifer is a BAFTA award winning hair and media make-up artist with extensive industry experience and so it was a huge pleasure to have her here working with our students.
“Having influential demonstrations and instruction from key industry professionals is a great way to raise student aspirations and for them to see how exciting the hair and beauty industry is to be working within.”
Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Centre is available to the public and offers a range of hair and beauty treatments at competitive prices. All treatments are performed to a very high standard by trainees under the supervision of experienced, qualified staff.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact the Hair and Beauty Centre at hair&beauty@weston.ac.uk.
Mind Matters is a weekly informal session highlighting the importance of looking after your mental health.
We are providing advice on anything from low mood to anxiety. They are run by the specialist mental health team here at the College and are for any students looking for support about an issue either inside or outside of the College, ask for advice or questions, or just to pick up some information.
You can also self-refer for support here as well as sign up for or forthcoming sessions on self esteem and anxiety, or to be a Time to Change Ambassador.
Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am
Knightstone Campus LibraryPlus
Loxton Campus Bistro
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
