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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
This month (April 2024) we opened our newly refurbished library at Loxton Campus, marking a significant enhancement aimed at enriching the learning environment for our students.
The ambitious redesign was driven by feedback gathered from a series of student surveys and numerous discussions involving both students and faculties based at Loxton Campus.
This collaborative effort ensured that the refurbishment was not only about aesthetic upgrades but also about making the library more beneficial to the educational needs and comfort of its learners.
Claire Moore, Head of Learning Centres at Weston College, said: “Understanding what our students and staff wanted from our library was crucial. Feedback was an essential part of this project, allowing us to tailor the space to better suit their academic and personal growth.”
The redesigned space now boasts increased study areas, modernised resources, and technology-equipped zones designed to support both individual and group learning.
Claire added: “Libraries are an important part of the student journey at Weston College, and we are really excited to be providing this new facility for our learners.”
The reopening of the Loxton Campus library is a testament to Weston College's commitment to providing top-tier educational facilities that help students reach their potential.
The feedback from learners has been overwhelmingly positive too, Marvellous who is an A Level student, commented: “It is a really pretty space, and there is a lot of space for group study which is great!” Sirona, an Art and Design student, added: “The area has been improved and suits different study styles. There are great options for studying independently and also as a group.”
This significant investment in campus infrastructure underscores the college’s dedication to creating an environment where learners can succeed and flourish.
You can view some pictures of the new space, below.
This month (April 2024) we opened our newly refurbished library at Loxton Campus, marking a significant enhancement aimed at enriching the learning environment for our students.
Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Centre has been selected to host the regional stage of the WorldSkills event for the second year running.
Around 80 students from across the South West will visit the College on Tuesday 18th June to put their hair and beauty skills to the test.
WorldSkills is a prestigious international competition designed to create excitement and passion for learning in young people. Competitors take part in regional and national events before progressing to the international finals.
Experts design the industry-specific competitions, which help equip apprentices and students with the skills UK businesses need to compete globally.
Sandra Bull, the College’s Lead for Hair, Beauty, Barbering, Hospitality and Catering, said: “Each year colleges apply to host these prestigious competitions, so it speaks volumes for the quality of our hair and beauty facilities that the regional event is returning here.
“The Hair and Beauty Salons were refurbished recently, which makes it the perfect setting for the competition.
“As well as hosting the event, we’re also proud to have four learners – Ella Aston, Zoe Clark, Chloe Williams and Emily Spence – competing for a place in the national finals. We wish them the best of luck!”
The day will include competitions in hairdressing, beauty therapy, beauty therapy practice, creative media make-up, commercial make up and nail techniques.
The four College competitors have been putting in hours in addition to their College timetable to train for the event. Local employers have also helped them prepare by providing feedback and coaching. They secured their regional places after submitting photographic entries.
Winners of the regional heats are announced in September and the national finals take place in mid-November. The UK finals involve 1,000 young people aged 18–24 competing in 40 skills areas, from mobile robotics and graphic design, to carpentry and catering.
T Levels are a brand new, 2 year qualification which is being launched in September 2020 and at Weston College we are offering the Digital T Level.
So if you’re leaving school in May, here are 4 reasons why we think you should consider a T Level:
Get a head start on your career
T Levels give you the opportunity to gain work experience (a minimum of 45 days) with a local employer, so you can work on real life projects and gain new skills. When you’ve completed your studies, you will stand out from the crowd having industry experience.
Gain a recognised qualification
Just like A Levels and apprenticeships, T Levels will give you the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Once you have completed your qualification you can then choose to study further at university, with a higher level apprenticeship or go straight into employment.
Gain a qualification created with employers
Unlike the traditional A Level route, T Levels have been designed with businesses across industries, to prepare you for working life.
Some of the businesses that have worked on T Levels include Fujitsu, Bank of England and the British Army.
Learn your way
T Levels will take place in the workplace and classroom, which will allow you to learn your way.
You can find out more about our T Level offering by clicking here.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
