COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
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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
With the harsh weather conditions expected to get worse as the weekend approaches, we'd like to share with you some top tips on driving in snow or ice...
The most important thing to do before you set off is to check that the College is open - on rare occasions we have to close due to adverse weather, so each day we update this page with the situation at the College.
If the College's is open, the roads might still be icy. Here are some handy things that will help make your journey to College or your apprenticeship placement safer...
Wear safe shoes
The shoes you wear to drive should be comfortable - don't try to drive in unfamiliar shoes like wellies or walking boots. Bringing a change of shoes is a good idea as you might have to walk through snow or ice to get to your destination.
Take it slow
Don't rush the journey - set off earlier so that you have more time to make it to your destination. Accelerate gently and try to get into a higher gear as this helps to stop wheel spin. You might even want to try setting off in 2nd gear to help you get off to a smooth start.
Beware of hills
If you encounter hills on your journey, stick to a low gear when going downhill and try to avoid unnecessary breaking. Going uphill, maintain a constant speed. In both cases, keep a safe distance between you and the car in front.
Remain calm
If you skid on ice or snow, don't panic. Don't slam on the breaks - take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally. Don't take your hands off the steering wheel. If the car is sliding, turn the steering wheel to the direction you want to go - don't overcompensate for the skid.
Plan ahead
Think about the roads you'll be driving on - which parts of your route could be dangerous? Is there a flatter route you could take? The roads around Weston, particularly country lanes and areas like Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe are potential hazards you might want to avoid.
For more information on driving in adverse weather conditions, click here to read an in depth article by the RAC.
Creative Arts and Design (CAD) is an area that has given us some of the most successful alumni over the years. With its vast range of subjects, our CAD department offers the perfect balance of the practical hands on learning combined with theory, to ensure you leave us a master of your craft.
Here are some of our best CAD success stories to date…
Keith Kilpin - Digital Designer
Keith's journey began on a BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design. He then undertook the Graphic Design Foundation Degree before completing the BA (Hons) top up. Keith is now part of the creative team in the digital department, designing games, apps and websites.
He said: “Working at Aardman Animations is a dream come true! It’s simple; without Weston College I would not be where I am today.”
“Weston College has helped me transform myself enabling me to achieve a First Class Honours Degree! The patience and support that I received from my tutors really helped me get the best out of myself.
Holly Quinn - Graphic Designer
This former Weston College student has been named as one of the ‘brightest young stars’ in the UK computer games industry. Holly Quinn, who studied a Diploma in Graphic Design, went on to become the creative director of PQube, where she handled the firm’s Japanese releases.
Holly now works as a Product Designer at Tomato Sauce Limited.
She said: “Weston College has a really great teaching environment and brilliant staff, which helped me to flourish and develop my skills. “I had a really good time at Weston and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an inspirational college.”
Lydia Richards - Fashion Designer
After completing her Art and Design UAL Diploma at Weston College, Lydia went on to study at London College of Fashion and gained an internship with Alexander Wang. She moved to Paris to begin a six-month paid placement at international fashion brand Louis Vuitton.
Following this, she earned a Leather Seller's Emerging Talent award. She now is a Senior Accessories Designer at Cushnie et Ochs, based in New York.
“I loved my time at Weston College,” she said. “The tutors at the College were amazing. It was about so much more than your final grade – they were really interested in progressing your creativity and discovering what you really wanted to do.”
Weston College welcomed a top Bristol chef into its Grove Training Restaurant to teach Level 3 students all about what it takes to cook good food.
Istvan Ulmann, Head Chef at Berwick Lodge in Bristol, lead the Professional Cookery students in an advanced session focusing on meat and offal.
Using topside beef, the students were challenged with creating the classic dish of beef olives with a modern twist, keeping up with the rosette standards at Berwick Lodge.
The students learnt about butchering and portioning, rolling, tenderising, mincing and tying, braising, searing, and a huge range of other skills in their morning session.
The results saw the students successfully make the beef olive filled with mushroom stuffing, served with sage gnocchi, glazed carrots and a beef jus.
This opportunity was part of a chefs' forum partnership aimed at introducing Weston College students to high calibre chefs.
Click here to find out more about the College's Hospitality and Event Management courses...
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