COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
Your Future Starts Here
With hundreds of exciting courses, this is where your journey begins. From day one, you'll be supported, inspired, and on track to a rewarding career.
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Whether you're finishing school, changing direction, or learning English with our ESOL courses – we’ve got you covered.
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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
Students from Weston College’s hospitality and catering department have attended their first industry event, preparing food and serving front of house at Thornbury Castle.
Level 1 and 2 hospitality and catering students were invited to a Chef’s Forum event at the hotel, where they made canapés with Head Chef Andy Chan at a sparkling wine reception.
Andy said: “The learners were a credit to the industry. They were so keen to learn, and it’s wonderful to get people like them in the kitchen and see the future of catering. They have all been really great!”
The event saw a huge range of chefs and suppliers from across the Bristol area attend, giving the students a chance to network while getting first-hand event experience.
They also got the chance to watch a number of demonstrations, including butchery, herbs and spices, and demos from the Thornbury Castle chefs themselves.
Sandra Bull, Area Manager of Hair, Beauty, Hospitality and Catering, said: “It was the first event experience for many of our Level 1 students, and they were thrilled to get the opportunity and experience a real working environment. It really helped them to get a feel for the industry and learn about potential future career paths.
“We’re so proud of all of our students for their efforts, and extremely grateful to everyone in the industry who continue to coach and inspire the next generation!”
Starting at a big college after spending years in a school environment might seem like a massive step...
If you're not sure what you'll need to bring on your first day, the list below should point you in the right direction.
Each year we welcome our new students to the College with a university-style Freshers’ Festival, which is packed full of fun activities.
Here you can find out more about pursuing your interests and talk to businesses about careers. There will be employers, agencies, charities and community groups at the fair, and you will be able to sign up for volunteering, fundraising, sports, clubs and societies.
In previous years we've put on a variety of activities to help you meet the other people on your course and across the College, including assault courses, climbing walls and and bucking broncos.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
