Last week, our Media and Photography students visited the Bristol Hippodrome to gain work experience photographing the performing arts venue. They photographed both the interior and exterior as well as the staff at work.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain valuable, hands-on experience, learning more about Press photography, portraiture, and working within creative arts in a popular and well-known venue.

During the visit, students received a tour of the building, got a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals for the performance, War Horse, where they were warming up vocals and fitness, and met members of the Bristol Hippodrome staff.

The day began with the students capturing some interior photography of the bar, lounge, auditorium and foyer areas to take promotional photos of the venue using the correct lighting, angles and camera modes.

Following lunch in the Grand Bar, the students then shot more photos from the exterior of the building which was a great way for students to learn to adapt between natural and artificial lighting.

Not only did they learn about the different settings required for public venues, but they also got to consider how to be more discrete when taking photos in such a high-profile environments, making sure to capture up-close and detailed photos without causing disruption or distractions.

During the day they improved their compositional techniques when framing their photographs which allowed them to achieve a variety of shots and develop their portfolios. 

Sam Brooks, one of our Photography lecturers at Weston College, expressed the impact that this experience had on the students’ personal and professional development, saying, “This opportunity introduced our students to high-profile client work with a leading Performing Arts venue. It provided them with invaluable practical experience and the chance to network within a dynamic industry that has a high demand for talented photographers — one we hope to collaborate with again in the future.”

Thank you to the Bristol Hippodrome for accommodating our students and giving them this fantastic opportunity. 

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Photography or Media courses, click here.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Photography and Media Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

As the academic year draws to a close, students from Sport and Health & Social Care came together for an in-house Sports Day, organised by the Year 2 Level 3 Sport Coaching cohort. 

The event brought plenty of energy, teamwork, and laughter as students competed in a variety of traditional sports day activities, including the egg-and-spoon race, sack race, wheelbarrow race, three-legged race, sprints, baton relays, and an intense game of tug-of-war to round off the day. 

Participation was enthusiastic across both departments, with students and staff getting fully involved to earn points for their teams. While some approached the competition with fierce determination and others embraced the fun more casually, the atmosphere remained light-hearted and supportive throughout and provided a much-needed break from the pressures of exam season. 

Health & Social Care students added extra spirit by turning up in colour-coordinated outfits, complete with handmade signs and pom poms to cheer on their teams. Their enthusiasm created a sense of community and excitement that kept energy levels high all day. 

Level 3 Coaching students took on the role of organisers and judges, carefully tracking results and awarding medals to the top three competitors in each event. The day finished with an awards ceremony where the overall winning team was presented with a trophy, celebrating not just athletic success but also teamwork and enthusiasm. 

Flynn, one of the Year 2 Level 3 Coaching students who helped with the organisation of the event, shared the impact of this day on his education, saying, “As a Weston College student, I felt that this event was a really good way for students to take part in an enjoyable, well planned out, first Weston College sports day. Not only was it good for those who participated, but it was also a great way for our Sports Coaching team to practice and learn how to organise a successful event. 

We did have to change the day due to unfortunate weather, redirecting it to the Sports Hall, which was a great lesson of adaptability for our future coaching journey. However, overall, it was a massive success and will become an annual event from now on for the college as it was a great practical lesson for us which helped with our assessments.” 

Dan Lomax, Curriculum Co-ordinator for Sport at Weston College, praised the efforts of the organising students, saying, “The Level 3 Coaching students did an excellent job planning and delivering such a fantastic event. Despite the challenge of moving indoors due to poor weather, they adapted seamlessly and kept morale high. It was brilliant to see both Health and Sport learners enjoying the day together, celebrating the end of a hard-working year. They’ve all been a pleasure to teach, and it was great to see them support each other and fully embrace the day’s challenges.” 

Congratulations to the Year 2 Coaching students for delivering a memorable event that displayed great examples of teamwork, encouragement, and celebration. 

This event forms part of the Sport and Health & Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career. 

Last Saturday (7th June), the Italian Gardens and Winter Gardens came alive with music, fun activities, great food and community spirit as students, families and friends gathered for the Weston College Summer Spectacular, celebrating the end of the academic year and the Class of 2025! 

The all-day event featured live music performances by talented learners, interactive curriculum showcases, and a wide array of family-friendly activities, all designed to highlight the creativity, innovation, and dedication of students and staff alike. The event was officially opened by Weston-super-Mare's new Mayor, Councillor Martin Williams, who was accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Brenda Charles. 

Inside the Winter Gardens, Performing Arts students took centre stage with a preview of their 2025 production, Echoes of the Stage, featuring standout performances from Anything Goes, Cabaret, Les Misérables, and Back to the Future. Musical Theatre and Dance for Commercial Performance (BA Hons) students wowed the crowd with dynamic routines and powerful stage presence. The day also marked a special milestone for our newly formed Adult Community Choir, who made a memorable debut on the iconic Ballroom stage. 

Despite the rain, outdoors on the Italian Gardens, the Music and Production learners took to the stage, showcasing a wide range of talent—from Level 1 students to Higher Education performers from the BA (Hons) in Professional Music Performance and Production at University Centre Weston. Visitors also enjoyed hands-on curriculum experiences, including PC-building demos, VR simulations, automotive diagnostics with a hydrogen-powered car, and nature-inspired sun catchers from the Early Years team. One of the day’s highlights was a special visit from the adorable alpacas from the College’s Animal Management Centre at Puxton Park! 

Throughout the day, curriculum areas held their own award ceremonies, recognising student achievements in front of proud friends, families, and tutors. A standout moment was the Game, Media, Photography, and Film Awards Ceremony in the Ballroom, where learners had popcorn and had a chance to showcase their work to their family and friends and they were honoured with accolades like ‘Learner of the Year’, ‘Heart of Gold’, and the ‘Perseverance’ Award. 

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of Weston College, commented: “This year’s Summer Spectacular has truly showcased the strength of our community. It’s been inspiring to see learners, families, staff and the wider community come together to celebrate a year of hard work and creativity in the centre of our town. We wish the Class of 2025 every success in their next chapter!” 

With hundreds in attendance, the Summer Spectacular was a vibrant reminder of the power of education, collaboration, and celebration. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event! 

The celebrations don’t stop there! On Wednesday 11th June we held our Creative Arts Summer Showcase at our Loxton Campus! The showcase celebrates creativity and achievement, featuring an inspiring exhibition of design, art, media and game and animation and fashion projects from students across all levels and disciplines! The showcase is open until 20th June so make sure to head over and check it out!