Last month, our Sport and Fitness students had the opportunity to attend an engaging workshop led by Sport Psychologist, Marcus Nel. The session offered valuable insight into the field of sport psychology, as Marcus shared his personal journey, answered industry-related questions, and delivered a dynamic workshop designed to deepen students' understanding of the career paths available to them.

Marcus Nel is a highly qualified Sport Psychologist known for his holistic and collaborative approach to enhancing mental resilience in athletes. His work bridges the mind-body connection to help individuals perform at their best. Currently a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at UWE Bristol, Marcus has also worked with organisations such as the Bristol Bears Rugby Club and Gloucester Cricket Club, delivering tailored psychological support to optimise performance and wellbeing.

During the workshop, Marcus introduced students to the core responsibilities of a sport psychologist and walked them through what a typical day in the profession looks like. He then moved into an interactive session designed to boost self-awareness. Students were asked to complete a performance profile, helping them reflect on their current mindset and individual strengths.

To explore the concept of anxiety, Marcus led students through an immersive task. First, they completed a questionnaire measuring different types of anxiety—somatic, cognitive, and self-confidence. Then, he surprised them with a challenge: they were told they would have to sing in front of the class. With this unexpected twist, students filled out the same questionnaire again, this time using a different coloured pen to highlight their emotional responses. This activity helped them connect theoretical concepts with real emotional experiences—nervousness, increased heart rate, sweaty palms—and better understand how anxiety can affect performance.

The session concluded with a Q&A, where students were encouraged to ask in-depth questions. Marcus provided honest, insightful responses that gave a realistic perspective on working in the sport psychology field.

This workshop was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore alternative career paths they may not have previously considered. A huge thank you to Marcus Nel for delivering such an engaging session to our learners.

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Sport & Fitness courses, click here.

This Guest Lecture forms part of the Sport & Fitness 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.

In a heart warming six-week project that bridged generations through creativity, Weston College Level 1 and 2 Art and Design students partnered with residents of Beach Lawns Care Home to explore the world of ceramics.

This unique collaboration, which took place from the end of March through April, formed part of Weston College’s ongoing social impact work.

The project began with an idea sparked by the care home, who reached out with an interest in running creative workshops. After coordinating around both the students’ and residents’ schedules, a plan was put in place to run weekly sessions that would grow in complexity and creativity.

During the initial sessions, students and residents worked side-by-side to create clay coasters—an accessible introduction to working with the material.

As confidence grew, the group moved on to crafting trinket dishes, with some residents showing remarkable skill and enthusiasm.

In the final three weeks, the focus shifted from forming to painting, as the co-created pieces were brought to life with colour and personality.

Feedback from both students and care home residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Students shared how valuable it was to engage in real conversations with the older generation—something they rarely experience in their daily lives.

For the residents, the impact was equally profound. At a later museum event showcasing the group’s ceramic creations, emotions ran high as they proudly viewed their work on display.

Chrystal Bliss, Art Lecturer at Weston College, said: “This project stands as a joyful reminder that when we make space for collaboration across generations, we not only craft beautiful objects—we build community, understanding, and lasting memories.

“Throughout, students developed more than just artistic skills. The project offered a meaningful opportunity to build empathy, improve communication, and gain confidence in unfamiliar social settings. It has been a very rewarding experience.

“There have been many highlights of this project, but one of the standout moments came when student Harry gave up his seat to support one of the residents, Eddie, and began guiding others through the process. His thoughtful gesture reflected the kindness and maturity that the project inspired among the learners.”

Eva Jarvis, Art Lecturer at Weston College, added: “We also created Easter decorations with the residents, giving them the opportunity to share their creativity with loved ones during visits. This brought a real sense of comfort and celebration—not just between the residents and their families, but also for our students, whose own families could see the confidence and joy they had helped to nurture through the creative process.

“This project didn’t just highlight the importance of community and intergenerational connection—it demonstrated the truly transformative power of art.”

Find out more about our Art and Design courses, by clicking here.

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. 

We are thrilled to announce that Weston College learner Callum Kavanagh has been named the South West Regional Winner for T Level Student of the Year in the prestigious Lloyds Banking Group Awards 2025.

Callum, who is studying the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level at Weston College, was selected from a highly competitive field of learners across the region. His achievement recognises not only academic excellence but also the remarkable impact of his industry placement at Lloyds Banking Group.

During his placement, Callum contributed to a strategic project within the company’s data team, where he developed a software solution that has since become part of the team’s standard toolkit. His initiative, professionalism, and technical ability left a lasting impression on his colleagues—and led directly to an apprenticeship offer with Lloyds Banking Group.

Callum’s journey has been one of determination and growth. Starting with a Level 2 qualification to build foundational skills, he progressed to the T Level programme and thrived with the support of both Weston College and his employer. Callum also worked closely with the College’s ADHD support team, which helped him manage challenges and perform at his best.

Callum will now represent the South West in the Lloyds Banking Group National Final on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 in London, where one of four regional winners will be crowned the national T Level Student of the Year.

We are incredibly proud of Callum’s achievement and the inspiring example he sets for other learners. His story is a shining endorsement of the power of T Levels, industry placements, and the transformative support offered by Weston College.

Congratulations, Callum – and good luck in the finals!

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.