This year’s Raising and Giving Week (RAG Week) at Weston College was a great example of collaboration across all subject areas. With the theme of ‘Flower Power’, the college came together to raise money for two incredible local charities: Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal.  

Weston Hospicecare offers vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and provides essential emotional support for their families. The Grand Appeal supports Bristol Children’s Hospital, helping to deliver life-saving care for sick children and their loved ones. The funds raised throughout RAG Week were split evenly between these two amazing charities.  

Throughout the week, students and staff took part in a wide variety of fundraising events, ranging from raffles and bake sales, to more active sessions such as sponsored walks, races and football matches. This week takes place every year across the country and is a fantastic way for all students to get involved and take part in fun activities before exam season begins.  

Outside of the activities, many people took the flower power theme seriously, with departments such as Health and Social Care and Performing Arts dressed up in bright colours and 70s-style clothes. Not only this, the reception team and some support staff created a ‘Westonbury Festival’ theme, wearing some amazing flower power outfits which ended up winning them best dressed!  

Another popular RAG Week tradition is a college-wide raffle which featured a range of popular prizes, including day passes and tickets to local attractions such as spas, cinemas, and activity centres. Many departments also organised bake sales across each campus as these are always popular and delicious.  

Across the week, Protective Services hosted two major events: a flower-themed two-hour Zumbathon open to all, and a five-hour stretcher relay along the seafront, covering 26 miles. These activities were a great way for students to have fun with friends as well as enjoy some exercise for two amazing causes.  

Other departments also got involved, with Early Years students running a Craft and Wellbeing morning, offering slime-making and loom band activities, while ESOL students provided lanyard name cards written in various languages. Media students hosted a pyjama and movie marathon afternoon, and FIP students got involved by running “tutor torture” activities, getting the chance to pie their lecturers in the face.   

Our Digital students hosted Esports tournaments in games such as Fortnite, Overwatch, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals. They also raffled a high-end gaming monitor generously donated by MSI UK where they raised an amazing £555 from this raffle alone.  

On top of this, Construction students contributed by building eight wooden benches. Five were donated to care homes, where students also spent time chatting with residents and sharing biscuits. The remaining three were sold in a silent auction for staff.  

Sports-related fundraising included football matches and gym challenges, and the Motor Vehicle department added some competition with a Gran Turismo racing challenge using their driving rig, where participants completed a sighting lap and a timed lap.  

Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus of the college, with each subject area contributing in its own way, helping to create a fun, inclusive, and impactful week. In total, RAG Week raised £5112 for Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal.  

Thank you to everyone who helped organise, get involved, or donate. This support made the week possible and allowed us to raise the amount we did!  

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. 

Recently a group of Early Years learners, studying either the T Level or a degree with University Centre Weston (UCW), embarked on an exciting residential to Budapest.  

Over three days, the group immersed themselves in Hungarian culture, education, and history, gaining invaluable insights and experiences which will not only improve their classroom knowledge, but also their personal and professional development. 

Here is how the trip unfolded: 

Day 1 – A Warm Hungarian Welcome 
After an early morning start, our students landed in Budapest, eager to begin their journey. Their first day was spent exploring the city's stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.  

The highlight of the day, however, came with visits to two local kindergartens. Here, our learners engaged with Hungarian educators and children, exchanging knowledge and experiences about early years education.  

This experience reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in order to create a well-rounded generation of future educators. 

Day 2 – Immersed in History and Culture 
Our learners embarked on a guided walking tour of Budapest, delving deep into the city's fascinating history.  

With the help of their knowledgeable guide, the group discovered how Hungary’s past has influenced its present, particularly in education and family life. This immersive experience allowed our students to develop a deeper appreciation for the culture in Budapest while broadening their global perspectives. 

Day 3 – Growth and Discovery 
As the trip came to a close, the learners were enriched by the experiences they had gained. From navigating public transport and managing personal finances to trying traditional Hungarian cuisine and stepping outside their comfort zones, each student demonstrated resilience and adaptability.  

These real-world experiences will enhance their personal and professional growth, making them more confident and well-rounded individuals. 

Lucy Drew, Head of Education and Early Years at Weston College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our learners for embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity.  

“This trip has provided them with skills and memories that will last a lifetime, reinforcing the value of international learning opportunities in education.” 

If you would like to study an Education and Early Years course at Weston College, click here. 

This trip forms part of the Education and Early Years Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

This month, our Music and Production students had the incredible opportunity to take a 12-day trip to Nashville due to the generous funding from the Turing Scheme. The trip offered students the chance to explore the city whilst giving them a better understanding of the music industry, further developing their personal and professional growth.  

The Turing Scheme is an amazing initiative that provides financial support for education providers, enabling students to take part in international study and work placements. This support opens the door to global learning experiences that not only enrich education but also provide cultural awareness and career growth. For many of the students on this trip, it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some having never left the UK before, let alone travelled across the world. The scheme made the adventure extremely accessible, with some students even attending completely free of charge.  

Despite an unexpected delay caused by airport closures that pushed their departure back three days, and weather warnings during their stay, the students remained upbeat and resilient. They took everything in stride, embracing every moment with positivity and maturity.  

After arriving in Nashville, the group’s itinerary was jam-packed! They visited world-renowned music landmarks such as the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where they got to immerse themselves in the history and evolution of different genres. However, the most beneficial visits included Full Circle Music and WeiRock Entertainment as they gave the students valuable industry and studio experience, giving them the chance to network and build connections with Music industry professionals.

They also got the chance to attend tours of iconic locations such as the old and new Grand Ole Opry, Musicians Hall of Fame, various recording studios, and the Ryman Auditorium which allowed students to see first-hand the spaces where music history was made. This gave them a behind-the-scenes look into their future careers with the chance to ask questions.  

Workshops also played a vital role in the educational value of the trip. Students took part in a marketing workshop led by Rick Barker, best known for managing Taylor Swift in her early career, and a vocal training session with Brett Manning, an industry-renowned coach. Peer songwriting sessions encouraged collaboration, with students sharing their work and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. Some even performed on a public piano in one of the museums, capturing the attention of visitors with their music. The final workshop offered a chance to present their songs to a panel of professionals, giving them an invaluable taste of real industry feedback.  

On top of this, the trip also offered a range of cultural experiences. Students enjoyed street performances, a fantastic evening show at the Grand Ole Opry, visits to Madame Tussauds, and free time exploring the famous Broadway strip. They stopped at the world-renowned Carter Vintage Guitars which gave them a hands-on look at top-tier instruments, and they also enjoyed lots of delicious food during their trip which was definitely a highlight! 

This trip made a lasting impact, allowing students to gain perspective on what a career in music really looks like. By meeting professionals, exploring legendary venues, and participating in practical workshops, they developed a clearer understanding of the dedication, creativity, and perseverance required to thrive in the industry. It also boosted their independence and confidence, providing them with essential life skills of navigating life in a city.  

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of staff members Oz Cahill, Tom Manning, and Laura Trace, who went above and beyond to ensure the trip was well-organised, safe, and unforgettable. Thanks to their efforts and the incredible funding from the Turing Scheme, this Nashville trip was an unforgettable opportunity that has helped shape our future Music industry professionals.  

This curriculum trip forms part of the Music 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.