This past week Bath Spa University welcomed senior figures from longtime educational partner University Centre Weston (UCW). BSU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Georgina Andrews and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Educational Partnerships Professor Simon Haslett joined colleagues as they celebrated their long-standing Educational Partnership with UCW.
Vice-Chancellor of BSU, Georgina Andrews, said of the occasion:
“We are delighted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between BSU and UCW. Both institutions have transformed their size and shape over this period, but our joint commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunities for diverse communities of learners remains the glue that binds us together. We have demonstrated that Higher Education and Further Education can and should work collaboratively together for the benefit of our region. We look forward to the next 25 years!”
Representatives from both sides enjoyed lunch followed by a presentation of a silver platter to Pat Jones, Principal and Sadie Skellon, Vice-Principal of UCW recognising the impact the Partnership has had for the thousands of students who have studied with them. With courses delivering degrees in Education, Society and Childhood; Make-up, Wigs and Special Effects; Animal Conversation and Welfare; and more, there’s a range of options for students looking to study in a unique setting.
Over the last 25 years, there have been numerous students who have benefitted from the partnership between BSU and UCW, from a student winning Higher Education Student of the Year in 2023, to another going onto work at Walt Disney World, and finally, another student winning the Counselling, Education and Health Student of the Year, as well BSU Student of the Year.
Kam won the Association of Colleges Higher Education Student of the Year award in 2023 and is evidence that it is never too late to take up Higher Education. After facing multiple setbacks in his younger life, Kam made the decision to enter university as a mature student, and UCW gave him the platform to thrive.
Kam’s experience in life allowed him to bring different perspectives to class discussions, and the facilities at UCW allowed him to excel in his chosen field of study.
UCW gave Kam the tools to ultimately win the award, and he is proof that everyone should have access to Higher Education and can achieve their career goals, if given the opportunity.
Ryan, who studied on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, had a different, yet successful journey through to Higher Education. Starting as a level 2 student and working his way up to degree level at UCW, Ryan won a competition for his logo design for when Knife Angel visited Weston-Super-Mare, after North Somerset Council invited students to create a logo for the project.
Through Ryan’s course, he was able to learn from industry experienced lecturers, participate in workshops, and hone his skills. Ryan used his expertise to help other students, especially with Adobe Creative Cloud, and other skills he had in his arsenal such as 3D printing and laser cutting.
Ryan took on an incredible opportunity after finishing his final project, to work at Disney Springs in Florida, moving out there for three months to help with merchandising.
Joseph’s story is one of passion and determination for the field of work he wanted to go into. Joseph took the Education and Early years course at UCW, and in a field where less than 2% of men make up the workforce, Joseph sought to break barriers and thrive.
And thrive he did, as Joseph won the award for Counselling, Education and Health Student of the Year, as well as BSU Student of the Year.
Joseph was the only male on his course, but he took it in his stride, and he became a valued classmate among his peers. Joseph grew not only academically, but personally throughout his time at UCW, and gave him a strong foundation on various education theories and how to apply them to real world settings.
Joseph now works in a nursery setting, and is aiming for a career in primary education, using the tools he learned at UCW to achieve his career goals.
Kam, Ryan and Joseph are just three of many success stories that have come from the BSU and UCW partnership, and as these two institutions celebrate 25 years of collaboration this year, there are sure to be many more student triumphs to come. Speaking on the anniversary of the partnership, Principal and CEO of UCW, Pat Jones said:
“We are so pleased to be celebrating 25 years of partnership between Bath Spa University and University Centre Weston. Over the time we have been working together, we have seen many stories of students going on to do incredible things. This milestone is a testament to the strength of our collaboration, the dedication of our staff, and the ambition of our students who continue to make a real impact in their fields and communities.”
