A group of enthusiastic students from Pathways to Independence and Adult Learners from Foundation Learning have joined creative forces to design and craft a remarkable Carnival mask for the upcoming Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, taking place on Saturday 1 November.

This exciting collaborative project has brought together learners of all abilities to share ideas, develop new skills, and celebrate the vibrant community spirit that the Bridgwater Carnival is renowned for. Over several weeks, students worked closely to plan, design, and produce their mask, drawing inspiration from the theme of ‘Festivities’. Their finished creation blends traditional Carnival artistry with their own imaginative interpretations, resulting in a colourful and eye-catching design that captures the joy and creativity of the event.

The mask will be proudly displayed in local Bridgwater shops as part of the lead-up to the Carnival, alongside other masks produced by schools in the area. The public will also be invited to take part in a Carnival Mask Trail, encouraging families to explore the town and enjoy the students’ hard work and artistry in the lead up before the big event.

This initiative reflects the vision of UCS College Group – empowering students to transform lives and communities through innovative learning and meaningful partnerships. By engaging in this real-world project, students have not only developed creative and technical skills but have also gained valuable experience in planning, communication, and presentation. Their achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Throughout the project, students collaborated closely with the Bridgwater Carnival Committee to ensure their mask met the high artistic standards and tight deadlines associated with such a prestigious community event. The process involved prioritizing tasks, solving design challenges, and working together effectively to bring their shared vision to life.

This hands-on experience offered far more than an artistic opportunity; it enabled learners to contribute meaningfully to their community while embodying the College Group Advantage ethos – striving for excellence in action. The finished mask stands as a testament to their creativity, determination, and the inclusive learning environment fostered within UCS College Group.

The students involved in the project said they enjoyed having a project they could focus on over a few weeks where they could visually see their progress and have the opportunity to work together doing activities they enjoyed.

Sam Hurford, Lecturer of Foundation Learning, said:

‘It was great to see the students working as a team and to see their ideas come to life!’

Jason Gunningham, Principal of Bridgwater College, continued:

‘It’s fantastic to see the creativity and collaboration of our students. Their work is a wonderful example of learning that connects with our community.’

 

Their contribution to the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival not only highlights the students’ growing confidence and skill but also strengthens the vital connections between education, creativity, and the local community.