We want you to have access to services and initiatives that will boost your chances post Aquinas. On offer is a wide range of careers related opportunities through work experience or volunteering activities. Also provided are application and interview support for medical pathways, teaching or Oxbridge.
For general enquiries about Enrichment programmes, please contact kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk.
Aquinas Medics
We offer support for any student aspiring to go into the professions like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, physiotherapy and radiography. We help students find work experience through Stepping Hill hospital and the colleges SVP programme (volunteering in a care home).
Please contact anna.knowles@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Biology Olympiad
The British Biology Olympiad challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. It enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and to be suitably rewarded with publicly recognised certificates and medals. In addition to encouraging and rewarding pupils in their studies, the BBO is the first stage in selecting a team to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiad. This enrichment is open to all Biology Upper 6 students keen to further their pursuit of the subject.
Please contact Pierre.Villechenoux@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
The CAFOD Global Justice and Peace Group
The Global Justice and Peace Group help Aquinas students become young leaders in their own right. Students who take this enrichment will be given the opportunity to learn about the greatest issues facing our contemporary world. They will be asked not to raise money, but to raise awareness. This year we are looking at the topics of emergencies, climate change, HIV/AIDS and poverty. Our students are then invited to go into feeder schools and deliver workshops and assemblies about these issues with the aim of spreading the message of hope. We ask for students who want to stand up and speak out against global injustice.
Please contact anna.taylor@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Chemistry Stretch and Challenge Group
In the chemistry stretch and challenge group you will be able to; learn about chemistry that is beyond the scope of the A level chemistry course, apply your chemical knowledge, understanding and scientific skills to find solutions to problems about lots of different chemical reactions, many of which are not covered in A level chemistry, enter the Cambridge Lower 6th Chemistry Challenge and Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad, improve your chances of achieving an A* grade. The group is run for U6 students until February half term and L6 from February half term. Speak to your chemistry teacher if you are interested in coming along and they will sign you up.
Please contact jane.lamont@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Christian Union
At Christian Union students explore aspects of faith, discuss topical issues and spend time together in prayer and worship. Whether you’re a Christian and want to grow in your faith or you are curious as to what Christianity is all about, feel free to join us – everyone is welcome!
Please contact zoe.hancock@aquinas.ac.uk for more information.
Duke Of Edinburgh
Aquinas College is an approved centre for the delivery of the D of E award. We are currently offering Gold and Direct Gold awards. Students who have no prior award can join direct gold and complete the full award in 18 months. For students who have already achieved silver can complete gold in 12 months.
Please contact richard.mcdonald@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
The Debating Society
The Debating Society provides great opportunities for those who see value in looking at both sides of the argument, who want to challenge views, address the topical issues of the day, and discuss and disagree with others. Debating is a valuable life skill to develop. It is especially useful for those considering careers in areas such as the law, public service and journalism.
The Debating Society will hold regular debates throughout the year. These will give you opportunities to be involved to the extent you to want to. Some will take up roles of speakers for and against the motion and gain increased confidence and poise in public speaking. Others may prefer to contribute to chairing or help prepare arguments to support speakers and vote on the motions.
Please contact laura.starkey@aquinas.ac.uk for more information.
Driving Theory
Are you looking to get your driving licence? On this course you will cover to the topics you will need to know, help you revise and give you an opportunity to practice mock tests. The course will run at different times over the year and comprises of six one hour lessons over six weeks.
Please contact dave.fowell@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
e-Ambassadors
The Aquinas e-Ambassadors are digital champions who are passionate about using devices, software, apps and social media for the purpose of learning. They are given training in the use of various digital technologies and as a team will create toolkits and resources and host workshops to share ideas and new skills, dedicating their time and energy to offering advice and support.
Please contact sue.glover@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Share Game
The Student Investor Challenge competition involves teams of 4 students and has three rounds of investing £100,000 of virtual money on the London Stock Exchange. Students will need to keep their portfolios healthy by following the ups and downs of the market, judging when to buy and sell in order to make a profit. It is a UK wide investment game for students with a top prize of a trip to New York. On top of that, both the winning team members and their school/college get prize money to spend as well! There are also other prizes on offer throughout the challenge.
Please contact dave.fowell@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (IDEA)
This is a flexible enrichment opportunity which aims to develop your digital skills and to improve your CV and future applications.
The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA is an international award winning programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills for free. Through our series of online challenges, you can win career-enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry-recognised Awards that help you stand out from the crowd. Awards can range from Bronze, Silver and Gold and can be achieved to fit around you.
Please contact john.morrison@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
India Project
The India Project raises money to support a charity in India called ‘Prem Dan’ who help underprivileged children. Many of the children live in the large slum areas of Mumbai which are among the largest in the world. Students meet weekly to plan and organise fundraising activities from cakes sales to large scale sporting and entertainment events. Some students also come to India to work with the children we help; this trip takes place in February half term. Students learn and develop many skills through their involvement in the India Project and also make many new friends.
Please contact priya.bradshaw@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Healthcare Group
The healthcare enrichment group runs weekly, it is designed to prepare you for a career in the health and social care sector. The workshops will cover a range of topics, such as effective communication, implementation of policy and procedures, person centred care, patient safety and many more. The course also helps you prepare for university applications including interview practice and personal statements.
Please contact sarah.harris@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
NCS
National Citizen Service (NCS) is an experience you really don’t want to miss. If you’re 15 to 17 years-old, this is your chance to embark on exhilarating challenges, make your mark and build skills for work and life. This is a 3 week programme over the summer that is recognised by universities and supported by government funding.
Please contact kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Aquinas Citizens
Politics enrichment will be an opportunity for active debate and discussion of current political developments, and a chance to plan for campaigns and events YOU are interested in. You don’t have to be a Politics student to join… There might even be a podcast! We will invite outside speakers in to college (MPs and journalists) and attend events at other venues (People’s History Museum etc). We will plan for holding college-wide mock elections and student-led voter-registration events. Plans are also afoot for a ‘Parliament Project’ female representation event. We will work on higher profile events for Black History Month, International Women’s Day and Pride. We will also work to further develop relationships with outside organisations and community groups (SYP; UK Parliament; Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan, and Salford Universities; Sustrans; etc).
Please contact luke.watson@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Sign Language
Sign Language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Sign Language is used mainly by people who are Deaf or have hearing impairments. This course is perfect for people with little or no experience of sign language. There are no entry requirements.
This is a six week course running from 1st Nov to 6th Dec in autumn term (Term 1) and 10th Jan to 14th Feb in the spring term (Term 2). All courses take place on Wednesdays between 4pm and 5pm
Students wishing to take this further might also be interested in the British Sign Language Level 1 course at the evening school. This qualification will show that the student can communicate with hearing impaired people at a BSL recognised level. The course runs from September to May and can be attended on a Monday or a Tuesday evening. Students wishing to take up this course can do so at a specially reduced rate too! See Kelly Dawson for more details
Please contact kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Maths Challenge
Love problem solving and thinking creatively about mathematics? Then the Maths Challenge Enrichment sessions are for you. Throughout the year we will be tackling a variety of external mathematical puzzles/challenges/competitions as well as starting preparation for university maths admissions tests. During the first half-term of Lower Sixth we focus on gearing up for the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge. This is held in mid October in college and is open to all students. You have the chance to win a bronze, silver or gold certificate and potentially gain entry to the follow on rounds, including the British Mathematical Olympiad. Towards the end of lower sixth the focus will shift towards preparation for the various maths admissions tests, held in October of your upper sixth year, all of which require a problem solving mindset.
Please contact eleanor.kelly@aquinas.ac.uk for more information.
Mock Bar
The Mock Trials enrichment will offer you various opportunities to obtain a realistic insight into the legal world. The events that will take place over the year include: the Bar Mock Trial Competition; an intercollege Mooting Competition through the University of Law; and internal Mooting opportunities. You will be presented with creative and exciting ways to find out more about your legal rights and responsibilities, the Criminal Justice System and the legal process and profession. At the same time you will improve your public speaking, analytical and team-working skills. To be involved in these events, you will need to be able to work as part of a team to present opposing sides of specially written criminal case in real Crown Court buildings. You can take on the role of barrister, witness, court staff or juror, and your performance will be judged by senior barristers. Participation in these competitions is recommended for anybody who wants to find out more about the law; for anybody who is interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession; or, for anybody who wishes to develop their team working, organisational and public-speaking skills.
Please contact mike.barber@aquinas.ac.uk
Student Council
Want to have your say at Aquinas College? Then join the student council! Students meet regularly to discuss college wide issues and represent student voice. The president and vice president are also invited to bring ideas to the board of governors.
Please contract the Student Council desk or email studentunion@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Teachers of Tomorrow
This programme is for anyone interested in a career in teaching. It is a short six week timetabled programme looking at current issues in teaching including safe guarding, lesson observations, teaching standards giving you a real flavour of a teacher training programme. Guest lecturers from Edge Hill University deliver two entertaining sessions. Not only will you understand the roles and qualities required to enter this profession but it will also support you with your applications to university. At the end of the year there is a visit to Edge Hill University to find out more about their current teacher training programmes and gain an insight into what they are looking for in your personal statement and interview technique guidance.
Please contact john.morrison@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Tomorrow’s engineers
Tomorrow’s Engineers is designed to help you discover the huge range of roles within engineering to help you explore the path for you. It includes talks from industry and education experts to guide you on the skills and experience you need to help you enter this sector. You will explore the routes you can take, including apprenticeships and university. If you know the exact type of engineering or just want to know more this programme is definitely for you. It runs in January – one afternoon per week for six weeks.
Please contact marina.bowden@aquinas.ac.uk for more information
Young Enterprise
Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity, recognsied by universities and employers. They give young people the opportunity to realise their full potential supporting the initial set up of a business. They offer advice and guidance from a business advisor, supply materials and training, and have a dedicated website to help you manage your business. The competition you will be entering is ‘The Company programme’ which involves planning, setting up and running a business as part of a small group. You will; Meet new people, Improve your C.V/UCAS application, stand out from the crowd! Develop your interpersonal and employability skills, Learn about the process and what is involved in setting up a business enterprise, Set up a business to maximise profit or to address a social need, Take part in local competitions with the opportunity to compete at regional and national level, If successful in the national completion you will be entered into the European Final!
Please contact joanne.siddall@aquinas.ac.uk for more information