Enrichment Activities
At Aquinas we have an inspiring programme of activities that will enable you undertake sporting, recreational, artistic and creative activities.
The following list is a guide to the enrichment activities the college have running in the 2024-25 academic year. Please beware that activities are subject to demand.
For general enquiries about Enrichment programmes, please contact kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk.
List of Enrichment Activities
| Activity | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Arts Award Gold | Through Arts Award, learners will achieve a national qualification that will build confidence through nurturing their individual interests, while also equipping them with life skills that will support their education and future employment. Students will work across art forms. They will work in a practical way in group contexts. You will write about your experiences, and creative processes. There are 2 units to complete. If you are a student studying Media, Performing Arts, any creative art subject you can do this qualification. This qualification can be completed during your L6 year. You will be timetabled for 1.5 hours a week. The work is project based; both practical and written. Students can develop their own arts practice and develop skills. Qualification: Trinity College London | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| AQ Citizens Politics Discussion Group | AQ Citizens is a politics discussion group open to all students with an interest in politics and current affairs who want to discuss issues, events, and campaigns in a welcoming and inclusive setting. The agenda for each week will be driven by events and issues in the news, but what we discuss or work on is entirely student-led. Previous sessions have focussed on all of the following: the war in Ukraine; the situation in Gaza; feminism; LGBTQ+ issues; Trump's America; immigration and asylum policy in the UK; votes at 16... Who knows what 2025-6 has in store!? Everything is up for discussion and debate. We plan to liaise with the European Parliament outreach team to develop links between UK and EU schools and colleges (of particular interest to language students and EU citizens), and also to look at local issues ahead of council elections in May 2026. We also hope to develop a programme of trips, and events with visiting speakers. All students are welcome, whether you study Politics or not. If you want to meet new people and learn more about the world around you, come along to G18 on Wednesdays at 4pm! | luke.watson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| AQ Magazine | The college magazine “AQ” has been developed to involve students as partners in capturing the very best of Aquinas College. Facilitated by the guidance of staff, students are given a voice and the chance to offer unparalleled insight into college life. | jack.tomlinson@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). | anna.knowles@aquinas.ac.uk |
| AQ TV | An exciting and dynamic student-led news magazine-style show featuring the vibrant and diverse happenings within the Aquinas community. This show is a platform for students to inform, entertain, and engage their peers while highlighting the accomplishments, stories, and events that make Aquinas special. There are various roles to choose from: presenter, producer, camera operator, floor manager, motion/graphics, editor, and many more. | karl.mitchell@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Book Club | The book club meets every 2 weeks. We have open discussions and sometimes we also have set questions to drive conversations. | rachael.woolfenden@aquinas.ac.uk |
| 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. | laura.starkey@aquinas.ac.uk |
| AQ Cinema | Film Club is an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of Film and meet fellow minded film fans. A selection of films will be shown weekly ranging from Classical Hollywood to Cult Classics. Each film will come with a brief introduction and there will be the opportunity for a chat after | tom.dixon@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Grade 5 Theory | Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 5 Theory is a qualification that many students benefit from. This can support UCAS applications and also open the pathway to higher instrumental practical grades. This is a supportive session working with individuals to further develop theory knowledge and ability. | claire.dixon@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Literacy Workshops | The programme consists of four 50 minute sessions which can be delivered according to your timetable. Bridge workshops recognise that good writing skills are key to pupils’ success not just in academic work but in all aspects of life. | |
| Maths Challenge | 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 | eleanor.kelly@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Maths Enrichment | The description for this activity will be included shortly. Inversity Programme Website | dan.slobodian@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Mock Trials | Thinking of a career in the legal profession? Want to develop your skills of public speaking and oracy? Keen to develop transferrable employment skills? The Bar Mock Trial Competition enrichment will provide you with the opportunity to develop invaluable real-world skills and to obtain a realistic insight into the workings of the courtroom. In doing this, 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. Utilising our own college courtroom, the key events that will take place over the year include the national Bar Mock Trial Competition regional heats in the autumn term and an internal mooting (legal role play) competition in the spring term." | mike.barber@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Printmaking | A relaxed space for you to learn new skills. Be inspired and influenced by the work of others. Learn a number of printing methods using traditional and digital methods. All students are welcome. | slyvia.niknijed@aquinas.ac.uk |
| 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. | david.fowell@aquinas.ac.uk |
| 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. | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign Language) | This is a 2 day intense course, TEFL deliver this course at college. This is a fantastic course to do if you are thinking of taking a gap year after college or even if you fancy travelling abroad in the future - this is your ticket to travel the world! | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Tomorrow's Engineers | Running as a 6 week course October to December. This is a really valuable course to do if you are considering taking a degree or apprenticeship/career in Engineering. | marina.bowden@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Tomorrow's Teachers | 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.. | john.morrison@aquinas.ac.uk |
| The Filmmaking Club | The Filmmaking Club offers students the opportunity to explore the full production process, from the development of ideas and storyboarding, through screenplay writing, filming, and finally editing. This enrichment is ideal for those interested in building a portfolio to support future study or career aspirations, as well as for anyone keen to develop new skills in a creative and collaborative environment | gabrielle.southern@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Go Lead Award | This additional award is about developing leadership skills. You will work with other students on project where you take the lead. You will be expected to attend sessions for 6 weeks, attending 45 minute lessons each week. This award can build confidence, help personal development and promote leadership skills. | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Mental Health First Aid | A full 2 day course to complete the Level 3 mental health first aid. This course can ‘boost’ your CV if you are going into Health related careers or Medic programmes. The course is worth an extra 16 UCAs points. | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Health & Safety Level 2 Qualification | This is a 2 day course where you complete a level 2 GCSE in Health & Safety. This course can ‘boost’ your CV to support you in any career but mainly construction, electrical engineering, engineering. | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| AQ Podcasting | If you’re interested in media, entertainment, or sharing your own perspectives, this is perfect for you. Together, we’ll be launching the college’s first-ever podcast. You’ll help shape its structure, create features, write scripts, choose music, and lead discussions about college life. There’ll also be space to bring in your own interests: from games, TV, film and music to sport and more. This is your chance to be part of something new, creative, and student-led from the very start. | jack.tomlinson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| HE Plus Programme | Are you interested in humanities subjects? Have you ever thought about how these subjects connect and relate to each other? If so, this enrichment is for you. Each week we will be reading, watching or listening to something about the humanities- we'll then discuss and debate it. Eventually, you will be doing the talking and presenting on areas that interest you! The aim is to expand your confidence in talking and arguing about the topics that interest you, and hopefully we'll have a couple of summer visits to universities to get you inspired for your next steps. | niall.finnegan@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Youth Stemm Award | The Youth STEMM Award (YSA) is a flexible and personalised skills award for post-16 students, empowering you to design your own programme of STEMM activities. You will work towards a Gold Award by completing activities at college, at home, or online - choosing experiences that align with your interests. You will log your hours and reflect on your learning in a personal YSA digital portfolio. Upon completing your Award, you receive: a Quality medal, a Printed Certificate, and a Digital badge. You can also add Youth STEMM Award to your UCAS application and CV. You should be enrolled on at least one STEMM subject and interested in pursuing a career in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Medical). | alistair.Leigh@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Teen Tech Awards | The Teen Tech Award is your chance to turn your ideas into reality. This is about teamwork, problem-solving, and showing off your skills in fields like coding, design, and robotics. If you study Science, Maths, Digital Media or Design or enjoy researching and designing Join us to develop the projects and the portfolio that will set you apart | dan.slobodian@aquinas.ac.uk |
| LAMDA Acting Qualification | Open to any student who wants to pursue a career on the stage but is primarily for supporting students who are intending to go to Drama School and who are prepared to practice speeches (including Shakespeare) to a potentially large (assembly) audience. You will be expected to perform one of your monologues to a live audience in either an assembly or a showcase to prepare you for the exam. This qualification holds extra UCAS points earn 8 for a Pass, 10 for merit and 12 for distinction. Cost is £89 via parentpay | rick.harris@aquinas.ac.uk carly.horan@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Activity | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Art for Wellbeing | Simple and playful art related activities with a focus on wellbeing and relaxation, whilst getting the chance to meet some new people. All materials will be provided and no prior art skills are needed. | nikita.austin@aquinas.ac.uk |
| CAFOD Young Leaders Programme | 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. | laeticia.sibeh@aquinas.ac.uk |
| 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! | zoe.hancock@aquinas.ac.uk |
| 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. | priya.bradshaw@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Japanese Culture | The description for this activity will be included shortly. | tomomi.mccormick@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Students in Partnership | The Pathways Learning Support Experience offers mainstream students the opportunity to collaborate with Pathways students, taking on the role of a learning support assistant. This programme provides valuable experience working with students who have special educational needs (SEN). It is particularly beneficial for those considering careers in Teaching, Nursing, Social Care, Sociology, Psychology, Cognitive Therapy, or Physiotherapy. | sam.townend@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. | studentunion@aquinas.ac.uk tom.dixon@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Youth SVP Charity Work Champions | The description for this activity will be included shortly. | laeticia.sibeh@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Zanzibar Personal | A unique opportunity for you to engage in global citizenship, sustainable development and environmental conservation whilst snorkelling over coral reefs! A conservation trip where you will work for 2 weeks on several projects. Ideal if you are studying an EPQ. | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Disney Showcase | Running from September - December. This is a show that showcases everything Disney. Rehearsals will be a weekly commitment. You will need to audition to participate in the show. Open to all. | carly.horan@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Choir | Singing has been proven to lift the spirits and focus the mind! The college choir performs at a variety of events throughout the year both in college and in the wider community. We sing all sorts of different music from modern pop arrangements to more formal, traditional choral music. Students of any ability and experience are welcome and you don’t have to be able to read music. Come along and enjoy singing together and making friends. | claire.dixon@aquinas.ac.uk |
| AQ Garden Project | Meet weekly to work on our college garden. Be part of a fantastic project to grow our own vegetables and plant some beautiful flowers and help to keep our garden growing and flourishing. | philippa.eccleston@aquinas.ac.uk hannah.dixon@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Activity | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Men's & Women's Basketball | Our men's basketball team have had some great success over the last few seasons finishing 3rd in 24-25. We compete and train in the college timetable. We have also started our women's basketball team training to come and take part in the sport. Although there is not a registered league yet there are still friendly games being played and all abilities are welcome. | richard.mcdonald@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Book Club | The book club meets every two weeks. We have open discussions with the occasional questions to drive conversations. | rachel.woolfenden@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Chess Club | Students of any ability are welcome to drop into chess club. New high quality chess sets and chess clocks have been purchased for the club and instruction for novices can be given when required. We will organised some chess tournaments later in the year and possibly to have a league table. All that aside though, the main purpose of the club however is to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of chess. | steven.taylor@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Creative Writing | The class is open to anyone with an interest in creative writing. We cover all genre of creative writing - novels. poetry, drama, song lyrics, script writing, etc.- and no previous experience is required. Sessions combine feedback on students' work, where students will ask the group to respond to writing they bring to class, and creative writing activities that require no prior preparation. | anthony.trevelyan@aquinas.ac.uk |
| 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. | hayley.pell@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Euroweek | The description for this activity will be included shortly. | judy.bartlett@aquinas.ac.uk |
| First Aid | The first aid course is a full course (including paediatric first aid) that is worth 16 UCAS points. You will complete it in 1 full day at college. You will also gain a certificate on completion of the course. | kelley.dawson@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Men's Football | Our 1st and 2nd football teams compete each week on a Wednesday afternoon in the north west colleges league. We also train during the college timetable to maximise your sporting potential. | matt.hughes@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Women's Football | Our women's football team compete each week on a Wednesday afternoon in the north west colleges league. We also train during the college timetable to maximise your sporting potential. We play a variety of different formats from 5 to 11 aside. | joe.woollam@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Women's Netball | Our women's netball team have continued to build on their previous success over the last few academic years. We compete and train within the college timetable and it is an inclusive environment for all abilities. | carrie.ferris@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Tabletop Gaming | We explore all aspects of Tabletop Gaming, from Dungeons and Dragons to Warhammer. Whether you enjoy roleplaying, gaming, building models or painting them we can accommodate you with materials and like-minded people. All experience levels are welcome, it doesn't matter if you have never picked up a dice or are a veteran Dungeon Master! Every year we have several student-lead DnD campaigns running as well as demonstrations of a variety of tabletop wargames. We also run a painting course if you would like to learn to paint models or improve your skills. Everyone is welcome! | dan.slobodian@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Men's Rugby | Our men's rugby team has continued to grow each year competing in the north west colleges league. We have our partnership with Heaton Moor rugby club where training and games take place. Fixtures are within the college timetable with training being at the end of the college day. | gareth.goswell@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Fitness Suite & Sports Hall Usage - | We have excellent fitness facilities ranging from weights, CV equipment and a variety of machines. Come and see the PE staff to complete an induction and train at a time that suits you within your timetable (see gym timetable for specifics). We also have the use of our sports hall where students can come and book a badminton court, play basketball, 5aside football and much more. Please see the free play timetable and speak to a member of the PE staff for further information. | matt.hughes@aquinas.ac.uk josh.eason@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Model Making Enrichment | Explore the world of model making and unleash your creativity. Build your practical skills and strengthen your problem-solving abilities while enjoying the freedom to design and create your own 3D model. Whether you're interested in character design for stop-motion animation and puppetry, scenic sets for model railways or tabletop war games, or crafting miniature furniture and dollhouses - this is your chance to bring your ideas to life in miniature form. | dan.riley@aquinas.ac.uk |
| Tabletop Gaming | Step into a world of strategy, storytelling, and creativity at our Tabletop Gaming Club! Open to all students, the club is a welcoming space to enjoy a wide range of games—from intense miniature battles in Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar, to competitive card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon. If you prefer epic adventures and collaborative storytelling, dive into thrilling campaigns of Dungeons & Dragons. We play many other games too and whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned gamer, there's a place for you at the table. Come along, meet like-minded players, and get rolling! |
