Enrichment

You will explore American culture and history though their representation in film. In lessons we will talk about The American West, Civil Rights, The Vietnam War and Colonial America and, for each topic, watch a film, voted for by students, which deals with relevant issues. Past film choices have included BlacKkKlansman, Platoon, The Witch, and The Magnificent Seven.

Thinking of becoming the next Indiana Jones or simply keen to deepen your historical knowledge? If so, our Archaeology enrichment could be perfect for you. This short course explores ritual, religion, and belief systems, focusing on the practices and structures associated with them - such as cremation, in humation, and the construction of funerary monuments across the British Isles. It’s an ideal choice for students interested in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or even some science based subjects, thanks to its broad scope and fascinating content - many of which can be explored further at degree level.

You will take part in a national mock trial competition, working with a team to prosecute and defend legal cases against other schools. You will be assigned a role such as Barrister, witness or defendant and will research, prepare and present legal arguments. This enrichment will help you develop confidence, public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork skills while gaining valuable insight into the legal system. It is ideal if you are considering a future in Law, the justice system or public service.

During this enrichment you will develop practical laboratory skills while exploring chemical and biological problems linked to medicine, agriculture and healthcare. Through activities such as chromatography, titrations, DNA extraction and chemical synthesis, you will strengthen your analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills. You will also gain experience of techniques used in scientific research and industry, making this enrichment ideal if you are interested in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine or other science-based careers.

Discover the vital role Biomedical Scientists play in diagnosing disease and supporting patient care. You will explore areas such as haematology, microbiology, histology and biochemistry through case studies and practical activities. Alongside developing laboratory skills, you will strengthen your communication and independent research skills. This enrichment is ideal if you are considering a career in healthcare, biomedical sciences, medicine or related scientific fields.

Why do humans live the way they do? In this introduction to anthropology, you will explore the key developments that shaped civilisation, including language, religion, farming and money. You will investigate how these breakthroughs transformed human societies and continue to influence our lives today. If you enjoy asking questions about why society works the way it does, this enrichment will help you develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour and culture.

Do you have an interest in writing and want to start writing fiction and/or improve your writing skills? If the answer is yes, this is the enrichment course for you. You will learn how to write your own fascinating and intriguing novels or short stories, based on a range of ideas and opinions. The course provides an opportunity for you to develop your own work in these sessions, which will ensure you create a read which is enjoyable from start to finish. 

You will complete an independent investigation into a science-related topic of your choice while developing research, analysis and report writing skills. Through the CREST Award programme, you can work towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold award by producing an academic project. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy scientific enquiry and want to develop skills that will support university study, research projects and future careers in STEM subjects.

In this course you will explore definitions of crime and how crime can vary over time, place and culture. You will learn about some of the key techniques involved in criminal investigations and examine their usefulness. You will consider the structure of the Criminal Justice System and the role each organisation plays in controlling crime. You will also get to hear from people working within the Police and Probation Service. Finally, you will explore different punishments for criminality and assess their effectiveness. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to study any humanities subjects at university as well as Law, Criminology or Sociology.

Discover how Economists use data to explain and predict changes in the world around us. You will work with real-world datasets in Excel to investigate trends, test theories and identify causal relationships. Along the way, you will develop valuable statistical, analytical and problem-solving skills used by economists, financial institutions and data analysts. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in economics, business, finance or data science.

Explore the hidden world of microorganisms and their role in the environment. You will learn how to isolate, culture and identify microbes using laboratory techniques while investigating how microorganisms affect ecosystems and environmental processes. Alongside developing practical scientific skills, you will carry out research and communicate your findings.

Extend your biological knowledge beyond the A level curriculum by exploring topics such as genetics, ecology, evolution, animal behaviour and palaeontology. You will investigate real scientific research and use a range of resources including articles, videos and interactive activities. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy Biology and are considering further study or a career in the biological sciences. 

In this enrichment you will explore the culture and history of different countries through film. Topics include the slum gangs of Brazil in City of God, class conflict in South Korea in Parasite, life in 1990s Paris in Amélie, and Fascist Spain in Pan’s Labyrinth. Through discussion and analysis, you will develop a deeper understanding of international cinema while exploring the social, political and historical contexts that shaped these film.

You will explore over 500 years of art from around the world, examining how artists have reflected culture, politics, religion and society through their work. From masters such as Caravaggio, Picasso and Warhol to lesser-known but influential artists, you will analyse key movements, themes and historical contexts. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in art, history, culture or developing your critical analysis skills beyond the classroom.

Explore how horror reflects society’s fears, anxieties and cultural concerns through a range of classic and modern texts and films. You will analyse characters, themes and storytelling techniques while discussing why horror continues to fascinate audiences. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy literature, film studies or exploring how popular culture reflects the world around us.

Explore some of the biggest mysteries in the universe, from rockets and black holes to dark matter and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. You will investigate both what Scientists currently know and the questions that remain unanswered. Through research and discussion, you will develop your scientific understanding while producing a presentation on a topic that interests you. This enrichment is ideal if you are curious about space and considering further study in physics or astronomy.

Build on your accounting knowledge by exploring financial analysis, costing techniques, ethics and business decision-making. You will investigate how organisations use financial information to plan for the future and evaluate performance. This enrichment is ideal if you are considering a career in accounting, finance or business and want to develop valuable analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after by employers and universities.

Learn the fundamentals of electronics through practical circuit-building and Arduino programming projects. You will explore how electronic systems work while developing problem-solving, coding and technical skills through hands-on activities. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in engineering, computing, robotics or technology and want to gain experience of concepts that are widely used in higher education and industry.

Take your mathematical thinking beyond the A level curriculum and explore fascinating topics studied at university. You will investigate concepts such as infinity, fractals, topology, group theory and number theory while developing your reasoning and problem solving skills. This enrichment is perfect if you enjoy mathematical challenges, are considering studying mathematics at degree level, or simply want to explore some of the subject’s most intriguing ideas.

You will investigate the evolution of life on Earth and the significant events which have led to the formation of key phylogenetic groups. You will also study key events in the evolution of symmetry and the introduction of the vertebrates, revealed through a number of sources including simulations, videos, live webcams, scientific articles as well as interactive activities. This enrichment course is ideal for A level Biology or BTEC Applied Science students that want to deepen their knowledge beyond the standard curriculum as well as those students wishing to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine or Science, Zoology, Conservation or Ecology in the future.

During this enrichment you will explore the fascinating world beneath the ocean’s surface and discover how marine organisms survive in a range of environments. Through theory, practical activities and aquarium visits, you will investigate marine habitats, ocean ecosystems and the adaptations of creatures that live there. You will also explore topics such as tides, phytoplankton, sharks and marine conservation. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in biology, ecology or environmental science.

Develop practical STEM skills by learning how to use MATLAB and LaTeX, two tools widely used in science, engineering and higher education. You will gain experience in coding, data analysis, modelling and presenting mathematical information professionally. Through hands-on activities and a mini-project, you will strengthen your technical skills while building confidence for university study and careers in STEM-related fields.

Do you think the information we’re given around politics is neutral? Are there any rules around this? How can we combat media bias in politics? These are the questions that we will aim to answer throughout the course of this enrichment, looking at a variety of media sources and analysing any bias that may be present. We will discuss why this is problematic for politics and how it could be improved in the future.

This practical course will offer an exciting introduction to solving real-world chemical and biological problems, relevant to medicine, agriculture, and the chemical and healthcare industries. Over the first five weeks, you’ll develop valuable transferable skills in analysis, evaluation, and practical lab work through collaborative experiments. Activities include amino acid chromatography, vitamin C titration in fruit juices, drug analysis, and DNA extraction from strawberries or kiwi. In the final weeks, you’ll synthesise and purify aspirin using techniques like recrystallisation and melting point analysis. The course ends with a competition to produce the purest, highest-yield sample, combining precision, teamwork, and real-world pharmaceutical insight.

This hands-on course explores real-world chemical and biological challenges linked to fields like medicine, agriculture, and sustainability. You’ll build practical, analytical, and evaluative skills through experiments such as chromatography, vitamin C titration, and DNA extraction. In the final weeks, the focus shifts to green science as you produce biodiesel from different sources, ending with a competition to create the most efficient biofuel - which offers the chance to apply your learning to a global issue.

Explore some of life’s biggest questions, including the nature of reality, morality, free will and the existence of God. You will learn how Philosophers construct arguments, evaluate evidence and challenge assumptions. Through discussion and independent research, you will develop critical-thinking and analytical skills that are valuable across a wide range of subjects. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy debating ideas and questioning how the world works.

Develop professional Adobe Photoshop skills while learning techniques used in graphic design, advertising and digital media. You will explore image manipulation, retouching, poster design and creative visual effects through practical projects. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in design, marketing, photography or creative industries and want to build a portfolio of work while developing highly transferable digital skills.

Is being a psychopath actually helpful? Is there such thing as free will? What are the most evil things found in behavioural research? Are you really two consciousnesses? Can you diagnose personality disorders? In this topic we will explore, discuss and review research into all these areas and more, in a dive into the weirdest, most wonderful, and downright bizarre areas of behaviour – none of which covered by any A level or undergraduate degree in the country, providing you with an insight into higher-educational study, as well as providing an awareness of what potential careers in psychology could involve.

Explore the films of Quentin Tarantino to understand what makes a director an auteur. You will analyse recurring themes, visual styles and storytelling techniques across films such as Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and The Hateful Eight. Alongside developing your film analysis skills, you will learn how to critically evaluate directors and filmmakers, making this enrichment ideal for students interested in film, media or creative industries.

This course introduces students to various sociological questions and concepts relating to major contemporary social problems, from how colonial legacies continue to shape society, to the climate crisis and the rise of inequality. Sessions will be run weekly by academics from The University of Manchester and will aim to prepare you for university-style conversations on these topics. Replicating university seminars, these sessions will be discussion based without any written work. At the end, you will receive a certificate from the university confirming your completion of the course.

Investigate some of the most significant events in history and consider what makes a true turning point. You will examine how key developments changed societies, governments and people’s lives, while debating their long term impact. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy history, critical discussion and exploring how past events continue to shape the world today.

In this enrichment, you will work with other students to create a large-scale textile tapestry for display in the college. Each week, you will design and make your own fabric square using a range of textile techniques, responding to themes such as identity, self-expression, poetry, and teenage experiences. Your work will become part of a final collaborative installation that celebrates different voices, stories, and perspectives. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy creativity, storytelling, art, and design. You will develop practical textile skills, experiment with new materials and ideas, collaborate with others, and contribute to a public artwork. Opportunities may include community research visits and guest speakers. 

Build on your accounting knowledge by exploring financial analysis, costing techniques, ethics and business decision-making. You will investigate how organisations use financial information to plan for the future and evaluate performance. This enrichment is ideal if you are considering a career in accounting, finance or business and want to develop valuable analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after by employers and universities.

Develop your painting skills while taking inspiration from the techniques made famous by Bob Ross. You will learn how to create landscapes, seascapes and wildlife scenes using oil paints while exploring colour, composition and texture. This enrichment is ideal if you enjoy art, want to improve your practical skills, or simply want a creative and relaxing way to express yourself.

You will take part in the CityZen Challenge, using teamwork, creativity and problem solving skills to design solutions that improve your local community. Through interactive activities and project work, you will explore the world of civil engineering while developing skills valued by universities and employers. You will work with teammates to create and present your ideas, with opportunities to compete for prizes and gain insight into a respected and globally important profession.

During this enrichment you will complete the UK’s first Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Cybersecurity, gaining knowledge and skills that support progression to university, apprenticeships and careers in the sector. Worth up to 28 UCAS points, this qualification introduces key cybersecurity concepts and industry standards through guided online learning. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in technology, digital security and one of the fastest-growing career sectors in the UK.

Investigate some of the most important environmental challenges facing the world today, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and sustainability. You will explore the scientific causes of these issues and consider potential solutions through case studies and discussion. This enrichment will help you develop analytical and critical thinking skills while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental issues relevant to future careers and university study.

Led by a qualified instructor, you will be introduced to some of the basic elements of first aid. You will learn how to assess an emergency situation and administer first aid to a casualty in a variety of situations, ranging from the treatment of shock to the specific techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At the end of this enrichment, if successful, you will gain a nationally recognised certificate in First Aid at Work. 

Join a student indie games studio and experience the process of creating a game from concept to completion. You will work in specialist roles such as artist, designer, programmer or sound designer while collaborating with other students to develop a finished product. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in computing, digital media, animation or the games industry and want to develop teamwork and project-management skills.

Develop your understanding of healthy living by exploring nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices that support physical and mental wellbeing. You will investigate current health guidance, analyse real-world health issues and create resources that encourage healthier choices. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in health, sport, nutrition or healthcare careers and want to develop practical knowledge that can benefit both yourself and others.

Are you an experienced musician and want the opportunity to form a band while at college? During this enrichment (similar to Radio 1’s Live Lounge) you will working with other students to create a band where you can twist classic anthems by changing genre and creating ‘mash-ups’. This enrichment is a great way to develop your own skills as a musician and also allows you to build collaborative skills with other artists.

Are you an aspiring Doctor, Dentist or Vet? Then this is the enrichment for you! This course will show you how to choose the correct university course to suit you, and will skill you up to give you the best chance of successfully applying. You will learn how to tackle the UKCAT test, the different styles of learning on offer at different universities, how to de code the jargon, get through multiple-mini interviews, understand medical morals and ethics and how, where, why and when to apply for work experience. You will be given advice and guidance on how to write an eye-catching personal statement and work with like-minded individuals to improve your presentation and research skills. This enrichment will run from January in year 12 through to year 13, when you have completed your UCAS application. 

Develop advanced digital skills by learning how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook effectively. You will improve your ability to create professional documents, analyse data, deliver presentations and manage information. This enrichment is ideal if you want to strengthen your academic, employability and workplace skills while gaining confidence with software used across a wide range of careers.

Ready to challenge yourself and build powerful skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving? Join our enrichment programme and prepare for the prestigious Oxford Schools Debating Competition, where over 1,000 students from 350+ schools take part each year. You’ll develop the confidence and techniques to construct persuasive arguments and think under pressure and access exclusive online workshops led by Oxford University debaters. This is your chance to represent our college on a national stage while gaining invaluable skills that will strengthen university applications, interviews, and future careers.

You will explore a wide range of healthcare careers and gain an understanding of how NHS multidisciplinary teams work together to support patients. You will investigate contemporary health issues, examine the roles of different healthcare professionals and develop your awareness of career pathways within the sector. You will also create health promotion materials, making this enrichment ideal if you are considering a future career in healthcare, nursing, allied health professions or public health.

Gain an insight into the rewarding profession of midwifery and the support provided to women and families throughout pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. You will explore the responsibilities of midwives, the skills required for the role and the pathways into the profession. This enrichment is ideal if you are considering a career in midwifery, healthcare or related fields and want to understand what the role involves.

Are you thinking about a career within education or working with young people? Then why not consider choosing the Pre-Teaching course. This enrichment will not only introduce you to the skills required for work in this sector but will also help you make connections with professionals in the local area. You will receive training from a local Headteacher before joining a primary school for an 8-week placement where you will work directly with pupils in the Rochdale area. This is a great way to gain experience if you are considering applying for a teaching degree or pursuing a career in education. 

Discover how psychology is applied in careers such as forensic psychology, mental health, education, business and the NHS.

Explore the challenges and rewards of working in social care through real-life case studies involving safeguarding, mental health, ethics and professional decision-making. You will examine how practitioners support individuals and families while developing your understanding of contemporary social issues. This enrichment is ideal if you are considering a career in social work, healthcare or community support services.

Develop practical video editing skills using industry-standard Adobe Premiere Pro software. You will learn techniques such as continuity editing, transitions, colour grading, sound design and experimental editing while analysing examples from classic films. This enrichment is ideal if you are interested in film, media or digital content creation and want to build valuable technical and creative skills.

This enrichment will allow you to gain an insight into careers in law through attending a range of talks delivered by different guest speakers from Solicitors to Barristers, members of the civil service, Legal Advisors to Magistrates and many more. Following each talk, you will then complete activities based on the career highlighting a ‘day in the life of’ each one. This will broaden your understanding of the opportunities available in law.

British Sign Language (or BSL) is a helpful skill to have if you ever want to communicate effectively with deaf people. It consists of hand movements, hand shapes, as well as facial expressions and lip patterns to demonstrate what people want to say. This 10-week course will teach you the basics of BSL. You will learn how to ask questions, find out how someone is, and have a conversation with someone using BSL.

Whether you are new to chess or already enjoy playing, this enrichment will help you develop your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. You will learn tactics, opening principles and game analysis techniques while competing against other students. Chess encourages logical thinking, patience and decision making under pressure, making it an enjoyable and rewarding activity for students of all experience levels.

In the Henna art enrichment programme, you will explore the historical and cultural significance of henna, learning about its origins and traditional uses in various ceremonies. You will be introduced to the henna plant and the process of making henna paste and you can practice drawing both traditional and contemporary henna designs on paper, developing steady hand control and familiarity with motifs. You will receive hands-on training in applying henna using cones, mastering techniques for creating intricate designs. The course culminates in planning a charity event, where you will apply henna on students and staff to raise money for a charity of choice. 

Learn to knit! In this enrichment you will learn to cast on, knit, cast off and sew pieces together. If you pick these skills up quickly you can move on to learning knitting skills such as purl, knitting with multiple colours and following a pattern. We will make large squares that we will sew together to create blankets which we donate to a local charity for homeless people.

The beginnings of yoga were developed over 5,000 years ago and it is still popular today all over the world for its physical and mental benefits. In this enrichment, a qualified and highly experienced teacher will introduce you to basic skills and ideas of yoga. You will learn some of the core yoga positions and work on a range of exercises to improve your core strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

You will develop valuable skills for university, employment and everyday life through the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Throughout
the programme, you will complete activities in the volunteering, physical and skills sections while building resilience, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. You will also take part in two challenging expeditions, planning and navigating your own route as part of a team. Completing the Gold Award is a highly regarded achievement that can strengthen university and job applications.

The Mandarin enrichment is delivered by the Confucius Institute from The University of Manchester and helps you achieve the HSK certificate. This is an excellent addition for students who wish to develop and diversify in their learning of languages. As well as gaining a qualification, you will be learning a language that is at the centre of a developing commercial and technological world and would be useful to all students, not just those studying MFL. 

Are you an excellent team player with a passion for football? Join our outstanding football team as part of your enrichment. This is a great opportunity to indulge your competitive side. Attend weekly training sessions led by highly skilled coaches on an evening from 4-6pm (transportation to and from Heywood Sports Village is provided).

You will also have the opportunity to experience the variety of football games that exist including 5 and 7-a-side games on Wednesday afternoons. As a minimum, you will have the opportunity to compete in the North West College’s Sports League (NWCL) against other sixth form colleges in the area on Wednesday afternoons. These spaces are strictly limited, so sign up and stay active throughout your college experience.

Are you an excellent team player with a passion for netball? Join our outstanding netball team as a part of your enrichment. This is a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills and still have the opportunity to indulge your competitive side. The netball enrichment comprises of weekly training sessions at Heywood Sports Village on a Monday evening from 4-6pm with transport provided. There are also weekly fixtures against colleges from around the North West on a Wednesday afternoon in the North West College Sports League. This enrichment provides an excellent opportunity to continue competing in elite sport, meet new friends from around the college and improve your ability as a netballer.

The Musical Theatre enrichment programme offers a wide range of opportunities this year, welcoming students interested not only in performing but also in backstage roles. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a professional theatre environment, working alongside a team with real industry expertise, where high standards are expected. Over 20 weeks, we will stage a professional musical theatre production performed to a paying audience. Roles available include cast members, musicians, and backstage crew such as stage manager, lighting and sound operators, props master, costume, make-up, hair, and follow-spot operators. This is a 20-week programme that includes evening sessions.