Enrichment
This enrichment program is open to anyone interested in exploring computer programming. It is suitable for those who are completely new to programming as well as experienced programmers.
This enrichment will give you an opportunity to learn how to code using Visual Basic. You will develop the skills needed to create fully working programmes and by the end you will be capable of creating interactive two player games.
For those of you who are more experienced, this enrichment will expose you to the world of Raspberry Pi computing and give you opportunities to create more advanced programmes dealing with anything from creating new circuits to programming a range of robotic challenges.
Why choose this enrichment?
This enrichment will allow you to develop your programming skills and prepare you for the challenges of university and employment. The ability to program and work confidently with code could enhance any career path you choose to take.
How long will the enrichment last?
September – May.
How much time a week will it involve?
1 hour 30 minutes of contact time per week.
What will it cost?
Nothing.
Who can sign up?
Students who are new to programming, but with a strong interest to learn as well as more experienced programmers who want to develop further. Students from any subject or course are welcome.
How do I sign up?
You can apply to join this course at enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification designed to prepare students for the mathematical demands of study, work and life. The course content includes tax and national insurance, Fermi estimation, the normal distribution, confidence intervals, percentages, critical analysis of graphs, correlation and data analysis. There is a focus on applying the mathematics to real life contexts. This content is aimed at building students’ confidence with mathematical ideas and applications in their professional and academic life.
Why choose this enrichment?
The course has been designed to include mathematics content that closely aligns with other subjects, most notably A level Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Business Studies, Accounting and Economics. Students enrolling on BTEC Applied Science will also find the skills learned highly applicable to supporting their course. It would also be useful for students wishing to pursue careers in teaching or healthcare (such as nursing). The qualification is equivalent to an AS level in terms of UCAS points.
How long will the enrichment last?
One year, over the course of Year 12. In May and June, there are two external 90-minute assessment papers.
How much time a week will it involve?
3 lessons per week totalling 4.5 hours. Intervention sessions may extend this to 5 hours in certain weeks. Students will also need to complete some homework and independent study.
What will it cost?
Students will need a scientific calculator (details at enrolment), which can be hired for a refundable deposit.
Who can sign up?
Interested students should have achieved a grade 5 or above at GCSE Mathematics and must not be studying A level Mathematics or A level Statistics as one of their 3 (or 4) A level choices.
How do I sign up?
Students should sign up at enrolment. Students may also sign up to another enrichment alongside Core Maths.
If you want to develop your public speaking and reasoning skills, the Debating Society could be the enrichment for you. You will get the opportunity to meet once a week with like-minded learners to debate a range of topical issues. There will be the chance to work towards participation in the ESU (English Speaking Union) Mace Debate competition. This is the oldest and largest debating competition for schools, aimed at students aged 11 – 18, which pits students against teams from other schools both regionally and nationally. Regional heats begin in November and if successful, teams can progress to the Grand Final in April.
Why choose this enrichment?
The ability to form logical and well-reasoned arguments is a skill that universities and employers greatly value. This enrichment will help you think critically and analytically and the need to speak publicly will help you to develop your confidence. Communication and team-working skills will also be boosted by being involved in this enrichment and it is an impressive addition to any CV or university application. It is of particular benefit to students wanting to progress onto careers related to Law, Politics and Business Management.
How long will the enrichment last?
This is a year-long commitment.
How much time a week will it involve?
Meetings will take place once a week, with some after-College commitments possible when ESU Mace competition is taking place.
What will it cost?
There may be some transport costs for ESU Mace competition.
Who can sign up?
This enrichment is open to any student with a desire to get involved in discussion and debate.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
The DofE is an internationally recognised award favoured by employers and universities alike. By participating in the DofE Award you will develop key skills of confidence, dedication and commitment. You can design your own DofE programme. Activities within the DofE programme can be matched with those you are already doing. For example, activities like playing football, learning an instrument or being a member of the Student Council can be used as evidence towards the DofE bronze award. Most enrichment options within this guide can be used as a skill evidence for the bronze and silver awards. See page 4 for more information about how your enrichment can support a DofE award.
Why choose this enrichment?
Sign up to the DofE programme if you want to develop personal skills including time management, problem solving and initiative. It will also improve your interpersonal skills and give you friendships and memories for life!
How long will the enrichment last?
September 2024-July 2025.
How much time a week will it involve?
1 – 2 hours per week.
What will it cost?
Bronze award: £24 for course sign-up fee; £10 at a future date for transport costs. Silver award: £24 for course sign-up fee; the silver award will incur some camp and travel costs.
Who can sign up?
All Year 12 students can sign up to this course.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is possible to do another enrichment alongside the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The EPQ is a piece of independent work of a student’s choice, which can either be an artefact or an extended piece of academic writing. The focus is on research and planning skills leading to a final piece. There are a number of specialist routes available including through one of the subject academies. Students are encouraged to be creative and innovative. The work completed cannot duplicate any work completed for another subject but it can be related to it. The EPQ is assessed at A level standard and as such an A* is achievable. Examples of recent projects include making a music video, writing a short story, creating a dance performance, producing an animation, creating a webpage and designing a business. The possibilities are endless!
Why choose this enrichment?
The EPQ was created in conjunction with universities to help students develop the skills necessary for independent study at uni. EPQ students tend to develop excellent organisation skills and get a better understanding of how to manage and complete their own workload. This is not only useful for university and future employment, but also for A levels and BTEC studies. It is an excellent qualification to talk about in the personal statement for UCAS and may also lead to a reduced offer for university places.
How long will the enrichment last?
September – completed in Year 12.
How much time a week will it involve?
One lesson.
What will it cost?
No cost.
Who can sign up?
All students.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. You can sign up for another enrichment activity alongside the EPQ.
If you want to go on to work within a health-related field after College, come and be a Health Ambassador! As a Health Ambassador you will be involved in educating, promoting, and raising awareness of health-related issues around the College. You will work with staff and external agencies to support the health and wellbeing of learners at Solihull Sixth Form College. In previous years, our Health Ambassadors have run workshops on healthy and toxic relationships, drug and alcohol awareness and promoting healthy eating habits. The Health Ambassadors have worked with organisations such as Umbrella, Urban Heard and Solihull MBC.
Why choose this enrichment?
Anyone interested in health-related matters will thrive in this enrichment. If you are intending to follow a career in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, teaching or any people-facing role, this enrichment will give you the opportunity to increase your confidence, develop communication skills and work alongside external agencies delivering health-related education. In 2022-2023, the Health Ambassadors promoted the following health-related issues: World Aids Day, Autism Awareness Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. The Health Ambassadors also ran a series of workshop during Valentine’s week that promoted healthy relationships, identified the signs of sexual harassment and discussed what coercive relationships are.
How long will the enrichment last?
September to July of Year 12.
How much time a week will it involve?
A weekly meeting for the duration of the enrichment. This will change depending on the health campaign you are involved in. Learners will be expected to initiate their own health promotion campaign at the College.
What will it cost?
Nothing – just a willingness to give up some of your time.
Who can sign up?
Students in Year 12 who are interested in health-related matters and study subjects related to health or plan to study / get employment in medicine, nursing, social work, teaching or other related health care courses.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
Please note this is an enrichment course. Students do not add this at the application stage, but will instead add it to their programme at enrolment.
This enrichment is open to all students who are interested in the workings of the Criminal Justice System, or potentially a career within it. On this enrichment you will benefit from it being delivered by a criminal justice expert. The enrichment will explore the inner workings of agencies and the people involved in criminal investigations such as the Police, The Crown Prosecution Service, The UK Courts and The Prison and Probation Service. You will learn vocational and academic knowledge of the Criminal Justice System in action.
Why choose this enrichment?
If you are considering a career in the Criminal Justice System or have a general interest in this area, this enrichment could support you in learning more about the different career options available and exactly what everyone does from the start of the crime scene to what happens when someone is convicted of a crime. There is also the opportunity to complete an Extended Project – a qualification highly valued by universities.
How long will the enrichment last?
Full year.
How much time a week will it involve?
One period a week for the main session and you may be required to undertake a further 1-2 hours a week of independent study in completing your Extended Project Qualification.
What will it cost?
There may be possible costs for local travel and events.
Who can sign up?
This course is for students studying any subject discipline who have an interest in finding out about criminology or policing or are planning a future career in any area of the criminal justice.
How do I sign up?
You can apply to join this course at enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
Terry Kitson was a governor of the College between October 1992 and September 1999. He is greatly missed by his family, colleagues and friends, but his work for the College is remembered through the naming of the Kitson Building and this annual award to support students who are providing a valued service in the wider community.
Why choose this enrichment?
The award will be made in the form of a bursary to Year 12 or 13 students who are involved in voluntary work within the wider community in the UK or overseas. Student may wish to use the award to support voluntary work which they are currently involved in, or an activity which they are planning during a ‘gap’ year.
The award is seen as a competitive event, where the successful student(s) will have to demonstrate that they have satisfied a number of criteria. The selection process is also designed to support the student in developing and refining their project planning and presentation skills.
A total bursary of up to £2,000 is available to be shared between the successful applicants. In the event of two or more successful applicants, the selection panel will allocate a proportion of the bursary to each project, which is commensurate with its level of need.
Who can sign up?
Open to all students.
How do I sign up?
The Kitson Award will be advertised across College in January 2025, with details of how to apply. It is possible to do another enrichment alongside the Kitson Award.
Experience first hand what it is like to be a delegate at a conference.
Practice the art of public speaking in a purpose-built debating chamber.
Champion the strategies to mitigate climate change across college.
Why choose this enrichment?
Enhance your soft skills of listening, discussing and debating.
Experience the art of public speaking in a considerate manner.
Make a difference with practical actions to ensure the college reduces its carbon footprint.
How long will the enrichment last?
Full year and will include:
Autumn Term - Preparation of materials/PowerPoints and attendance at Model UN Conference.
Spring Term - Carbon footprint reduction on transport with SMBC and partners and attendance to Green Transport event.
Summer Term - Collaborate with teams in college to promote ‘green’ activities and Environmental Week.
How much time a week will it involve?
1 lesson per week.
What will it cost?
No cost.
Who can sign up?
This is an ideal enrichment activity for Year 12 students.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
A group of students will sign up to and tackle the National Cipher Challenge (https://www.cipherchallenge.org) as presented each year by the University of Southampton. Initial sessions start with an introduction to basic ciphers in September before looking at more difficult code cracking and the use of software. In October to December there is a sequence of challenges of increasing difficulty, posted by the university for students to try to be the first to decipher as they uncover this year’s mystery. There will be an opportunity within the enrichment to consider how the skills developed can be used in different careers.
Why choose this enrichment?
“At crypto club students often tell me that ‘I never thought I could do that’ … It isn’t solving messages that matters but the journey they take to arrive at the solution.”
Students should choose this enrichment to open up an area of mathematical and puzzle-solving thinking not normally taught in schools but is a world that increasingly drives our modern lives. What does it mean for something to be ‘encrypted’? How did we get from ancient ciphers to modern cryptography? What happened at Bletchley Park, and how did the need to crack codes in wartime lead to the invention of computers?
Students can take on this learning as part of a fun challenge that also builds teamwork and independent study skills – and getting to show off how good a code-cracker they have become. Each team of students can submit their entries to the Cipher Challenge online and if completed, students can win the national competition. The best codebreakers in the country will receive medals at a special award ceremony in Bletchley Park.
How long will the enrichment last?
From September to January.
How much time a week will it involve?
1 session per week. These start with ‘lessons’ on ciphers and later become a shared meeting for students to discuss their progress and organise their teams.
What will it cost?
Nothing. Students will need to be able to use a web browser on a phone or laptop.
Who can sign up?
Any students. Strongly recommended for those looking into Pure Mathematics or Computer Science at university.
How do I sign up?
Students should sign up at enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
This enrichment is open to everyone who would love to get some hands-on experience of practical investigations in a science lab. You’ll start with some exciting science experiments, leading onto forensic investigations where you’ll use techniques to identify a suspect. You will develop your analytical skills through a series of practice investigations, and those who demonstrate a high enough level, will be entered into the Royal Society of Chemistry, Schools analyst competition.
Why choose this enrichment?
This enrichment will give you the chance to work with others, develop your observation and communication skills and problem-solve. You’ll gain a better understanding of how scientific principles and concepts apply to everyday situations, and this will make learning more meaningful. This may even cultivate a lifelong interest in science and related fields.
Is this right for me?
Do you: Enjoy working in a team? Trying to find the answers to questions? Working out the reasons why things do – or don’t – happen?
How long will the enrichment last?
Full year.
How much time a week will it involve?
One lesson per week.
What will it cost?
There are no costs to take part, however there may be a cost implication for local trips and visits.
Who can sign up?
All students.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
The Pre-Medical school is an enrichment activity designed to support students who have serious and realistic aspirations to study medicine at university. Students will have the opportunity to explore the world of Medical Science outside of the syllabus. It will prepare students for university applications by developing their awareness of current affairs within this field, understanding of the medical profession and develop a greater appreciation of the essential skills and relevant experience required for a successful university application. They will develop their oracy and confidence while discussing ethical issues as well as current initiatives within this field.
Types of activities include:
• Science book club
• Preparation for the UCAT test
• Ethics debates
• Developing problem solving skills
• Developing study skills in Science
• Work experience
• Visiting speakers
• Trips to universities and master classes
Students are also encouraged to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in a relevant medically-related field. Partner universities include: Aston, Birmingham, Keele, Leicester and Liverpool.
Why choose this enrichment?
Experience gained during this enrichment will give you a detailed insight into the skills and knowledge required to make a successful application to study medicine.
How long will the enrichment last?
Support provided by this enrichment will run throughout Year 12 and the application process, culminating in Year 13 with interview preparation.
How much time a week will it involve?
Structure and frequency of meetings will be finalised once enrolment figures are known.
What will it cost?
Attempts are made to keep costs to a minimum. There will be occasional transport costs.
Who can sign up?
Students must be enrolled onto A level Chemistry and at least one other Science A level. GCSE English and GCSE Maths must be at least grade 6.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
Psychology students who join this specialist enrichment will have the opportunity to work with psychology professionals / researchers and visit universities. This opportunity gives students the chance to investigate the science behind Psychology. In the first instance, students will investigate famous scientific studies and their methods of research; then students will develop their own research project. This enrichment leads to an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), giving students the chance to boost their university application with extra UCAS points.
If you are interested in continuing to study Psychology (or a combined degree such as Psychology and Criminology) then the Psychology Academy will be very useful for you. All students who do this enrichment must be studying A level Psychology.
Why choose this enrichment?
The Psychology Academy will equip you with many transferable skills. Such as:
• Develop knowledge beyond A level Psychology
• Grow your communication skills
• Develop the ability to research
• Refine your critical thinking
• Improve your employability
The Psychology Academy will give you a real insight into how psychologists gather data and use it to formulate general laws of human behaviour. You will also get the chance to conduct your own psychological experiment. In previous years students have investigated:
- Why do we dream?
- Does the media cause eating disorders?
- What is the impact of fame on child stars?
How long will the enrichment last?
September 2024 - May 2025.
How much time a week will it involve?
One lesson and termly visits by speakers and university trips.
What will it cost?
Cost of travel to universities. This year we visited Newman University, Birmingham University and Aston University.
Who can sign up?
Year 12 Psychology students - students who are interested in studying a Psychology-related degree at university. This can include Criminology, Forensic Psychology and combined degrees with Psychology components.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
The College runs high-performances squads in Basketball, Cricket, Football, Netball and Rugby. The Basketball Academy is run in association with the City of Birmingham Rockets, who provide opportunities for students to train and play within their U18 structure outside of the college system. The rugby team is run in association with Moseley Rugby Club.
Why choose this enrichment?
This enrichment gives you the opportunity to develop yourself physically, socially and emotionally. You will develop your teamwork and communication skills along with the organisation needed to balance training, game preparation and academic work.
How long will the enrichment last?
Basketball - The commitment to the Basketball Academy is for the full year as training for this enrichment continues into the summer term.
Cricket - The enrichment takes place within the summer term, although there is a yearly indoor competition in November.
Football - The enrichment takes place between August and May with league fixtures starting in September.
Netball -The enrichment takes place between August and May with league fixtures weekly.
Rugby - The enrichment takes place between September and May with league fixtures weekly.
How much time a week will it involve?
Basketball - The commitment is for a minimum of 14 hours per week, which is a mixture of training and game time.
Cricket - The commitment is for 5 hours per week which is a mixture of training and game time. Fixtures are played in the Association of Colleges T20 League and Birmingham County Cup.
Men’s Football team - The commitment is 2 training sessions per week with an additional 3+ hours on game weeks.
Women’s Football team - The commitment is 2 training session per week with an additional 3+ hours on game weeks.
Both men’s and women’s teams play in the Association of Colleges Regional Leagues on Wednesday afternoons.
Netball - The Netball team is aimed at female players with previous experience of playing within an organised league and club environment. However, those students demonstrating the potential to develop to the levels required within the trials will be offered a place within the training squad.
Rugby - The Rugby team is aimed at those with previous experience of playing within an organised league and club environment. However, those students demonstrating the potential to develop to the levels required within the trials will be offered a place within the training squad. Rugby is open to both males and females for training. Fixtures are for the male team only, however through the link with Birmingham Moseley there are opportunities for females to seek playing time through the Club.
What will it cost?
There are no costs to participate, however there may be options to purchase teamwear within the year.
Who can sign up?
Performance Sports squads are aimed at those with previous experience of playing within an organised league and club environment. However, those students demonstrating the potential to develop to the levels required within the trials will be offered a place within the training squad. Football and Cricket is aimed at both male and female players. Netball is aimed at females players. While basketball and rugby matches are for males only, females can attend sessions for these sports within the Sport for Leisure enrichment programme.
How do I sign up?
Trials take place following enrolment and attendance is compulsory for those students wishing to be selected. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
The STEM enrichment is an opportunity for students to further develop their skills and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Students will work on a variety of engineering-based projects set by their teacher and the Big Bang. It will give students the chance to explore areas of STEM that are not on the specifications of their subjects. The skills you will develop through this project work would be highly regarded by universities and employers in STEM subjects. Students will submit their completed projects to The Big Bang competition.
This enrichment is open to all Science and Maths students who are interested in engineering, and we particularly welcome female students as they are underrepresented in STEM careers.
Why choose this enrichment?
You will enrich and broaden your experiences of STEM, outside of your subject specification. You will develop research, critical thinking and practical skills. By completing the project, you will be able to demonstrate you can work independently and are self-motivated.
How long will the enrichment last?
Full year.
How much time a week will it involve?
One lesson. You will be expected to work independently on your project outside of lesson time.
What will it cost?
No costs.
Who can sign up?
Open to all students who study an A level or BTEC in Science or Maths.
If we have high numbers of interest we may go through a selection process.
This enrichment is open to all Science and Maths students and we particularly welcome female students as they are underrepresented in STEM careers.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
The Stretch and Challenge enrichment provides extensive support and guidance for students applying to Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
It consists of:
- a parents evening for students and parents/carers who may have little experience of the university application process
- preparation for university tests and interviews
- support with personal statements
- extra support for first generation university applicants applying to competitive courses
- a place on the Stretch & Challenge Summer School in June
- access to a Teams group with links, activities and aptitude tests which will strengthen applications to university
- a specific programme for those students considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge (Students interested in medicine should also ensure they have signed up to the Pre-Medical School.)
Why choose this enrichment?
This enrichment aims to make students aware of aspirational university options early on in their time at college so that they can apply to summer schools and masterclasses at the earliest possible opportunity. It provides a community and support basis for students who enjoy academic pursuits and encourages students to stretch and challenge themselves by helping them access resources and events beyond their classroom lessons.
How long will the enrichment last?
December of Year 12 until January of Year 13.
How much time a week will it involve?
This will vary from month to month where sometimes just attendance at a meeting might be expected. All participants are expected to attend the Stretch and Challenge Summer School in June and if a student decides to apply for a competitive course or university such as Oxford or Cambridge, they will be expected to dedicate a lot of their independent study time to their application.
What will it cost?
Nothing, other than optional trips.
Who can sign up?
There is a recruitment process for the Stretch and Challenge Programme. Usually students will need to have a very good GCSE profile of strong passes and an academic record would contain evidence of:
- unwavering enthusiasm and interest in their subject and other academic pursuits.
- being proactive and independent.
- having the desire to seek out wider reading and research opportunities.
- taking part in some sort of extra-curricular activity – this could be the Extended Project Qualification or wider reading or work experience.
How do I sign up?
Students with a strong GCSE profile are invited to a meeting in December to address the key commitments of the programme and are invited to attend subsequent events. For the Stretch and Challenge Summer School in June, interested students sign up via Microsoft Forms in May of Year 12. You can sign up for another enrichment alongside the Stretch & Challenge Programme.
This qualification is designed to be taken as part of a Level 3 study programme, with a strong focus on the practical application of skills and knowledge.
The topics covered by this qualification include the three fundamental pillars of sustainability: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability. Students will learn about the practices organisations are adopting to become more sustainable, and the technologies that are being used. You will also learn research methodologies and how to analyse data and draw conclusions. You will use this knowledge and understanding to investigate a real organisation’s practices and recommended how they can become more sustainable.
Input from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), leading universities, and other stakeholders ensures this qualification covers the fundamental aspects of sustainability and encourages students to find positive solutions to pressing sustainability challenges faced by governments, organizations, and individuals.
Why choose this enrichment?
Sustainability and climate change are very important to think about for the future. It’s also important to help young people deal with eco-anxiety and show them positive ways to handle these big challenges. The current curriculum might not be green enough now, but we can help make it greener in a way that’s easy to manage.
Studying the OCR Level 3 Certificate in Sustainability can be beneficial for several reasons. It provides a strong foundation in sustainability principles, prepares students for further education or employment, and equips them with practical skills needed to address sustainability challenges. The qualification also focuses on the real-world application of knowledge, allowing students to explore how organizations can adopt more sustainable practices.
How long will the enrichment last?
One year.
How much time a week will it involve?
One lesson per week.
What will it cost?
No cost.
Who can sign up?
Any student with an interest in sustainability can sign up. Sustainability particularly complements the broad range of subjects on offer at Solihull Sixth Form College, such as Geography, Economics, Business, Art and Design and Sociology.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
As a member of the Student Council, you can be involved in shaping the decisions that involve all students at Solihull Sixth Form College. The Student Council is the voice of the student body. Its function is to share student ideas, interests, and concerns with the wider college community and to members of the Senior Leadership Team. Being a member of the Student Council will help you to develop important skills that will support your progression beyond College. You will develop leadership skills by organising and carrying out educational and charity events that contribute to the College’s spirit and community. You will develop communication skills because this role requires you to talk to everyone from your peers to governors and teachers. Roles in the Student Council include chair, vice chair, charity officer and voice officer to name but a few. The Student Council is set up to help improve the College by creating a place where student opinion can be developed, shared, and presented to the College Senior Leadership Team, governors, staff and other stakeholders.
Why choose this enrichment?
You will develop many skills that are sought after by universities and employers, such as communication, organisation, time management and leadership, while connecting with a wide range of students and other professionals in College. You will be involved in organising charity and educational events, raising awareness throughout the academic year. This academic year Student Council members were involved in organising the Christmas charity events which included donating food parcels to Bethany food bank, the Eid event and the College’s Community Iftar event. Student Council members also supported ‘Wear it Pink’ and the Macmillan Coffee Morning.
How long will the enrichment last?
This is a 2-year commitment.
How much time a week will it involve?
Weekly 1-hour meeting. You will be involved in supporting events such as charity events, awareness raising events and be involved in student panels therefore your time commitment will vary every week.
What will it cost?
No cost.
Who can sign up?
Open to all Year 12 students.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. You can sign up for another enrichment while also being part of Student Council.
Being at College isn’t all about academic study; it’s also a time to meet new people and try out new experiences. Our enrichment programme of student-led clubs and societies encourages you to widen your horizons and develop valuable skills that will complement the knowledge gained in your lessons. We encourage all students to take up an enrichment. Student societies can encompass any interest, activity, or hobby that you may have. Any student can lead a society. The only requirement is that you must have at least 5 like-minded people who want to be in your society. Student societies are organised and operated by students for students. Examples of recently run societies are Environmental Club, British Sign Language enrichment, Anime & Manga Society, LGBTQ+ Society and Islamic Society to name but a few.
Why choose this enrichment?
There are many benefits of being involved in student-led societies. You can explore your interests and passions, make new friends, and get involved in many aspects of College life including being involved in events and community projects. You will develop many transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork skills which are highly valued by universities and employers.
How long will the enrichment last?
Termly or yearly depending on student interest.
How much time a week will it involve?
You can attend as often as you would like. Each society lasts approximately one hour per week.
What will it cost?
No cost.
Who can sign up?
Open to all Year 12 and 13 students.
How do I sign up?
Speak to the Student Development Team based in Hampton building, Room H231. You can sign up for another enrichment alongside student societies and clubs.
This specialist enrichment activity is open to all students who are interested in a teaching career. Students will benefit from a bespoke teaching programme that has been tailored to provide students with both academic and vocational knowledge of teaching practice. Essentially you will learn some of the building blocks of how to teach. This enrichment will be delivered in partnership with South Birmingham College Teaching School and the Summit Learning Trust.
Why choose this enrichment?
If you are considering teaching for your career progression, this enrichment will be extremely useful. You will gain knowledge of teaching practice and participate in work experience or school-based visits. There is also the opportunity to complete an Extended Project – a qualification highly valued by universities.
How long will the enrichment last?
Full year.
How much time a week will it involve?
1 period a week for the main session and 1-2 hours a week of independent study in completing your Extended Project Qualification.
What will it cost?
There may be possible costs for local travel and events. A clear DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ may also needed. The cost of the DBS is approximately £60.00 and details of how to pay will be provided.
Who can sign up?
This course is for all students studying any subject discipline who has an interest in becoming a teacher in the future.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
The Drama enrichment is a unique opportunity to work as a theatre company and experience producing a production for public performance. This enrichment will involve developing performance and/or design skills to a live brief where you will work as young professionals to create imaginative and bold theatre.
Why choose this enrichment?
The experience is just the sort of challenge universities and employers value highly, for budding Drama students or creatives alike. You will also develop a range of transferable skills, such as teamwork, public speaking, leadership and problem solving. It is an opportunity to develop your creativity by taking on a production role such as a costume designer, technical designer, director or performer.
How long will the enrichment last?
September – July.
How much time a week will it involve?
One lesson, with some post-4pm rehearsals where necessary.
What will it cost?
There could be travel costs if any trips to theatre performances are arranged.
Who can sign up?
The opportunity is best suited to students seeking to progress to competitive HE courses in the Performing Arts and other creative subjects. However, we would also encourage students who have an interest in the theatre to join.
How do I sign up?
At enrolment. It is not possible to do another enrichment alongside this.
