Enrichment

Our academies give students the opportunity to take part in a broad range of enrichment activities alongside their main programme of study.

Some activities enable you to gain additional qualifications or experiences, whilst others allow expression of creative talent. Involvement in activities of your choice will not only enrich your time here, but will also give you the chance to meet new friends, widen your interests, and develop teamwork and leadership skills. The range of enrichment activities on offer are all appreciated by universities and employers, and are an excellent addition to your CV or UCAS personal statement.

As part of the Government’s catch-up initiative, all students receive a Step Up session per week that covers A-Level  Mindset activities including study skills, revision techniques and PSHE. All students have the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) run within our academies and by the Sixth Form Team.

The list below represents some of the activities we offer:

• EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
• Gold Crest Award
• The Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
• Drama and Music – School Production, concerts and Battle of the Bands
• Sport
• Education at the University of Essex STEM labs
• Visiting speakers from education and industry
• Mock elections and hustings, voting campaigns
• NCS residential
• Careers support and events
• Support with UCAS applications

Support, Care and Guidance 

Every student will be assigned a Step Up Tutor at the beginning of the academic year, who will act as a mentor and will be available to provide you with advice and support. Tutorial sessions can be used to discuss your progress with your Tutor and request guidance or ask for help with any concerns you may have about your academic studies and well-being. Our dedicated Year Manager (Mrs Paton) is also available to provide students with day-to-day pastoral care.

Our values and ethos of Aspiration, Success and Kindness (ASK) underpin everything we do, both inside and outside the classroom. We want you to have the highest expectations and we aim to nurture a growth mindset and ‘can do’ attitude. We also respect and celebrate difference, instilling an ethos of acceptance and understanding for everyone in our college community and in the wider world. The college has a proud tradition of raising money and awareness for charity and supporting the local community.