If you ask students what they like about the College, they frequently highlight our enrichment programmes. We are proud of our tradition of offering students the opportunity to participate in additional courses and activities that broaden their experience, and develop their personal skills.
All of our first-year students and most of our second years follow an enrichment course; some may complement examinable subjects, while others help develop skills that may be important for higher education, employment or simply adult life.
Enrichment is designed to closely meet the needs of students; responding to the outcome of a student survey and focus groups. The programme allows you to choose a ‘theme’ for your enrichment that may be more closely linked to your academic programme, progression plans or personal interests.
Consider what you might choose and why and how what you do might enhance your CV and/or prepare you for your next step and the future as you firm up progression plans.
The programme which is available has been grouped into strands or themes of activity which may help decide what you want or need to do.
Whatever your motivation there should be something that appeals. So… have a look …have a think…and consider your choices.
Creativity
Includes many visual performing and expressive arts courses and much more.
If you are interested in design, building and construction this is an opportunity to gain valuable experience potentially leading to a career in the creative industry.
You will learn design CAD skills, explore drawing plans, elevations and architectural modelling. Visiting guest lecturers who are professionals in this field will give talks about working in the creative industries such as architecture. As part of the course you will explore historical and contemporary design and architecture to help give you the edge at interviews.
Target Audience: All students – particularly those with an interest in architecture, engineering or product design.
Singing is proven to be good for your mind, body and soul. Joining choir is a great way to complement and enhance your A-level studies while learning new skills, having fun and making friends. We rehearse in an informal, friendly environment, and perform regularly throughout the year, singing in a variety of styles, from pop to classical, folk, gospel and music theatre. Song requests are welcome and no experience is necessary. The choir will perform in concerts at the end of each term, so you will be required to attend a few extra rehearsals.
Target Audience: All students
In the first half of the course you will be involved in Drama workshops introducing you to a variety of skills and conventions used in performance, we will look at current theatre practise and investigate how theatre can work within the community. The group will collectively decide upon a project for performance selecting a specific target audience. In the second half of the course, over a series of weeks we will write, devise and rehearse a performance piece which will be either taken out into the community, or a group will be invited into WQE Drama Studio to watch. In the past we have targeted a local primary school and created performances ranging from ‘The BFG’ to ‘Life in the Amazonian Rainforest’.
This year we are hoping to develop the course to make it more relevant to our students who want to work in the community whether in health, social care or education. This may mean that we choose to perform to people with disabilities, older people, school children or whatever the group will decide.
Target Audience: You should have an interest in performance, a good sense of humour and be prepared to work in groups practically. This is a good course to help build drama skills, confidence and a sense of social responsibility. No previous skill in performance needed.
If you love making decorative items, this is the course for you. This crafts skills course will include working with fabrics, origami & cut paper; for example we will be using recycled maps/papers to make jewellery & constructing our own handmade books.
Target Audience: This course is suitable for students already with stitch based skills and also students already following a creative pathway who wish to develop stitch based skills and techniques.
This fun photography based course is aimed at students with creative talents seeking to develop their photography skills using a mobile phone.
Each week we will work to a different theme and showcase the work produced at the end of the session. Some of the pieces that you produce will also be taken into Photoshop or Illustrator to
enable you to produce other types of digital art and design pieces, such as comic posters, animated gifs and your own meme sensations.
Target Audience: All students.
Do you sing or play an instrument? Looking for others to perform with or opportunities to perform? Interested in composing or song writing? Or want to join the WQE Jazz Band?
This course will link you with other musicians to work towards performing at open mic sessions and end of term concerts. We will help you find music, or write your own, and offer tips on improving your rehearsing and performing skills. If you play trumpet, sax, trombone, flute, clarinet, piano, drums, guitar, bass or drum kit to around grade 5 standard and can read music, sign up to this course or join the WQE Jazz Band. For more information, contact beth.williams@wqe.ac.uk.
Target Audience: All students – all styles and abilities welcome.
This course provides you the opportunity to take a short relaxing breather from your day to colour in calming images to soothe all the stress. As part of course you will learn about colour theory and practice different colour combinations on your designs in both pencil and paint. This course offers lots of other options too, such as digital art, origami, and printmaking.
Target Audience: All students
Getting Active
A variety of options including competitive and recreational sport.
WQE Competitive Sport involves a commitment to training and performance. College teams play in local, regional and national competitions. They are a great opportunity to develop skills and learn new ones and are also great for meeting new people and developing confidence.
Competitive sport provides lots of experiences that are valued by universities and employers. Training and matches take place within the college timetable. Some popular competitive sports will have a selection process which students would be required to attend.
Want to keep fit but a bit bored of the gym? Boxing fitness is an excellent way to become fitter
and stronger. This will be a mixed gender group of a variety of abilities. You will get involved with shadow boxing drills, working with pads, skipping and cardio and strength work. Come prepared to get a sweat on!!
This female only course is designed for those of you wishing to participate is some physical fitness based activity in an all-female environment. This course works on similar principles to the above Strength & Conditioning course but will also incorporate some opportunities for class based exercises such as Step Aerobics and Yoga. There will be whole class sessions as well as times to work on your individual fitness goals, which you will be supported in by your class coach. To take part in this course you must be enthusiastic and committed as well as willing to try new things.
Fancy taking on a challenge or raising money for charity? Join a sociable group with a common goal. Help each other complete training every week and take part in an event at the end of the first term and again in the summer term.
WQE Competitive Sport involves a commitment to training and performance. College teams play in local, regional and national competitions. They are a great opportunity to develop skills and learn new ones and are also great for meeting new people and developing confidence.
Competitive sport provides lots of experiences that are valued by universities and employers. Training and matches take place within the college timetable. Some popular competitive sports will have a selection process which students would be required to attend.
This activity is for less experienced players who are looking to develop their attacking and defensive skills both through drills and match play. There may also be the opportunity for internal competition. Players will need a positive and committed attitude and should be aware that this this course runs through the autumn and winter and that full outdoor kit (including boots and shin pads) will be required.
An exciting, fast-paced indoor alternative to football that is widely played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA. The sessions will focus on this 5-a-side game with skills development and match play and will undoubtedly also improve your fitness. You will need appropriate football kit including shin pads and trainers.
WQE Competitive Sport involves a commitment to training and performance. College teams play in local, regional and national competitions. They are a great opportunity to develop skills and learn new ones and are also great for meeting new people and developing confidence.
Competitive sport provides lots of experiences that are valued by universities and employers. Training and matches take place within the college timetable. Some popular competitive sports will have a selection process which students would be required to attend.
WQE Competitive Sport involves a commitment to training and performance. College teams play in local, regional and national competitions. They are a great opportunity to develop skills and learn new ones and are also great for meeting new people and developing confidence.
Competitive sport provides lots of experiences that are valued by universities and employers. Training and matches take place within the college timetable. Some popular competitive sports will have a selection process which students would be required to attend.
WQE Competitive Sport involves a commitment to training and performance. College teams play in local, regional and national competitions. They are a great opportunity to develop skills and learn new ones and are also great for meeting new people and developing confidence.
Competitive sport provides lots of experiences that are valued by universities and employers. Training and matches take place within the college timetable. Some popular competitive sports will have a selection process which students would be required to attend.
A mixed ability and gender course. Multisport groups will experience different activities every week. This course offers you a variety of sporting activities, including ball sports, racquet sports, fitness activities, and outdoor activities etc. This should appeal to any of you who enjoy more than one sport.
WQE Competitive Sport involves a commitment to training and performance. College teams play in local, regional and national competitions. They are a great opportunity to develop skills and learn new ones and are also great for meeting new people and developing confidence.
Competitive sport provides lots of experiences that are valued by universities and employers. Training and matches take place within the college timetable. Some popular competitive sports will have a selection process which students would be required to attend.
This course is for male or female students wishing to develop body strength and specific fitness. No formal experience is necessary as you will be taught how to use equipment appropriately, which exercises are most appropriate for your fitness goals, and how to plan and develop your own personal programme. To take part in this course you will be expected to be enthusiastic and committed. This course will take place in the college gym and you will need a full change of kit and suitable footwear.
Open to all students keen on this sport no matter what ability level or experience. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills through singles and doubles play. More experienced players will have the chance to represent WQE in external competitions.
One of our most sociable sports, this mixed ability, mixed gender enrichment requires no previous experience but you must be keen to learn, prepared to throw yourself around and enjoy the team aspect of sport. You will be taught the core skills of volleyball in the first few weeks and then as these progress, more match experience will really allow you to enjoy this exciting game to the fullest. We will be aspiring to compete in the Association of Colleges Regional tournament and the National Cup, plus other local friendly fixtures.
This enrichment welcomes all abilities, and is a great way to improve your fitness and develop teamwork skills. If you have played basketball before, an experienced basketball coach will give the team the opportunity to be competitive in the regional tournament. However, you don’t need to have any previous experience playing basketball, just sign up being prepared to turn up each week, work hard and you will find your skills develop quickly. As a minimum, you will have the opportunity to compete in the Association of Colleges Regional tournament, the National Cup and local friendly fixtures.
Following on from the success of our national team, women’s cricket is growing in popularity and you have the chance to develop a range of skills in batting, bowling and fielding. A keenness to learn, work with others of differing abilities and get stuck in are essential requirements but you will have fun along the way! Pads, helmets and bats are provided.
This enrichment welcomes all abilities, we just ask you have lots of enthusiasm and are prepared to train outside in all weathers. You will have the opportunity to improve on existing skills, develop new skills and work on fitness, and if you have the desire to, develop your coaching skills. You will be required to have appropriate football boots and shin pads for every session. You will also have the opportunity to experience the variety of football games that exist including outdoor grass Futsal and 5-a-side. As a minimum, you will have the opportunity to compete in the Association of Colleges Regional tournament, the National Cup and local friendly fixtures.
Whether you have played a bit before or just fancy giving it a go this is a chance to have fun, meet new people and learn new skills. You will have the opportunity to keep fit whilst learning the basics of rugby whist experiencing the different rugby games on offer including, Tag, Touch, 7’s and Rugby X. Appropriate footwear will be required as you will be outdoors.
Making a contribution
A chance to help others in a number of ways including mentoring and ambassador type roles.
As a WQE Student Ambassador, you will be given the opportunity to widen your life skills and develop some fantastic employability skills. You will:
- Help to promote WQE to prospective students and their parents/carers through activities such as Open Day which may run as a virtual event, Post-16 Events with partner schools and Interview
- Have the opportunity to be involved in creating promotional
- Work alongside the Careers team and get involved in promoting careers events, having your say in focus groups and updating careers resources.
You will develop social and interpersonal skills and improve your communication skills and self- confidence. Your personal and professional skills will be developed which may be beneficial to students considering a career in Business, Event Management, Retail or Marketing. Whether you are considering university of the world of work after WQE, this enrichment will help you enhance your application.
Pursuing an interest
An opportunity to try something you have considered, or continue to a higher level something you currently do.
This enrichment is primarily to give students some time in your week to write. There will be prompts of varying sorts to fire up your creativity as well as to give experience of different sorts of writing. In addition to these there will be some basic discussion of different types and genres of creative writing; of story structure; of constructive critiquing; and of the process of trying to get published. The group will also operate as a critique group for those who feel confident enough to
make use of it.
Target Audience: Anyone with an interest in writing, whether curious to have a go or halfway through their own masterpieces.
The purpose of this course is simple; it is designed to broaden your knowledge and understanding of cinema by watching and commenting on a carefully curated selection of films. Last year the focus was on modern global cinema but this year there will be a shift to English language films.
The intention is that there will be screenings of a number of films from different eras of American and British Cinema. These will be looked at and discussed in lessons. These will range from Film Noir through to the British New Wave and also a focus on New Hollywood and independent cinema.
Under the guidance of an experienced designer you will learn a basic skill in creating your very own pattern and techniques in sewing your very own outfit for the Summer. As this is an enrichment for beginners, the outfits are basic cuts and sewing. In the past years, the popular outfits have been maxi/midi/mini kaftan, maxi/midi/mini dress, Abayas (Islamic female dress), basic elasticated maxi/midi/mini skirts, basic elasticated shorts/culottes and kimono/vest tops. You will also have the opportunity to make cushion covers with trimmings around the edges.
Target Audience: Beginners level.
If you enjoy watching films and are interested in widening your experience of films in a different
language you would enjoy this course.
We will be watching a number of films, from many different eras, in French, German, Spanish and other (mainly!) European languages and learning more about the context, history and culture of the countries these films are set in.
Target Audience: Anyone who wants to gain a wider appreciation of the world of film and increase
their ability to think critically.
This is a fun based course for those who like a bit of magic. There will be demonstrations as well as opportunities to develop some magician skills yourself. During this course you will also develop your own performance presence thereby your personal presentation skills.
Target audience: All students but may also be of interest to prospective dentist or others requiring fine motor skills.
Hola!
Spanish for beginners: a chance to brush up on a popular language for holiday destinations or a chance to improve your careers employability abroad in business, law or medicine.
Spanish for Intermediate: those who already speak Spanish with confidence and would like to
further improve their language skills.
Target Audience: All students – two classes, beginners and intermediate for those who would like to learn Spanish, and those who would like to improve their language skills.
This course is for those students who love to write and are interested in current affairs, popular culture and/or sport. You will spend most sessions researching topics of your choice in preparation to write your own articles. You will be expected to write two articles a month which will be published on WQE online. The aim of this course is for you to practice writing in your own style, writing in an unbiased fashion, learning about your environment and having your work published.
Target Audience: Any student with an interest in writing.
Supporting your learning
A list of subject specific or skill development activities aimed at improving your literacy, numeracy, subject knowledge etc and also challenging you to achieve top grades.
Understanding the wider world
Includes many visual performing and expressive arts courses and much more.
The Greek and Roman Civilisations continue to shape the world we live in – from the language we use and the ideas we discuss to the films we watch and books we read. This enrichment is an introduction to that world, covering the good the bad and the ugly about Ancient Rome and
Greece.
Topic | Content |
Architecture | The Colosseum, Pantheon and beyond |
Gods, Goddesses and Myths | Neptune vs Poseidon, Venus, Zeus and everyone in between |
Politics | What the Romans and Greeks had to say about political structure and ideas, republics, democracy and dictatorships |
Life in Ancient Rome and Greece | Food, lifestyle and slavery |
Language | Latin and Greek |
Literature | The Iliad & Odyssey and much more |
Target Audience: All students.
Develop skills in putting forward views in an environment where they get tested. This is an opportunity for you to discuss current affairs and have formal debates in which you are asked to defend or attack a point of view. So whatever your views on Brexit, the Trump phenomenon, fake news, student loans or the fate of the Labour Party there will be something relevant and current to think about and discuss. This is excellent practice for many subjects and something employers like to see on CVs.
Target Audience: All students.
In this course you will undertake activities which will give you a better understanding of your personal finance and the global market. You will have the opportunity to enter the WQE apprentice competition as well as competing in a National Investment competition which involves the buying and selling of shares. What you learn through this course will greatly improve your employability and life skills.
Target Audience: All students.
Whoever you are, the law will affect you! Law dictates who you could marry, what house you can buy, where you can travel, what you can get arrested for….This enrichment is an opportunity to learn about some of the key areas that will be important in your adult life and the ways in which the Law works.
Target Audience: All students.
This course will give you the opportunity to re-examine Physics and it’s connection to the world around you. By using core Physics principles we will be looking at the theory and application of these to everyday situations.
Target audience: All students however those studying A-level Physics will find this a useful reinforcement of their studies.
An opportunity to carry out your own independent research studies (e.g. experiment, correlation, self-report, observation) into psychology topics of your choice. You will learn how to formulate a research proposal, plan a well-designed scientific investigation, collect data from participants, analyse your data using appropriate statistical techniques, and draw conclusions. You will gain experience in writing a scientific report on your research, and presenting your research to your peers. You will conduct research investigations, including experimental and non-experimental, and write up a report, which will be assessed. Conducting psychology research and having ‘hands-on’ experience will strengthen your skills and interests which are transferable. You will also develop
a greater understanding and confidence in research methods generally. Open to all students, not
just those studying Psychology.
Target Audience: Any student with an interest in practical research. Particularly recommended for those who are applying to study Psychology at university.
Films often depict and address many sociological issues. We will watch a number of films, across genres, and explore how the issues within them relate to sociological theories. Expect to engage in some interesting and critical discussion of the films that we watch. Afterwards, you should not only understand the films better, but also the society in which you live! You can even suggest films that you think might be relevant. You don’t have to be taking Sociology to enjoy this enrichment, it would be of interest to all.
Target audience: All students
An opportunity to develop thinking and reasoning skills that will not only support your learning in any and all subjects, but also prepare you for life beyond WQE. You will learn techniques for
analysing and evaluating the reasoning in arguments, and how to construct your own arguments in a logically persuasive way. You will discover some of the common errors people make when they reason and how to avoid them. You will also learn techniques for assessing information and sources of information, to determine how credible or believable it is. This is particularly important in an era of ‘fake news’. Many employers test such skills as part of job selection and doing this course may give you a competitive advantage.
Target audience: All students