Abbey Cambridge > Enrichment

Enrichment

Welcome to Enrichment – Sept 2025

This webpage contains details of the Enrichment activities that are available this term (Sept 2025 – Dec 2025). Please read the important guidelines below and in the enrichment phamplet before choosing your Enrichment activities.

Important Guidelines

1. All students do 100 minutes of Enrichment each week. You can either choose one 100-minute activity or two 50-minute activities.

2. Many enrichment activities happen at similar times and may be restricted by year group. Please read the information under the dropdown bars below to see the full list of activities available to you and their times and lengths.

3. Each activity belongs to one of six themes. If you would like to do 2 x 50 minutes of activities, it would be good for you to choose activities from different themes.

4. Every activity has its own benefits. Please read the information for each activity carefully before deciding which activities you would like to do for this term.

5. Many activities are very popular and there can unfortunately be limited spaces available. When you are deciding your enrichment activities, please make some 2nd and 3rd choices as well as your 1st choice…just in case.

6. Your Enrichment choices will last until the end of term. You may or may not be able to stay in the same Enrichment activity next term. Please check with your Enrichment teacher to find out if it is possible to carry on.

7. For CSA students who aren’t in Year 9: You must have some timetabled physical activity each week. You can either choose an Active Enrichment or you will have a timetabled PE lesson on Thursday afternoon.

Enrichment Activity Details

Active

Time		Year Groups
Period 6 (2:05 – 2:55)	Period 7 (3:00 – 3:50)	Y9	Y10	Y11	1Yr	PS	Y12	Y13
	Bodyweight Fitness	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Boxing				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Climbing				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Football		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Kickboxing				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Rowing				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Run Girl! Run!	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Running		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Walking		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Bodyweight Fitness

Summary

Also known as ‘calisthenics’. You’ll exercise each week using your own bodyweight. Example exercises include sit-ups, burpees, planks, squat jumps and lunges but there are plenty more to learn and try! With regular attendance you will build fitness, strength and endurance.

Teacher(s)

Chris Johnston-Tierney

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Kit required – You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans and no jewellery. Please bring water.

Boxing

Summary

Our small group boxing sessions provide you with access to a professional boxing environment and high-quality professional coaching. This will include fitness work, technique and skills coaching to improve your physical fitness and develop boxing skills.

Teacher(s)

Kai Wang & professional boxing coach

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Kit required – You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans and no jewellery. Boxing equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have it. Please bring water.

Climbing

Summary

These sessions are taught by climbing instructors, and they cover safety aspects of climbing, knot tying, belaying and general coaching to help you achieve the different levels of routes available on the bouldering wall. You’ll improve your climbing skills, finger and muscle strength as well as your general fitness. You may also develop confidence to do more climbing at a club level.

Teacher(s)

Stephen du Plessis & professional climbing instructors

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Kit required – You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans and no jewellery. Please bring water.

Football

Summary

These sessions include fitness work, skills coaching and match experience. You will develop skills in ball control, passing and shooting as well as an understanding of the different positions on the pitch and how each have an impact on the other. These sessions are also good for developing your teamwork and decision-making skills, especially during match situations.

Teacher(s)

David Savage, Simon Thacker & Oliver Horan

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

Y13

What do you need?

Kit required – You need astro boots and your Abbey College PE kit. Please bring water.

Kickboxing

Summary

Kickboxing is a combat sport and a form of boxing based on punching and kicking, using fists, shins and knees. Kickboxing focuses more on speed and longer combinations. Training sessions with our professional coach start with a warmup, stretching and mobility. Then we will go into learning different techniques, doing partner drills, pads and bag work. All of this will be tailored to your experience.

Teacher(s)

John Bauer & professional kickboxing coach

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Kit required – You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans and no jewellery. Kickboxing equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have it. Please bring water.

Rowing

Summary

Rowing is a popular team sport for many in Cambridge and a very traditional sport which the University of Cambridge takes part in. Learn to row on the River Cam in an 8-person boat, just like the professionals use. You will be taught by a rowing coach and will use the high-quality facilities. Sessions will mostly involve on-water training in an 8-person boat, but there will also be some indoor training on rowing machines and the opportunity to use an indoor rowing tank. Students may be able to enter races within the summer term, if a suitable standard is reached.

Teacher(s)

John Hughes & professional rowing coach

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience rowing experience required but you do need to be able to swim.

Kit required – You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans and no jewellery. Please bring water.

Run Girl! Run

Summary

Unlike the ‘Running’ Enrichment (see below), this is a shorter running activity and it’s just for girls. Running is a fantastic way to improve your fitness and enhance your own sense of physical and mental wellbeing. So, if you are looking to build up your running fitness gradually in a girls only environment and get your head out of the books, this activity could be perfect for you.

Teacher(s)

Tauhida Raquib-Khan

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans. You will also need running trainers (we advise road running trainers). You also have the option of purchasing Abbey College Cambridge running gear. Please bring water.

Running

Summary

Running is a fantastic way to improve your fitness and enhance your own sense of wellbeing. We will be using the local environment to run and will take you out to green spaces to explore. You may also have the opportunity to enter running events at weekends (parkrun, Trail events…etc) should you wish to.

Teacher(s)

Laura Senior & Philip White

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

Kit required – You must be dressed in clothing that will allow you to be physically active. No jeans. You will also need running trainers (we advise trail running trainers as we will be going off road at times). You also have the option of purchasing an Abbey College Cambridge running jacket. Please bring water.

Walking

Summary

Join us to explore different parts of Cambridge on foot. We explore both urban and countryside settings, including trips to local parks, botanical gardens and National Trust properties. Whilst we are out and about, you will develop knowledge of road safety in the UK, the Country Code and resilience in walking in all weathers. If you are planning to attempt the Duke of Edinburgh Award, this activity can help you with building up your distance walking.

Teacher(s)

Sarah Still & Neil McKenzie

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

Kit required – Walking boots or strong training shoes. Weather appropriate clothing e.g. gloves, waterproof jacket, sweatshirt, or a water bottle in warm weather.

Community

Time		Year Groups
Period 6 (2:05 – 2:55)	Period 7 (3:00 – 3:50)	Y9	Y10	Y11	1Yr	PS	Y12	Y13
	Charity Enterprise	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Debating	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Meditation & Happiness		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Spanish for Beginners	✔	✔	✔	✔
Student Leadership		Invite Only
Sustainability			✔	✔	✔		✔
Yoga	Yoga	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Charity Enterprise

Summary

This Enrichment empowers you to set up and run a student company to raise money for charities and causes that matter to you. Other people in need will benefit from your efforts and organisation and you’ll gain experience in key business skills such as adaptability, interpersonal skills, entrepreneurship, financial management and decision making. If you are planning to attempt the Duke of Edinburgh Award, this activity can help you with building up your volunteering hours.

Teacher(s)

George Run’anga

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Debating

Summary

The activity will help you develop your skills at constructing and executing arguments in formal debate settings, including making your own case but also effectively pick apart the arguments from your opponents. You may be asked to argue for the side you agree with already, but you may also be asked to argue the opposite position from what you believe. This is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the issues and opinions that matter to you as well as enhance your public speaking skills.

Teacher(s)

Eoin Devlin

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Meditation & Happiness

Summary

This activity combines the benefits of meditation with digital detoxification activities tailored to help you increase your overall happiness, health and wellbeing. Regular meditation is a great way to help you manage stress and improve your concentration. It can help you to live in the present and enjoy the world around you more. It’s also a great way to reflect so that you understand yourself better. Explore digital detoxification by engaging in happiness activities such as calligraphy, art & drawing, origami, gratitude journaling and health chart creation.

Teacher(s)

Sandhya Prayag & Sim Liggitt

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required. Wear comfortable clothes that you can sit on the ground with, to meditate. Be prepared to detox for 50 minutes from all your devices in order to promote your wellbeing.

Spanish for Beginners

Summary

With over 480 million native speakers, Spanish is the world’s 2^nd most common language after Mandarin. These sessions introduce you to the Spanish language as well as the culture of Spain and Latin America. You will learn Spanish grammar and vocabulary, listen to Spanish music, watch Spanish movies, and consolidate your learning with Duolingo. We might even be able to cook some wonderful Spanish food. It is an exciting and challenging way to broaden your horizons…and you may even discover a lifelong love for another language.

Teacher(s)

Susana Rios

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

Y13

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Student Leadership

Summary	This activity is compulsory for members of the current Student Leadership team. You will use this weekly time to help you further plan and develop your leadership role, including having more dedicated time for planning college events, activities and initiatives.
Teacher(s)	Tauhida Raquib-Khan
Time	Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)
Duration	50 minutes
Year Groups	INVITE ONLY
What do you need?	This activity is only available to those students on the current Student Leadership team and is therefore ‘invite only’. For more information about becoming a member of the Student Leadership team, please speak to Tauhida Raquib-Khan, your personal tutor or your Housemaster.

Sustainability

Summary

You will learn about the science of environmental sustainability and its real-world applications. Through conducting a research project, you will be invited to consider how sustainable practices can be implemented in society at large and for a specific business of your choice. Involvement in this activity may lead you to be invited on to the ‘OCR Level 3 Certificate in Sustainability’ later in the year (this is an official qualification, like an EPQ).

Teacher(s)

Bea Gini, Jo Dickerson & Emma Smith

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

What do you need?

No previous experience required but you need to be motivated by the issue of sustainability, as you may be asked to complete independent work for this activity in your own time.

Yoga

Summary

This activity uses yoga exercises tailored to help you increase your overall happiness, health and wellbeing. Yoga can reduce your stress as well as help you feel more balanced, less anxious and stronger. Yoga also has the added benefit of increasing your flexibility and overall physical health, posture and sleep.

Teacher(s)

Eavan Zora

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm) & Period 7 (3.00 – 3.50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required. Wear comfortable clothes that you can sit on the ground with and that you can stretch and be flexible in.

Creative Arts

Time		Year Groups
Period 6 (2:05 – 2:55)	Period 7 (3:00 – 3:50)	Y9	Y10	Y11	1Yr	PS	Y12	Y13
Animation		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Drama		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Fiction & Poetry			✔	✔		✔	✔
Media & Marketing		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Origami	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Presentation Skills	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Writing Across Genres	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Animation

Summary

Develop your creative skills and learn how to express yourself through the art of animation. In these sessions, you will design and produce your own animation artwork. This work can be added to your personal portfolio and used for later university applications.

Teacher(s)

Susan Conroy

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Drama

Summary

Join us and unleash your potential as a sensational performer! Explore the art of live acting, where stories come alive on stage. Dive into character development and master the importance of articulation, projection, and voice variation. This journey of creativity and passion will help build your confidence and charisma as you learn the art of active listening and reacting, adding depth and authenticity to your performances.

Teacher(s)

Kieron Toner & Russell Bailey

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Fiction & Poetry

Summary

Learn to enjoy the English language just for fun, no academic pressure!

Escape and explore fictional worlds and ideas with new friends by reading short stories and poems in this group-based activity. You’ll come to understand more about the beauty of the English language and its literary history. You’ll also learn more about different writing styles and structures as well as improve your skills in reading English aloud in an engaging way.

Teacher(s)

James Noton

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required but a decent amount of English ability is preferred to fully access the material.

Media & Marketing

Summary

Join us and develop a hands-on insight into the world of marketing and media, including publishing and journalism. You’ll learn about content generation, editing, design, photography and the issues that those who work in media and marketing face on a day-to-day basis. You’ll also explore the different channels available for the content you create, both in print and online, whilst improving your writing, speaking and research skills. Be part of a team and improve teamwork skills, leadership and planning and help to connect students and staff around the world! You’ll help plan and publish two magazines over the course of the year and generate additional content for online platforms including blogs, vlogs and social media.

Teacher(s)

Tory Robeson & Alice Bacon

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Origami

Summary

Origami (paper folding) is an ancient, meditative art with a rich history. You will develop motor skills, focus, and creativity as you learn the techniques of paper folding, completing models of various difficulties and styles from the simple and traditional to more complex, modern designs. You will learn to read origami diagrams and understand the basic principles of its design, as well as learn a bit about the history and applications of this centuries-old art form. If you are looking for a relaxing activity that will still challenge you, origami is for you!

Teacher(s)

Hugo Brice

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Presentation Skills

Summary

No matter your future, there will always be situations where you’ll need presentation skills. Such opportunities will knock on the door now and then, and you will find these skills particularly useful at that time. In these sessions you’ll build confidence in public speaking in a safe, creative and nurturing environment by working on a different small presentation each week on different topics that interest you. You will also be provided with opportunities to develop your presentation creativity and improve your English.

Teacher(s)

Alice Bacon

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Writing Across Genres

Summary

This activity provides you with the opportunity to explore, produce and develop the distinct types of writing that you enjoy, whether storytelling, poetry, film and book reviews, journalistic pieces, scripts for Drama, creative expression . . . you develop your voice! You will build confidence by expanding your writing skills, no matter your ability or year group. You may be a budding novelist, poet, reviewer, columnist, screenwriter or versatile enough to encompass all, and will be given the support, collaboration, and feedback you need to inspire others with the power of your words.

Teacher(s)

Alistair Gray

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Music

Time		Year Groups
Period 6 (2:05 – 2:55)	Period 7 (3:00 – 3:50)	Y9	Y10	Y11	1Yr	PS	Y12	Y13
Ukulele		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Music Theory		✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
	School Band	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Stage Performance	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Ukulele

Summary

Have fun learning the world’s most popular instruments…the ukulele!

It’s a great way to get into music. You’ll learn how to form chord shapes and strum these to some of your favourite songs. For more experienced musicians, you’ll be given technical guidance to broaden your skills, with opportunities to develop as a soloist, accompanist, or ensemble player. With practice, you’ll gain the confidence to play independently and as part of an ensemble, with an invite to perform with the rest of the class in the college music concert at the end of term should you wish to. For more experienced musicians, you’ll be given technical guidance to broaden your skills, with the option to learn how to apply your skills to other instruments such as acoustic or electric guitar.

Teacher(s)

Ed Davison

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required. You do not need to know how to read music notation/sheet music but to play the ukulele though you cannot have very long fingernails.

Music Theory

Summary

Learning music theory opens opportunities for musical hobbyists to play along to their favourite songs by ear, but it is also an essential tool for any serious musician who wants to improve their improvisation and composition skills. In this activity, you’ll learn where musical originate from and how to combine them to make harmonies, chords and chord sequences. We also cover the principles of rhythm, ear training and effective melody writing. You’ll gain an appreciation for how songs are created, and you’ll become a better songwriting and performer.

Teacher(s)

James Noton

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

This course is designed for beginners. You do not need to be able to read music notation/sheet music, but it would be good if you have experience of playing at least one musical instrument to a good standard.

School Band

Summary

If you play a musical instrument that normally appears in an orchestra or ensemble, this could be activity could be for you. In the School Band, students work together on playing ensemble pieces with the aim of performing these in our termly music concerts and/or at our smaller music recitals and other college events. You’ll develop your performance skills and broaden your knowledge and experience of composers and different music styles. Students can also learn about how to arrange music for the different instruments in a band and how to use apps to access and compile a virtual library of lead sheets and sheet music resources.

Teacher(s)

Chris Ashford & Niall Holland

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

You must already play a musical instrument to a good standard and be able to read music notation/sheet music. You may be asked to audition to show your ability to do these things before the activity starts.

Stage Performance

Summary

If you are a musician and want to perform on stage in our music concert at the end of term, this activity is the one for you! Build your confidence and experience in stage performance by joining our supportive and inclusive community of musicians. Working together, you’ll inspire each other to develop performance skills through dedicated practice and exploration of diverse musical genres and styles. You’ll also receive personalised guidance and instruction to help you get the most out of your time on stage.

Teacher(s)

Ed Davison

Time

Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience of performing required however you must be able to either play a musical instrument or sing so that you can perform in the college music concert at the end of the term.

Science and Technology

Time		Year Groups
Period 6 (2:05 – 2:55)	Period 7 (3:00 – 3:50)	Y9	Y10	Y11	1Yr	PS	Y12	Y13
Coding				✔	✔		✔	✔
Chemistry Masterclass							✔	✔
Chemistry Practicals		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Electronics							✔	✔
Medicine for Y12		Invite Only
	Medicine for Y13	Invite Only
Physics Masterclass							✔	✔

Coding

Summary

The coding language of Python is being used more and more in many academic areas and careers which relate to analysing data, as well as Artificial Intelligence. In these sessions, you will work on different Python-based coding projects. You’ll learn a wide range of skills and coding techniques that you can use not just in these projects but also later in life. Every project provides an opportunity to have a usable application, whether that is a dice roller or a more complex project involving Raspberry Pi components.

Teacher(s)

Charles Simmons (Professional Computer Scientist)

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes (including travel)

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Chemistry Masterclass

Summary

In these sessions you’ll gain experience in solving challenging Chemistry-based problems that you’re not yet used to. This can help deepen your understanding of Chemistry and aid you in building problem-solving speed and analysis techniques that you may be able to use in your other subjects. You may also be offered the chance to take part in official Chemistry competitions with this masterclass acting as part of your preparation. If you like solving challenging Chemistry questions and want to learn new ways of solving problems faster and in more unique ways, this is the activity for you!

Teacher(s)

Cristina Alves Martins

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

1Yr

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

You need to be studying Chemistry as one of your school subjects.

Chemistry Practicals

Summary

These sessions are designed for keen chemists who would like to have fun participating in additional practical experiments that they don’t normally see in class. Come and develop your practical experiment skills safely and ahead of your peers and have fun along the way. There are all sorts of weird and wonderful reactions to see so join us!

Teacher(s)

Sarah Shuttleworth & Alex Whalley

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

Y13

What do you need?

You need to be studying Chemistry as one of your school subjects.

Electronics

Summary

Come and learn how to design and construct electronic circuits. You’ll develop prototype circuits to produce a range of functional and decorative objects using breadboards, LEDs, resistors, transistors and many other components. You’ll also learn how to use a soldering iron safely and come to understand more about circuit components, their functions and their place in electronics circuit diagrams. This is an especially good option if you are thinking about a career in electrical and electronics engineering, materials science or computer science.

Teacher(s)

Paul Bushen

Time

Wednesdays Periods 6 & 7 (2:05pm – 3:50pm)

Duration

100 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

1Yr

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

You need to be studying Physics as one of your school subjects.

Medicine for Y12

Summary	Are you a Year 12 student who is looking for a future in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science? In these sessions you’ll learn about doctor skills and attributes, medical ethics and the NHS and gain experience and skills in answering a range of university medicine interview questions. You’ll also explore science topics beyond the curriculum, improving your problem solving, communication and collaboration skills as well as your self-confidence. These sessions will also involve you making applications to clinical shadowing and volunteering placements in medical settings to help strengthen and support your eventual Medical School applications.
Teacher(s)	Sephora Day & Nick Holmes
Time	Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)
Duration	50 minutes
Year Groups	YR 12 INVITE ONLY
What do you need?	This activity is only available to those students on the current Year 12 Medicine Preparation Programme (MPP) and is therefore ‘invite only’. If you are on the Year 12 MPP, this enrichment activity will be compulsory for you. If you are not a member of the Year 12 MPP but would like to learn more about it, please email Sephora Day with your academic qualifications.

Medicine for Y13

Summary	In this Enrichment activity, you will expand on the learning from the Year 12 Medicine Preparation Program you undertook with us previously. You’ll continue to improve your problem solving, communication and collaboration skills to strengthen your Medical School applications still further. You’ll receive further training in how to excel at answering Medical School university interview questions, including giving you the experience a full mock MMI. You will also continue to develop your understanding of medical ethics, teamwork, leadership and doctor skills and attributes.
Teacher(s)	Sephora Day & Nick Holmes
Time	Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Duration	50 minutes
Year Groups	YR 13 INVITE ONLY
What do you need?	This activity is only available to those students on the current Year 13 Medicine Preparation Programme (MPP) and is therefore ‘invite only’. If you are on the Year 13 MPP, this enrichment activity will be compulsory for you, whether you are applying for medical school this year or as a future alumnus/alumna. If you are not a member of the Year 13 MPP but would like to learn more about it, please email Sephora Day with your academic qualifications.

Physics Masterclass

Summary

The focus of this activity is to extend your understanding and knowledge of Physics problem-solving beyond that of what you look at in Physics lessons. If you like solving challenging Physics questions and want to learn new ways of solving problems faster and using novel methods, this is the activity for you! You’ll gain experience in solving challenging Physics problems from organizations such as the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO), with an invite to be entered into some of their competitions such as the ‘Physics Challenge’ and the ‘BPhO Round 1’.

Teacher(s)

Ben Reid

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

1Yr

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

You need to be studying Physics as one of your school subjects.

Thinking

Time		Year Groups
Period 6 (2:05 – 2:55)	Period 7 (3:00 – 3:50)	Y9	Y10	Y11	1Yr	PS	Y12	Y13
Academic Reading	Academic Reading						✔	✔
Chess	Chess	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Maths Masterclass (Jr.)		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Maths Masterclass (Sr.)							✔	✔
Oxbridge Interview Prep		Invite Only
	Oxbridge Admissions Test Prep	Invite Only
Virtual Trading	Virtual Trading						✔	✔

Academic Reading

Summary

This activity provides you with the opportunity to read a wide variety of self-selected texts on a range of interests and disciplines. The passion, communication and empathy that derive from reading are essential for the sophisticated skills demanded by high-level professional work in the world we live in today. You’ll increase your ability to comprehend a wealth of stimulating issues, enhance you essential reading skills, develop invaluable study habits, and widen your breadth of knowledge on a range of subject matter.

Teacher(s)

John Morgan & Alistair Gray

Time

EITHER Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

OR Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm). You may pick one only.

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

1Yr

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

No previous experience required.

Chess

Summary

This activity is a great way to learn and master a strategic game that you can participate in for the rest of your life. Chess is one of the world’s oldest and most popular games that helps you develop your strategic thinking and mental stamina. You’ll be able to improve your technique and confidence by playing with other students at different ability levels, whether for fun or for competitive tournaments. Come join us and bond with new friends over your shared love of this wonderful game.

Teacher(s)

Stephen Philip

Time

EITHER Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

OR Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm). You may pick one only.

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

Some previous familiarity with how to play Chess is preferred but not essential.

Oxbridge Interview Prep for Y13

Summary	This activity focuses on giving our Year 13 Oxbridge applicants experience with several mock Oxbridge university-style interviews, including feedback on their performances.
Teacher(s)	David Shah & others
Time	Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)
Duration	50 minutes
Year Groups	Yr 13 INVITE ONLY
What do you need?	This activity is only available to those students on the Oxbridge Candidate Programme (OCP) and is therefore ‘invite only’. If you are on the OCP, this enrichment activity will be compulsory for you. If you are not a member of the OCP but would like to learn more about it, please contact David Shah.

Oxbridge Admissions Test Prep for Y13

Summary	This activity focuses on providing our Year 13 Oxbridge applicants with additional support with preparing for their admissions tests (Please check the admissions test guideline that you were emailed in June to see if the course you are applying for has one). Once you have completed your Oxbridge admissions test, you will then be asked to select an alternative (non-Oxbridge) 50-minute Enrichment activity to join in period 6.
Teacher(s)	David Shah & others
Time	Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Duration	50 minutes
Year Groups	YR 13 INVITE ONLY
What do you need?	This activity is currently only available to those students who have already been on the Oxbridge Candidate Programme (OCP) and is therefore ‘invite only’. If you are on the OCP and you need to complete an admissions test for your chosen Oxbridge course, this enrichment activity will be compulsory for you. If you are not a member of the OCP but would like to learn more about it, please contact David Shah.

Maths Masterclass (Jr.)

Summary

Are you ready to go beyond the classroom and stretch your mathematical mind? The Junior Maths Masterclass is for curious and capable young mathematicians who enjoy a challenge. We’ll explore tricky puzzles, clever problems, and past UKMT-style questions to sharpen your reasoning skills and creative thinking. Whether you love patterns, logic, numbers, or just want to see how far you can go, this is the place for you. Come and discover how exciting maths can really be!

Teacher(s)

Divya Anand

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

✔

Y10

✔

Y11

✔

1Yr

✔

Y12

Y13

What do you need?

You need to be studying Maths as one of your school subjects.

Maths Masterclass (Sr.)

Summary

Are you ready to take your mathematical journey to the next level? The Senior Maths Masterclass is designed for ambitious Year 12 and Year 13 students who want to explore real-life applications of mathematics and STEM beyond the classroom. You will research and present on topics that fascinate you, from advanced mathematical ideas to STEM themes linked to real-world challenges. Along the way, you will develop research, presentation, and leadership skills while also enhancing your UCAS applications. Expect thought-provoking discussions, TED-style talks, and opportunities to showcase your work at school events.

Teacher(s)

Edward Lyria

Time

Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

1Yr

Y12

✔

Y13

✔

What do you need?

A keen interest in Maths or STEM and a willingness to research, present, and engage in discussions beyond the standard curriculum.

Virtual Trading

Summary

This activity allows you to experience life as a trader. You will use virtual money to invest in companies and other financial instruments and see whether the value of your investments goes up or down. You will learn to analyse financial information and monitor financial news to predict whether you think different markets and companies will rise or fall in value. This is an excellent introduction to anyone who might be thinking of working in one of the world’s financial centres.

Teacher(s)

Daniel Stratford

Time

EITHER Wednesdays Period 6 (2:05pm – 2:55pm)

OR Wednesdays Period 7 (3:00pm – 3:50pm). You may pick one only.

Duration

50 minutes

Year Groups

Y10

Y11

1Yr

Y12