Enrichment @ Priestley 2009/10

AN INTRODUCTION

Throughout 2009/10, the College will be offering its students a range of activities, scheduled outside normal lesson time, aimed at enriching your overall experience at Priestley.

To see the range of exciting opportunities that are available to you, why not simply download our brochure and read at your leisure by clicking on the image to the right.

Alternatively all the events and activities are displayed below as text.

Stay tuned to internal news services for all the latest updates regarding Enrichment at Priestley and also regularly visit this part of our website.

THE COURSES

Aromatherapy
Finding out which essential oils are best suited to each individual student from each of the following perspectives; emotional, mental, relationships, physical and their dreams and aspirations. Each perspective will be looked at individually. We will also look at Kinesiology and its applications for muscular stress to determining food intolerances and vitamin and mineral deficiencies etc. Once we have done the above we can then move on to using essential oils to work on our Chakra system. On a weekly basis we will work on clearing and balancing our chakras through the use of essential oils, meditations and other tools. Now that we know what oils to use and our Chakras are balanced, we will start investigating our Past Lives. We will look at our most recent past life, our oldest, the one that had the most positive influence, the most negative/the past life we have unresolved issues with. Each of these will be covered on a weekly basis.

Aviation
This unique course is aimed at students considering careers in the Aviation Industry including flying training; aeronautical engineering and all aspects of airline employment. It is a well established course, with many former Priestley students achieving success as RAF and Airline Pilots. The College has working links with many Flying Training Schools and H.M. Forces and during your time at Priestley it is possible to start upon a course in learning to fly. It must be emphasized that alongside the flying, the essential factors of passing interviews and selection boards together with supported self study on Ground School are paramount and the course is demanding in terms of time and commitment. It is possible to start flying from the age of 16 with the various gliding sponsorships on offer nationally, with powered flight in light aircraft from age 17. The course covers all aspects of preparation for the national sponsorships as well as the very demanding RAF/Royal Navy Aircrew selection process at Cranwell. For commercial Airline Pilot candidates, an integrated course combining practice on aptitude tests and interview techniques is offered, with practical flying tuition at Liverpool or Blackpool Flying School. To avoid interference with your academic studies, most flying training takes place during the Easter and Summer holidays. A full programme of visits is arranged during the year to RAF and Airline Bases and in the Summer Term the huge Airshows at RAF Waddington and Farnborough offer the best opportunity to enjoy the best of aerobatic displays. Lectures are arranged throughout the year, often given by former students. The course is open to all Priestley students, irrespective of examination grades, with just two criteria – commitment and reliability.

Breathe Choral Group
Breathe is the name of the college choral group. We look to perform at numerous events throughout the year including open evenings, presentation evenings and external events. We are particularly keen on attracting students from all areas of college. We rehearse predominately contemporary pieces including arrangements from Snow Patrol, Sting and Karl Jenkins.

Catwalk Show
This is a short fun enrichment lasting several weeks and culminating in two catwalk shows. If you think you can strut your stuff or could be the next Mario Testino then this could be the enrichment for you. We need lots of models as well as a backstage crew to help with dressing, photographing and filming the event. Training will be provided and many students have gained a lot of confidence from taking part. We would welcome your support to showcase the fantastic garments and costumes created by the BTEC, A level and Art Foundation students.

Christian Union
Anyone welcome to drop in, chat, watch DVDs, eat, informal and flexible activities planned by students.

Computer Animation
Get an industry recognised qualification as part of enrichment. Learn how to use Adobe Flash CS3. Create animations and movies for the web in this 10 week course with a 50 minute computer based exam at the end leading to a qualification as an Adobe Certified Associate.

Computer Club
An introduction to programming in Visual Basic. The course involves using simple objects such as windows forms, buttons, text boxes, pictures etc, writing simple code and producing a simple card game.

Cycling
Intended for people with a wide range of cycling abilities. Cycling enrichment is a fun way to develop your skills and knowledge. A mixture of sessions will cover improving your bike handling skills, road safety, bicycle maintenance, and even opportunities to try new types of cycling such as mountain biking and track cycling.

Driving
This very popular course covers all aspects of learning to drive, together with computer-based sessions on practice for your National Driving Theory Test. Whether you are already a driver or just considering a course of lessons, there is an Enrichment Driving course ideal for your purpose. The main Driving Courses available are: Driving Theory, Pre-Driving at 16, BSM "Ignition" Course, Car Maintenance and the Duke of Edinburgh Award (driving counts as an activity for the Skills and Interests Section). Also throughout the year there is a programme of lectures and visits, primarily involved with road safety.

Duke of Edinburgh Programme
As part of the enrichment programme at Priestley, you can enrol and participate on the DofE Programme. This is an exciting opportunity whereby you can organise and take the lead on developing a personal programme of activities. You'll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only). But here's the best bit - you get to choose what you do! Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing. And along the way you'll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life. The group offers the opportunity for new participants to take part at either the Bronze, Silver or Gold level. For existing Awards holders you can use this enrichment opportunity to progress onto the next level. Meeting on a weekly basis you will be supported through all sections of the DofE programme. The sessions will focus primarily on the expedition training syllabus with support for your remaining sections.

Eurotalk Language E-Learning
A fast, fun and effective way to learn a language. You will learn at your own pace by playing interactive games and winning points. Once you complete the beginners course you will be awarded a certificate and you can progress to the next level or start a new language. We have seventeen languages to choose from.

Feel Good
Shoulder Massage (to relieve tension and stress), Indian Head Massage, Hand Reflexology and Massage.

Look Good
Skin care lessons and advice, Make-up lessons and advice, Nail care, Polishing and Nail Art, Learn what Colours for Clothes and Make-up suits you best.

Going Places
Thinking of taking a Gap Year? Travelling around the World? Perhaps studying or working abroad or just planning to visit Europe on Interail? This new course is ideally suited for you – "Going Places" is provided for students to research and undertake their opportunities of a lifetime – be it Camp America; Flying around the world or just lazily travelling around Europe. The course is a very practical, computer based series of flexible sessions designed to give you both the research skills and practical tips to visit the places you have always dreamed of. The course is very flexible and can be tailored to meet your own individual aspirations. Despite the Credit Crunch, there are still many opportunities to study and work abroad, together with grants and scholarships to offset the cost. The major areas of planning incorporated are: Studying and working abroad, Funding: Scholarships and Bursaries, Camp America and BUNAC, Voluntary Services Overseas, Gap Year Opportunities, University exchanges – take part of your degree at an Overseas University, Cheap Flights – how to get them, Round The World Airline tickets and Interail Europe. Throughout the year there are specialized talks and lectures on many of the above.

History Society
The History Society meets every week to discuss and research aspects of History that students are interested in. We produce three magazines per year, one at Christmas, Easter and Summer, full of articles and quizzes based on students research. It's entirely written by students, and it's a really good opportunity for anyone interested in studying journalism, History or related subjects at university. If you enjoy learning about the past you should join.

International Film Society/Club
A chance to watch a range of films from different countries with a unifying theme, this year, of "The Representation of Youth". Sessions will include a brief outline of the film and some background information about the director and the making of the film. Films will include: Slum Dog Millionaire, Hate, Innocent Voices and The Kite Runner.

Life Drawing
In this ten week course you will follow an introduction to life drawing. You will study aspects of drawing related to the human figure such as proportion, movement, balance and close-up tonal studies of the female form. Professional artists and designers must be absolutely familiar with these aspects of the human figure, whether they are fine artists such as Jenny Saville, or fashion designers who need to be capable of making their garment appear to be on a body rather than a flat hanger. The course is aimed at students studying art, graphic design and textiles, and is invaluable for building a strong portfolio for interviews. Life drawing is the best way to improve your drawing.

Oxygen Dance Company
Aimed at gifted and talented dancers, exploring contemporary dance and post modern ideas for choreography.

Pulse Jazz Dance Company
Pulse Jazz Dance Company is an all new dance company here at Priestley. You do not have to study a Performing Arts subject to join the company, it is open to anyone with a passion and enthusiasm for dance. As a member of ‘Pulse’ you will take part in weekly classes to build stamina, strength and flexibility as well as learning and choreographing. dance routines. We will explore modern and musical theatre jazz dance styles. You will have the opportunity to perform these routines for a live audience at Priestley in both the Christmas and the summer terms. The company does not require an audition but numbers will be caped at 25. If you do become a member of ‘Pulse’ you will be expected to remain dedicated to company especially leading up to performances.

Respiration Theatre Company
Respiration Theatre Company is the in-college theatre group here at Priestley. You don’t have to study a Performing Arts subject to join, the group is open to anyone who has an interest in drama and theatre – whether you want to develop on the skills that you are learning in your Drama or Performing Arts classes, or take part just because you enjoy acting and creating theatre. As a member, you will take part in numerous skills based, devising and rehearsal workshops. You will also have the opportunity to develop pieces of theatre for which there will performance opportunities throughout the year, for example, last year the company performed a comic adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at a festival at the Pyramid Arts Centre in November 2008. Respiration Theatre will also produce one larger scale in house production a year here at Priestley College which members may be expected to audition for. There are pictures of last year’s production of Doctor Faustus on the notice boards on the Performing Arts corridor. Priestley College has a large, flexible theatre space installed with professional quality technical equipment. There will be a production team available to operate the performances at a professional level. If anyone is interested in joining Respiration Theatre Company as a technician or stage manager for performances, they are more than welcome to enquire.

Rough Guide to the Travel Industry
Have you got a passion for travel? Do you enjoy learning about popular holiday spots around the world? Would you like to improve your knowledge on how the travel industry operates? If you have answered ‘yes’ to these questions then the Rough Guide to the Travel Industry maybe the enrichment that you’re looking for! This short course aims to improve your travel geography and to give you a preliminary knowledge of the essential services offered by travel agents, tour operators and airlines. You will learn about airport codes, booking classes on scheduled airlines such as British Airways and how to cost package holidays. You will also have the opportunity to learn about car hire, travel insurance and health and safety matters whilst travelling abroad.

Sport Activities
A range of different sports activities takes place every half-term including; Aerobics, Trampolining, Badminton, Table Tennis, 7-a-side and 5-a-side football, Body Tone, Access to the Fitness Centre, Indoor Hockey, Ladies Rugby, Volleyball Club, Improve your swimming and Ladies Boxing.

The Graduate
Have you got what it takes to graduate? The idea is that those interested in very competitive courses at university will have a number of tasks to complete in order to help prepare them. They will be involved in debating, deliver a lecture and run a seminar on their chosen subject and have the opportunity to meet students at university. The tasks will not be too onerous and will be related to opportunities such as tackling an Extended Project.

Youth Action Team
The Youth Action Team (YAT) is a group of young people who commit their time to volunteering in Warrington. YAT help with advice about the best ways to work with young people and publicity. YAT organises events, sits on decision making panels, deliver presentations, share ideas on marketing campaigns and represent Youth Volunteering Warrington at conferences.

Young Enterprise Scheme
The students set up a company for the academic year and work together to elect a board, raise capital and sell products and services to consumers. They will face real problems with real money and at the end of the year will compete with other companies from a local to European level. The experience of running their own company will prepare the students as they enter the world of work and will equip them with skills that aid post university success.

Youth Voulunteering Warrington
Are you passionate about making a difference?, Would you like the opportunity to get involved in an activity that interests you, enhances your UCAS form and builds up your skills and knowledge? Volunteering can be exciting, fulfilling and rewarding giving you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and make an impact. We will ensure you receive the advice and support you need to get involved in the option of your choice to fit in with your college timetable. Whatever your interests are from organising an event, being a mentor, using your IT skills, running a playscheme or coaching a football team. You can also receive a national award for your volunteering.