Enrichment @ Priestley 2011/12

Throughout 2011/12, the College will be offering its students a range of activities, scheduled outside normal lesson time, aimed at enriching your overall experience at Priestley.

THE COURSES

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 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 Art students.

Christian Union
Anyone is welcome to drop in, chat and watch DVDs at the Union. We have informal and flexible activities planned by students and meet every Wednesday.

College Radio
Priestley is proud to announce the arrival of a new radio station which broadcasts internally. This new enrichment will be keeping you on the pulse with the gossip from the College and community whilst spinning you the latest tracks. The aim of the station is to be made by the students for the students. You will have the opportunity to produce, edit and broadcast your very own radio show, as part of a team. So if you are interested in broadcasting, journalism or DJing, why not give it a try.

Community Sports Volunteering
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.

Creative Writing
Whether you are already a keen writer, or whether you have never picked up a pen in your life, this course is a must for anyone who is interested in developing their creative writing skills. The course will act as a series of focused workshops and writing groups that will allow you to work on your own pieces in a supportive and helpful environment. You will be given an opportunity to write across a range of styles and techniques, including script writing, short stories and poetry. Whilst the main focus of the course will be recreational, we will give you plenty of opportunities to publish your work and enter competitions. All work will be eligible for publishing on The Write Stuff, Priestley’s creative writing blog, and the best pieces will be selected for an end-of-year college anthology. Learners who are confident about their work will be encouraged to enter work in the College’s own internal creative writing competition, as well as being given an opportunity to enter the major national youth creative writing competitions.

Driving Theory
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, this enrichment will help you develop your driving theory skills. Remember you don't have to be 17 to take your theory test - although you must already have a provisional licence.

Duke of Edinburgh
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 Silver or Gold level. For existing Awards holders you can use this enrichment opportunity to progress onto the next level. You will be supported through all sections of the programme. The sessions will focus primarily on the expedition training syllabus with support for your remaining sections.

Engineering Education Scheme
The EES involves a six month project working as a member of a team on a real scientific, engineering or technological problem, set by a company such as Sellafield Ltd. You will work on providing a solution to the problem and make use of facilities at a local university to help develop, build and test your solution. You will develop skills of team-working, communication and project management and complete the project by producing a written report and giving a presentation to a panel of senior professional engineers. Places are limited so please be aware that to gain entry you must have an interview.

Eurotalk
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 beginner 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.

History Society
This group meet weekly to produce a newsletter, every half term. Each issue is fully written and edited by students, meaning members have full control over what goes in. The term begins with a group discussion on what aspects of History you are interested in and ideas on what you might like to write - everybody contributes and helps out so you’ll have plenty of suggestions and thoughts about possible subjects and articles. Then we finalise proposals and set a deadline for all articles to be handed in – this is usually a few weeks before the issue is published to allow time for editing and production. The end product is distributed around College to tutor groups and placed in public areas. A digital copy is uploaded to Moodle.

Look Good / Feel Good
Drop in for a treatment or mini-class or attend each week - the choice is yours. This enrichment is offered twice a week. You can enrol on Enrichment Week or just turn up and book a time slot. Treatments include Back, neck & shoulder massage, Indian Head massage, Thai Hand massage, Hot Stone hand massage, Hand massage with hot gloves, Hand Reflexology, Nail Polish and Nail Art. Mini-Classes which change each term and cover aromatherapy, massage, make-up, skin care, hand & nail care and body care.

Oxygen Dance Company
Oxygen Dance is a contemporary dance company which consists of a group of talented, dedicated and passionate dancers who strive to create interesting and original works from a variety of different stimuli, whilst also continuing to develop their technical skills. The process and exploration of choreographing is an extremely important part of the company, as is the opportunity to showcase dance works and perform to live audiences. If you are passionate about Dance, if you are interested in creating new works with like minded people, if you believe you could bring something special to our company then make sure to pop along.

Politics Society
The Politics Society meets every Tuesday. It is a place for people who are interested and passionate about Politics to come together in a friendly social setting. There are quizzes, discussions, debate, screenings of political documentaries and guest speakers throughout the year. Students can also contribute to the society's blog, posting their own articles on the political issues that matter to them. The society is open to all Priestley students regardless of whether or not they study AS/A2 Politics.

Pre-Med
If you are interested in a health related career this course is for you. We have speakers from all different types of medically related careers and even admissions tutors to help you get to where you want to be. You get the opportunity to ask the questions you really want and widen your awareness of the medical sector. You may find you want to be in an area of medicine you never knew existed. You also get the opportunity to practice CPR, plastering arms and visiting a hospital where you can even practice taking blood. The course is great to talk about in your University personal statement. You will investigate an area of medicine that interests you, this can really help you at an interview. You get honest first hand accounts from people from different sectors including nursing, paramedics, GPs, scientific research and many more.

Respiration Theatre Company
Respiration is the in-College theatre group. You don’t have to study a Performing Arts subject to join, it 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. Respiration also produce one larger scale in house production a year which members may be expected to audition for.

Sports Enrichment
A range of sports related activities run throughout the year. In the first term you can participate in Mixed hockey, 6-a-side football, Trampolining, Table Tennis, Badminton, Fitness training, Boxing (men and women), Wii Sports, Charity Sports Challenge day and Indoor sky diving. In the second term you can do Mixed hockey, 6-a-side football, Trampolining, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Dance Mat Challenge, Skiing at the Chill factor and Charity Sports Challenge day. See publicity posters around College.