Q-XTRA: Achieve
This weekly 1.5 hour lesson is designed to help you take control of your learning, boost motivation, and study smarter. Learn how to manage your time effectively, stay focused by reducing distractions and develop your presentation skills. You’ll have the opportunity to trial a wide range of assistive technologies enabling you to become a confident, independent student.
Length: All Year
An opportunity to further develop your CAD skills with the possibility of using multiple pieces of industry standard software including Solidworks and Sketchup and the support of a specialist tutor. An excellent way of helping manage workload/time-management for students of Product Design or develop a new skill if you’re an engineer.
Length: 1 Term (Autumn Y2; Spring/Summer Y1).
This hands-on 6–8 week practical course (max 8 students) teaches foundational silversmithing skills like saw-piercing and soldering to create bespoke sterling silver jewelry, including rings. Open to Year 1 and 2, the course costs £150 and runs after college from 4pm – 5:30pm; students must organize their own transport.
Length: 1.5 hours per week, 6- 8 weeks (after college)
Cost: £150
Further Mathematics is a fascinating course and although not an actual Q-Xtra, it is taken into account when choosing your Q-Xtra’s. This course delves into a variety of different areas and is taken in addition to A level Mathematics. Additional modules are available in the second year. This involves an exam.
Length: All Year
The Aspire programme is designed for students with a GCSE average score of 7 & above. These students will be automatically enrolled on to the programme. The programme includes weekly talks from experts in their field, workshops on subject choice, research skills, mentoring for competitive university applications and much more.
Length: 2 Years
2 Options
Introduction to BSL & Certified Level 1 Course
This course will teach you the important elements of British Sign Language. You will learn the signs for colours, animals, household items, months of the year, days of the week and the verbs vocabulary. Also, you will be shown how to put the vocabulary you have learned together for the purpose of communication.
Length: All Year
The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) hosts a national competition where students not only learn about city development but also explore ways to improve living conditions for everyone and ensure the resilience of our communities. The Q-Extra competition offers a 6-session game where you can actively build and develop your city through a specialised online system.
Length: 12 Weeks
Classical Greek Art and Architecture forms the DNA for Western visual culture to this very day. But why were the changes made by these Greeks over 2 thousand years ago so influential? And was it really all just white marble columns like we see today? This course is designed to introduce you to the different works of art that defined the Classical period, and would go on to influence the Western History of Art all the way to the Modern era. You will be able to develop your research skills, hone the ability to analyse material culture and understand the basics as to how you might go about deconstructing the meaning of artwork. We will also examine how the Greeks went about making this artwork in the first place, and how Archaeologists now rediscover what has been lost for centuries.
Length: 1.5 hrs/week, Half-Year.
The course covers the fundamentals of programming in Python, aiming to give you the key skills you will need for your STEM degree/career. If you want to learn how to code, but don’t want to study Computer Science, then this is the Q-Xtra for you.
Length: 1st Term
These sessions are designed for students needing extra support.
Length: All Year
Designed for students with no previous knowledge of Spanish, this course is designed to teach you basic conversational Spanish. You will learn key vocabulary and speaking skills across a diverse range of contemporary and cultural topics. Perfect for those looking to start learning how to speak Spanish.
Length: Half a Year
Designed for students with some foundational knowledge of Spanish (GCSE or similar), this course is designed to build up your confidence in conversational Spanish. You will expand your vocabulary and improve your skills across a diverse range of contemporary and cultural topics. Perfect for those looking to master Spanish speaking skills.
Length: Half a Year
The Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills aims to teach advanced listening skills that help you explore difficulties and empathise with a range of people who are going through challenging life experiences. The course is an official qualification and the stepping stone to further counselling qualifications.
Length: All Year
Have you ever wondered what happens at a crime scene? Are you interested in solving criminal cases? Are you thinking of a career as a detective, or maybe a Crime scene Investigator? If you answered yes, then this course is for you. From analysis of the crime scene to criminal profiling and lie detection this course will allow you to develop your critical thinking and problem solving skills all whilst learning how to solve a crime.
Length: 6 Weeks
Data science is a rapidly growing field, serving as the backbone for modern decision-making. It is essential in businesses for enhancing customer experiences, predicting future trends, and driving innovation across all sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology. In this course you will learn the fundamentals of data analysis and data science, putting them into practice with code and real world data. It is useful, but not essential, to also take the Coding for STEM Students Q-Xtra, which runs earlier in the year.
Length: 2nd and 3rd Term
Support for working on acting monologues suitable for LAMDA exams and drama school auditions with the option to take the LAMDA exams.
Length: All Year
DVSA Theory Test Kit for Car Drivers Online. No classes just independent access on PC or mobile to all the latest DVSA theory test revision questions and answers, plus over 100 high-quality hazard perception clips and really helpful study section. The cost provides a unique login to the DVSA website valid for a year. Please note this is a online learning package and does not include the actual theory test.
Independent: Online, costs £13.50
This Q-Xtra is an extension to the Musical Theatre course for Musical Theatre students only, to develop their fundamental dance technique and confidence.
Length: All Year. 1.5 hours per week.
Emergency First Aid at Work Qualification recognised by employers (valid for 3 years). Upon successful completion of this qualification, candidates will be equipped with the essential skills needed to give safe, prompt and effective first aid in emergency situations.
Length: 6 Hours.
Cost: Additional cost of £35.
Having a good understanding of emergency paediatric first aid is incredibly important for the safety of children. Successful candidates will learn the roles and responsibilities of the emergency paediatric first aider, and will be equipped with the skills needed to deal with a range of paediatric first aid situations: Assessing an emergency situations, dealing with an unresponsive infant or child, recovery position, CPR and defibrillation, choking, minor injuries, bites and stings, seizures, external bleeding, hypovolaemic shock. Content is the same as day one of the Paediatric First Aid (2 day) course.
Length: 6 Hours.
Cost: Additional cost of £35.
Successful candidates will learn the roles and responsibilities of the paediatric first aider, and will be equipped with the necessary skills to administer safe and effective treatment when dealing with a range of paediatric first aid situations.
Length: 12 Hours.
Cost: Additional cost £65.
This course is designed for students considering engineering as a career. It is a chance to find out more of what it is like to be an engineer in industry. You will do this by completing a 6 month project in a team for industry. We will work with local companies such as Leonardo. You could also get a Silver or Gold CREST Award depending on the project.
Length: Sep to May, Year 1 only
Analyse and discuss extracts of novels, short stories, poetry and drama. We look at texts which will improve your personal statements. This includes everything from canonical texts to banned books. It’s lots of fun and it helps students get top grades in any of the English A-Levels. Students who wish to study English at University are strongly advised to attend and all keen readers are welcome.
Length: All Year
English for academic purposes covers a broad spectrum of language support for students that are not native speakers. There is a cross curricular focus that provides strategies and guided learning that concentrates on boosting confidence in specifically reading and writing skills. The structure of the course provides students with opportunities to develop their listening and pronunciation proficiency which has a positive impact on their experiences beyond their classroom based learning.
Length: 6 Weeks
Go beyond the classroom and dive into your own research project! The EPQ is a self-directed qualification that lets you choose a topic you’re passionate about, conduct in-depth research, and create a unique final product. The EPQ is your chance to explore your passions, develop essential skills, and showcase your potential – all while earning valuable UCAS points or lower offers.
Length: Sept – May
This course helps you plan, deliver and evaluate fitness based gym sessions for people with ranging fitness goals. It is also a great way to enhance your University and job applications and will help you develop a range of key people skills.
Length: All Years
The Introduction to Coaching Football course replaces the old FA Level 1 and is the start of your journey in football coaching. The course combines practical coaching sessions which help develop your skills and confidence at leading fun-based football sessions to mixed ability groups, with theory sessions designed to improve your underpinning knowledge. The course also includes a compulsory First Aid in Football and Safeguarding workshop.
Length: All Year
Cost: This has an additional cost: Approx. £160 (Payable to FA)
Students may take an additional module for Further Mathematics. We cover the content for the Extra Pure module one lunchtime each week so that students may sit an extra paper and take their best results at the end. When to Sign Up: During the Year.
Length: Jun (Y1) – May (Y2)
Attenborough, celebrity or icon ? Climate, fact or fiction ? Who really is in control of our planet? Will we run out of water ? Will we ever control the weather ? ‘Scramble for the Arctic? Are you an outsider in your own home? This course is designed to satiate your need to inquire, debate and question the world in which we live in, today, tomorrow and yesterday.
Length: All Year
The History Q-Xtra programme is designed to help you explore topics that go beyond the standard curriculum. It provides an opportunity for you to delve deeper into areas of history that align with your personal interests. By participating, you can effectively pursue your own subject passions and expand your historical knowledge.
Length: 1.5 hours per week. Half a Year.
This course is for those who have no or little prior knowledge of Japanese, and will provide you with a basic understanding of Japanese. This one year course leads to a Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese. You will learn how to read and write Hiragana and Katakana alphabets with some Kanji.
Length: All Year
This GCSE course, which follows on from Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese, is mainly for second year students. You will learn more grammar, Kanji (200 altogether) and vocabulary to express yourself more fluently through five themes. You will be assessed at the end of the course in four skills (25% each). The exam board is Pearson / Edexcel.
Length: Year 2 Only
These sessions focus on the practical skills you actually need, like how to structure a winning argument, handle “on the spot” questions with ease, and use body language to project natural confidence. Whether you’re facing a tough university interview or your first big presentation at work, these techniques ensure you can speak with impact and keep your audience engaged. Best of all, the qualification earns you UCAS points for your university applications.
Length: All Year
This provides students with additional guidance to help them succeed in their Law studies. Sessions focus on exploring course content in greater depth, developing key academic and practical skills, and building confidence in areas such as essay writing, problem questions, and exam techniques.
Length: 15 Weeks
For students interested in biology / biochemistry / biomedical / environmental sciences. Students experience science topics beyond their A-level specifications, including hearing speakers from universities/industries on a range of subjects, conducting their own research into a topic of interest to them, undertaking practicals not covered in lessons, university-style teaching on current research and news, and generally exposing students to studying at a higher level.
Length: 10 Weeks
Are you curious about how language works? Do you enjoy solving puzzles and cracking codes? In Linguistics Club, we explore the structure of language through fun, logic-based challenges drawn from past UK Linguistics Olympiad (UKLO) papers. The UKLO is a national competition that tests your ability to analyse unfamiliar languages – no prior knowledge required – and is a great way to develop problem-solving skills highly valued by top universities.
Length: All Year
By the end of the first year students will have achieved HSK level 1 which is the basis of Mandarin Chinese.
Length: All Year
For students who achieved a Grade 5 or above at GCSE. This course will help to develop mathematical reasoning and solving real world problems, and supports courses such as Psychology, Geography, Business and Sciences. This is an examined Level 3 course with an expectation to complete independent work between lessons.
Length: 1 Year
Weekly lunchtime sessions focus on preparation for the TMUA and STEP as well as interviews for Oxford and Cambridge. Sign Up: In the Spring.
Length: April (Y1) – March (Y2)
The focus of Maths Extension is solving challenging problems, including the British Maths Olympiad and the UKMT Mentoring Scheme. Requirements: Students must be taking Further Maths. When to Sign up: At Enrolment.
Length: September -July.
Ever wondered what mathematicians actually do? Choose a topic that fascinates you and, with support throughout the year, learn how to research, write, and present mathematics like a professional. The year culminates in a PhD-style conference where you’ll share your discoveries. A chance to explore the side of mathematics that you never see in lessons.
When to Sign Up: During the Year. Only available to students
taking Further Maths
The Maths Olympiad for Girls groups is a laid back and fun problem solving group with a focus on the competition in the autumn as well as other fun challenges. Expect maths and cake!
Requirements: Students must be taking A Level Maths.
When to Sign Up: At Enrolment.
Duration: September – July.
A range of First Aid for Mental Health related subjects are covered including:
What is First Aid for Mental Health? Identifying mental health conditions, Providing advice and starting a conversation, Stress, Drugs and alcohol, First Aid for Mental Health action plan, First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace. Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health will be issued to the learner, subject to successful assessment. This qualification is valid for three years from the date of achievement.
Length: 6 Hours.
Cost: Additional cost of £35.
For students interested in chemistry / physics / engineering. Students experience science topics beyond their A-level specifications, including hearing speakers from universities/industries on a range of subjects, conducting their own research into a topic of interest to them, undertaking practicals not covered in lessons, university-style teaching on current research and news, and generally exposing students to studying at a higher level.
Length: 10 Weeks
A fascinating six-week exploration of themes beyond the standard A Level curriculum, covering cognition, addiction, and sleep alongside sports psychology, aggression, and stress. This enrichment is open to everyone, not just Psychology students; simply bring your curiosity and a desire to deepen your understanding of human behaviour through active participation. These sessions focus on boosting your academic performance and encouraging you to reach your full potential.
Length: 1.5 hours per week, 6 weeks
In the robotics course, you will build and programme an autonomous robot to compete in Robotics competitions such as FIRST Tech Challenge UK or Student Robotics. You will work in teams to create the robot. This course is good for those interested in Project Management, Computer Science, Product Design and Engineering.
Length: September – April. Y2 Only.
Level 3 courses demand significant independent study. If you struggle with self-motivation for independent work or need structured study time to meet deadlines, consider enrolling in our supervised independent study sessions. These sessions are held in a classroom, free from distractions, with a staff member present. You are expected to remain for the entire session, but the time is yours to dedicate to your independent work. Staff are available to help you get started, or you can work autonomously.
Length: All Year
For students interested in biology and environmental science. Students conduct a wide range of surveys beyond their A-level specifications; including reptile surveys with artificial refuges, water vole surveys using artificial latrines, mammal track surveys using footprint tunnels, terrestrial invertebrate surveys using sweep nets, aquatic invertebrate surveys using kick nets, moth surveys using light traps, harvest mice surveys and wintering bird surveys. Students will carry out surveys at various study sites in the local area. The Wildlife Surveying Q-Xtra will prepare students interested in higher education and careers in the conservation sector.
Length: 1.5 hours per week. 10 Weeks.