Are you looking for an apprenticeship or employment after college? Or looking for part-time work?
This QXTRA will show you how to search for apprenticeship and job vacancies, then will highlight how to stand out from other applicants. You’ll create/update your CV and get it checked by a careers adviser, as well as have a mock interview.
Apprenticeship and Employment Prep runs termly, lasts 6 weeks and is completed independently online, except for the CV check and mock interview which are individually scheduled and, wherever possible, completed in person.
Length: 6 weeks. Independent Online, No Timetabled.
You will learn about the differences between bookkeeping and accounting, practical numeracy skills, the basic concepts that underpin double-entry accounting, how to record transactions in ledger accounts and more.
Independent Online – Non Timetabled
Length: 8 hours
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. There are no costs attached and first and second years are welcome. This option is a mix of teacher led sessions and independent work.
Length: 1.5 hrs per week
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. In addition to this students will craft a proposal to submit to ICE, presenting innovative ideas for enhancing our local area.
Length: Lunchtime, 12 weeks
English for academic purposes forms part of a broader six weekly course that 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.
Weekly Lessons
Length: 1.5 hours per week
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. Geography extension will nurture and foster compassion and respect from cultures, traditions and policies across the globe.
You have the opportunity to be a part of a climate change study with Kings’ College London, tracking real time data from the college site that will feed into an international climate change study, and will benefit from the expertise of outside speakers coming into college from a variety of different geographical backgrounds, from universities to the Royal Geographical Society.
Debate, question, wonder….come to Q extra geography.
Length: 1.5 hrs/week, all year
Boost your legal knowledge with our Law Enrichment sessions! Dive deeper into key cases, explore judgments, and understand the different influences on the law making process. Engage in debates on laws and law reform, and participate in exciting mock trials both locally and nationally. Discover the roles and qualifications of legal professionals and see them in action in local courts. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your legal education and gain practical experience!
Length: 1.5 hour/week, 10 weeks
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 3 hrs per week
Intended for those planning to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science at university. An opportunity to work with like minded students developing a host of skills in preparation for the Admissions tests and interviews. This option is a mix of teacher led sessions and independent work.
Length: All year 1.5 hrs per week
Learning at a university level requires enhanced critical thinking skills, as well as being able to hold a supported, substantive argument and critically analyse sources or data. On this course, you’ll build the foundations of these skills, so that you can prepare yourself for the challenges of this new learning environment. Develop writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills for university study.
Independent Online – Non Timetabled
Length: Seven weeks, 3 hours a week
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 – i.e. great university preparation. This option is a mix of teacher led sessions and independent work.
Length: 1.5 hrs per week, 10 weeks
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 – i.e. great university preparation. This option is a mix of teacher led sessions and independent work.
Length: 1.5 hrs per week, 10 weeks
Develop your sociological understanding beyond what is covered in the specification in lessons, but also give you a ‘head start’ on some of the topics you will be exploring during your two years of study.
Your online course choices are:
- Understanding and solving poverty and inequality
- Religious diversity
- The Meaning of Crime
- Children’s rights
- Understanding gender inequality
- Thinking ahead to University – An introduction to Anthropology: Understanding societies and cultures
Length: Variable, Independent Online, Non-Timetabled
Develop the skills to lead teams and manage projects. Learn how to be a successful, authentic leader in an ever changing business environment.
Length: April – June, 1.5 hours/week, April – June
Critical thinking is a vital skill. University study introduces you to new concepts, ways of learning and requires you to think critically. You need to know how to question information sources and how to evaluate different arguments.
Despite critical thinking being so important, students are often unprepared when they start their studies. This course will show you what critical thinking skills you need at university level, how they can be applied to different disciplines and how to use practical strategies to develop these skills for a successful academic life.
This FutureLearn course has been ranked as one of the best online courses of all time.
Independent Online – Non Timetabled
Length: Two weeks, 4 hours a week
Develop your oracy skills exploring a range of topics. Can you put together a convincing argument? Can you rebut the opposition’s points? Stretch your thinking and see things from a new perspective. Excellent preparation for university interviews.
Length: All Year, 1.5 hrs/week
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. Supercharge your learning and stand out to universities and employers! 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, 1.5 hrs per week
Considering a Career in Education? Explore Teaching with our Q-xtra!
Are you passionate about a specific subject? Do you enjoy helping others learn? Our two-term Q-xtra offers a unique insight into the world of teaching, whether your interest lies in Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form, or Special Educational Needs.
What you’ll gain:
- Term 1 (Sept-Dec): Develop essential teaching skills through engaging taught sessions.
- Term 2 (Jan-Apr): Put your learning into practice with a valuable school placement. (Option to extend placement available).
This is an excellent taster to help you prepare for your future career in education.
Ready to inspire the next generation? Contact Victoria Radido at vjr@barton.ac.uk to find out more.
Gain the skills to manage your personal finances: managing budgets, debts, investments, property purchase, pensions and insurance.
Independent Online – Non Timetabled
Length: 24 Hours
Sign-up takes place in May of your first year, via your maths teacher. This course would be hugely beneficial for anyone applying for a maths or maths-related degree. The course runs one lunchtime a week and will prepare you for university entrance tests such as MAT, STEP and TMUA, but also for PAT, ENGAA or any university entrance test with mathematical content.
Face to Face (Timetabled)
Only for students taking Further Maths in their second year. Signup takes place in May of your first year, via your maths teacher. For students interested in learning more beyond A-level content. This course would be hugely beneficial for anyone applying for a maths or maths-related degree. This course runs one lunchtime a week, and you will learn an additional module called ‘Extra Pure’ which can help you to secure a top grade in Further Maths.
Face to Face (Timetabled)
Maths enrichment is designed for students who enjoy learning new problem solving skills and tackling the most tricky maths questions. The sessions will focus on proof, presentation and problem solving skills, with questions from Maths Challenge, British Maths Olympiad, MAT (Maths Admissions Test for Oxford University), TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission for Cambridge, Warwick, Imperial etc), STEP and more! This is ideal for any student planning to make an application to one of these universities for a mathematical subject – Maths, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering. A 9 in maths is recommended but not required.
Length: 1 year, 1.5 hours per week, Further Maths students only, first years only
The Maths Olympiad for Girls is a competition for female and non-binary students aimed at encouraging more students to take part in olympiad-style maths competitions. The sessions will focus on proof, presentation and problem solving skills, with questions from the Maths Competition for Girls and the Maths Olympiad for Girls. The sessions will involve solving problems together in a friendly environment. We will also look at applications of mathematics and the links between topics and different degree courses, from medicine to economics. An 8 or 9 in maths is recommended but not required.
Length: 1 year, 1.5 hours per week, first year students who identify as female or non-binary only
Aimed at any student wishing to gain experience to develop their skills or to enhance an application for university, apprenticeships and employment. Students will have the support of the Work Experience team to help search, source and secure a placement, if required. Placements can either be a one-off, a morning/afternoon a week, or undertaken as part of their programme of study. Using Unifrog, students will keep a log of activities undertaken and reflect on their work experience, looking ahead to future applications.
Length: Variable
Do you need help finding a placement?
This QXTRA will show you how to search for all forms of work experience (including volunteering), then will highlight how to stand out from other applicants. You’ll create/update your CV and get it checked by a careers adviser, as well as have a mock interview.
Placement Prep runs termly, lasts 6 weeks and is completed during a lunchtime session, except for the CV check and mock interview which are individually scheduled and, wherever possible, completed in person.
Independent Online – Non Timetabled
Length: 6 weeks, Termly.
This course will only be open to Sportspeople who meet the set TASS criteria and have a successful interview with Alix Christopher, the College’s TASS Dual Co-ordinator. It is in partnership with TASS and looks to support talented athletes who compete internationally to manage their studies as well as sporting commitments as part of the TASS Dual Career game plan.
Length: All Year, 1.5 hrs/week