IMPACT Programme

HEALTH | SOCIABILITY | EDUCATION | CAREER | LIFE

AS UNIVERSITIES AND EMPLOYERS DEMAND MORE FROM STUDENTS WITHIN INTERVIEWS AND APPLICATIONS, IT HAS BECOME VERY IMPORTANT TO BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS AS PART OF YOUR SHORT TIME HERE AT COLLEGE.

The Impact Programme is designed to underpin a foundation of great education with a wide array of opportunities to IMPACT on your HEALTH, SOCIABILITY, EDUCATION, CAREER and LIFE, thus enhancing your employability and enriching your College experience alongside your studies. The IMPACT HUB also allows you a means of logging your personal development; making HE applications and CV building far easier. To support all students to create a wide and varied enrichment experience, we have a scaffold around which you can structure an enrichment curriculum that works for you. Here are just a few examples of the activities you can get involved in:

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD

At a time when entry to universities and the workplace is becoming more and more competitive, you will need more than just good grades to achieve your ambitions. Employers and admissions tutors are looking for qualified people with extra qualities - the nonacademic achievements that show you have a positive attitude, are self-motivated and adaptable and have skills in problem solving, teamwork and communication. A Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a great way of demonstrating that you have all these extra skills. Everyone gets different things out of their Award because you get to choose the activities you follow in most of the sections and you set the goals you want to reach. In following the DofE programme you will challenge yourself, enjoy loads of new experiences and discover talents you never thought you had. Anyone can take part - you just need to be willing to have a go.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

The Student Representative Council (SRC) allows you to become involved in the planning and co-ordination of all aspects of student affairs including student welfare, amenities and social activities. Recently the SRC has engaged in securing improvements to the catering provision and working with College staff in both curriculum and campus developments. The SRC has engaged in major fundraising for local and national charities and organised social events for students. You will present the views of the students to the Principal and deal with requests from students on a wide variety of issues. You will also liaise with other student councils and with the National Union of Students regarding a variety of issues relating to the development of young people. The SRC allows you to develop the skills of leadership, teamwork, responsibility and service to others.

ALLACTIVE

We encourage all students to lead a healthy lifestyle and take part in sport, whatever your ability or interest. allActive is an initiative encompassing extra curricular sport, intra and inter College competition, leadership and sport volunteering opportunities. A programme of sports including badminton, fencing, five-a-side football, tennis, table tennis, trampolining, volleyball and dance takes place during lunchtimes and after College, with sports changing every half term. Don’t be deterred if there is nothing of immediate interest; we want you to let us know what activities you would like to see running.

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

The Environment Group meets weekly and covers environmental issues through discussions, watching films and organising activities. Topics are largely suggested by students and the activities are student-led. Activities might include: • Visiting speakers from an environmental campaign group. • Fundraising for a wildlife charity. • A Make Do & Mend event. • A clothes swap. • Raising awareness of climate change. • A display on the impact of what we eat on the environment.

THE DEBATE SOCIETY

Now in its 17th year, this is one of the largest and most popular groups in College with up to 400 students in attendance. It acts as a cross College forum for students and external speakers to discuss and debate a wide range of contemporary academic, political, social, ethical and moral issues. Participation has notable personal and career benefits for students. It develops confidence, public speaking ability, analytical thinking and knowledge of current affairs. It is particularly advantageous for those intending to progress to higher education and for those wishing to follow careers in the armed forces, journalism, media, law and teaching.

THE STUDENT VOICE

The Student Voice is the College student newspaper. The Student Voice team meets regularly and plans, designs and writes the entire publication. There are student editors and a team of students who write a wide range of articles. There are regular features (for instance, book and music reviews) alongside pieces on issues of current interest. Many of the team members go on to study journalism in higher education and the experience of working on The Student Voice provides excellent portfolio evidence. For more information on The Student Voice, and to read the latest blog posts, visit our website.