PLYMOUTH COLLEGE
CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
FRIDAY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME 2025/26
The Friday Enrichment Programme
The Enrichment Programme is a formal and compulsory element of school life for all pupils in Year 10 and above The programme provides a range of opportunities to encourage pupils to develop new skills, extend their knowledge, face new experiences and challenge themselves beyond the classroom Activities are designed to enrich the pupil experience and are a key part of what a Plymouth College education is all about
Should you wish to undertake your own ‘enrichment activity’ other than those listed in this booklet, please liaise with Mr. Mutlow (pmutlow@plymouthcollege.com) to discuss this further and obtain permission.
COMBINED CADET FORCE
(ROYAL NAVY, ARMY or ROYAL AIR FORCE)
What is it?
The CCF consists of three sections: Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. It provides challenging training within a structured and disciplined environment to develop selfdiscipline, leadership, resilience and self-reliance Part-funded by the MOD there are a plethora of opportunities available to the cadets RAF cadets are able to go flying and gliding, the RN have activities at HMS Drake and Raleigh The Contingent offers adventurous training opportunities, as well as expeditions abroad, part-funded by the military. Numerous camps and courses are also available providing the cadets with useful lifelong qualifications accredited by civilian boards The CCF is not a recruiting tool for the Regular Forces but cadets interested in this as a potential career will be well supported.
Cost?
Free but with a £50 refundable uniform deposit and boots will need to be purchased (we can supply for £25). Additional weekends away, qualifications and camps may incur additional costs (Summer Camp approx £75-100, weekends approx £30)
Staff?
Contingent Commander: Major Butterworth, C Sherratt, L Odendaal + others
Who is it for?
Year 10 and above
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD (BRONZE,
SILVER or GOLD
What is it?
Get out of the classroom, spend time with friends and get The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; world’s leading achievement award for young people Most Plymouth College pupils already do many of the elements of the Award, but aren’t recognised for it There are four areas: Physical, Skill, Volunteering and Expedition. It is available at three levels, with the Gold Award also requiring a Residential experience The Award is designed to encourage young people to take up or improve their performance in sports, skills and volunteering and to challenge themselves beyond their perceived limitations Friday afternoons prepare candidates for the expedition and includes a first aid qualification for Silver and Gold pupils Students learn navigation, campcraft, cooking and teamwork as well as participating in a number of outdoor activities including climbing and coasteering Expeditions may be by walking, canoeing or mountain biking The Physical, Skill and Volunteering sections must be completed in the pupil’s own time. This qualification demands commitment and resilience, but looks impressive on a UCAS form, CV, or reference and is a great thing to talk about during interviews
Cost?
£55 or £60 enrolment (depending on level) Additional charges will levied for expeditions (between £100 - £300) and jackets (optional £50) Staff?
Mr Rees, Mr Hayter, Miss Foreman, Dr Norris, + Others Who is it for?
Year 10 and above (level of entry depends on year group)
OPEN DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD (ALL
What is it?
A chance for those who want to do the DofE Award, but cannot make Friday afternoons There are up to eight lunchtime meetups where we support them through the award as well as planning their expedition Pupils may need to meet up in their own time to do some of the planning for expeditions. Anyone interested in this option should select their main activity on SOCS and email Mr Rees (orees@plymouthcollege.com) to express interest in DofE outside of the timetable
Cost?
£55 or £60 enrolement (depending on level) Additional charges will levied for expeditions (between £100 - £300) and jackets (optional £50)
Staff?
Mr Rees, Mr Hayter, Miss Foreman Who is it for?
Year 10 and above (level of entry depends on year group)
When is it?
Wednesday lunchtime (NOT EVERY WEEK)
F1 IN SCHOOLS - (STEM)
What is it?
F1 in Schools is an international STEM competition where students work in teams to design, build and race a miniature Formula 1 car using CAD/CAM software and engineering principles Over the course of the year pupils will work in teams and take on roles such as engineer, designer and team manager. You will develop skills in areas such as CAD design, marketing and 3d modelling using processes such as CNC routering and 3D printing. The programme aim is to enter the F1 in schools regional competition with a race car that has been designed and manufactured by the team including securing sponsorship, working on a team portfolio and manufacturing a Co2 powered F1 car.
Cost?
£50 (some small trip expenses may be requested throughout the year)
Staff?
Mrs Lisney
Who is it for?
Year 10 -13
What is it?
Arts Award is a recognised qualification (giving you 16 UCAS points at Gold Level!) that takes pupils on a creative journey, exploring the arts world, discovering their potential as artists, and developing their leadership skills Pupils can achieve Arts Award in any art form: Music, Drama, Art, and Dance. There are three awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold, which is the most demanding Many pupils already have the skills and experience to be able to take this course. Pupils record evidence of their development and achievements in an 'arts log' or portfolio, in their choice of format, which is then assessed. All levels of Arts Award recognise personal progress within the arts, rather than requiring young people to meet a specific standard.
How do I get an Arts Award?
Take part in different arts activities
Be inspired by artists and arts organisations
Experience arts events
Share your arts skills with others
Put together a portfolio or arts log in your own chosen format
And for Silver and Gold you'll also get to:
Set yourself arts challenges
Organise your own projects
Research arts careers and the arts sector
Cost?
£50 (some additional small trip expenses may be requested) Staff?
Mrs Eglinton / Mrs Escott Who is it for?
Year 10 and above
What is it?
The Pre-Med is designed for any Sixth Form student interested in applying to university to study medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and any other science related degrees The focus of the course is to develop students’ understanding of these fields of study and prepare them for making their strongest possible application to university The course is varied and will include work experience placements, lectures, discussion sessions, university application guidance, practice interviews, student presentations, visits to medical facilities and talks from medical practitioners and recent OPM medical undergraduates
To further develop your university application this programme will also give you the opportunity to practise questions from the Universities Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and take part in mock interviews using the same format that is utilised by UK universities
Cost?
FREE (some trip expenses may be requested)
Staff?
Mr. Bryan Who is it for?
Sixth Form Pupils studying any Science or Maths A-level
HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS ACADEMY (CRICKET)
What is it?
An opportunity to receive high level coaching in Cricket and stretch your ability in this sport
Cost?
FREE Staff?
Mr Varcoe
Who is it for?
Cricket players in Year 10 and above
HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS ACADEMY (HOCKEY)
Staff?
Mr Fenwick
Who is it for?
Hockey players in Year 10 and above
HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS ACADEMY (RUGBY)
What is it?
An opportunity to receive high level coaching in Rugby and stretch your ability in this sport
Cost?
FREE Staff?
Mr Pullinger
Who is it for?
Rugby players in Year 10 and above
HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS ACADEMY (SWIMMING)
What is it?
An opportunity to train, outside of evening and early morning slots, for those in the relevant squads on the PCA Swim Programme If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please speak to your PCA Swim Coach in the first instance to confirm
Cost? FREE Staff?
Mr Pavoni
Who is it for?
PCA members in Year 10 and above in relevant squads
HIGH
PERFORMANCE SPORTS ACADEMY (PAFC Football)
What is it?
An An opportunity to train, outside of evening slots, for those in the PAFC Football Programme
Cost?
FREE Staff?
PAFC Coaching Team
Who is it for?
PAFC Football Programme Members in Year 10 and above
What is it?
Why not give a little back and see how much you get from it too You will be allocated to a prep school class (EYFS - Year 6) and support the class with their afternoon lessons This could see you take small groups and help them with their learning, to work 1-1 with a student in need of individual help or to circulate helping the class in general. We will seek to pair you with classes which suit your strengths
What is it?
Use your Friday afternoon to stay on top of your EPQ Mr Atkinson will help with your planning referencing and presentation Meet in H1 Those undertaking the EPQ will be expected to attend weekly, for the duration of the session and will be supervised by Mr Atkinson throughout.
SUPER CURRICULUM
What is it?
Use your Friday afternoon to extend your learning beyond the curriculum requirement in the subjects you study, or in subjects you find fascinating but do not formally study This is a fantastic opportunity to complete MOOCs, read articles, listen to podcasts, write your own articles on topics that interest you and do many more activities that will look fantastic in a personal statement, application form and, most importantly, enrich your academic knowledge. The aim would then be for you to deliver a Grand Round (presentation) on a topic of your choice at some point during the year. Meet in the Sixth Form Centre to take the subjects you study further
Cost? FREE Staff?
Mr Agobiani Who is it for? Sixth Form Pupils
WORK EXPERIENCE
What is it?
Use your Friday afternoon to partake in a long term work experience placement, giving you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the working world, find out if that profession is the one for you and develop excellent soft skills This is something that you would either need to organise yourself through your own contacts, or you can make use of our small but growing PMC database If you choose the latter, yourself and your parents would need to arrange this with the chosen company via the unifrog portal - we will show you how this functions
DEBATING & ORACY SOCIETY
What is it?
Debating and Oracy Society is for you if you want your voice to matter It's a dynamic space where you will develop powerful communication skills, improve your critical thinking, hone your analytical and research skills, and build confidence in expressing your ideas verbally It includes lively debates on matters of global importance, fun, fast paced debating games and deep dives into current developments in the world It will give you the skill and confidence to ace a university interview or to showcase your leadership potential eloquently and with the knowledge to back you up.
INDEPENDENT PERIODS (UPPER SIXTH ONLY)
What is it?
Use your ‘independent’ period allocation during the Friday afternoon slot instead of another time in the school week This is subject to approval from Mr Agobiani (which must be sought by each individual student prior to sign-up) and will be monitored in line with academic progress
Cost?
FREE Staff?
N/A
Who is it for?
Upper Sixth pupils only
PRIVATE STUDY
What is it?
Use your Friday afternoon to stay on top of your chosen subjects if you have a significant training load outside of school or are preparing for your A-Level examinations. Usual rules around Private Study will apply, with this being a time to work, not socialise with friends, and this will be supervised by staff members
Cost?
FREE Staff?
School librarian
Who is it for?
Pupils on a ‘high-performance’ sporting programme or Upper Sixth only.
IELTS
What is it?
IELTS is an internationally recognised qualification, required by many organisations as proof of a minimum standard of English proficiency You will prepare for your IELTS test by improving your skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking You will practice tests, exam strategies, build vocabulary and grammar, and you will get feedback on your progress You will have opportunities to do timed practice to help you get used to the test format and timing This will support you getting ready to achieve your desired IELTS scores
Cost?
FREE (IELTS Exam needs to be booked independently)
Staff?
Miss Venon & Mr Carr
Who is it for?
Year 11 - 13 EAL Pupils only, who in the future wish to study or work, especially in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE
Ford Park, Devon, PL4 6RN
T: +44(0)1752 505100
ADMISSIONS
T: +44(0)1752 505100
Email: admissions@plymouthcollege com