Academies and Additional Opportunities
In addition to outstanding courses, we have an extensive range of additional opportunities available at Callywith College. Find out more about just some of these opportunities below.
Academies
As a full-time student, you could join one of our academies. These have been set up to encourage development and excellence. Whether your interest is sporting, academic or artistic, we have created programmes and support to help you excel.
As part of any academy you can expect to enjoy success during your time at Callywith College, but the skills you acquire will stay with you as you progress to university, your career and into life as an enriched individual. Academy activities are included into your timetable, enabling you to access as much as possible without interfering with your studies.
Please note that academies can only be taken in conjunction with a full-time programme of study.
If you are joining one of the sports academies or Sport courses, please visit our online shop to order sports kit for September here.
Find out more about our academies below.
Health, Wellbeing & Sport (HWS)
Callywith College is committed to providing an environment where students can grow and develop by offering a wide range of free physical activities across the College through our Callywith Active HWS programme. The menu of activities which fit around student timetables, include gym sessions, basketball, badminton, table tennis and astro pitch activities.
Callywith College is committed to providing an environment where students can grow and develop. In addition to our Sport Academies, we offer a wide range of free physical activities across the College through our Callywith Active Health, Wellbeing & Sport programme.
The gym sessions take place in our new Fox Gym where our Callywith Active Lead, who is Master Practitioner in Personal Training, will be available to offer students guidance and advice on planning gym sessions and how to exercise in the most appropriate way for them to achieve their goals.
The menu of opportunities is fully inclusive and has been established for all students to access regardless of their ability, previous experiences and goals. The programme is provided to support positive mental health and physical wellbeing, and to help create healthy active life styles.
View the Spring 2023 HWS timetable here
Study Plus
In addition to your course and as part of your timetable, you can choose from a range of activities that form our Study Plus programme. Study Plus activities are offered throughout the week. As well as adding to your CV or university application, these can give you a break from your studies and enable you to meet people from other courses.
You can follow an activity that complements your existing study or use it to discover something entirely new. There are many activities you can chose from including photography, college magazine, languages and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) plus the opportunity to gain work experience. If we don’t offer an activity that interests you, let us know and we’ll see if we can add it to the Study Plus programme.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a unique opportunity to gain a qualification while studying a topic entirely of your own choosing. Not only is it equivalent to half an A Level and up to 28 UCAS points, it enhances university, apprenticeship and job applications by developing a range of functional and transferable skills, and allowing you to demonstrate passion for your career path. Pursuing an area in which you have a genuine interest also means you are likely to enjoy it and do well.
You will choose a topic that significantly extends your knowledge in your other subject(s), or one based on personal interests. With the help of a dedicated supervisor, you will identify a focused title and aims then plan, research and carry out your project. Expect to become an expert in your chosen field!
The outcome may be a 5000 word report or an ‘artefact’ (a practical outcome) with a 1000 word report, which you can again tailor to your interests and strengths. Additionally, you will provide evidence of your process and deliver a presentation.
Though the focus is on independent learning, you will have contact with your supervisor for about four hours per week. This allows you to access one-to-one support as well as a taught element of relevant skills. Not only will these benefit your project and post-16 studies, they are highly sought after by employers and universities, helping you to stand out. Read more about the Extended Project Qualification here
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is universally recognised as one of, if not the best, programme for the personal development of young people. If you participate in the award you will experience an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development. Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem. It requires persistence, commitment and will have a lasting impact on your attitudes and outlook. On the DofE programme you will complete different types of activities to achieve an award e.g. volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residentials.
Ten Tors
Ten Tors takes place every year on Dartmoor. All those who attempt Ten Tors will undoubtedly remember it for the rest of their lives and for many it will be a life-changing experience. We will train you during the course of the year to allow you to take part in the Ten Tors 45 Mile challenge in May. Its tough, and it will push you mentally and physically - you will learn so much about yourself!
Student Ambassadors
You can help us spread the word about the amazing experience you have at Callywith College to future students. You can become a student ambassador and gain experience visiting schools around the county, attending open events, as well as helping new students at the start of term.
Student Representation
Student representatives from all tutor groups advise the College management of educational and recreational matters that are of interest to students of the College. The tutor reps meet monthly with members of the senior management team to ensure issues are discussed and addressed in a timely way.
Student Council
Students will have the opportunity to put themselves forward for nomination to become part of the newly formed Student Council with a range of positions within the council on offer including Chair, EDI representative and Social Secretary to name a few.
Fundraising
You may want to take part in some fundraising activities while at the College. You and your friends can select charities to support, for example Shelterbox, CLIC, Lamin Appeal, Heart Foundation, Breast Cancer Care, Cancer Relief, Comic Relief and Children in Need. Fancy dress, hair dyeing and shaving are just some of the antics you could be involved with in order to raise funds as well as the more formalised events such as Ten Tors, fun runs and marathons.
National Citizen Service (NCS)
NCS is designed to boost not only your career prospects, but also to develop valuable life skills needed in your studies and future careers. During the programme, you will take part in a range of activities that will develop your skills in teamwork, leadership and event planning, amongst others. You will plan, design and deliver a social action project on a local issue that you feel most passionate about, in order to give something back to your community.
