High Achievers Programme
A rewarding High Achievers Programme
The High Achievers Programme here at Aquinas College is a study programme designed to support our most able students to achieve their academic ambitions and make aspirational choices, whilst also encouraging a greater degree of cultural awareness and increasing levels of social engagement/activism.
Applicants who will be invited to join the scheme will have excellent entry qualifications, usually with a G-Score of 8 or above (which equates to a grade 8 average across their GCSE subjects).
The scheme is primarily designed to help students to excel in their studies here at Aquinas. It will also prepare them for life after Aquinas, helping them progress to the UK’s most prestigious universities, and will give them the skills necessary to build a successful and rewarding career.
We will offer opportunities to those who meet the criteria for other ‘widening participation’ schemes such as the Cambridge HE+ program and Nuffield Research Placements.
All of these offer alternatives to the EPQ in terms of research-based projects which can help with university applications and career development.
We have built a programme that is as interesting and wide-ranging as it can possibly be, whilst at the same time encouraging students to aspire to the best universities and then the most rewarding careers available.
- Provide sessions focused on academic study skills and on developing transferable critical skills.
- Encourage students to take an Extended Project Qualification (or equivalent) to complement students’ qualifications.
- Prepare students for university entrance and for any applications, interviews, or entry tests/exams that may be required.
- Broaden students’ cultural and academic horizons so that they have a wider appreciation of all that life has to offer with trips and visits to a variety of academic and cultural destinations.
- Run rich and varied sessions – some led by influential academics, others involving group discussion and project management.
- We will also be encouraging a greater degree of cultural awareness and increased levels of social engagement/activism.
- Offer volunteering and charity opportunities which will be supported by the college Chaplain and outside agencies.
- We want to support activism and campaigning opportunities, working alongside Aquinas Citizens and the Aquinas Student Union.
- Encourage students to undertake work experience, placements or internships, in conjunction with the Careers team and departmental teams.
- We have an excellent set of activities and resources that have been curated for you to access during your time on the programme.
Latest From Aquinas
A group of our computing and IT students recently went on a trip to MBDA in Bolton. There they had a tour of the facility where they construct missiles for the defence industry. The students were really engaged, asking lots of questions and getting a lot of facts.
Aquinas Drama students were out at the Theatre again on 4th December watching the Musical “Spend Spend Spend”, at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
Over 70 of our Media and Film students attended the UCAS Create Your Future event at Manchester Central. This exciting showcase is designed for those interested in creative careers, offering a unique opportunity to explore paths in video production, filmmaking, journalism, graphic design, and more.
After careful consideration, Aquinas College has decided to discontinue our presence on X/Twitter. The platform no longer aligns with our values as an educational institution committed to fostering respect, inclusivity and thoughtful engagement. To prevent any misuse of our identity, we will retain the account but have discontinued all activity.
