Xtras
Why choose OSFC Xtras?
Make your time at OSFC more fun!
- Impress universities and employers
- Stretch yourself academically
- Develop your self-confidence
- Make yourself more employable
- Volunteer and give back to your community
- Gain vocational experience on a work placement
Introduction to Xtras
OSFC Xtras is an extensive programme of opportunities and activities designed to enrich the time you spend at college.
The years you spend at OSFC are not just about studying and sitting exams, they are also about developing new interests, learning new skills, having new experiences and developing yourself personally, as well as academically.
When you leave college and apply for university, jobs or training schemes, your interviewer will want to know about your achievements beyond your studies. The OSFC Xtras programme will prepare you for Higher Education or employment and will help you stand out from the crowd!
Xtras (ID 1098)
-
Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Human rights charity. Campaigning to raise awareness to end grave abuses of human rights. We investigate and expose abuses, educate the public, and help to create a safer, more just world. We organise fundraising events at college and get involved with campaigning for local causes or world wide. We make a difference. /
-
Aspiring Health Professionals Programme (AHPP)
Aspiring Health Professionals Programme (AHPP)
Interested in a career as a health care professional? Want to improve your chances of getting an offer on these highly competitive courses? The Aspiring Health Professionals Programme (AHPP) can help you with sessions focussed on a range of health professions such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, audiology, radiography and more.
You will receive targeted advice with course applications, while gaining required voluntary experience from placements in hospitals and other care settings. With a realistic idea of what your chosen healthcare profession involves and insight from nurses, midwives and other healthcare professions, the AHPP is the ultimate place to start on the career path of your choice.
-
Aspiring Lawyers Programme (ALP)
Aspiring Lawyers Programme (ALP)
The Aspiring Lawyers Programme (ALP) is aimed at students who aspire to study this competitive degree. The sessions will cover personal statements, work experience, entrance exams and interview techniques. You will also have the chance to hear from former OSFC students at different stages in their Law careers.
-
Aspiring Medics Programme (AMP)
Aspiring Medics Programme (AMP)
The Aspiring Medics Programme (AMP) is aimed at students who aspire to study some of the most competitive courses- Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. The sessions will cover personal statements, work experience, medical ethics, entrance exams and interview techniques. You will also have the chance to hear from former OSFC students at different stages in their medical careers.
-
Aspiring Psychologists
Aspiring Psychologists
A fun course for those who really want to see the principles of Psychology in action, expanding on your curriculum understanding and with direct involvement from real psychologists. You'll explore studies not covered on the A Level course and carry out your own psychological research. -
Badminton
Badminton
We offer badminton to beginners and seasoned players every Monday. This is focused on participation, learning the game and having fun! It's a social experience and a great way to make friends. Monday 4:20-5.30pm.
-
Basketball
Basketball
Like basketball? played at school? at the ball-hall? for a club? We want you to represent College. We compete in the North West Colleges Sports Leagues and you will play games most Wednesday afternoons against other colleges around the North West.
-
Beginners Languages Courses (German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin)
Beginners Languages Courses (German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin)
- A fun introduction to German
- A fun introduction to Italian
- A fun introduction to the basics of Mandarin
- A fun introduction to Spanish
-
Carbon Literacy
Carbon Literacy
This is a short course on sustainabilitybut recognised as an important qualification for individuals and organisations to sign up to. Beginning with the impacts of global warming the course introduces you to ways your behaviour can change and the difference this will make to saving the planet
-
Care Award
Care Award
Students will achieve a certificate in the principles of care, applicable to a range of careers (medicine, nursing, care worker). The course is primarily online, done at the learners' own pace with support from a experienced member of staff.
-
College Production
College Production
The college production is a big event in the college year. we are looking for performers (dancers, singers, actors and musicians) as well as backstage and technical crew. It is great fun and open to everyone who wants to participate. The only pre-requisite is commitment!
-
Content Creation
Content Creation
Learn how to bring your ideas to life online. Exploring both podcast and YouTube video creation, you'll develop your skills in content creation from coming up with ideas, the tech used to record and edit your work, and how to grow an audience.
-
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Develop your writnig skills in poetry and prose, practice writing in different styles, find your voice on paper. Essential for anyone interested in the written word.
-
Cricket
Cricket
We run crickets nets and play indoor 6-aside competitions every Friday 4:20-5:30 to keep sharp through the winter months. This keeps players engaged when they ordinarily wouldn't play through the winter months. Those in regular attendance will be eligible to play for the college in T20 matches in the summer season.
-
Debate Club
Debate Club
Learn the art of debate. The emphasis will be debaters’ knowledge and clear thinking over rhetorical flourishes. You will discuss real-world issues and the big controversies at the top of the public agenda. Competitions vs. other colleges e.g. Oxford Union
-
Duke of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is highly recognised throughout the country; according to a National Survey by the United Learning Trust, it’s the most important additional activity you can undertake in terms of employability and future prospects. Therefore, it can be instrumental in landing the university place or job you really want.
-
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The EPQ allows you to research your own area of interest. Producing a mini dissertation, an artefact, or a performance, this AS qualification transforms you into an effective independent learner. Needless to say this course is highly regarded by universities.
-
First Aid
First Aid
This is a 10 week course covering the principles of Paediatric First Aid. You gain a qualification that allows you to act as a first aider, providing immediate care to individuals in a wide range of situations.
-
Football
Football
Like football? played at school? at 5-a-side? for a club? We want you to represent College. We compete in the North West Colleges Sports Leagues and you will play games most Wednesday afternoons against other colleges around the North West. For males we have two squads that play alongside one another each week.
-
Journalism Internship
Journalism Internship
Students gain hands on experience of reporting on OSFC and local events. Working closely with the marketing team the interns would be supported by a programme introoducing the principles of how journalism works, visiting speakers to give industrial context, reporting in the field and writing copy to a deadline. .
-
Netball
Netball
Like netball? played at school? at the ball-hall? for a club? We want you to represent College. We compete in the North West Colleges Sports Leagues and you will play games most Wednesday afternoons against other colleges around the North West.
-
Rugby Academy
Rugby Academy
Like rugby? played at school? for a club? We want you to represent College. We compete in the RFL Colleges League, and you will play games most Wednesday afternoons against other colleges around the North West. A high level of rugby skills is not a pre-requisite as coaching is provided via our Leeds Rhinos Academy.
-
Sustainability
Sustainability
Science students can use their knowledge of Physics to discover new ways to measure electricity consumption, the effects of vampire devices and formulate sustainability solutions to reduce OSFC's electricity consumption.
-
Talking about Voices
Talking about Voices
An opportunity for college students in Greater Manchester to learn about audio production while also reflecting on issues around language and identity. You will make a short podcast episode about language and identity, with plenty of ideas, training and support provided along the way. Based at MMU.
-
Teen Tech Awards
Teen Tech Awards
Are you an innovator? Do you have an idea which could make life easier, simpler or better? Do you have a skill that you would like to showcase? Or do you have an interest in an area that you would like to research? The TeenTech Awards are for students aged 11 to 16 (Years 7 to 11) and 17 to 19 (Years 12 to 13) and you can work individually, or in a team of up to three. They present a wonderful and powerful opportunity to develop your potential and showcase qualities which are appreciated by both employers and further education. The best projects go forward to the TeenTech Awards Final for judging and the winning school in each category will receive a cash prize.
-
The Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy
An exciting new and exclusive partnership with Airwalk Reply that will help you to develop your leadership skills and gain a recognised qualification in leadership. The Academy will run throughout Year 12 and will also involve 4 days during the Easter Holidays, so please only apply for this fantastic opportunity if you are committed to this.
-
The Oxbridge Group
The Oxbridge Group
The Oxbridge group will help you decide whether Oxbridge is for you and support you if you go for it. You will cover all aspects of applying to Oxbridge, including wider reading, writing your personal statement and preparing for entrance exams and interviews.
-
The Programming Academy
The Programming Academy
This is a new, exciting and exclusive opportunity to gain a programming qualification in partnership with a multinational Tech organisation. Airwalk Reply provide IT Solutions for prestigious companies such as HSBC, Mastercard, Lloyds Banking plus many more. You will gain a qualification in Python, a major programming language and will also learn form mentors working in the technology industry. Click here to find out more details.
Please note, this is not open to students taking Computer Science and IT as you will learn Python on these courses. -
Theories for Learning
Theories for Learning
We would cover current debates about what good teaching and learning is, different types of educational approaches and some cognitive science theories about learning. You will reflect on your own experiences and be more empowered learners in their own subjects as well as gain insights into what careers in education might involve.
-
Varsity Programme
Varsity Programme
Varsity Programme will support your application to a Russell Group university. The Russell Group is made up of 24 'elite' universities for which competition is particularly fierce and where most courses require very high grades. Varsity sessions will help students engage in 'super-curricular' activities that develop knowledge and skills, beyond exams, which are prized by top universities.
-
Volleyball
Volleyball
We offer volleyball to beginners and seasoned players every Tuesday. The focus is on participation, learning the game and having fun! It's a social experience and a great way to make friends. Tuesday 4:20-5:30pm.
-
Women's Football
Women's Football
Like football? played at school? at 5-a-side? for a club? We want you to represent College. We compete in the North West Colleges Sports Leagues and you will play games most Wednesday afternoons against other colleges around the North West.
-
Young Enterprise,
Young Enterprise
If you have ever thought about running your own business, then this is the perfect opportunity. Working in a small group, you will start a small enterprise and be fully responsible for the product design, launch, marketing and finances. You will attend a number of trade events where you will sell your product and you will take part in competitions, with the aim of progressing to the national and international finals. The business Sheet1Sheet2 Explore success is down to you and any money you make is yours to keep.
-
Aspiring Biologists/ Anatomy Club
Aspiring Biologists/ Anatomy Club
Students can explore the gross anatomy of various organisms and organs through dissection and link this to scientific principles of evolution and classification.
-
Aspiring Creatives
Aspiring Creatives
This exciting course gives you the chance to explore a creative project and create a product which could take the form of a piece of writing, something visual, a performance or composition, or something else. Ideal for anyone doing a creative subject at the moment, or interested in developing creativity further
-
Aspiring Computer Scientists
Aspiring Computer Scientists
Cisco CyberSecurity Essentials: Learn the basics needed to fight Cyber Crime by enrolling onto the Cisco CyberSecurity Essentials enrichment. Develop an understanding of cybercrime, security principles, technologies, and procedures used to defend networks. Complete the course to gain industry recognised Cisco certifications and Digital Badges.
-
Carbon Literacy Project
Carbon Literacy Project
This is a short course on sustainability but recognised as an important qualification for individuals and organisations to sign up to. Beginning with the impacts of global warming the course introduces you to ways your behaviour can change and the difference this will make to saving the planet
-
Film Club
Film Club
We offer a varied programme of mainstream and arthouse films.
-
Health Club
Health Club
Want to get fitter? Try something different? A new physical challenge? Come and have a go at a gym session, circuit training, nutritional advice, the list goes on... (Mondays P6)
-
Humanities Varsity (Y12) & (Y13)
Humanities Varsity (Y12) & (Y13)
Humanities Varsity (Y12)
Specially designed for students aspiring not only to the highest grades in Humanities subjects (History, Politics, Sociology, Geography, Ancient History, RS and Philosophy) but for a deeper understanding of the links between them. With like minded students, hone your capacity fo critical analysis and independent thought as well as learning about Humanities concepts you'll likely encounter at university level. Perfect for anyone aiming to attend highly competitive Russel Group or Oxbridge universities or just a passion for Humanities subjects. Runs all year.
Humanities Varsity (Y13)
Continuation of the above, most students will have done Y12 but new additions very welcome. Initially aimed at UCAS support (recommended reading, personal statements, mock interviews etc.)
-
Introduction to Counselling
Introduction to Counselling
Students will learn about ethical practice, different types of counselling and counselling skills. Students will be expected to undertake and present some independent research. This is an ideal course for anyone considering a career related to counselling or more broadly helping people.
-
Science Ambassadors
Science Ambassadors
The Science Ambassadors Programme provides the opportunity for you to volunteer your time at college and in partnership with a range of education partnerships e.g. The Blair Project. For those of you interested in competitive science degree courses and careers. Demonstarte practicals to prospective studnets and parents during Open evenings, Year 10 experience day and Varisty porgramme sessions. You could also be invovled in writing a termly Science Newsletter. It's a gret way to make new friends, get involved in STEM opportunities and looks great on your personal statement.
-
Podcast Production
Podcast Production
Learn how to bring your podcast ideas to life online. Explore the creative and technical craft of podcasting from coming up with ideas, the hardware and software used to record and edit your work, and how to grow an audience. Over a half term, you will conceive, record and publish a podcast.
-
Pre-Teaching
Pre-Teaching
If you are interested in teaching as a career, this course gives you an early introduction to what being in the classroom is like. You will be introduced to some of the theories and practices that teachers use and as this is 'a hands on course' you will need to organise a placement in a local secondary school on Wednesday mornings
-
Primary School Science Ambassadors
Primary School Science Ambassadors
A full year programme for Year 12 Science, Health and Social Care students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching or gaining experience of working with young children within the classroom. Engage in group work and gian skills in planning lessons, preparing lesson resources, practise fun science experiments and write risk assessments. You will be responsible for planning, implementing and delivering a series of Science lessons to year 4,5 & 6 pupils and providing support to other fun Science sessions with our resident Science Mentor
-
Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies
Help young children to advance their reading skills by reading to and reading with them. You will visit a local primary school to deliver this programme. 'The students from OSFC have shown a real commitment to the project and deserve to be recognised for their part in these children's progress and engagement with reading. Strong positive relationships have been well established. The average progress made by children over the 10-week programme was 1 year and 3 months' Sarah Chandler, Werneth Primary School.
-
Pickleball
Pickleball
Come and try the racquet sport that's sweeping the USA, no experience necessary! It's essentially small tennis, indoor on a badminton court, with wooden bats and plastic balls... really easy to learn and you'll be surprised how good you get at it!
-
Script Writing For Theatre
Script Writing For Theatre
As part of the National Theatre scriptwriting competition, you work with a tutor and a playwright on developing a scr1pt that is submitted to the National Theatre
-
Sports Ambassadors Programme
Sports Ambassadors Programme
The Sport Ambassadors Programme runs in partnership with Oldham School Sports Partnership and provides the opportunity for you gain a qualification in Sports Leadership, and then to work on sports events at local primary and secondary school sporting events across the borough. For those of you interested in coaching, media, journalisam, officating and increasing participation in sport amongst then this programme is for you! It's a great way to make new friends, be active and looks great on your CV!
-
Sustainability Action Ambassadors
Sustainability Action Ambassadors
What does sustainability mean to you and how can we do our bit to halt climate change? This group sets out to change the way the way we think about Zero Carbon and way we we behaive to reduce waste
-
Trampolining
Trampolining
Never tried it? Bounced at school? At a club? Doesn't matter at all, our staff are experienced and qualified to improved your skills, confidence and expertise in trampolining whatever your level. Come and have a go, you be amazed at how quickly you progress and what you can achieve. Thursdays from 4:20-5:30.
-
Music Collective
Music Collective
Singers, musicians and performers: if you are interested in playing music, forming a band, getting involved in organising an event sign up here
-
Art Festival Social Media
Art Festival Social Media
If you are interested in promoting the arts across college get involved in developing our next arts festival through our social media content
-
Diversity and Inclusion Certificate
Diversity and Inclusion Certificate
Calling all aspiring medics, lawyers, nurses, health professionals and public sector workers!!! OSFC is delighted to offer this exciting opportunity for those aspiring to work in the public sector to improve your knowledge on equality, diversity and inclusion whilst empowering you with the skills to generate ideas and action for driving positive change in society. Issues of equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the values that underpin work with all types of people.
-
The Know Book Club
The Know Book Club
Do you enjoy reading? Come along to this weekly session after college to discuss what we are reading. An added benefit is to have the opportunity to gain experience in organising and managing an author event, which would be great for your uni applications!
-
Chess Club
Chess Club
Learn different openings, make moves, practice checkmate, play chess!!
Xtras Shorts - NEW for 2023
Xtra Shorts are short enrichment courses that will be perfect for personal statements, university applications, CVs and looking after yourself and general wellbeing. Some of the courses added this year include:
- Carbon Literacy Project
- Wild Ed Project
- Singing Enrichment
- Film Club