HORIZONSRunshaw’s Gifted & Talented ProgrammeHORIZONS

Runshaw’s Gifted & Talented Programme

Core Curriculum

A Level subjects

Subject Academies

Prestigious UniversitiesProgramme

EnrichmentActivities

Support & Guidance• Pastoral Support• Student Services

WorkExperience

AdditionalQualifications

Guest Lectures

Application Advice

University Visits

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RUNSHAW HORIZONS PROGRAMMEAt Runshaw, we want all our students to reach their full potential. For our most able students, this means achieving A* grades at A Level, gaining a place at a prestigious university and developing their passion for their subject.

The needs of our students will always come first, so we provide an unrivalled range of additional activity to equip them with the skills and experiences they require.

As a result, last year 11% of A Level grades at Runshaw were A* grades, and over 400 students progressed to prestigious universities.

The Horizons programme starts early, with many opportunities available while students are still at high school, beginning in Year 9. On enrolling at Runshaw, there are many further opportunities available depending on students’ individual interests and needs. For example, Oxbridge and prestigious universities support, subject-specific academies, academic support tutorials, and a wide range of enrichment activities.

“Make the horizon your goal; it will always be ahead of you!” (William Makepeace Thackeray)

Clare Russell, Deputy Principal

PRE-RUNSHAW: WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?The Horizons programme begins early, with a series of exciting and inspirational events, aimed at gifted and talented students from Year 9 onwards, to recognise and celebrate excellence.

The Horizons programme provides a wide variety of opportunities starting with the Oxbridge Bound session for Year 9 students, through to subject specific activities, competitions and our annual master-class day; all to stretch and challenge the most able. These opportunities extend knowledge above and beyond the syllabus whilst developing important communication skills and help to prepare students for post 16 studies.

Students from partner high schools are extremely positive about the masterclasses they have been involved with: “I really enjoyed the day and the lessons were really fun and interesting”, “It has been a really great day with lots to learn”.

Join our Facebook group and keep up with all the latest news from the

Horizons team. Simply scan the QR code below and sign in to join, or search Facebook for ‘Runshaw Horizons’.

AliceALICE WILCOCKStudied: Further Maths, English Literature, History and Maths

Achieved: A*AAA

Previous High School: Standish

Where are they now? Brasenose, Oxford studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

ENRICHMENT & ENHANCEMENTPastoral Support All students have a pastoral mentor who acts as a progression coach seeing students regularly for 1:1 coaching. All our mentors have experience with gifted and talented students and their applications to prestigious universities. We offer specific events to help students applying for prestigious universities such as application advice, mock interviews, meetings with current Oxbridge students and university admissions tutors.

Duke of EdinburghWe employ our own dedicated staff to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. This encourages students to help their communities, build their self-esteem, try new activities and become more physically active. Students achieving these awards demonstrate their commitment and excellent team-working skills.

Debating Each year, a group of our students form a team to enter the ‘Debating Matters’ competition. This is a national competition for sixth form students designed to promote a study of current contentious issues and promote clear arguments and debate.

Work ExperienceWe have a dedicated Work Placement Unit, which offers opportunities for work experience for all students, taking into account their course commitments. (For AS students, this is usually in the week after their end of term in July.) We also support students who find their own work experience placements in their free time.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)Students with a passion to study a particular topic in great detail can opt to take the Extended Project Qualification alongside their A Level studies during the AS year as a 4th subject (if they opt to study 3 A Levels). To take the EPQ as a 5th subject, students with at least 6 A*s at GCSE can also apply. The EPQ is equivalent to an AS Level qualification and involves researching a topic of interest, preparing a report and presenting findings to a small audience. Each participant is assigned a mentor to guide them through the process of title development, research and write-up. For further information about the course and the entry requirements for the EPQ, please ask at our Open Events or contact our School Liaison team.

Student ServicesWe have outstanding Student Services facilities, staffed continuously through the week by a highly experienced and qualified team. The service is accredited by Matrix to offer high-quality information, advice and guidance. Our Student Services team offers detailed advice on the completion of UCAS forms, gap years, careers, bursaries, and many other matters.

AndrewANDREW DARLINGTONStudied: Further Maths, Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Achieved: A*A*AB

Previous High School: Canon Slade

Where are they now? The University of Warwick studying Mathematics

OxbridgeWe currently have over 50 ex-Runshaw students studying at Oxford and Cambridge universities.

The Oxbridge selection process is unique, so special assistance is provided using the expertise which Runshaw staff have built up through their relationships with colleagues at these universities. Practical help with applications, personal statements, aptitude tests and interviews is also given.

Runshaw is the only state sector school or college to have produced TWO presidents of the Cambridge Students’ Union: Pav Akhtar and Laura Walsh. Both have visited the college to give guidance and information to prospective Oxbridge

LucyLUCY ROOCROFTStudied: Biology, Chemistry, Maths

Achieved: AAA

Previous High School: Bishop Rawstorne

Where are they now? Studying Dentistry at Liverpool University

ImanIMAN RAZAStudied: Biology, Maths, Chemistry

Achieved: A*A*A

Previous High School: Parklands

Where are they now? University College, London to study Biomedical Science

JoshJOSHUA MASCORDStudied: Further Maths, Physics,

English Literature, Maths

Achieved: A*A*AA

Previous High School: Broughton

Where are they now? Oxford University studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics

applicants. They are a real inspiration and show just what can be achieved by Runshaw A Level students.

Prestigious Universities Programme The PUP includes guest lectures on the requirements of prestigious universities, talks from visiting academics, contact with former Runshaw students who have been successful at prestigious universities, and the chance to make a residential visit to Oxford or Cambridge.

The programme is designed to de-mystify the application process and to clarify what prestigious universities are looking for. Above all, it provides huge encouragement to students who are considering making an application to one of these universities.

PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES PROGRAMME

EleanorELEANOR STRANGEStudied: Fine Art, Maths, Economics

Achieved: A*A*A

Previous High School: Standish

Where are they now? University of Manchester to study Architecture

The Art Academy Art Academy supports gifted and talented students to achieve top grades. Students are taught a breadth of skills in a wide range of media techniques and processes, to expand on the knowledge and experience gained on the AS/A2 art courses. Work produced in the Academy sessions is linked to current project work and themes, so that students add this work into their coursework journals and it is assessed alongside work produced in the course lessons. As well as enabling a student to have an extensive range of work in their journal, the work produced in Academy also supports university applications, with work being presented in a portfolio ready for interview.

During the exam session, Academy students are challenged to select their best skills and work more in-depth, through experimentation with media and development of thoughtful concepts. Students attending the Academy also gain confidence in discussing their ideas, being able to constructively evaluate both their own and others’ work, so that they can provide peer support for each other.

ACADEMIES & SOCIETIES

“By booking application support days, inviting visiting speakers, and arranging mock interviews, Runshaw does a brilliant job of assisting its Oxbridge applicants.” Adam Kellett, Horizons student.

The Business AcademiesThere are several excellent Academies in the School of Business, one for every course. To date we have offered our students many extracurricular opportunities such as the A* clubs, Mentoring programme, Dragons Den competitions and The Apprentice simulations, Micro Tyco, Target 2.0, RES Young Economist of the Year, ICAEW Challenge, Young Enterprise, Extended Projects, Fund raising for Charities, Fair trade, selling customised hoodies and Marketing with Performing Arts. Teachers are also willing to offer mentoring, coaching and support for prestigious university applications and for our students seeking support for places on the highly sought after sponsored degrees.

All of our Academies seek to fine tune and develop the higher level analytical and evaluative skills necessary to perform at the highest level. As the Academies are run outside of class time it means that we can increase the breadth of the curriculum which in turn facilitates an increase depth of subject understanding which is particularly valuable when our students really want to study their subject much more intensely and in the future.

Our Academies draw on the very valuable employability skills sought by employers; skills which allow students to enter the world of employment and have the qualities to succeed. Students develop decision making and problem solving skills which are essential for university and working life. Collaborative working in our Academies results in students working with other like-minded individuals which is fantastic for networking, promoting success and offering support. Interpersonal skills develop very quickly amongst our Academy students, and many have gone on to prestigious universities or to employment with highly reputable and globally renowned businesses.

As well as developing essential business skills our Academies provide support for all students in many ways, and we would recommend you get as involved as is possible; the feedback is always very positive, and the opportunities are very worthwhile - as one student recently quoted “Great moments are born from great opportunities; this is what we’ve had today. A true emphasis was placed in developing the employability skills of each individual that has taken part; this will be of great value to our future career.” [Year 2 Accounting student feedback; ICAEW Base Challenge event]

The English AcademyThe English Academy provides a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for students. In all three English A Level disciplines, there are weekly Gifted and Talented meetings for students in both years, each run by a member of the Department with relevant experience of teaching the subject. These are designed to further stretch the students who have been identified as potential A and A* grade candidates. In the Year 2 Literature G&T group, for example, students read and discuss canonical texts such as Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in order to encourage a wider engagement with the English Literary Heritage. All six G&T groups are intended to develop a deeper, broader understanding of the English curriculum.

In addition to the Gifted and Talented provision, the Academy also offers an Oxbridge group, run by the Head of School, and two other groups which are open to all students in college: Creative Writing and English Society. Creative Writing in particular is popular with students who study subjects other than English, and both offer clear opportunities for students to develop interpersonal skills and meet others regardless of year-group and academic background. Students from the Creative Writing group have regularly been published in magazines and have won national competitions, as well as winning the College’s inaugural Short Story Competition run jointly with the Library. In the coming year The English Academy is planning to be involved in the national Debating Matters competition (in cooperation with the Politics team), as well as entering students for Poetry by Heart and the Tower Poetry Competition, and running events to mark occasions such as World Book Day.

“I was proud to achieve my goal of an offer from Oxford University, thanks to the help of my subject teachers. They are approachable, supportive and offer great advice.” Rosie Tootell, Horizons student.

EllaELLA HOLDENStudied: European History, English Literature, Religious Studies

Achieved: A*AA

Previous High School: Penwortham Girls’

Where are they now? Magdalen College, Oxford studying English Literature and Language

The Humanities Academies

(Classics, Geography, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies)

The School of Humanities’ Academy sessions allow students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and learn about topics of interest which may not be directly covered in the A Level specifications. Students have the opportunity to listen to university lecturers from prestigious universities such as Lancaster, Manchester and York; and are invited to attend university style seminar sessions focused around extra reading and work on examination technique, in order to reach the top grades. In the lunchtime Academy sessions, Gifted and Talented students work together to improve both their academic performance and their employability and interpersonal skills.

The teachers within the School of Humanities offer students additional support with their university applications. This may take the form of support with drafting their personal statements, coaching them through the university interview process, or preparing them for admissions tests, such as the History Aptitude Test.David

DAVID BAND

Studied: Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Maths

Achieved: A*AAA

Previous High School: St Joseph’s Horwich

Where are they now? Nottingham University to study Veterinary Science

“Runshaw prepared me for the application by helping me apply for the Sutton Trust, which allowed me to experience university life before I began to apply.” Kymberley Priestley, Horizons student.

The Law AcademyLaw Academy runs weekly throughout the year for all students and provides an opportunity to practise advanced legal skills such as mooting, mock trialling and mentoring. Students tell us that they enjoy working with a wider group of like-minded people and often form friendships that last well into university and later life.

We have found that experience of these advanced skills makes all the difference when applying for a competitive degree such as law, enhancing a student’s CV and employability, and making a candidate much more likely to be offered a place at a prestigious university. The Academy tutors offer 1:1 support with the writing of Law Personal Statements, LNAT applications and Oxbridge entry.

Students have had great success in the National Bar Mock Trial Competition, and make full use of the School’s excellent facilities including barristers’ gowns and wigs and the court room, in order to practise their advocacy skills.

Students also work closely with Lancaster University Law School to prepare a Court of Appeal case for the Lancaster University Sixth Form Moot Competition. In addition, the Academy provides targeted revision and examination preparation sessions for those aiming for an A* grade and provides an opportunity to examine contemporary legal issues in more depth.

Academy students gain volunteering experience by hosting an annual black tie Charity Ball, acting as subject mentors, and by mentoring Year 9 and 10 pupils as part of the Mock Trial Competition for local high schools.

The Academy has close links to the Sutton Trust’s ‘Pathways to Law’ scheme. Students attend lectures at Manchester University and are offered the work experience opportunity of a lifetime in high profile firms such as Eversheds LLP and Allen & Overy LLP.

In the words of one student: “I got a training contract last week at Eversheds LLP! Couldn’t have done it without Runshaw Law!” (Student AL)

“The support I received from the maths department was crucial in making a successful application to Oxford. They really helped build my confidence for the exam and the interviews.” Rachel Frances Bromiley, Horizons student.

In the Mathematics Academy, students have the opportunity to be involved in many areas of enrichment outside of the regular classroom environment.

Additional examined modules:Students have the opportunity to study additional mathematics modules by guided independent study. These extra modules in Further Pure Maths, Mechanics and Statistics cover further mathematical concepts which are very useful to support students with a range of related degree programmes. Results in the additional modules are exceptionally good and they develop the skills of independent self-motivated study which are so highly valued by prestigious universities.

Academies:Our ‘STEP’ programme runs over two years with the aim of developing students’ problem-solving skills in a variety of contexts and areas that may not be so familiar to them. The techniques and approaches implemented are extremely valuable in preparing students for entrance exams to prestigious universities and for tackling problems at the university interview stage for any degree course containing mathematical components.

Mathematics Academy encourages students to work in teams to explore interesting areas of maths outside of the regular curriculum. Our students have the opportunity to enter various national and international competitions including projects on encryption and code breaking.

Competitions:Each year many of our maths students take part in the biggest annual national maths competition: ‘The UK Senior Maths Challenge’ (UKSMC). Over recent years many students have performed well enough to progress to further rounds and some

of the highest scorers are selected to represent Runshaw in the UKSMC team event where we compete against other sixth forms and colleges across the North West. We also take part in the ‘Liverpool Maths Society Pop Quiz’ where teams of students from both years get the chance to put their problem solving abilities to the test with prizes up for grabs.

Trips:Mathematics students are invited to take part in a number of trips and visits each year. Maths inspiration is a series of interactive presentations covering a wide variety of entertaining topics such as ‘the Maths of the rock guitar’, ‘the Maths of The Simpsons’ and ‘the Maths of juggling’. Members of the STEP programme are involved in problem-solving days where valuable hints, tips and tricks are shared by an advisor to the Sixth Term Examination Paper committee in preparation for this university entrance exam.

A* class:High grade students are invited to the A* class in a bid to secure an A* grade in their maths A Level. The main focus of the sessions is to encourage a meticulous approach to all parts of all questions and for students to become more confident when tackling seemingly unfamiliar questions.

UCAS support, including mock interviews:Tutors offer support and guidance with students’ UCAS references and mock interviews are conducted for those students applying to top universities to study a maths related degree. This provides students with a vital insight into the selection process and gives students the opportunity to develop and gain confidence for a successful interview.

Mentoring:Many of our able students are involved in the mentoring programme where they volunteer to help less confident students from both years to reach their full potential. This not only improves the mentor’s communication skills but further embeds the basic foundations and principles upon which the A Level maths courses are built.

LucyLUCY MERRILL

Studied: Further Maths, Maths, Economics, English Lit

Achieved: A*A*AB

Previous High School: Standish High School

Where are they now? Land Economy at Selwyn, Cambridge

“For me, the maths department played an invaluable role in my Oxbridge application. In particular the weekly STEP sessions, which are held for both years, have provided not only an enjoyable challenge, but also important preparation for the entrance exams at prestigious universities.” Tom Wordsworth, Horizons student.

The Mathematics Academy

The Modern Foreign Languages Academies (French, German, Spanish)

Academy sessions within the School of Modern Foreign Languages are for those who wish to take their language learning to the highest level and offer structured activities to extend learning beyond the exam specification. Academy sessions are a further opportunity to develop spontaneous communication in the target language and enhance a range of skills including: translation, film studies, literary text analysis, as well as discussion and debating of contemporary issues. As part of our Academy programme, you will have the chance to compete against the best linguists in the country by taking part in prestigious competitions such as the UK Linguistics Olympiad and the European Commission’s Young Translators Contest.

LucyLUCY BUTTLER

Studied: English Literature, French, Philosophy

Achieved: A*A*A

Previous High School: Leyland St Mary’s

Where are they now? French and Italian at Worcester, Oxford

The Computing AcademyThe Future Coders Academy within the School of IT and Computing is available for any students who wish to build upon their existing programming skills or compliment their learning experience.

As members of the Future Coders Academy you will have the opportunity to create your own video game using an industry standard programming language as well as taking part in frequent algorithm based programming challenges throughout the year. These challenges not only put your programming ability to the test, but also provide you with a valued code bank to call upon in your future studies.

Future Coders gives you the chance to develop valuable employability skills for those wishing to pursue a career in software development. Skills such as: code reading, co-operation, project planning and working to a deadline. Developing these skills will give you a vital edge in university applications and employment.

“The STEP mathematics classes were really challenging and enjoyable, and gave me an excellent preparation for maths related university interviews.” Weichen Chen (Tom), Horizons student.

The Music AcademyThe Music Academy consists of regular weekly activities including concert band, jazz ensembles, brass ensemble, choir, folk group, big band, piano club, acoustic guitar ensemble and music theory classes, looking at both traditional and popular music theory. Prestigious institutions, such as The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and the Royal Northern College of Music are asking for a high level of music theory, in addition to A Levels in music and/or music technology, which the Academy helps students to achieve. The extra music theory tuition also supports the A Level curriculum.

The Academy allows for performance opportunities in a range of music genres including classical, jazz and folk, allowing students a broad range of musical experiences. In a supportive and enjoyable way it can take students out of their ‘comfort zones’ to experience different types of music that they may not usually perform, for example big band will encourage a more ‘classically trained’ brass player to improvise and learn about different modes and scales. It supports A Level subject understanding by giving extra theory tuition and by allowing students to experience, in a practical way, some of the music studied. In the second year students study jazz works, which they can play in the jazz ensembles and in the first year students study Baroque choral repertoire, a chorus of which they sing in choir. This helps all students to gain a deeper understanding of the music, supporting the most talented towards achieving the very highest grades.

In addition to regular weekly activities the Academy runs trips through the year, enabling students to experience rehearsal of various ensembles and orchestral performances of the highest quality. There are trips to higher education establishments and to orchestral concerts – helping to give students high aspirations – and we regularly arrange performance tours within and outside the UK.

The Performing Arts Academy Recognising the importance of providing performance opportunities for students with a talent in the performing arts, we offer a range of activities that will stretch all students, regardless of ability.

For those who are interested in dance, we offer Extension 12 – the Runshaw Dance Academy elite group. Extension12 has an international reputation for excellence, having competed in the Barcelona World Dance Grand Prix winning the Jazz prize in 2011 and both the Jazz and Modern prizes in 2013. Alongside Extension12, the Dance Academy offers a wide range of students the opportunity to develop technique in a variety of styles through workshops, performances and specialist classes.

For those more interested in acting, each year there is a range of shows for students to be involved in. We hold open auditions for some of these so that any student on any course may gain a role as an actor. Anyone who is more interested in working backstage, such as in lighting or set design, has the opportunity to be trained in the relevant area and then design and operate technical support for the shows. We regularly take one of our plays to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a week, giving students the experience of performing in front of a different public audience and the opportunity to sample the unique atmosphere at the festival. The quality of the shows that we take to Edinburgh has been met with high acclaim. One review stated: “So stunningly good that, even among all the thousands of great shows on offer, I saw it twice in three days.”

The Academy also offers intensive audition preparation for those students applying to drama or dance schools. As a result, the percentage of students who gain a place at institutions such as Mountview, LAMDA and Central, is to our knowledge the highest in the North West.

“From inviting Oxbridge academics to give us an invaluable insight, to organising mock interviews, Runshaw gave me the confidence and encouragement I needed to succeed.” Eleanor Derbyshire, Horizons student.

The Science AcademyOur renowned Science Academy encompasses a range of extracurricular activity for prospective scientists across all of the scientific areas. The academy comprises of the college Medical Society, Science Society and Oxbridge classes, all of which provide our students with outstanding opportunities to achieve places to study upon these courses within higher education. The societies provide our budding science students with the opportunity to work effectively both in teams and within independent settings, giving them additional chances to enhance their subject knowledge and gain experiences that will enable them to shine in their future career and endlessly boost their employability.

As a member of these societies, students will be provided with an up to date curriculum created by our experienced staff, who alongside regular feedback from University lecturers, ensure the highest standard of experience. This has included guest lecturers from a broad range of scientific areas and the opportunity to take part in residential trips to CERN and Iceland, as well as more local events such as Body Works Ltd and visits to Manchester and London.

Our past members have successfully participated in a number of nationally recognised events, including the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, Physic and Biology Olympiads. All members are also offered the opportunity to complete a Gold CREST award in their chosen area of interest, further commending them for their additional commitment to their subject.

Medical ClubOur prestigious Medical Society is open to all students who wish to apply for Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry. The society has gone from strength to strength, with record numbers of students gaining places to study on these courses year upon year. The medically orientated curriculum allows students to understand the role of these professionals, as well as gain off specification knowledge around these highly respected professions. Our Medical Society is also one of only two colleges nationally that are able to provide our students with the chance to apply for the esteemed Preston Widening Access Programme (PWAP)that on completion, reduces entry requirements for Medicine at the University of Manchester. This, combined with comparative physiology, medical ethics, problem based learning and an introduction to British Sign Language, preparatory classes for UKCAT and BMAT admissions tests and mock interviews, benefits our students exponentially, as well as increasing confidence to allow their ambitions to come to fruition.

“The visits from prestigious universities to Runshaw are informative and enjoyable because they give us an insight into university life, interview tips, and the option to ask our own questions.” Graeme Sutcliffe, Horizons student.

The Social Science Academy

Think Tank‘Think Tank’ is a debating club which allows students to hone their ideas, arguments, analysis and evaluative skills as well as improving the long lost art of oratory. Both AS and A2 students support each other and use this opportunity to build on their curriculum knowledge, develop their communication skills and to stretch and challenge their own abilities. Each week, the focus is on a new topic suggested by the Institute of Ideas, and these are considered in either structured and timed debates or ‘round table’ open discussions. Every year, our teams are highly successful in national debating competitions.

The Psychology AcademyPsychology Academy provides students with the opportunity to apply their existing psychological knowledge developed in class to topical issues that are reported in the press. In doing so, students develop application skills as they learn about explaining world events through a variety of psychological perspectives and theories.

Students are exposed to wider areas of psychology that are not covered on the A Level course but that are of equal importance when taking the subject to degree level and beyond. The academy programme also allows students to experience short courses in applied areas of psychology to enhance their employability skills. These focus on areas such as comparative, sport, educational, paranormal and clinical psychology. Alongside the academy programme, students attend guest lectures by professional psychologists learning about a wide range of psychological topics and issues surrounding popular culture. These include the Psychology of the Paranormal (focusing on different explanations for believing in ghosts), taking part in psychological research (gaining first-hand experience of research environment), stress-management techniques and mental health issues relevant to young people to effects of social media on human behaviour and attitudes.

Students’ participation in the academy programme enables them to broaden their knowledge and skills to assist their progression onto prestigious universities.

“I received great support and advice from Runshaw for my university applications. This included mock interviews by the staff for Oxbridge, which were excellent preparation. The knowledge and guidance of the staff really improved my confidence.” Zoe Moore, Horizons student.

The Sociology AcademyIn the Sociology Academy, students examine and question a range of issues linking to and going beyond the curriculum. For example:

- Perceptions of the underclass: what are they and where do they come from?

- Femininity- Real life Donnie Brasco: do the benefits outweigh

the costs when carrying out covert participant observation?

Each topic is linked to a particular aspect of the curriculum but encourages the students to investigate it beyond that of a typical A Level candidate. Students are required to work with each other, carry out individual research and apply their findings to issues that span the AS and A2 curriculum. Sociology Academy students develop their analytical and evaluative skills by applying their knowledge to a range of social issues as well as developing their understanding of sociological research methods which are necessary for success at both A Level and University. In addition to class based work we also offer our students the opportunity to visit prestigious universities to take part in workshops and lectures aimed at Gifted and Talented A Level students. This extra curricular Academy gives our Sociology students that all important edge over other students when applying for University that allows them to demonstrate not only excellent exam grades but a genuine interest in Sociology and related degrees.

The Sports AcademyThe ethos of the Sports Academy is excellence in both academic performance and sporting achievement. Currently we have Academy teams in basketball, football (male and female), rugby union, rugby league and netball. Our Academy also caters for individual students’ specialities in terms of physical conditioning: whatever the speciality is, we offer first class training in our purpose built gym.

Runshaw College is currently the North West’s number one college for its Sports Academy, a title we have held for 13 successive years. The college has exceptional facilities that include a 3G pitch, two sports halls, a fitness suite and a state of the art sport science lab. Tutors have first degrees or higher degrees in Physical Education and a range of relevant coaching qualifications, helping students towards regional and national representative honours.

We offer the latest coaching techniques and advice to athletes in return for a weekly commitment that includes training sessions and fixtures. Students are able to train within college time alongside their chosen academic subjects. The programme offers a unique opportunity for students to fulfil both their academic and sporting dreams.

In the Sports Academy, students:

• have daily Academy sessions on their timetables

• have access to top level coaching in their sport from highly qualified coaches

• benefit from an individual development programme which includes specialist skills, appraisals, personalised support and mentoring

• keep in peak shape through fitness testing and psychometric assessment

• make use of outstanding facilities

• participate in competitions and sports fixtures.

GeorgeGEORGE COXON

Studied: Further Maths, Maths, Physics

Achieved: A*A*A

Previous High School: Archbishop Temple

Where are they now? The University of Warwick studying Mathematics

“My pastoral mentor has been a huge support throughout the application and interview process, encouraging me to enjoy the experience as much as I could.” Rachael Vickerman, Horizons student.

“There is a sense of teacher and learner

working together in the pursuit of excellence.”

Ofsted good practice visit to Runshaw, April 2013