Explore Courses and Clubs
Sign up to an Ashton Explore courses and clubs. Please take time to read through carefully and check details like times, rooms, and staff to make sure your chosen activities fit with your timetable and commitments. Don’t worry if you see “TBC” on some details — these will be updated shortly.
Access the Ashton Explore leaflet HERE
Current Courses and clubs:
Art Seminars
When? Thursday 13:00 - 13:40
Room: AD1.1
Start date: Thursday 25th September
Staff: Laura Deane
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Art seminars introduces you to a different art-related topic each week. You will learn alongside our Art Foundation students at a high level. You will have the opportunity to listen and learn, get involved in discussion, and bring your own ideas and passions for the weird world of art.
Young Enterprise
When? Friday 11:40-12:50
Room: MB2.2
Start Date: Friday 26th September
Staff: Matthew Kuszyk
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
A1 Students- Start and run a real Business during the academic year with the support of a business mentor and the charity Young Enterprise. You will come up with an idea in a team, take on roles such as Managing Director or Finance Director, and launch your product or service selling at places like the Trafford Centre. You will also enter a National competition which will involve writing a report and presenting to a panel of judges.
Learn Blender Club
When? Thursday 11:40-12:50
Room: AD1.6
Start Date: Thursday 25th September
Staff: James Chadderton
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Would you like to learn how to 3D model, animate and render on the industry standard program Blender?
Sign Language
When? Tuesday 16:00 - 17:00
Room: MB2.5
Dates: Tuesday 7th October - Tuesday 25th November
Staff: TBC
This friendly and engaging 6-week course is perfect for anyone new to British Sign Language. You’ll learn the basics of BSL, including fingerspelling, everyday greetings, numbers, and essential vocabulary for simple conversations. Through interactive activities and guided practice, you’ll start building confidence in using BSL to communicate. No prior experience needed — just a willingness to learn and have fun!
Note: If you have already done this course here, please don’t sign up as it is the same course.
1st year pop vocal group
When? Friday 12-12:45
Room: Performing Arts Theatre
Start Date: Friday 26th September
Staff: Olly Kraweckyj
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Join the First Year Pop vocal group! Students from across college who already sing or have always wanted to sing can join our brand new choir lead by our vocal tutor and acclaimed group leader, Nicole.
There is no audition necessary, just come along to sing a mix of pop, rock, soul and R'n'B songs.
This is a weekly activity, so we ask that you commit to attending in order to improve the outcomes of all of those who want to take part.
There will also be occasional performances as part of college events.
Meditation club
When? Monday 4-5pm
Room: C2.2
Start Date: Monday 22nd September
Staff: Claire Pyatt
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Students will explore Meditation, follow guided meditations and learn how to develop their own meditation practice.
Vinyl society - Club
When? Monday 11:40-12:30
Room: TBC
Start Date: TBC
Staff: Chloe Dunne
Will be a weekly club an album is selected – voted by you. Like a book club.
You listen to album yourself on Spotify/ your music app and select your favourite songs or just come along for your first listen on vinyl.
On the club day (date to be confirmed) we will listen to the album vinyl over 2 club dates. As some albums are long it may take 2 weeks (an hour a week) to finish. Talking about what we enjoyed/ disliked about the album and our favourite lyrics.
Why should you join?
You get to listen to your favourite albums on vinyl and also discover new music! - meet people who have similar music tastes
Explore a Career in Teaching
When? Tuesday 30th September
Room: C1.1b
Start Date: Tuesday 30th September
Staff: Sheridan Lewis
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Interested in finding out about how to become a teacher? Thinking about the different age range you might teach? Curious about the different routes into teaching? Or do you just want to find out some information or simply have a discussion that might help you decide your next steps?
Poetry Book Club
When? Thursday 12:50-1:40
Room: MB2.14
Start Date: Thursday 25th September
Staff: Dave Morris
Want to read more poetry but don't know where to start? Or are you a die hard poetry fan already? If the answer to either of these question is yes, then this is the book club to you- we'll meet once or twice per half term (TBC) to discuss a poem or poetry collection we've agreed to read. You'll learn how to discuss and analyse poetry, as learning about the different forms and types of poems that exist.
The Reading Room
When? Wednesday 3-4:30
Room: MB2.9
Start Date: Wednesday 24th September
Staff: Karen Pratt
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Informal, student-led, quiet(-ish) reading room. Selection of fiction/non-fiction books available in our mini-library or bring your own. A place to read on your own or with others. Quiet discussions on the texts encouraged, or you can just select a quiet corner and read. Reading expands your mind, reduces stress, and sharpens your thinking skills, all while providing endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment - so come along and share the benefits!
Shut Up and Write
When? Wednesday 4-5:30
Room: ST1.1
Start Date: Wednesday 1st October
Staff: Jo Fletcher-Saxon
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Meet up with others and write. Applying Pomodoro Technique to develop focused writing in a quiet space and time. Work on anything, so long as it’s work.
Writing Cafe
When? Thursday 4-5:30
Room: St1.1
Start Date: Thursday 2nd October
Staff: Rachel Allen
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Provides an opportunity to meet up with others, write and discuss progress being made in a supportive space and time.
Writer's Hub
When? Friday 11:45 - 12:15
Room: MB2.6
Start Date: Friday 26th September
Staff: Steve O'Neill
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
A space for anyone who enjoys writing to meet others and be creative. Writing games, sharing your writing and publishing your work.
Games Workshop - Warhammer, D&D
When? Thursday 4-5:30
Room: C2.2
Start Date: Thursday 25th September
Staff: Karl Edwards
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Games Workshop - Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons - The Thursday session will be for playing the games and the Friday session with James Chadderton will be painting an building. They will play the game and have fun with their peers in a safe inclusive space. An induction will be done on the first session by James and myself.
Painting minis and building scenery (Warhammer, 40k, D+D)
When? Friday 11:40 - 12:50
Room: AD1.3
Start Date: Friday 26th September
Staff: James Chadderton
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Painting Minis. 3D Printing minis, Building Scenery for Warhammer and Dungeons & Dragons while listening to music.
NHS Professionals: University Interview Support
When? Monday 1-1:35
Room: Meeting rooms in reception
Start Date: Monday 22nd September
Staff: Deborah Hill-Williams & Lindsey Dhokia
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Are you an A2 student thinking about a future in the NHS? Whether you're applying for a degree in nursing, midwifery, radiography, physiotherapy, pharmacy, paramedic practice, ODP or occupational therapy – this short enrichment programme is designed just for you!
Over the course of three weekly sessions, you'll join a supportive and welcoming group of fellow students to build confidence and prepare for your university interviews. Each session will help you explore the core values of the NHS and reflect on how they connect to your chosen career path. You’ll also be introduced to common interview questions and themes, giving you the chance to practice and polish your responses in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
• Understand what universities are looking for in NHS applicants
• Develop your interview techniques and communication skills
• Share ideas and experiences with others on the same journey
Please note: this programme is not designed for students applying to medicine or dentistry, as the college’s XL Team offers tailored support for those pathways.
We look forward to helping you take this exciting next step toward your NHS career!
1st Year - Tech Crew Club
When? Thursday 12-1
Room: Performing Arts Theatre
Start Date: Thursday 25th September
Staff: Chris Hanlon
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Learn new skills such as lighting design, sound design, set building, costume design, health and safety, and much much more!
2nd Year Tech Crew Club
When? Friday 12:50-1:40
Room: Performing Arts Theatre
Start Date: Friday 26th September
Staff: Chris Hanlon
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
Learn new skills such as lighting design, sound design, set building, costume design, health and safety, and much much more!
Games Club
When? Wednesday 11:40-12:50
Room: TBC
Start Date: Wednesday 24th September
Staff: Jody Cocking
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
An opportunity to make new friendships whilst playing classic favourites such as connect 4, chess, card games, uno and dobble.
Building & Repairing Computers
When? Thursday 4-5
Room: IT2.7
Start date: Thursday 25th September
Staff: Greg Smith
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
This short course offers hands-on experience with computer hardware. Using our DTM workshop, you'll dismantle and rebuild a computer, install an operating system, and learn the function of each component. The course builds confidence in computer repair and teaches valuable skills like problem-solving, patience, following directions, and responsibility. It also sparks interest in technology and can inspire a career in the tech industry.
MoodMaster
When? Monday 4-5
Room: GH 2.12
Start Date: Monday 22nd September
Staff: Mark Bates and Abbey Sykes
This is a continued weekly enrichment session.
- Encourages positive mental health habits
- Helps manage stress, anxiety, and low mood
- Builds confidence and self-awareness
- Supports academic and personal success
It’s not therapy, but a proactive way to learn life skills that support mental health - ideal for anyone who wants to feel more in control and improve their overall wellbeing.