Student Experience Hub

Your college experience is about so much more than what you learn in the classroom!

There’s lots more to life at Hopwood Hall college than simply studying. Here your student experience really matters and that’s why your time here is about so much more than what you learn in class. While success on your course is our priority, we recognise that there are so many ways that we can help you stand out from the crowd and shine. That’s why we offer a whole range of enrichment opportunities for you to experience alongside your course.

We understand that when it comes to enrichment it’s never a case of ‘one size fits all’, which is why we offer a lively programme of activities for you to enjoy with something to suit all learner styles, personalities and interests. It’s a great way of making new friends, developing your skills and bringing your CV to life while making the most of everything Hopwood life has to offer.

There will be lots of opportunities for you to experience something new, indulge your passions and develop your skills outside of your studies. Our enrichment programme will enhance your core study programme and help you to enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution to life at college.

Whether you get involved in one of our clubs or become a Student Ambassador, you can be sure that there will be plenty of opportunities to develop your confidence and knowledge in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Helping you make the most of every moment !

Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

National Citizen Service (NCS)

We work with NCS, delivering life-changing experiences that help you to realise your potential, smash your future goals and get involved in a lot of fun activities! On NCS, participants get a taste for independence, mix with a new crowd and take on exciting challenges together.

It helps you to develop skills that will set you up for life after college. Participants get a chance to use these newfound skills, by tackling a passion project of your choosing. NCS is dedicated to providing a platform for young people where you can speak up, get your voice heard and tackle real-world issues close to home. If you would like to find out more head over to their site at  www.wearencs.com

Duke Of Edinburgh Award

We are proud to be licensed organisation who provide this all-important accolade which is designed to develop your leadership, teamwork, communication, self-motivation, confidence and consideration skills. It’s a brilliant opportunity for our students, one which is held in high esteem by employers and universities alike. If you’ve got your sights set on landing your dream job or progressing to university then this award could be the perfect stepping stone!

Masterclasses

Designed to help boost your employability skills and held throughout the year, these sessions are perfect for helping to boost your confidence and your job chances too.

External Speakers

These informative sessions run throughout the year and provide the perfect opportunity for you to network with our industry partners – they could even be where you meet your future employer!

World Skills Competitions

WorldSkills competitions are the gold standard of skills excellence. They inspire young competitors to reach new heights, helping you to turn your passion into a profession. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills on the world stage as well as competing across the region in the Greater Manchester Skills competition.

EcoFest

Our whole community takes part in our annual celebration of sustainability which features a whole range of exciting, green-focused events and activities across both campuses. EcoFest is designed to empower and inspire everyone in Team Hopwood to visualise a better and more sustainable future and discover how you can play your part in tackling the climate crisis.

Educational visits and residential trips

Whatever you study you can look forward to a wide range of visits and trips – whether that be expeditions across the Peak District as a Public Services student or taking part in an international football tournament in Eindhoven as a Football Academy student.

Football Academy students at the home of English Football - St George's Park — Football Academy students visit St George’s Park

Football Academy students visit St George’s Park

Clubs & Societies

Whether you choose to join our Conservation & Sustainability Initiative (CSI), our LGBTQ+ group or any of our cross college clubs and groups, you are sure to meet like-minded people and have fun!

British Sign Language classes – BSL classes at Hopwood help you to develop a great skill which is perfect if you want to help break down barriers to communication and help make society more inclusive. Once you master the basics you’ll be able to start communicating with lots of new people!
Fundraising opportunities – You will have the opportunity to help raise much needed funds for our Charity of the Year.
Volunteering opportunities – You will have lots of opportunities to volunteer and really get involved in events such as our Community Fun Day.
Woodland Experience Sessions – A great opportunity for you to get back to nature in our unique woodland setting at our Middleton campus, enjoy campfire cooking and experience the Great Outdoors.
Talent showcase competitions – We run regular talent competitions that give you the perfect opportunity to show off your extra-curricular talents and really shine!

Students taking part in a workshop in the woods

Free gym membership gives you access to a fantastic range of equipment at the Middleton campus Sports Arena and Gym, as well as a packed timetable of free fitness classes. Enjoy everything from Metafit to Samba, yoga and meditation.

Sports

Basketball, rugby and football teams are open for students from any study area to join. As well as enjoying football matches on our 4G pitches, you can also try your hand at dodgeball, Futsal, Volta, table tennis and much more! At Hopwood we believe that a healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand. Dipping into the vast range of sport and exercise opportunities available to you is a great way to maintain your wellbeing and boost your energy levels, ensuring that you make the most of every moment of your time at Hopwood.