This academy will not only help students to successfully apply to the top-ranking universities in the country but will also enable the development of a wide range of academic and personal skills that will help turn them into a more rounded learner. They will gain valuable experience and insight into the process of applying for elite Universities including Oxbridge, Russell group universities and other high-ranking institutions. Students will complete activities that will improve their critical reasoning, research and presentation skills, and will also have opportunities to develop their interview skills so they make themselves more employable in the future.

Open to all Science students

Medical Academy is the perfect chance for Science students who want to go into the healthcare profession and are interested in this field. This weekly academy will explore the specific skills needed to enter the industry, and be successful at University. There will be guest speakers, help with applying to University and guidance towards finding relevant and beneficial work experience whilst you study. Alongside this, you will learn more about how the healthcare industry operates.

Open to all A2 students

The EPQ is a challenging yet rewarding qualification that tests your research skills. Help prepare for University by developing your independent study skills. You will be responsible for setting your own research question, then through research you will be supported to write a report or create an artefact. There is compulsory bridging work attached to this academy which must be completed before you are enrolled.

Are you studying Business and want to put your skills to the test? In the Business academy you will be given the chance to run your own company with a cash injection to design, develop, market and sell a product. Everything you study in the classroom can be applied and developed in this academy which is run by external advisors from the world of Business who share their expertise with you.

Open to English Language and Literature students

The English Academy will broaden your understanding of the world around you as we discuss a variety of texts from across the globe. We will explore key contemporary concepts through the medium of personal essays, short stories, speeches and more. You will also have the opportunity to enter a range of essay competitions as we level up your academic writing skills.

Open to History students

The History Academy will essentially equip you with the skills to ask What is History and why do we study it? You'll develop research skills, use source work and how fields of history effects perspective. There will also be an opportunity to consider history around us, and to explore how history is presented in the public space and introduce ideas such as heritage, collective memory and national memory. There'll be a chance to consider controversial histories, such as the Colston stature and finally you'll use documentary and film media to enhance your understanding of the taught curriculum.

Open to students studying Law and Criminology

You will dissect and analyse a new legal case study each week - with a focus on miscarriages of justice, American and British crime. The academy is discussion based and so you will need to be prepared to get involved with each case.

Maths clinic is a weekly session with a purpose to provide extra help and support with any maths you have covered in any subject, whether that’s maths, or science, or psychology and beyond. As your exams draw closer it will also be a great chance to attempt past papers and get help with revision and exam techniques from a subject specialist. For both those who either love maths and can’t get enough, or those who loathe it and need some more support!

Compulsory for students studying Media studies

An academy for students who are studying A-Level media studies. You will learn and develop skills in Adobe Photoshop needed for the coursework element of Media Studies.

Please note, students choosing to do Media Studies are automatically enrolled in this academy as it covers the skills required for the coursework.

Open to Psychology students

This course gives students the opportunity to explore different potential careers in Psychology through undertaking activities that will raise awareness of the skills required to be successful in these different areas of the subject. We will look at areas of psychology such as: forensic, health, clinical, educational, research, occupational, counselling, neuro and sports psychology. Students will also have a chance to make links between these areas and the psychological research that underpins them, so they have a better understanding of how psychology is used in the real world.

Open to all Science students

This is an opportunity for you to explore the complex and sometimes adversarial relationship between the products we consume, the companies who produce them, how they are tested, and what impact they have on our health. Join this academy if you want to become a scientist and not a consumer!

Open to Sociology students

Take the sociological concepts you explore in class and apply it to the world around you and contemporary issues. This academy will develop your understanding and interest in global contemporary social issues, along with your analytical and evaluative skills which are an important factor in your success in the subject. The Sociology Academy is delivered in a series of workshops and guest lectures.

Open to Geography, Environmental Science and Biology students

In this academy you will explore environmental issues and debates that are relevant to your subjects. Learn and develop the skills to lead projects which make our lives, and the lives of those around us, more sustainable and understand the relevance of doing so. Activities will include taking part in a 31-day zero waste challenge, upcycling fashion and creating vegan menus as well as others.

This academy will be the perfect opportunity for you to switch off and tune in to your body with weekly relaxation, yoga and mindfulness to help equip you with the resilience you need to succeed at SGS Sixth.

The Careers Academy is guaranteed to give you some amazing tools to help you navigate your future.

In 12 sessions you will create an outstanding CV, build your digital profile, learn about the changing jobs market, understand how to ace interviews, search out the best Post-18 courses for your individual needs, discover entrepreneurship, and lots more.

This 12-week course is designed to help you learn basic Chinese language skills such as greeting, introducing self, currency and counting, food and drink and shopping. There are also some opportunities to experience Chinese culture through events, activities and celebrations.

In the Craft Academy, you will learn how to use a range of different crafting methods, such as clay, macramé, knitting, pom-poms and more. There is no prior knowledge or experience necessary - this is completely beginner friendly! There will also be opportunities to sell your creations to raise money for charity

Are you itching to write a short story? Are you considering a career in journalism? Do you have a strong imagination? In the Creative Writing Academy you can further develop your creative talents and have an outlet for your ideas

The SGS DigiED academy is for any student who seeks to develop their digital skills. Advancing your digital skills will open doors for your career, and support your studies. At SGS college we have a range of Microsoft experts, and we would like to help you assess and develop your digital skills too. You will develop across a range of areas, including: Basic digital skills. using digital tools. finding information and resources, digital communication, digital creativity and more.

These sessions are designed to help you gain the skills you need to pass your driving theory test, along with the opportunity to have a driving lesson too.

Explore the cinematic experiences and subcultures of film across the globe. Each week you will watch and discuss a thought-provoking film and the international topics, themes, and issues it raises.

An introduction to plantsmanship; the knowledge of plants alongside the skill and expertise in planting. This year-long project will bring a community of like-minded and budding green fingered enthusiasts to plan, design and create wildlife spaces around our campus making it buzz and burst into life.

Become part of the SGS Sixth committee who will be responsible for planning, promoting and delivering our social events including charity fundraising, proms and parties, trips and anything else you can think of! Learn important skills in events management such as project planning, social media and marketing and hosting.

The study skills programme is designed to support all learners who feel they need some guidance in organising the way they study, and the skills they need to be successful students. This academy will be delivered by our Library+ staff, who are experts in applying Study Skills to improve your academic success.

Do you play an instrument or enjoy singing? This weekly lunchtime session is aimed at budding musicians and singers who want to practice in a safe, open and creative environment with the aim of creating a vibrant music community here in the Sixth Form.

With unparalleled player success, top level coaching and the ability to fit American Football around your studies, Bristol Pride, our American Football Academy is perfect if you play American Football.

To find out more visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/american-football for more information

Combine your interest in Athletics with your A Level studies and gain access to our performance coaches, support plans and facilities.


To find out more visit:
https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/athletics

We have teams that compete in the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) and the AOC South West League. SGS Sport and Bristol Flyers are fully integrated in our offer where we provide opportunities to compete in the Basketball England national basketball league (NBL) and the British Basketball League (BBL). The Basketball academy is open to both male and female players as we make the step towards entering the WEABL

To find out more visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/basketball

DiSE Boxing at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College works with the brightest talents from boxing clubs in the South West, at SGS College we have a proven pathway to being successful and we are the first step on the England Boxing Talent programme.

To find out more visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/boxing

The Cricket Academy are the reigning Association of Colleges (AOC) national champions. Led by head coach Luke Sellers run a player-centred programme that aims to help students develop both as cricketers and as young people. The Academy typically trains three times a week and also has access to strength and conditioning and physiotherapy support.

For more details visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/cricket

Whether you are a top-level player or you just want to give something a go, you can get involved in our Esports Academy. We provide coaching for players and teams of all levels.
We aim to develop aspiring professional players, providing them with the knowledge and skills to improve their performance in-game, while educating players on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

For more details visit:https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/esports

The Men's and Women's Football Academies allow you to combine your ability in football with your A Level study programme. With top coaches, amazing facilities and access to a wide range of support including sports science, sports therapy and strength and conditioning members are supported to become elite athletes

For more details visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/sports-academies

Being part of the Golf Academy offers a wonderful, supportive, and competitive environment, to talented young golfers. The perfect blend of continual guidance and mentoring from highly experienced PGA coaches, alongside numerous elite level competitions, across the UK and beyond, equips the golfers with the skills and knowledge they need to reach the highest levels in the game.

For more details visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/golf

As one of the original sports academies, the Netball Academy has flourished over the years to become a well-established name in netball.
At SGS, we are proud to offer a range of top-class facilities, including a fully sprung sports hall, a strength and conditioning gym and an athletics track. By joining SGS Netball, you will be signing up to an elite netball programme that encompasses up to 16 hours per week of court training, strength and conditioning and competitive gameplay, as well as match analysis and theory sessions.
For more details visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/netball

With links to Bristol Bears Rugby Club, our Rugby Union Academy fields both male and female teams and is well known for their local and national success.

The SGS Rugby Academy has a longstanding reputation of developing aspiring rugby players since its conception as one of the original academies at the college. As an academy we are committed to supporting each student-athlete to achieve their personal best on and off-field.

For more details, visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/sports-academies

Our student athletes are provided with the opportunity of practice and competitions, with primary squad training sessions timetabled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The facilities at SGS are state of the art, and Academy students get personalised programmes to follow during their supervised strength and conditioning gym sessions, in addition to access to full-time physiotherapists, who help with injury avoidance and rehabilitation.

To find out more, visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/table-tennis