For those with a passion for learning!

Students at Cronton Sixth Form have the opportunity to join an Academy. Each Academy provides opportunities for students who wish to challenge and stretch themselves and go beyond the confines of the A level examination specification. There are no entry requirements but clearly joining the Academy is only for those students with a passion for their subject and who are willing to do a bit extra alongside the work required by the A level course.

The rewards are great and in many subjects students can take Advanced Extension Awards, professional and academic qualifications.

The following are just some examples of Cronton’s Academies:

Oxbridge & Prestigious Universities Support

You need advice and guidance to gain entry to the most high level courses at the most prestigious universities. Such courses include Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Law at most universities, Sport at Loughborough, Engineering at Imperial College, Mathematics at Warwick and all courses at Oxford and Cambridge.

This support is available on our Oxbridge and Prestigious Universities Programme, part of the A-plus programme. This includes lectures on entry requirements for these Universities, talks from visiting Academics and the chance to make a visit to Oxford or Cambridge.

The Prestigious Universities Programme is designed to take you through the application process especially to Oxford and Cambridge and to clarify what these Universities are looking for. Above all, the programme raises confidence levels and provides huge encouragement for those thinking of applying.

Practical help with applications, personal statements, aptitude tests and interviews are also given. The Oxbridge selection process is unique so special assistance is provided through specialist tutors.

Music Academy

This Academy nurtures the individual musical talents of each student by providing professional tuition in their chosen instrument. Students will also take part in weekly performances and go on trips and visits to see famous performances by groups such as the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Students will also be able to get involved in ‘Flannel FM’ the college’s resident radio station. From presenting and DJing to producing, controlling, collating play lists, coming up with new ideas, reporting and researching.

Theatre Studies Company

By signing up to this Academy students will be joining together to form a professional Theatre Company. As part of this they will be given an experience unique to this college, the opportunity to take part in the International Theatre Festival in Romania. As the only Sixth Form College at this event, the students will be performing along side top Universities from across the USA, Canada, Europe and beyond.

The Theatre Company experience extends from set design and directing performances to setting up, running and marketing performances at external venues. On top of all of this, visits to theatres in London and Stratford and the opportunity to go to the National Theatre Museum in Covent Garden will also take place during the year.

Science Academy / Daresbury Innovation Scheme

Talented science students at Cronton Sixth Form will have the opportunity to sit Advanced Extension Awards in their chosen subject to take their subject knowledge to a higher level and enhance their University application.

Students can also sign up to the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus student mentoring scheme. This Government backed mentor scheme gives students the opportunity to be mentored by an industry specialist who will give them one to one support and advice on careers and University.

The scheme is extremely beneficial allowing students the opportunity to visit the company and get involved in projects and training with these highly innovative organisations.

Medics Academy

The Medics Academy will prepare students for entry into University and give them the opportunity to take up some valuable work experience placements. Specialist tutors will work with individual students to ensure that they get the best possible chance to gain entry into the country’s top universities for medicine.

Law Academy

By joining the Law Academy students will be given the exciting opportunity to take part in the Bar Mock Trials competition and go out on trips and visits. They will also be given specialist support with the Law entrance exam for university and undertake their MOOTs.

Rugby Academy

By signing up to the Rugby Academy students will have the opportunity to learn and train with professionals, forge links with the Widnes Vikings and gain useful professional qualifications in addition to their main course.

With regular training and matches, students will gain technical and physical ability in the sport training along side Widnes Vikings professionals. There is also the possibility for those showing exceptional ability and commitment of being given Vikings contracts. Several students in 2008/9 achieved this outstanding achievement.

The Academy has strong links with local universities, which has provided excellent opportunities to gain experience of university life, inspiring many to continue on with their education.

Students will spend a day with a member of the RFL (Rugby Football League) during which they will work towards their ‘Rugby League Leaders Award’ qualification which develops coaching, communication and organisational skills. As well as having the opportunity to gain the Rugby League Refereeing qualification.