One of the main ways that HSDC stands out across all three campuses is its commitment to enriching the lives and education of its students. In particular, the Be Extraordinary programme is a scheme that is designed specifically to allow HSDC students the opportunity to participate in a range of extracurricular activities, making their College experience something far more than a classroom.
Be Extraordinary is composed of four separate and distinct programmes, each tailored to meet the unique extracurricular needs of students.
For those students looking for the chance to take their education further and excel towards their academic goals, Be Aspirational is the way to go! This scheme is suitable for those students who wish to maximise their potential and go on to study at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
From the Oxford University Society (OUS) supporting HSDC’s Mentoring programme, to the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Be Aspirational is equipped with numerous tools to help students go on to study at some of the best universities in the country. Be Aspirational is run by HSDC’s Enrichment Coordinator Jodie Meakin, who said:
“I am super proud to be able to offer our students an opportunity to get involved in a variety of academically enriching activities. Our Be Aspirational programme really gives aspiring students the opportunity to excel. It is partnerships with institutions such as the OUS that make Be Aspirational such a unique and successful programme, and I really believe that it makes a genuine impact on the lives and opportunities of our students.”
Maintaining a strong exercise routine is crucial to sustaining a healthy lifestyle, and HSDC is committed to helping students with this through the Be Active programme. With a wide range of both team and individual sports on offer, as well as fitness centres on-campus at both Alton and South Downs, Be Active aims to be a key part of student life at the College.
For those students who wish to have their eyes opened to the wider world, the Be Adventurous programme helps to ensure the smooth running of both foreign and domestic trips and tours every year. From cultural tours to Paris, geographical expeditions to South Africa, visits to the Houses of Parliament and even a Wilderness Survival experience, these trips have it all!
Kirsty Harley, Coordinator of Be Active and Be Adventurous, spoke about the value of these programmes in ensuring that students have the opportunity to enrich their learning whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
“Be Active and Be Adventurous are amazing programmes that help to empower students, cultivating both their physical well being and a broader understanding of the world. It’s all about building resilient individuals who are ready to thrive in all aspects of life.”
For students who are looking to join an extracurricular club or society, Be Involved is the perfect place to start! From sports teams to board games, student publications to a jazz band, all three campuses offer a diverse range of activities for students to engage in outside of their lessons. These allow students to develop fantastic skills that can enhance their CVs whilst also making lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals.
The Be Extraordinary programme is a true highlight of studying at HSDC, as it demonstrates that education is so much more than studying in a classroom.
For more information on Be Extraordinary, please follow this link: https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/life-at-hsdc/be-extraordinary/