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Year 11 Course Taster Sessions

Not sure what you want to do after Year 11? Come along to City College Plymouth this October and try something new!

Our Year 11 Course Taster Sessions give you the chance to get hands-on, explore subjects you’re interested in and discover what college life is really like. From creating games and making films to working in a science lab, exploring engineering or stepping into the world of business, there’s plenty to try.

You’ll meet our expert lecturers, experience our facilities and get a feel for what studying with us could be like. It’s a great opportunity to explore your interests, discover new passions and start thinking about your next steps after school.

Join us from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October 2026 and find out where your interests could take you!

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Information for parents and carers

We are excited to welcome your teenager to the College for their taster session. Below, you will find the timings for each session, along with the registration opening times.

The registration desks on the day will be located in the Sports Hall – please follow the signage at the front entrance to the College along Kings Road.

Please note that the 36 College bus will not be running during half-term. As an alternative, they can take the 21 bus from Royal Parade, getting off at Devonport Hill. From there, they can walk down Kings Road to the main entrance.

If you have any questions or if your teenager is unable to attend, please contact us on 01752 305300.

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Tuesday 27 October

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Accounting

10.00am – 12.00noon

Think you’ve got what it takes to balance the books and boost profits?

Get a taste of the fast-paced world of business and finance in this interactive accounting session. You’ll explore how companies make money, discover the secrets to turning a profit, and even have a go at running the numbers yourself. Perfect for future entrepreneurs.

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Bricklaying

9.00am – 12.00noon

Dive into brickwork – perfect for those who enjoy outdoor problem-solving and hands-on tasks like building brick pyramids.

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Business

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Think you’ve got an entrepreneurial flair? Let’s put it to the test.

In this interactive taster session, you’ll dream up your own business idea, build a marketing strategy, and decide where to sell it. It’s a fast-paced challenge designed to stretch your creativity and business skills, a great opportunity to see if the business world is right for you.

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Childhood Education

10.00am – 12.00noon

This session gives you a chance to explore the world of childcare. Discover the topics you could study, take part in hands-on activities designed for children, and learn about different teaching and learning styles.

You’ll also hear from experienced lecturers and professionals who will guide you on the path to a rewarding career in childcare.

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Cyber Security

10.00am – 12.00noon

Think you’ve got what it takes to outsmart cyber threats?

This interactive session explores how cyber attacks work, how they’re stopped, and why cybersecurity plays a key role in modern technology. A great introduction for curious minds interested in computing and the digital world.

 

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Data Analytics

10.00am – 12.00noon

Think you’ve got what it takes to explore the world behind the data?

In this interactive data analytics session, you’ll discover why data is so important and how it’s used in the real world. You’ll explore the types of insights data can provide and see how data plays a role in everyday life and technology. A great introduction for curious minds interested in computing and data analytics.

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Health & Social Care

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Did you know there are over 144 different jobs in the care sector?

This taster will offer you the opportunity to find out about the various topics you could study, take part in interactive workshops. Hear from course lecturers and industry professionals about how to take your first steps towards a career in the caring profession.

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Law

10.00am – 12.00noon

Order in the courtroom! It’s time to decide – guilty or not guilty?

Step into the shoes of a judge or juror in this exciting law taster session. Using real criminal cases, you’ll take part in a legal decision-making challenge and explore how the justice system works. If you’re a fan of courtroom drama or love debating right and wrong, this session is for you.

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Plastering

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Explore your creative side through plastering, gaining practical experience in a simulated work environment.

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Science

9.00am – 12.00noon

Roll up your lab coat sleeves, put on your goggles and experience the various science courses on offer at City College Plymouth. Whether you’re interested in chemistry, biology or physics, this taster session offers something for everyone.

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Travel & Tourism

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Are you passionate about exploring new destinations, creating memorable travel experiences, and making a career out of your dreams?

Explore the diverse world of travel and tourism and find out if it’s the right career choice for you. Get a taste of what it’s like to work in this dynamic industry through an interactive session and real-world scenarios.

Wednesday 28 October

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Art

10.00am – 12.00noon

Our workshop is a blank canvas waiting for your imagination to run wild! Explore your artistic side and try every medium from drawing to printing. Put paintbrush to paper with our art taster. Explore drawing, textiles, sculpture, and much more.

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Creative Media

10.00am – 12.00noon

Ever wondered how creative ideas come to life? Explore film, design, photography and sound on our Media course, developing practical skills with industry-standard tools and the Adobe Creative Suite.

In our taster session, create a podcast, experiment with sound effects and discover how audio brings stories to life. From filmmaking and graphic design to photography and podcasting, get hands-on experience, collaborate with others and turn your ideas into reality.

Come along, get creative and discover where your passion for media could take you!

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Dance

10.00am – 12.00noon

This session provides comprehensive training with experienced lecturers. You’ll have the opportunity to explore various dance styles and techniques, enhancing your versatility as a dancer.

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Esports

10.00am – 12.00noon

Could you be the next big name in esports media? Are you passionate about the world of competitive gaming and content creation?

 

Look no further! Gain hands-on experience in video editing, marketing strategies, and shoutcasting, and learn from experienced professionals. This is your opportunity to step into the fast-paced world of esports media and unlock a future full of potential. Dive into coaching, brand development, and live commentary, and discover the exciting roles that await you in the esports industry.

 

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Games Development

10.00am – 12.00noon

Could you be the next visionary in game development? Are you captivated by game design, coding, or 3D art?

This is your chance to gain hands-on experience in creating immersive video games using industry-standard software like Unreal Engine and Maya, whilst learning from experienced professionals! Explore animation, character design, storytelling, and project management, and build the foundation for a future full of potential in the gaming industry.

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Hospitality & Catering

9.00am – 12.00noon

Are you a young aspiring chef or hospitality enthusiast looking to kickstart your culinary journey?

Within this workshop, you’ll learn from experienced lecturers who have real-world expertise in the hospitality and catering field and gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art
kitchen facility.

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Live Events

10.00am – 12.00noon

Go behind the scenes and experience how the technical wizards work their magic in our fully-equipped drama and dance studios.

In this taster session, you will learn all about lighting, sound, health and safety, and general event management from the professionals.

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Music Performance

10.00am – 12.00noon

If you love music then this taster session is for you! Working in groups, you will create your own live music piece that you will perform in the afternoon. You will also learn more about the different opportunities available in the music business, and hear from lecturers about their experiences in the industry, from their education and training to playing live and much more.

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Music Production

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Are you passionate about music and curious about how your favourite tracks are created? Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in a professional recording studio?

Step into the world of music production and discover if it’s the right creative path for you. Get hands-on with industry-standard software, explore recording and production techniques, and learn how melodies, beats, samples, and effects come together to create professional-quality music. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already making music at home, this interactive taster session will help you unlock your potential and take your first steps into the exciting world of music production.

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Painting & Decorating

9.00am – 12.00noon

Explore your creative side through painting and decorating, gaining practical experience in a simulated work environment.

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Performing Arts

12.30pm – 3.30pm

This session is led by experienced lecturers who are passionate about the performing arts and can help you develop your talents and skills. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in various aspects of performance, from acting on stage to vocal training. Don’t miss out on the chance to follow your passion and embark on an exciting and fulfilling career in performing arts with us!

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Wood Trades

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Dive into woodwork – perfect for those who enjoy outdoor problem-solving and hands-on tasks like crafting wood joints.

Thursday 29 October

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Automotive

12.30pm – 3.30pm

If you are interested in tinkering with motors, cars and bikes, come and have a go at checking essential fluid levels and see how diagnostic equipment communicates with the vehicle, and take part in our wheel change challenge!

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Beauty Therapy

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Want to know the secrets behind glamorous make-up and nail techniques?

Get the inside scoop in our beauty therapy taster session. After taking part in the workshop during the day, there will also be the opportunity to showcase your skills.

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Electrical

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Join our interactive construction sessions for hands-on experience in electrical work. The College provides strong support and excellent facilities to enhance your learning journey and this session gives you a taste of what we can offer!

Engineering CCP OCT'23
Engineering

9.00am – 12.00noon

Step into the exciting world of engineering and see where it could take you. This hands-on session is perfect for anyone curious about how things work and ready to build practical skills for the future. You’ll tackle real challenges, use industry tools, and explore creative solutions just like engineers do. Whether you’re thinking about a course, apprenticeship, or career in engineering, this is your chance to get involved, grow your confidence, and discover the opportunities waiting for you.

 

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Hairdressing

9.00am – 12.00noon

Want to know the secrets behind glamorous hair styling?

Get the inside scoop in our hairdressing taster session. After taking part in the workshop during the day, there will also be the opportunity to showcase your skills.

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Plumbing

9.00am – 12.00noon

Join our interactive construction sessions for hands-on experience in plumbing. The College provides strong support and excellent facilities to enhance your learning journey and this session gives you a taste of what we can offer!

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Protective Services

10.00am – 12.00noon

Are you someone who can make a difference and display skills recognised by employers across the world?!

Why not come and sample a day in the life of a public services student? Experience various events including interactive crime scenes, military style fitness and looking at the UK government to understand how and why decisions are made. Working in the public sector has hugely rewarding opportunities – are you ready to be the change?

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Sport, Health & Fitness

12.30pm – 3.30pm

Sport brings in £39 billion pounds to the UK each year!

Are you ready to be part of it?

Come along to our taster session and experience fitness testing in our elite laboratory, try your hand at recovery sports massage and understand exactly how and why our bodies are designed the way they are. Hear from our experienced industry lecturers and see how the sports career of your dreams is not a million miles away!

Year 11 Course Taster Sessions Registration Form (October 2026)

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