XPLORE 2026 - Open Event | Hartlepool College of Further Education

XPLORE 2026 – Launches Here / Monday 27 April | 4.30 pm – 7.30 pm | Hartlepool College

Your next step launches here.

XPLORE is a unique interactive open event designed to showcase as many curriculum areas as possible through hands-on, have-a-go activities across the College campus.

You will be able to:

Activity	Description	Area	Time	Location
Design Your Own Notebook	Create a personalised notebook cover and explore surface pattern design in a hands-on session.	Art & Design	4:30–7:30pm	Conference Centre 2
Build Your Business Empire	Take on a business simulator and make strategic decisions to grow your own financial empire.	Business & Administration	4:30–7:30pm	Room 3.37
Level Up: Esports Experience	Compete in gaming challenges including Mario Kart, Pokémon battles, Hero Forge and more.	Esports	Drop in	2.58 – Esports
Step Into Early Years	Explore nursery activities including baby care, story sacks and creative play.	Education and Early Years	From 4:30pm	Room 2.27
Care in Action with VR	Experience real-life care scenarios using immersive VR technology.	Health and Social Care	Ongoing	Room 2.50
Heart and Lung Dissection	Take part in a guided science session exploring real anatomy.	Health and Social Care	Timed Sessions	Science Lab 2.49
Hand Hygiene Challenge	Test how effective your handwashing is and see how germs spread.	Health and Care	Ongoing	Room 2.49
Through Different Eyes	Experience visual impairment and understand different care needs.	Health and Care	Ongoing	Room 2.50
Code and Play	Play and edit a simple game while learning the basics of coding.	IT & Computing	4:30–7:30pm	Room 3.37
Cabin Crew Challenge	Step into the fuselage and try safety demos, announcements and in-flight tasks.	Aviation, Travel and Tourism	Every 45 mins	Room 2.16
Make Your Own Dog Tag	Create and personalise a metal dog tag using engraving techniques.	Mechanical Engineering	Session times	G.48
Crime Scene Investigation	Examine evidence and solve a crime using forensic techniques.	Public Services	4:30–7:00pm	Room 2.06
Leadership Under Pressure	Take on team challenges that test communication and leadership skills.	Public Services	4:30–7:00pm	Room 2.05
Pizza and Mocktail Studio	Get hands-on with food prep and create your own pizza and mocktail.	Hospitality and Catering	4:30–7:00pm	Training Kitchen
Make a Scratch Game	Create your own simple game while learning coding basics.	SEND and Foundation Studies	4:30–7:30pm	Room 3.12
Skills for Independence	Try practical activities designed to build everyday life skills.	SEND and Foundation Studies	4:30–7:30pm	Room 3.10
Team Building Zone	Take part in activities that build confidence and teamwork.	SEND and Foundation Studies	4:30–7:30pm	Conference 4
Nail Art Studio	Try nail art techniques and explore creative beauty skills.	Beauty Therapy	Every 45 mins	Main Salon 1.15
Push 'N' Pull	Have a go at the Push 'N' Pull challenge.	Sport	4:30–6:30pm	The Gym
SkiErg Test	Try the new SkiErg for the fastest time over 200m	Sport	4:30-6.30pm	The Gym

Book your session(s) to find your orbit, with this dedicated booking form >> https://tinyurl.com/XploreSignUp

• Try practical sessions in real workshops and studios
• Meet tutors and current students
• Explore specialist facilities
• Ask questions about courses and progression

In April, we will publish a full programme of have-a-go activities here, with bookable sessions so you can plan your visit and secure your place.

Step inside. Take part and #FindYourOrbit