The Journalism Association is the newest association here at Cardinal Heenan. It is an opportunity for pupils who may be interested in a future career in Journalism or Media to gain valuable experience and begin building a portfolio. There will be opportunities for pupils to engage in different forms of media. For example, photo and video journalism, sports journalism and written pieces. The aim is that pupils will work in a self-guided manner with staff supervision and support to curate the kind of media and journalistic presence that they think best represents the school. We want pupils in the Journalism Association to feel part of their community in a tangible way.

The medical association was the very first school association, created by Jack Devin in 2016. In the medical association, we provide information on the diverse careers available within the medical sector. We have sessions debating topical medical issues such as genetic engineering and organ donation laws as well as information sessions where members can give a presentation on a topic they have researched. Previous sessions like this have been on the Corona Virus and vaccination. We have a history of succession in the medical association being led by 3 different groups of students over the years and promotes leadership qualities to the younger members as they may be the ones to take over as leaders.

The engineering association put simply is an opportunity for aspiring engineers or anyone with an interest in engineering, to gain an insight into various engineering careers and explore the various pathways for you to enter that field of work.
During the sessions, you will gain valuable information on how to secure work experience placements with leading global companies in the industry like ARUP, AIRBUS, Jaguar Land Rover to name a few. You will participate in activities that allows you to experience the hands-on aspects of engineering. For example, the association last year completed various activities based around the different sectors in civil engineering- ranging from geotechnics to structural engineering (how to build bridges and buildings).
The association will allow you to discuss and even present your ideas with other like-minded students and will widen your knowledge of engineering. The association is not limited to sessions delivered by sixth form students, some sessions are delivered by industry experts and lecturers giving you a real insight into what the world of engineering is really like. 

In the computer science association we discuss all aspects of technology including the advancements made in the recent years, the history of computer science and the extensive range of software involved in making these advancements possible.

The way our association works is when someone is interested in a topic they come to the leaders of the association and ask about further learning of this topic, we then produce a presentation or we assist in the students own presentation, which they then have the opportunity to present in front of other members of the association.

This is a great opportunity to not only learn about the field of computer science but also develop skills such as communication and presentation skills, but most importantly confidence.

The Law Association looks at main types of law studied at University- Criminal law, property law, EU law, commercial law, family law, Constitutional law, human rights. How Laws are made and enforced. Explore different career paths related to law- solicitor, barrister, and paralegal, detective. Learn how to get to each profession and salary. Learn about different case studies- murders, fraud, international legal controversies (such as Osama Bin Laden assassination 2011). Intend to have guest speaker in- potentially a professional or former student who can give insight to law at university. Develop basic skills- oratory skills, debating skills, persuasion skills and confidence. Being part of this association over the long term would help you stand out from other aspiring law students because you do not find groups such as these in schools elsewhere!

The Drama Association is a wonderful opportunity for anyone aspiring to pursue a career in Drama, Performing Arts or Theatre. During the sessions, you will practice and learn both theoretical elements to be a wonderful performer or member of crew, while also putting into practice all of these attributes in a public performance. The association will help broaden understanding and teach you skills like professionalism and courage giving all participants the means and understanding to tackle challenges and overcome obstacles. The association allows you to think in a more logical, structured way enabling you to tackle problems in a more efficient manner.