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What are super-curricular activities?

Posted: 4th February 2025

At Brampton College, we are proud to offer a range of opportunities for our first year A level students to enhance their learning and future prospects. One key aspect of this is encouraging students to engage in super-curricular activities, which play an important role in strengthening their UCAS applications and preparing them for higher education. This is therefore one of the enrichment options that students can partake in on a Tuesday.

So, what are super-curricular activities? These are pursuits that go beyond the classroom, allowing students to deepen their understanding and experience within their chosen subject or career field. Unlike extra-curricular activities—such as sports or music—super-curricular activities are directly related to the student’s subject of interest.

Examples of super-curricular activities include:

  • Engaging in wider reading related to their subjects
  • Watching TED Talks or educational videos
  • Listening to subject-specific podcasts
  • Enrolling in MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
  • Attending university taster days or workshops
  • Visiting museums or galleries with relevant exhibits

Students can speak to their teachers for specific ideas of super-curricular activities related to their subjects. These activities are highly valued by top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as they demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, commitment, and intellectual curiosity within a subject area. Students should keep a log of what they have done and what they have learnt from it as this will be helpful when writing their personal statement or preparing for interviews (where applicable).

Now is the perfect time for first year students to start exploring super-curricular opportunities. This will not only enhance their knowledge and skills in the subjects they are studying but also set themselves apart in competitive university applications.

Photo above: Lisa, our Head of Careers, helps a student select their super-curricular activities