As part of our College enrichment programme, students have the opportunity to join the Super‑curricular Group — a dedicated space designed to help them deepen their academic interests and build a strong foundation for future university applications.
Super‑curricular activities go beyond the A level syllabus. They include reading books and articles related to a chosen degree, completing online courses, and engaging with subject‑specific research. These experiences play a vital role in Personal Statements, offering universities clear evidence of genuine subject interest and the ability to pursue independent study.
One of our students, Bronwen, recently shared their experience of presenting research within the group, focusing on the relationship between exercise, ageing and disease.
A Student’s Perspective
My presentation explored the effects of exercise on ageing, but what really drew me in was the section on how exercise influences certain diseases — especially cancer, which became the main focus of my talk. Through the MOOC I completed, I discovered some surprising facts about ageing, including that the risk of breast cancer in women increases almost a hundredfold between the ages of 20–30 and age 75.
One of my slides was jokingly titled “Become a Pilates Warrior or?” because I wanted to highlight why I believe resistance training — which produces the highest rates of hypertrophy — deserves more attention compared to cardio‑based workouts or Pilates. I looked into sarcopenia (age‑related muscle loss), which costs the United States around $18 billion a year in healthcare. I was shocked to learn that adults typically lose 30–40% of their muscle mass between ages 50 and 80. Maintaining muscle mass is incredibly important; it’s actually a stronger predictor of mortality than obesity and plays a major role in reducing fall and disability risk.
What I really appreciated about this opportunity was having dedicated time to explore online courses and dive deeper into pathology and physiology — subjects I’m genuinely passionate about. It made me feel more confident about my future applications and my Personal Statement. Overall, the experience has strengthened my conviction to pursue a degree in Medicine after my A levels. Bronwen McGaw
The Super‑curricular Group continues to offer students a meaningful way to explore their interests, develop academic curiosity and stand out in competitive university applications — all while discovering what truly inspires them.
After what will be six years with the college, our Principal, John Wilson, will be leaving us at the end of the current academic year to take up a new role at a school in Central London. We wish John well and thank him for his exceptional service and contribution to the college and his commitment to our students.