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Super-curricular

What Are Super-Curricular Activities, and Why Do They Matter?

Most of us are familiar with extra-curricular activities — the sports teams, creative clubs and volunteering opportunities that take place outside of the classroom. But what about super-curricular activities? You might have heard the term in passing, but aren’t quite sure what it means.

Super-curricular activities go beyond your normal lessons, but are directly linked to the subjects you're studying. While extra-curricular activities help you develop transferable skills, super-curricular activities deepen your academic knowledge and show genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Why Bother?

There are plenty of reasons to engage in super-curricular activities, especially if you're thinking ahead to university. They allow you to explore your subject in greater depth and help answer some important questions:

  • Do I really enjoy this subject?

  • Can I see myself studying it for another three or four years?

By stepping outside the syllabus and exploring your subject further, you’ll not only strengthen your understanding but also build the confidence to take your interests further. Admissions tutors at competitive universities are looking for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity — and super-curriculars are a brilliant way to show this.

And when it comes to writing your UCAS Personal Statement, you’ll have plenty to say. You’ll be able to write convincingly about your subject interests, backed up by evidence that you’ve taken the initiative to learn independently.

What Can I Do?

Super-curricular activities come in many forms. Here are just a few ways to get started:

Read More
Try reading beyond the textbook. Explore articles, journals, books or essays that relate to the subject you’re studying. Love literature? Read novels by writers not on your set texts list. Fascinated by science or history? Look into specialist publications like New Scientist or History Today.

Watch and Listen
Podcasts, documentaries and online lectures are a brilliant way to learn. TED Talks, university YouTube channels and podcast series can introduce you to new ideas and different perspectives.

Try University Taster Events
Many universities offer online and in-person events that give you a glimpse into what studying a subject at degree level is really like. These are designed especially for school and college students. Try websites like Unitasterdays.com to find events that interest you.

Explore Online Courses
Platforms like Springpod offer free online courses that allow you to experience new subjects and hear from experts. Some even include certificates you can add to your portfolio.

Visit Places of Interest
Museums, galleries, exhibitions and heritage sites can all enhance your understanding of a subject. Studying English? Visit the Globe Theatre or the British Library. Into science or computing? Try places like Bletchley Park or a local science centre.

Ready to Begin?

Here are some helpful links to help you get started with your super-curricular journey:

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