Supercurricular Hub
Supercurriculars are educational activities that help you explore your subject beyond what is covered in the school curriculum.
Why Explore Supercurriculars?
- Discover Your Passion: Figure out what specific topics genuinely interest you.
- Guide Your Choices: Gain insight into potential university degree options.
- Boost Your Personal Statement: Demonstrate true academic enthusiasm when applying to university or Degree Apprenticeships
Ways to Expand Your Learning
- Reading: Explore books, magazines, and articles through sources like Staircase 12, London Review of Books, Ten-Minute Book Club, New Scientist, , The BMJ, BBC History Magazine, The Oxford Scientist, The Conversation, and National Geographic.
- Watching: Watch documentaries, videos, and online lectures on TED, Big Think, Gresham College, and Crash Course.
- Listening: Tune into subject podcasts and radio programmes such as BBC's In Our Time, University of Oxford Podcasts, TED Talks Daily, and BBC Sounds.
- Exploring: Visit museums and galleries in person or access digital collections online at The British Museum, The National Gallery, the Science Museum, and the Ashmolean Museum.
- Attending: Join summer schools, webinars, subject tasters, and short courses online or in person via The Sutton Trust, UNIQ, UniTasterDays, MOOCs, and OpenLearn.
- Entering: Participate in subject-related competitions like Unsung Heroes, the Big Think Competition, or St Hugh's Essay Competitions.
The Two-Step Exploration Process
Step 1: Explore...
Don't worry if you don't have a specific topic in mind at first – just give something a try and see where it leads! Let interesting ideas guide you deeper into the subject.
Example Pathway (Maths & Computer Science):
- Browse the NRICH Mathematics Recommended Books List.
- Read The Code Book by Simon Singh.
- Listen to the In Our Time Cryptography Episode with Melvyn Bragg.
- Watch the Oxford Strachey Lecture "The Once and Future Turing" by Prof. Andrew Hodges.
- Watch a free online lecture on Artificial Intelligence from Gresham College.
Step 2: ...and Reflect!
It isn't about building a long checklist; it is about reflecting on what you have learned. Taking notes as you reflect deepens understanding and prepares you for your personal statement.
Ask yourself:
- Why did you choose this book, video, or podcast?
- What did you like or dislike about it?
- What was the most interesting or surprising thing you learned?
- How did it change your perception of the subject?
- How would you explain this topic in a presentation to your class?
- What do you want to explore next?
Ready to Get Started?
Begin exploring via Oxford's Digital Resource Hub or Cambridge's Resource Lists
Wider Curriculum
Our wider curriculum is designed to foster students' curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Beyond core subjects, we offer a variety of enrichment programmes, including:
- Geography Field Trip - Swanage
- Sample lectures at Oxford University
- University-based research by students
- University-based application workshops
- Hidden Leaders, Leadership and Communication Programme
- Lifeskills and Post-16 preparation
- Mock Interviews
Abroad:
- Jay Peak - Vermont April 2026
- TBC Peru/Borneo - 2027
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award
If you want to know more about what we have to offer, speak to Mr Curtis, our Outdoor Coordinator, or email him at acurtis@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk
