A very special trip to Oxford University took place this term, with a group of Year 10 students being granted a unique opportunity to visit Oriel and Keble colleges. As well as having a tour around the two different colleges to get a feel for their differences, pupils were able to meet current students and ask them questions. Pupils also had an informative session on the different courses available at Oxbridge and were given advice on how to start preparing for their applications now, including learning about the importance of super-curricular activities. 

What are super-curricular activities? 

These are activities that many of the top universities in the UK look for in personal statements. While an extra-curricular activity is something in addition to your studies, such as a sports club or the Duke of Edinburgh Award, super-curricular activities are linked directly to the field of study you are interested in. For example, if you are insisted in studying History at university then it is important to research beyond the GCSE and A level curriculum: read a historical book, listen to a history podcast, watch a documentary. All of this will not only help you sell your passion when you are writing your future application, but it can also help you decide if a course is for you. If you find this wider research boring, then the course might not be for you. If you are fascinated to do this research and you find it fun, then you may have just found your dream course!