Super-Curricular
MOOCs
Students are encouraged to complete a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) of their choice during the summer break. Courses cover a wide variety of specialised topics which develop a student’s understanding of the subject area. A large number of them are written and accredited by universities. The completion of a MOOC demonstrates an impressive commitment to personal and academic development, and this will be recognised within the reference that the school will write for students. The following website details a range of excellent courses on offer FutureLearn.
TED Talks
TED Talks are influential videos featuring expert speakers from various fields such as education, business, science and creativity. These talks focus on sharing valuable knowledge, innovative research and ‘ideas worth spreading’. The are available with subtitles in over 100 languages and can be streamed or downloaded for free. click here.
Super-Curricular
Please see below list of external opportunities for students looking to further their study or future career prospects.
| Opportunity | Details | Date / Location / Sign Up |
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The Sutton Trust Summer Schools |
The Sutton Trust Summer Schools offer free, week‑long university experiences for Year 12 students across the UK. Participants explore over 40 subjects through academic taster sessions, attend undergraduate‑level teaching, live in university accommodation, and receive expert guidance on UCAS, personal statements, and student finance. The programme helps students build confidence, develop key skills, and connect with peers and current undergraduates. It’s an inspiring chance to experience real university life and boost future applications. |
Use the link here to find out more about the programme. |
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Hosted by Josh Shaw who is the BTO Youth Representative for North Yorkshire - his voluntary work is all about getting young people involved in nature and biodiversity! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn a new skill! |
Students are able to book via the following link: https://www.bto.org/our-work/events/bto-youth-introductory-birding-citizen-science |
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University of Nottingham School of Physics & Astronomy's work experience programme |
From 6 – 10 July 2026 between 10am - 3pm, Year 12 physics students can experience the cutting-edge research at the University of Nottingham! Students will perform experiments, learn about our work in a range of areas and present their findings at a mini conference! |
Applications close 27 February at 5pm. |
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University of Nottingham Step into Cyber Event |
A mix of brief talks, panel discussions, exhibitors, demonstrations, and interactive activities for individuals and groups of Year 12 and 13 students studying in Nottinghamshire. Special guests will include major cyber security organisations. Lunch will be provided and spaces are limited. |
Response required by 4 February 2026. Event date - 24 February, 10-2.50pm Find out more on the website. For additional details or to register interest email contact@stepintocyber.org. |
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UCL Biochemical Engineering Virtual Taster Lectures March 2026 |
Biochemical engineers turn scientific breakthroughs - such as vaccines, biofuels, and lab-grown foods - into large-scale realities. Their work tackles some of the world’s biggest health, environmental, and ethical challenges. Join us at UCL Biochemical Engineering for our free online taster lectures to explore cutting-edge research, from lab-grown meat and next-generation vaccine manufacture to AI-driven drug design and advances in gene therapy. We're excited to welcome students, teachers, and parents - we’d love to see you there! |
Visit the UCL Biochemical Engineering Virtual Taster Lectures page for full session details and recordings from the 2025 series. |
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UCL Anthropology In-Person Essay Writing Workshops for Year 11-13 students |
UCL Anthropology have added new dates to their free in-person essay writing workshops for Year 11-13 students studying at UK state schools. We particularly encourage applications from students in groups underrepresented in higher education. Run by academic staff from UCL Anthropology, the workshops will help attendees develop their essay writing skills. These skills will be relevant for a variety of social science and humanities subjects. Participants receive a certificate of completion. |
Workshops take place at UCL Anthropology (14 Taviton St, London, WC1H 0BW) on: Students can apply via the online application form. If you or your students have any questions please contact the organiser, Yathu Yogarajah, at: anthro.essay-workshops@ucl.ac.uk. |
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Introduction to UCL virtual sessions |
Students are invited to join a member of the Student Recruitment team and a current UCL student for a virtual information session. These events are an informal opportunity for attendees to learn more about UCL, living in London and making a competitive application. |
We encourage students to visit our UK country webpage where they can view current student and recent alumni profiles and chat with a current UCL student via Unibuddy. |
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Open University |
The traditional university route isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean your School’ ambitions to achieve a degree need to be hindered. At The Open University, our more flexible university experience allows students to study without the pressure to compromise on what’s important to them. So, whether students want to learn from home or fit studying around work or travel, they can. |
Access The Open University Guide here. |
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Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge Subject Focussed Events and Taster Days |
Subject-Focussed Events and Taster Days Offering a wide range of subject focused events and taster days providing opportunity for students to gain an insight into a subject they’re interested in applying for at university. Giving opportunity to explore specific subject areas in more depth. |
Click here to view the Supracurricular Exploration Guide |
