Super-curricular
The Super-curricular programme at d’Overbroeck’s is a specially developed and vibrant academic enrichment programme for Sixth Form students seeking to explore their interests in greater depth outside the confines of their regular studies. Super-curricular is designed to take the curriculum further, and is essentially a range of activities (extra engagement with certain subjects and topics beyond the conventional curriculum) that students can immerse themselves in to give them greater knowledge and experience in areas that interest them.
Through our excellent programme students will:
- Develop broader and deeper knowledge in their areas of interest
- Have their curiosity inspired and be able to make exciting discoveries in areas currently unknown to them
- Be able to find their true passions and pursue them with greater confidence
- Improve their ability to think creatively and critically
- Learn to make intellectual connections
- Research effectively
- Collaborate and communicate with others
Many top universities and employers expect students to clearly demonstrate a passion for their subject(s) through dedication and initiative, so d’Overbroeck’s has made this easy by providing the lively Super-curricular programme, available to all Sixth Form students. Students can engage with the subject(s) they love and gain important skills and knowledge, whilst also showing they are independent, resourceful, and collaborative.
Super-curricular activities equip students for their next steps in education or working life through a challenging and intellectually stimulating range of opportunities that students can select based on their ambitions – so that every student can thrive as an individual.
The super-curricular programme is made up of four elements:
- Plus to study existing A-Level subjects with greater breadth and depth or to explore subject areas beyond A-Levels selected
- Admissions Prep to help students engage with everything that makes for a successful application, including admissions, tests, and interviews
- Seminar to critically engage with seminars in a small group setting; this includes attending university seminars at top universities and the nearby University of Oxford
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to write a research report on a topic chosen by the student or to produce an original ‘artefact’, such as a piece of art, creative writing, film, computer programme etc.
Our highly qualified and experienced staff will help students to build their ideal programme.
Students can opt in to these four programmes, but there is no need for any student to worry if they are not sure what to take. Students will receive strategic advice from tutors and mentors during both the admissions process and throughout their time with us to help them build a programme suitable for their needs, interests, and future goals. Our programme is a bespoke and rewarding source of personal and academic development for each of our students.
Plus
Our Plus programme is available in over 20 subjects, and provides students with the opportunity to attend additional subject sessions in a subject they enjoy. Plus sessions take place in Year 12 and typically run over 6 sessions, roughly every week. Students are able to take more than one over the year.
In addition to students’ normal A-Level workload, they will be expected to spend several hours a week on their d’Overbroeck’s Plus studies.
Students choose Plus if they:
- Want to learn more about a subject, or learn about a new one
- Have time to explore a subject in greater depth
- Are thinking about what it might be like to study a particular course at university
Admissions Prep
If a student is interested in applying for a competitive degree course such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law, Drama or are thinking of applying for any course at Oxford or Cambridge, then they can attend regular sessions to prepare for the admissions process.
Academic mentoring
As part of our competitive courses support, students will have access to academic mentoring. A senior member of staff will meet with the student on a one-to-one basis to give them thorough and personalised support. In the sessions, staff recommend appropriate texts, competitions and lectures and give guidance on how to prepare for making an application to a competitive course.
Oxbridge programme
Find out more about our Oxbridge programme.
Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry programme
Find out more about our Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry programme here.
Law programme
Find out more about our Law programme here.
We also provide sessions to prepare for admission to Drama courses at leading Performing Arts institutions.
Seminar
Our Seminar programme involves attending a regular session. Sessions might alternate between discussion seminars and thinking skills development.
Discussion sessions will:
- Foster academic inquisitiveness using a range of resources
- Build academic confidence, interview skills and communication skills
- Encourage students to attend talks hosted by the University of Oxford
Thinking skills sessions will:
- Build skills to analyse arguments and develop the ability to argue concisely and effectively
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The EPQ is a nationally recognised qualification that involves undertaking an independent research project. Students who take an EPQ will embark on a unique and self-directed project in addition to studying for their main A-Levels.
Students will:
- Choose their own topic – this can be anything that interests them
- Pursue research through a combination of academic reading, completion of online courses, attendance at lectures, interviews with experts, questionnaires and relevant work experience
- Learn new skills, such as independent research, project management, footnote and bibliography construction and multimedia presentation techniques
- Receive support from weekly timetabled classes, a series of Year 12 skills talks and an individually assigned project supervisor
Each year we are amazed by the incredible range of topics, from robotics and renovation through to medicine and literature. There are many reasons to study an EPQ and it is suitable for students studying any A-Level combination.
Some of the great benefits of studying the EPQ are that it:
- Provides students with great material for interviews and personal statements
- Gives students a genuine opportunity to engage in high level research or to plan and produce a creative product, all in a supportive environment
- Students start studying their EPQ in the Autumn term of the Lower Sixth year and complete it by the end of the Spring term in their Upper Sixth year
