Our Super Curriculum at OIC Brighton

Rather than simply offering students a list of activities to choose from, we take a strategic approach, working closely with strategy tutors to ensure students are making the most of their time. For example, if a student is interested in becoming a doctor, we help them focus on activities that align with their career aspirations and make their applications stand out. This focused approach allows us to maximise the value of both the curriculum and extracurricular activities, channelling students' efforts towards their future goals.

The programme integrates various aspects of college life, enhancing students' academic performance while fostering their personal development. It supports three key pillars: academic excellence, career preparation, and character development. Students are encouraged to stretch themselves academically, challenge their thinking, and focus on where they want to be in the future, ensuring they are as prepared as possible for university applications.

Our structure is inspired by the Oxford International College (OIC) model, with six core strands of Super Curricular engagement. As students progress through College, their participation in Super Curricular activities becomes more tailored and specific to their interests and career goals.

Beyond the classroom, the programme pushes students to explore subjects in greater depth. We offer trips throughout the school year, taking students off-site to engage in enriching experiences such as theatre visits, art galleries, and museum tours. On-site, we host lectures with guest speakers who provide valuable insights into various fields. Students also have opportunities to run lunchtime lectures, showcasing how they are challenging themselves and inspiring their peers. Many of our students engage in online courses, with universities viewing qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) favourably, sometimes even lowering offers for those with strong EPQ results. We encourage students to start this engagement as early as Year 9.

Competitions and awards are another key part of the programme. As a fully established Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provider, students can gain a qualification that adds lifelong value to their CV. In addition, we host a range of competitions both on- and off-site, including Maths and Science Olympiads. Each department actively seeks competitions for their students, while our house competitions foster a healthy balance of academic and sporting rivalry within the College.

Our clubs and societies offer a broad spectrum of activities, with both staff- and student-led initiatives. These include academic clubs, sports, wellness activities, and more. Strategy tutors help students choose clubs that support both their academic and personal growth, and students with a particular passion are encouraged to lead their own clubs, mentoring and coaching their peers.

Personal development is an integral part of the enrichment side of the programme. We provide opportunities for students to experience cultural activities, such as visiting theatres and art galleries, alongside wellness initiatives like mindfulness training. Encouraging a love of reading—both for academic advancement and personal enjoyment—is also a focus.

Throughout their time at OIC Brighton, students are supported in considering their university options. This process begins early, with careers meetings and pathways that guide students toward their future goals. Students are divided into groups based on their interests, but they can move between these groups as their ambitions evolve. By the time students reach Years 12 and 13, they are well-prepared to make informed decisions about their university applications, with targeted sessions to guide them through admission tests and application processes.

In addition, our students have access to a vast range of online courses that can be accessed at any time, allowing them to engage in further learning outside of the classroom. As part of Nord Anglia Education, we also offer exclusive opportunities through partnerships with MIT and UNICEF. Students have participated in programmes and competitions abroad, including trips to Texas for the UNICEF Programme and upcoming opportunities at MIT.

Through this comprehensive, well-rounded approach, the Super Curricular Programme not only enhances students' academic performance but also ensures they are fully prepared for their future, both academically and personally.