Spotlight on Supra-Curricular Activities
- Senior School
If you’ve attended any RST Higher Education workshops, you’ve likely heard about the importance of supra-curricular activities in preparing for university applications.
But what are they, and why are they important? Let's explore how selective universities around the world view these activities and what they look for in future students.
For example, the University of Cambridge seeks students who can think critically and independently, argue logically, keep an open mind, and show genuine passion for their subject. Their advice: “Think carefully about which subjects spark your curiosity and passion before submitting your application.”
When counselling students on their future pathway choices, we stress the importance of “finding the right fit.” To summarise: students are encouraged to apply to universities and courses where they’ll thrive both academically and socially, benefiting from a full university experience that prepares them for life after graduation.
For instance, MIT admissions emphasise “match” over mere academic scores. Key qualities they look for include:
- Alignment with MIT’s mission
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Initiative and risk-taking
- Hands-on creativity and curiosity
- Ability to balance intensity with self-care
In Thailand, some universities ask applicants for a portfolio that includes activities beyond the classroom.
Globally, students who show genuine passion for their chosen subject tend to stand out. This is where supra-curricular activities come in.
What Are Supra-Curricular Activities?
"Supra" means "above" in Latin. Supra-curricular (or sometimes "super-curricular") activities are those that go beyond what students learn in the classroom. They allow students to explore their subjects more deeply, helping them confirm their choice of study and build skills for independent learning.
In highly competitive admissions, these activities help students stand out. They are not required, but are a strong signal of motivation and intellectual curiosity.
Supra-curricular activities can also support applications by providing examples in personal statements or essays, showing that students are serious about their field. They encourage skills like critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to view information from different sources – all essential for university success.
At Rugby School Thailand, we offer a wide range of supra-curricular opportunities to help students pursue their interests beyond the classroom. Our Pathway Lecture series is just one example, providing students with in-depth sessions led by experts across various fields.
Other Types of Supra-Curricular Activities
There are many ways to expand learning beyond the classroom. Here are some examples:
- Extra reading (including academic journal articles)
- Participating in subject-specific activities or clubs (such as MUN and Ask Better Questions)
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- Academic competitions and challenges
- Subject-specific workshops, lectures, and after-school activities
- Watching educational films, documentaries, or TED Talks, and listening to relevant podcasts
- Attending summer schools
- Work experience and internships
- Visiting museums, galleries, or going on related field trips
- Taking MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
Our school library offers a supra-curricular reading list for each subject, which students can access here.
Unifrog is a fantastic starting point! Through the Subjects Library, students can explore topics by reading, watching, and listening to items that spark their curiosity. The MOOCs tool provides access to free online courses, and the Courses tool lets students dive into subject-specific classes.
Parents can log in to Unifrog as well, using the code RUST2050 they can sign up here, to support their children’s exploration of potential interests and activities.
Many universities also have resources to guide students in finding supra-curricular activities. Cambridge offers HE+, and Oxford has Oxplore for students interested in pushing their learning further.
Our main advice
Engage with topics that truly interest you. This will help your passion and dedication to your subject shine through in your applications.
For more ideas of potential supra-curricular activities, feel free to contact the Higher Education and Careers Team or your subject teachers.