Super-curriculum

The Super-curriculum is a part of College academic life that we are incredibly proud of.

These pupil-led societies and activities fuel the fire of curiosity and gives our pupils the tools to develop academic independence and individualise their curriculum. We believe that it sets our pupils apart for three reasons:

It elevates their understanding of the world.
It improves their leadership skills.
It incites academic independence and their innate curiosity.

So, what is the Super-curriculum?

The standout feature of the Super-curriculum is that it is entirely pupil-led. Pupils take ownership for designing their own curriculum complementing the academic core of their examination courses at GCSE, International Baccalaureate or A level. The idea is to catalyse intellectual curiosity and provide an academic breadth beyond the confines of the examination content and assessment criteria.

The programme comprises a wide range of societies and activities, supporting pupils to hone their presentation, debating and research skills. This in turn, builds confidence and flexes those critical thinking pathways needed for exploring complex topics ranging from global politics to scientific advancements.

Every pupil is unique and therefore each super-curriculum is unique as well. Some examples of what our pupils have chosen to do include:

Black Students’ Union, LGBTQ+,
Empower Her Voice and Amnesty Group
Debating Society
Politics and Foreign Affairs Society
Literary society
Spotlight – Ethics and Religion Society
Model United Nations
Meade Read Society for Economics and Business
STEM, Law and Architecture
Lucretian Society for Science
The Aston Society in the Lower School and the Wheeler Bennett Society in the Sixth Form. These societies centre on a pupil presentation and post-talk discussion, bringing together pupils with a wide range of interests and subject specialisms.

Testimonials

While all these societies and groups are entirely pupil-led, the team at Malvern College works hard to support them, whether that is through extra resources or helping to organise events. In the past, we’ve had lectures from a variety of experts, including Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer and an expert in nuclear reactors, who are both Old Malvernians.

The Super-curriculum programme is symptomatic of the academic rigour at Malvern College. It takes pupils beyond the confines of examination-driven courses, thereby allowing pupils to develop deep intellectual curiosity and the confidence to pursue it.