Our extra curricular programme is broad, varied and exciting! In addition to what are seen as traditional after school activities, such as team sports and music, we try to offer a broad range of pursuits so that every student will have at least one activity of interest available to them. The opportunities include an of clubs from Politics and Debating to Creative writing, from Art club to the Rainbow Alliance. Our extra-curricular opportunities are available to everyone and run before school, at lunchtimes and often after school. We also offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to students. A full timetable of the clubs that form part of our Broadening Horizons programme is published at the beginning of each academic year, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The benefits that come with taking part in an extra-curricular activity are far-ranging, so here’s why we’re encouraging all students to make use of what we offer.
Improved Academic Performance
Participating in extra-curricular clubs students are passionate about can increase their brain function, help them concentrate and manage their time better – all of which contribute to higher grades.
Some students worry that participating in extra-curricular clubs may take away too much time from their schoolwork; however, extracurricular activities can actually improve grades and their outlook on school.
Learn something new
Many students choose an extra-curricular club that is linked to a hobby that they are already interested in, but as our clubs are open to students of all abilities, they also provide the perfect opportunity to try something new, which could develop into a new passion.
A break from routine
Extra-curricular clubs give students something fun to do aside from school. It also gives them the chance to explore their passions to discover things they may be interested beyond their academic studies. Extra-curricular clubs are open to students of all ages, meaning they step away from only learning with peers from their year group. This helps to build new friendships with students who have a common interest.
Essential Life Skills
On top of all of the benefits of extracurricular activities we already talked about, one of the greatest advantages extracurricular activities give you are ‘real world’ skills.
These skills include (but are not limited to):
- Goal setting
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Prioritisation
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Leadership
- Public speaking
The more students push themselves in their extra-curricular endeavours, the more they’ll develop these skills.
Build self-esteem
Learning something new and succeeding in an activity that is enjoyed can boost our students’ confidence, increase their self-esteem and basically make them feel good about themselves, which will have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
The chance to have fun
Perhaps the most important benefit is that extra-curricular opportunities give our students the chance to have fun while doing something they enjoy!
