Extracurricular activities play a vital role in children and teenager's overall development, giving them an opportunity to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. They help students to explore aspects of their personality and interests organically, and even help with building confidence and self esteem! In fact, it is widely accepted that for young people it’s incredibly important to find a balance between academics and extracurricular commitments to help give them a well-rounded education. 

Taking part in extracurricular activities from tennis to archery to gaming sees an increase in students' physical and studies have found that it is also beneficial to mental health. Such participation boosts self esteem and resilience and helps students in their ability to make friends. 

Students participating in extracurricular activities have the opportunity to develop and nurture strong social skills such as communication and teamwork, particularly in activities such as team sport. Being able to effectively work in a team is not only a valuable life skill but successfully doing so can see students’ self-confidence boosted in turn. 

Participation in extracurricular activities such as art or music helps students to fine-tutor existing skills or develop brand new ones, such as fine motor skills and patience.

Participating in volunteering programmes at a young age can help develop childrens’ social conscience, as well as serving as something to demonstrate a range of skills and responsibilities on a CV. 

In the same vein, as well as the potential impact of extracurricular activities on an individual and their skills and confidence, participation in such activities is beneficial when it comes to college and university applications and future prospects. When looking at candidates for further education or for jobs, prospectors look for students who can demonstrate that they have a well-rounded personality and showcase valuable skills such as those developed through extracurricular activities. 

Taking part in extracurricular activities can also see your student develop positive habits and skills such as time management skills through balancing academics and extracurricular commitments. Find out more about encouraging time management skills in students here!

Lastly, participation in extracurricular activities at a young age can help students discover passions they may not have known they have, and allow them to pursue them seriously later in life if they choose to. It’s important to help your child or teenager choose the right extracurricular activities based on their interests and goals and pursue activities they are genuinely passionate about. 

So how to find the right extracurricular activity for your student? Start by speaking to your student about what currently interests them and what they might be open to trying. Then, find what’s out there, look in local magazines and directories, see what school is offering and speak to family and friends. Next, attend demo classes to get a feel for the environment and your student’s interest! 

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