Understanding Extra and Co-Curricular
Co-curricular activities take place outside of the traditional classroom (class spaces and/or times) and are not assessed or reported on, but in some manner complement academic learning from classroom curriculum. In contrast, extracurricular activities occur outside the regular academic curriculum and are often pursued voluntarily. Such activities are normally organised and (semi) regular, and designed to assist with more all-rounded development of students.
For example, subject-related competitions (eg. ICAS, Australian Mathematics Competition, essay and short film competitions), subject excursions and study tours, project exhibitions, etc. are Co-curricular Activities, whereas, sports, swimming, athletics, debate competitions, cultural activities, Church and other youth groups, community service, education clubs etc. are extracurricular Activities.
Academic Achievement
Participation in extracurricular activities has been consistently linked to improved academic performance. Studies have shown that repeatedly that students involved in these activities tend to have higher grades, better test scores, and more positive educational experiences. This refutes suggestions that the time invested in such activities is better spent on extra study. Improvement can be attributed to the development of essential skills such as time management, goal setting, and problem-solving, which are often honed through participation in structured activities.
Moreover, students who engage in extracurricular activities are more likely to have higher educational aspirations and a broader exposure to possible future career pathways. This heightened ambition can drive students to perform better academically, as they see a clear connection between their current efforts and future success.
Student Wellbeing
Beyond academics, extracurricular and co-curricular activities play a crucial role in enhancing student wellbeing. These activities provide opportunities for social interaction, identity formation, and the development of emotional and social skills, all of which contribute to a student’s overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Participation in these activities also fosters a sense of belonging and community. Students who feel connected to their school community are less likely to experience feelings of isolation and more likely to develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. This sense of belonging can be a protective factor against mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Holistic Development – Character and Life Skills
Extracurricular and co-curricular activities offer a platform for students to explore their interests and talents, which can lead to the discovery of new passions and career paths. For example, involvement in sports can teach teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills, while participation in music or drama can enhance creativity and self-expression, and all activities can lead to improved confidence.
Furthermore, these activities can instil a sense of discipline and responsibility. Students learn to balance their academic responsibilities with their extracurricular commitments, which can prepare them for the demands of adult life. The skills and experiences gained through these activities are invaluable and can have a lasting impact on a student’s personal and professional development.
Conclusion
The benefits of extracurricular and co-curricular activities extend both into the classroom and far beyond. They are instrumental in fostering academic achievement, enhancing student wellbeing, and promoting holistic development. At St Andrews, there are a plethora of opportunities in Sport, The Arts, and Co-curricular clubs and activities in which students can participate in and benefit from. If there are other activities outside of those currently offered in which a group of students are interested, I would like to empower students to propose these to the College, as we want to ensure our offerings evolve to support student interest and development. Finally, I would like to encourage you as parents to support and encourage your children to engage in these activities, with the knowledge that they are helping them develop into well-rounded individuals, and to thrive both academically and personally.
Research
- The Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities.
- Rahman, et al (2021). Effects of co-curricular activities on student's academic performance by machine learning. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 2.
- How Can Extracurricular Activities have a Positive Impact on the Academic Performance of both the Primary and the Secondary School.
- Buckley, P., & Lee, P. (2021). The impact of extra-curricular activity on the student experience. Active Learning in Higher Education, 22(1), 37-48.
- In School for After School: The Relationship Between Extracurricular Participation and School Engagement Karlyn J. Gorski Published March 2021.
- Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Performance of Students at Secondary Level.
The second week of this term included two of the biggest Extra-Curricular events in the College Calendar (Kokoda Challenge and ‘We Will Rock You’ Musical). After experiencing both for the first time, I was completely filled with a sense of admiration - for the students who had committed their time, energy, sweat and tears, and for the indescribable commitment from staff involved. I was also filled with a sense of the longer-term and broader benefit that participating in these events has for the students beyond the finish line and final curtain call. For the 80 students who participated in the Kokoda Challenge and the 66 who were part of the Musical, the benefits (from a much longer list) include a palpable sense of achievement, an improvement in physical and mental wellbeing as well as growth in character traits such as resilience, confidence and leadership. I would like to unpack this a little further with the hope that more families will encourage their children to participate in future events, and perhaps even seek and propose other new and exciting opportunities.