KIS Summary:
- Extra-Curricular activities are good for you, and this article shares some of the benefits.
- It is worth it for you to make time in your busy schedule to participate in extra-curricular activities.
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Extracurricular activities are activities that are undertaken by students outside of the standard educational curriculum. They include sports, music, debate, theatre, and volunteering commitments, just to name a few! If you’re not currently involved in extracurricular activities, hopefully we’ll inspire you to get involved in some. There’s no better time to start than now!
Table of Content:
Academic Achievement
According to research, students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better academically, and have more positive educational experiences overall.
This is because through undertaking extracurricular activities, students are inevitably gaining and practicing important skills which facilitate success both inside and outside of learning institutions. Through extracurriculars such as organised sport, for example, students develop listening skills and are able to apply instructions to achieve a desired outcome!
Character Development
Believe it or not, engaging in extracurricular activities actually does wonders in helping with character development!
Students who participate in extracurricular activities have reported higher senses of self-worth and self-concept (Blomfield & Barber, 2009). They also have greater opportunities to identify their personal strengths and weaknesses, and are able to harbour personal interests, all of which culminate in building a much more resilient, formidable character. Essentially, it’ll help you in what will be a very long and thought-provoking journey in trying to figure out who you are.
Leadership Development
It should be no surprise that involvement in extracurricular activities can be absolutely instrumental in helping to develop student leadership skills. These skills, however, are not just limited to high school.
Leadership is a vital skill, and its importance extends to tertiary education and beyond. Individuals who practice and display strong leadership skills are more likely to become managers and have higher salaries compared to students who don’t (Lipscomb, 2007).
Social Development
One of the strongest positive aspects of extracurricular activities is the highly social and collaborative environment that it establishes. Students are often surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals which promotes a sense of community and belonging. Furthermore, many of these activities encourages skills such as teamwork and communication.
If you're looking for a tutor to support you in your studies, book a free 30-minute study skills consultation with a KIS Academics tutor today:
Conclusion
To sum up, there are a lot of benefits to getting involved in extracurricular activities. There is more to life outside of the classroom, and extracurricular activities are not only really enjoyable, they’ll also instil so many valuable skills in you. Rather than detracting from time that you could be spent studying, they’re actually supplementing your learning by providing you with positive life experiences and skills.
We hope this has either inspired you to start participating in activities that you’re interested in, or has reaffirmed that you’re doing the right thing by being involved! For more study resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
References
- Christison C (2013). The Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities. BU Journal of Graduate Studies in Education, 5(2), 17-20. Available from: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1230758.pdf
- Blomfield, C. J., & Barber, B. L. (2009). Brief report: Performing on the stage, the field or both? Australian adolescent extracurricular activity participation and self-concept. Journal of Adolescents, 32(3), 733-739. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.01.003
- Lipscomb, S. (2007). Secondary school extracurricular involvement and academic achievement: A fixed effects approach. Economics of Education Review, 26(4), 463-472. doi:10.1016/j.econedurev.2006.02.006
FAQs
How do I balance my extra-curricular activities?
Create a study schedule to make time for your extra-curricular activities! You can find out more here.
What if I don't have time for extra-curricular activities?
That's absolutely fine, you can do other activities like play tennis with your friends, go on a run every other day etc.
The more important thing is ensuring that you make time for activities other than studying!
How should I plan a study routine?
Divide your schedule into daily, weekly, and monthly goals, setting clear, achievable targets that keep you on track for each subject’s syllabus. Assess your strengths and weaknesses in your various subjects, and prioritise the ones you're weaker at, especially when it is leading up to your exams. Find out more in this article.
Are extra-curricular activities important for college applications?
Yes, especially if you're planning to apply for competitive schools and courses. As we mentioned, extra-curricular activities build many important skills that colleges value.
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference! For more study tips, check out these articles:
