Why are extracurricular activities important when you study school online?

Academic Benefits

Extracurricular activities offer more than just a break from lessons; they complement a child’s development and enhance academic performance. According to the Education Endowment Foundation, participation in extra-curricular activities like art and music, can improve literacy skills, including writing ability and verbal expression. These activities improve brain functions such as critical thinking and problem-solving, which are directly applicable to academic subjects. For example, a student engaged in a debate club can significantly improve their public speaking and critical thinking skills, which could prove invaluable for a university interview or presentation assignment.

They also teach time management—a skill which is crucial for academic success. Balancing schoolwork with other activities encourages students to plan their time efficiently, something that’s invaluable later in education and professional life. 

Skill Development

The skills acquired through extracurricular activities go beyond what traditional classroom settings can offer. Prospects.ac.uk reported that extracurricular activities can significantly improve your CV by helping you develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

For instance, participating in a drama club can improve a child’s communication skills, whilst a programming club can provide the foundational skills needed for a career in technology. These skills are not just beneficial for school life but are building blocks for the future.

Social Benefits

It’s not just about having fun; it’s about feeling a sense of belonging and community. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics, found students who engage in extracurricular activities often feel a stronger sense of commitment to their school. This is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment, something we highly value at King’s InterHigh Online School.

Activities like online clubs, virtual sports teams, and special interest groups offer more than just a break from study; they offer social interaction. Students get to meet others who share the same interests, which can lead to meaningful friendships. These friendships often extend beyond the online school environment, providing a network that can be both supportive and enriching.

But it’s not just about making friends. Being part of a group teaches important life skills like teamwork, communication, leadership and empathy. Students learn how to work together to achieve a common goal, how to lead within a group of peers and how to understand and respect the viewpoints of others.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Improved confidence is one of the most important benefits of participating in extracurricular activities. This is particularly important during the formative years when young people are still exploring their interests and abilities.

When students achieve milestones in activities they enjoy, whether it’s mastering a difficult piece of music, making a crucial save in a football match, or successfully completing a challenging project, the sense of accomplishment is incredibly valuable. This not only boosts their self-esteem but also encourages them to aim for even higher goals.

The confidence gained from these achievements often spills over into other areas of life, including academics. Students who feel confident in their abilities are more likely to participate in class, take on challenging tasks, and have confidence going into exams. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and try something new too.

Activities at King’s InterHigh

Online schooling doesn’t mean that all activities are online. Our students recently had an exciting weekend on our annual activity trip. Hosted by Boundless Outdoors, an outdoor education centre in Worcestershire, the trip offered a range of exciting activities. From high and low ropes courses to ridge walking, the students not only built physical strength but also developed essential life skills like problem-solving and teamwork. Activities like archery tested their resilience and focus. The trip was more than just fun; it was transformative, especially for those who have previously found social situations challenging. The weekend left our students with a sense of accomplishment and new friendships to cherish in their online classes.

Read more about the trip, here.

At King’s InterHigh, we offer extra-curricular activities, both online and in person, to make sure our students get the most out of their education. These activities help students grow in many ways and are an essential part of a child’s development.