Extracurricular

Whilst sport, music and drama often dominate, most independent schools offer a huge range of activities which enrich pupils lives. In this chapter, Matthew looks at the value of extracurricular opportunities and how they are so much more than the sum of their parts – they might just open a child's eyes to a future career.

iStock.com/Marilyn Nieves

There is nothing 'extra' about 'extracurricular'. It's not the icing on the cake but more the sugar and jam filling – without it, the cake would be bland and a bit tasteless. When it comes to extracurricular provision, it is definitely more than the sum of its parts. On first glance, it can look a bit like a list of hobbies or fun after school activities. But the benefits pupils gain can have hugely positive rewards, sometimes opening their eyes to the possibilities for a future career.

One of the biggest extracurricular activities at most schools is sport. Schools will have a clear programme of sports, centred around the seasons, and with competitive team games. With some school sports, representation goes to the highest level with county or national selection. The majority of children will not play these sports again when they leave school but the values of camaraderie, teamwork and fair play will have (hopefully) had a positive impact for life.

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Disclaimer: Independent education has a wide range of views and the use of quotations does not imply that these contributors share the same views as the author. The views and opinions of the author may also not necessarily be shared by all schools mentioned in this book. The author and publishers do not warrant, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the contents are error-free and shall not be liable for any loss, however arising, as a result of the information contained in this book.

Cambridgeshire