There are many benefits to picking up extracurricular activities. For one, they help children to develop and showcase key skills to employers when leaving school with little work experience. They also play a huge role in shaping young people and developing their personalities. We have teamed up with a private school in London to explore the benefits of extracurricular activities for children.
Employability Prospects
Extracurricular activities say a lot to employers about candidates and how they are willing to go the extra mile. Certain extra-curricular activities may even help children to get a foot in the door if related to the line of work they are looking to pursue as it shows a keen interest and desire to learn. The things that they do in their spare time also say a lot about who they are, and their skill set. For example, if they enjoy football, they may be able to think fast on their feet and be a good team player. As children are unable to gain much work experience whilst in education, extracurricular activities can certainly work to their advantage.
Building Social Skills
They can also introduce children to others that share the same interests and hobbies. These may be new children that they’ve not met before as after school and lunchtime clubs invite all year groups and classes, helping them to build social skills. This can help them to find lifelong friends and those that can help them to explore their passions further.
Stronger Academic Performance
Extracurricular activities are linked to stronger school attainment, and this is due to a number of reasons. One being that those who participate in extracurriculars usually take more enjoyment from school which lowers absenteeism and two, that they help them to build key thinking skills. Subject related extracurricular activities like mathlete groups can also help children to get ahead at school.
Improved Time Management
Time is a scarce resource and children that engage in extra-curricular activities understand this. This gives them the ability to juggle their extra-curricular activities with their school work. As a result, they can get school work done on time and prepare for assessments better which helps them to achieve better grades.
Greater Confidence
Children that dabble in extracurriculars are also more likely to be confident. This is because they can work out who they are, what they enjoy and are good at. This helps them with their self-esteem as they know what they have to offer and have self-belief that they can do whatever they put their mind to.
The Opportunity to Achieve Awards
Sports and other competitive activities encourage children to work towards awards, giving the opportunity to achieve them. These can really stand out on a CV and give a child an edge over their peers. The more prestigious awards can even open doors for children to progress further and start well-respected careers.
An Idea for The Future
A lot of children get stuck when thinking about what they want to be when they grow up. Extracurricular activities can give them a flavour of what different fields entail. It can also teach them about what they enjoy and don’t enjoy, saving them time in the long run. This can help them to find a career that helps them to feel happy and fulfilled.
Study Break
They can also offer a relaxing break from study, helping them to destress and channel their emotions. Sport in particular has great benefits for mental health which is an issue that is affecting more children now than ever in light of recent world events.
