If you already have a busy family schedule, you may wonder whether extracurricular activities are worth the time and money. But research shows that enrichment activities outside the classroom boost children’s social and academic skills. Luckily, there is so much on offer in Edinburgh that your child should be able to find at least one activity that fires them up.
Benefits of Extracurricular Activities Depending on its physical, intellectual and creative demands, each activity will foster skills in different developmental areas. But here are some of the more general benefits of extracurricular pursuits:
They give a child the opportunity to expand their social circle and find friends with shared interests.
Children learn to solve problems individually and/or together using new skills.
Children develop emotional regulation that carries over to the classroom.
Children get a break from screens.
They have been shown to boost academic performance.
The young person has the chance to demonstrate their skills and character to universities and future employers.
Types of Extracurricular Activities The options range from hobby-based clubs to year-round competitive programmes. But the trick is to work out which activities are a good fit for your child. Before considering a private club or local organisation, it’s also worth finding out what’s on offer at your child’s school. Independent schools pride themselves on their extracurricular provision. (Staff-led clubs are included in the fees.) Also some sports are better developed through local clubs with more competition opportunities.
Extracurricular activities which may suit your child are:
ACADEMIC CLUBS Intellectually curious children might enjoy exploring some of the following activities at school:
Maths Clubs: Your child might take part in a national competition such as Mathletics.
Spelling Bee: Competitions tend to be held at school.
Chess: Clubs might play just for fun, during lunchtime, or lead to an external tournament.
Debating clubs: Debate clubs commonly compete against nearby schools.
Language Club: Such as Spanish Club - offers opportunities to combine an activity with language learning, turn taking, listening skills, memorising words, social interaction and confidence.
Model U.N.: These programmes allow children to explore global issues with classmates and peers from other schools.
STEM interests (science, technology, engineering, or maths) LEGO-based robotics, coding, and video game development are just a few examples of clubs being offered within and outwith school. Available from age 3+. STEM programmes are a natural fit for children who like to tinker or play on computers or tablets.
OTHER SOCIAL AND REWARDING ACTIVITIES ARE:
Guiding and Scouting are very popular clubs where children learn a whole host of skills not typically experienced at home or school.
School Council or Class Prefects are elected and empowered to make decisions about important events for the student body and occasionally influence school policy decisions. If your child has shown interest in leadership or politics, they should consider exploring student council groups at their school. Such opportunities exist at primary school.
Most schools actively encourage Outward Bound activities, volunteering and participation in schemes such as the DofE (The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award), and CCF (Combined Cadet Force).
More recently, affinity groups allow children to gather and connect with other kids who share a similar, often marginalised, identity. e.g. children who identify as LGBTG or are from a minority religion or nationality. These groups can create a safe space, a collective voice for their concerns, and discuss opportunities that might help them connect with the broader community.
How many after-school activities is too many? This very much depends on the child. Some children thrive with a busier schedule and others need more downtime. Most children have time to try one or more extracurricular activities after school (particularly with half a school day on Fridays in Edinburgh) or at the weekend and during school holidays. However, it may be worth reducing extracurricular commitments if your child is struggling to complete homework or maintain connections with family and friends.
Some extracurricular activities will require considerable commitment from the parent or carer. You may need to oversee home practice, attend public events or spend time ferrying your child around in the evenings or at weekends.
However, most parents find such experiences sociable and deeply rewarding.
By extending your child’s skillset and social circle, you will, almost certainly, be investing in their future. Besides encouraging problem solving and a growth mindset, you will be giving them invaluable practice at establishing a healthy work-life balance.
The next few features we are going to look at the following extracurricular activities in more detail: