The Benefits of Co-curricular Opportunities
Throughout any school day, a child has the opportunity to experience a range of learning experiences within the classroom, in navigating their friendships or through optional activities that a child chooses to take part in - co-curricular activities. At the College, we have a range of co-curricular activities that our students can elect to become involved in, meaning their learning and education will not just be limited to the four walls of a classroom. In fact, studies have found that participation in co-curricular activities has been shown to have a positive impact on a child’s academic performance.
In his book, Five Minds for the Future, Howard Gardner outlines five specific mindsets that can foster success and happiness:
The Disciplinary Mind refers to expertise in various subjects.
The Synthesizing Mind is the ability to integrate concepts from different disciplines to solve a problem.
The Creating Mind is the ability to think creatively to solve problems.
The Respectful Mind is having appreciation of the diversity in individuals.
The Ethical Mind refers to fulfilling our responsibilities within society as a citizen.
Many of these mindsets can be accessed and developed in a range of the subjects that are offered throughout the College, but engagement with opportunities outside of the classroom provides an additional environment that offers new challenges, new experiences and the chance to approach a situation from a different viewpoint.
Across both the Senior and Junior Schools in the coming months there are a number of camps taking place and these are a wonderful opportunity for our students to step outside of their comfort zone, and access both their creating and respectful mind in spending an extended time with their peers and solving problems that they may not have experienced before. Each of these camps offer our students the chance to develop their problem-solving, leadership, critical and creative thinking, communication, and collaborative abilities, which are necessary and highly sought after in the working world.
Furthermore, co-curricular involvement can continue to have a positive impact on a student’s future after graduation. Each year we have a number of students who apply for scholarships and courses at both international and domestic universities and as a part of this process, the institutions are seeking to gain a holistic understanding of the student's involvement throughout their senior schooling, not only their academic achievements. Being able to demonstrate an active involvement in multiple aspects of both College life and within their local communities can be looked upon favourably and also offers an applicant the chance to gain life experiences and feel more prepared for their future endeavours.
In addition to those mentioned above, there are many other benefits to taking part in multiple co-curricular activities, including reduction in stress, stronger relationships with peers and the community, and can even lead to a more healthy and active lifestyle. Engaging with a greater number of activities across the College can also help to foster a sense of belonging within a school environment, increase self-esteem and provide opportunities to engage the five specific mindsets that can help to achieve happiness and success.
The 2021 Co-curricular Directory can be found on the College website under ‘Student life’ and provides information about who to contact if a student is interested in pursuing or finding out more about a particular opportunity.
Charlotte Brook
Head of Senior School
