School Guide

The benefits of a holistic co-curricular programme for your child

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Sep 02, 2014

A strong co-curricular programme can do wonders for a child in providing them a well-rounded education beyond the classroom. These co-curricular activities provide children within a conducive environment in which to learn and engage with a learning experience that we rarely see amid the trappings of mobile electronic devices and the television.

Children who engage in some form of co-curricular activity gain the benefit of leading a much healthier lifestyle along with a foundation in which to build confidence, creativity and social skills. All of which helps a child to go the extra mile in the classroom.

While it is important for parents to allow children to participate in co-curricular activities, a child should never be forced into joining a co-curricular activity they are not comfortable with. Parental support and involvement is paramount to helping children build and sustain interest in the activities.

1. Health & Wellness

While there is no doubt that co-curricular activity that involve physical action does help to keep the body fit and healthy, such activities also help in combating the silent threat of obesity.

Sporting activities such as football, swimming and athletics  not only help to keep children healthy but also provide the perfect avenue in which to hone and develop essential motor skills and hand to eye coordination.

With most International Schools in Malaysia, there are a multitude of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities that cater to this need. What is important beyond these facilities however is that there is assurances for safety along with proper age-sensitive coaching that could help ease your child through the sports.

Water Polo

Cricket

Golf

Yoga

Rock Climbing

2. Social & Communication Skills

Co-curricular activities also have a social aspect that is increasingly important for the growth and development of students. In most cases, these activities give good exposure in which students interact with their peers and bond over a shared activity or interest. This helps them to develop a greater disposition to interact with other students and participate in group based activities.

Beyond that, such interaction also helps them to build confidence and self esteem as they operate within an environment that is nurturing and does not place any judgment.

Debating

Foreign Language

3. Creativity & Expression

An arts co-curricular programme goes beyond the normal crayon drawings and finger painting. With the proper guidance and teaching, children not only are able to immerse themselves with the arts but also express themselves in a way that stimulates their creativity and artistic development.

While International Schools do provide a curriculum that is inclusive of the arts, a dedicated co-curricular programme provides extra room and space for students to explore their talents. Schools that have an extensive co-curricular programme on arts allow students to showcase and highlight their talents to society.

Folk Dancing

Orchestras

Jazz Band

 

4. Academic Performance

Research has indicated that academic performances are tied through participating in co-curricular activities. Avenues exist in the form of clubs and competitions which students can explore their interest in a diverse array of subjects such as coding competitions and mathletics during World Math Day.

Beyond that, co-curricular activities imbue students with intrinsic values such as discipline, and responsibility that are especially important during the learning experience.

Robotics

Engineering