Education goes beyond academic achievements. It also takes place beyond the four walls of a classroom. A good curriculum should produce a well-rounded individual able to contribute positively to society. One of the best ways to do this is through Co-curricular activities.
What are CCAs?
They are called extra-curricular activities, but in Singapore, they are referred to as co-curricular activities. These are activities that take place away from the academic curriculum but are a part of school life. Co-curricular activities usually take place before classes begin, at lunch hour, or in the evening after classes end.
They include cultural events, debates, sports, creative arts, music, and many others, and are often voluntary. Although some parents view co-curricular activities as a waste of time, there are many benefits to your child undertaking them. Many Indian or International School in Singapore, for instance, requires students to participate in at least one co-curricular activity. Here are some reasons why you should encourage your child to participate in CCAs.
Strengthens Leadership Skills
Leadership is a journey that requires some self-discovery. While some children are born natural leaders, the majority have to practice to hone their leadership skills. Co-curricular activities provide students with the opportunity to learn their strengths and practice leadership skills in these areas. Children can strengthen their ability to make decisions that they feel are good for them and use the opportunity to influence other kids positively.
Being the head cheerleader or football captain may seem like it doesn’t matter at first, but it lays the foundation for your kids to be leaders at the workplace. Even when they don’t get to be a group leader, they learn by emulating those in leadership positions. When they get the opportunity to lead other kids, they know what’s required of them, and they can incorporate some of their ideas to improve the group.
Boosts Self Confidence
Do you recall a student who was always too shy to speak up in front of their classmates? It takes practice and the chance to step outside one’s comfort zone for a child to overcome shyness. Confidence is like a muscle that needs some exercises to strengthen it.
Co-curricular activities such as debates and drama provide an opportunity for the child to practice, improve, and see themselves progressing for their self-confidence to grow. A child who has developed high self-esteem believes they can accomplish their desired goals and do not easily give up in their pursuit.
Develops Interpersonal Skills
Friendships form a big part of life, and that includes the life of a student. Friends encourage a positive view of life, boost one’s self-confidence, and help one navigate life issues. Studies have shown that friendships help children discover more about themselves and even develop a sense of identity.
But making friends is not as easy as it seems. It is a skill kid that is developed. Some children easily make friends, but some require a little help. Since a class setting in not interactive, It’s hard to make friends. Indian and International Schools in Singapore focuses on developing children holistically and provides students with facilities to participate in co-curricular activities of their interest. Students interact with other kids with similar interests and form strong ties as they team up towards achieving a common goal.
Naturally, children may not hit it off the first time they meet, but they learn the value of working together as a team with time. This is a skill that they carry within life, especially in the work environment where colleagues learn to collaborate and work for the good of an organization.
Spurs creativity
When you let kids choose the co-curricular activities they enjoy, it is amazing how they can produce creative ideas. The kids develop their gifts and talents and get an opportunity to think differently and get innovative ideas of their own.
Through CCA’s, students develop an enriched learning experience where their sense of imagination is amplified. They find new ways of solving an issue or answering the questions they have, acquiring new ideas, and making discoveries independently.
The activities help them to explore and remain curious through their imagination, and this stimulates better insight. And because creativity is a crucial skill that is useful even for after school, by the time such children get to the job market, they already possess the innovative spirit required.
The best thing about co-curricular activities at school is that children have to pick at least one as this is included as part of academic learning. This makes the experience of teaching and learning exciting for both students and teachers.
Research has shown that students who take up co-curricular activities tend to do well in their academic performance. They learn essential skills such as proper time management to manage their time efficiently.