Extracurricular activities offer the potential to enrich and complement any core curriculum and contribute positively to a child's development. In addition to providing opportunities for students to learn new skills, spark new interests and stretch beyond their comfort zone, a varied range of extracurricular activities can extend the teaching and learning in school and support students' ongoing development.
Participation in extracurricular activities has far-reaching benefits that promote many aspects of a child's development. Here are just four reasons why we support our students to participate in activities outside the classroom:
Extracurricular activities allow your child to learn something that could stay with them for a lifetime, offering them a range of opportunities to pick up skill, hobby or passion that enriches their life for many years, such as learning to play sports or an instrument. Beyond that, extracurricular activities instil key skills and personality traits that can be helpful in other walks of life. Sports are key to developing teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. A musical instrument requires perseverance, hand-eye coordination and, above all, creativity - skills that provide continued benefits long after their education is completed.
A lot of the skills that lie at the heart of extracurricular activities can be utilised during core academic subjects. Education requires solid problem-solving skills, memory, creativity, and critical thinking. Research suggests a link between extracurricular participation and better academic performance. In one study by the Texas A&M University, important academic outcomes like reading, math achievement and course grades were all found to be positively influenced by children who engage in extracurricular activities.
The nature of many extracurricular activities means that your child will be engaging with other children in a social setting. Away from the classroom, it’s a good opportunity for them to mix with likeminded children in something they all enjoy. This gives them a chance to further develop their social skills, meet new friends and become more confident communicating in groups. Extracurricular activities can also aid in the development of self-esteem and confidence. It is gratifying when we succeed in something we enjoy, especially after working hard to achieve it. Good self-esteem is an essential tool for positive mental health and wellbeing.
Extracurricular activities are also a great benefit to a student's resume when it comes to applying to university. By actively participating in a range of extracurricular engagements, a student can show that he or she has a variety of interests and is curious to learn beyond the traditional classroom. Universities like to see a prospective student show that they are willing to go above and beyond to develop new skills.
At LCIS, extracurricular activities are an integral part of the education offered to our students of all ages. Our programme is designed to extend existing learning opportunities beyond the classroom to provide children with a range of fun and challenging experiences that extend the core curriculum.
We offer an ever-growing sports programme with team and individual sports ranging from athletics, basketball, rugby, netball, football, yoga, running and dance to fitness and Judo. STEAM learning activities such as science, robotics and engineering demonstrate our commitment to cross-curricular learning, creativity and design-thinking. Thanks to our dedicated music facilities and highly qualified private music teachers, we are able to offer a range of personalised instrumental lessons for students who wish to extend their musical education beyond our extensive performing arts provision. In addition, our students have the opportunity to join a choir and participate in a Broadway musical. Academic clubs extend and support student learning beyond school hours and are offered in several subjects for both primary and secondary students. Language clubs offer the opportunity to learn German and Mandarin, and an extensive range of French language clubs covering a range of interests support our commitment to excellent language acquisition tailored to each student's personal needs and academic ambitions.
To see a full list of our afterschool activities, download our extracurricular programme below.
