by L. Webb,
Teacher of P.E.
Teacher of P.E.
Here at Hodgson, we strive to ensure all students have
multiple opportunities in regards to their extracurricular experience. We offer
both lunchtime and after school activities in a wide range of sports to
accommodate everyone. These experiences are brilliant for all involved, but do
we understand why they are so important?
Here are seven key reasons why extracurricular sport must have more
precedence in day-to-day school life.
1. Enhanced academic
attainment
Extracurricular sport can help students develop their focus, psychological
stamina and an ability to deal with a variety of situations. These are all
clearly traits required for academic exams. Students who complete forty minutes
of extracurricular sport a day are more inclined to have higher levels of academic
improvements than those who do irregular or no extracurricular sport a day
(Salkid et al 2008).
2. Seek out new talents
Extracurricular sport is a fantastic opportunity to teach students to go
beyond their comfort zone and to explore hidden talents they didn’t know they
possessed. If students engage with a wider range of extracurricular sport they
are more likely to develop in confidence and overall satisfaction with
themselves.
3. Uplifted self-esteem
When we achieve success, our self-esteem gets a boost. If during
extracurricular activities we can create a relaxed environment where learning
new skills is fun and with some elements of competition, we promote success and
self-esteem without pressure from assessment.
4. Social freedom
With each new extracurricular activity attended, the more students will
socialise with their peers outside of the classroom setting. This allows them
to create new relationships with a wider range of peers (Allen et al 2018).
These social situations give students the chance to develop key social skills
such as teamwork, listening and leadership.
5. Constructive academic
breaks
Extracurricular sport offers students a chance to break away from everyday
school life so they can recharge their batteries and top-up their motivation
for when they return to studying (Bryant et al 2015). Giving the students the
chance to ‘switch off’ their academic thoughts can be the relaxing break they
need, and as we know, what better break is there for the body than exercise?
6. Fundamental life
experiences
Extracurricular sport promotes vast amounts of essential life skills
required by students. Within a controlled and relaxed environment, students can
develop skills such as goal setting, teamwork, time management, prioritisation,
problem-solving, analytical thinking, leadership and public speaking.
7. Teacher & student
relationships
I firmly believe relationships with students are enhanced when outside of
the classroom. Extracurricular sport is one of the greatest chances to build
relationships and show students you are both human and caring.
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