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CLUBS AND ACT I V I T I ES
Clubbing Together A N A L L - R O U N D E D U C A T I O N I S A B O U T M O R E T H A N J U S T T R A D I T I O N A L L E S S O N S – C O - C U R R I C U L A R A C T I V I T I E S A R E I M P O R T A N T , T O O
n the old days, the end of classes was closely followed by going home time. Bar the odd match fixture, 3.30pm marked the close of business for the day. Today, many schools are buzzing long after the final lesson bell has sounded, vibrant with assorted sports, clubs and societies taking place inside and out. Often as not, there will be more activities scheduled first thing in the morning – many school gates these days are unlocked well before 8am. And don’t assume you’ll find all the pupils sitting round at lunchtime, either, I
younger children which clubs they really love and anything involving art or cookery tends to be universally popular. Children with a yen for sport or performing arts are also likely to be well catered for, as are the increasing number drawn to programming and robotics. In our area’s junior schools, activities range from go-kart design and racing to nature club and screen printing. Delights in local senior schools range from creating comics, robots or gadgets to honing creative writing skills or getting a taste for international diplomacy.
having a well-earned rest. Many will be off to orchestra practice or squad training. Pupils don’t have to wait long to join in. In some schools, even reception children can sign up for clubs, with more choices added as they move up through the school. It’s not uncommon to find pupils taking part in at least one activity on most school days. Add weekend matches and other out-of-school activities, and it can feel as if children’s working weeks are as long as – or potentially even longer than – their parents. It’s easy to see the appeal of activities. For a start, there’s the fun element. Ask
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
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