It is strongly believed, and rightly so, that the most important part of your child's education is getting good grades in maths, English, science and other subjects that they enjoy. Good grades open many doors and are seen as the standard way that children progress onto university and beyond, even leading them to be successful in the career of their choice.
However, it should not be forgotten that extracurricular activities are also an important part of everyone's education. Whilst in the classroom your child might learn algebraic equations or chemical formulae, it is extracurricular activities that add enrichment to your child's education. Universities often give precedence to applicants who have numerous extracurricular activities on their UCAS application and personal statement as well as having the necessary grades to get onto the course of their choice.
Team sports, such as hockey, netball and football for example teach us Parenting.org says that being part of team sports is important because involvement in sports does far more than just keep children busy; it teaches them three skills essential for success in life.
Goal Setting Sports give children a safe place to set goals and experience the thrill of achieving them. Kids can strive to set personal bests and gain confidence in their abilities. That confidence helps them achieve success in school and in their personal relationships, and help prepare them to find success as adults. Overcoming Adversity As the American football coach Kevin Kush writes in his book, <a href="http://www.boystownpress.org/index.php/the-100-yard-classroom.html">the 100-Yard Classroom</a>, "The greatest gift of sports to its participants is the opportunity to learn how to overcome adversity in a safe and controlled environment." By encouraging your child to make and keep a commitment to a sports team or other extracurricular school activity, you are teaching him how to overcome adversity, which is critical for success in life. Building Character Michael Jordan once said, "I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Not allowing your
child to give up when she is afraid of failing or being rejected by friends, or is tired of working hard builds character that can propel your child into life as a successful, productive adult.
If your child isn't sporty, there is a plethora of extracurricular activities they can take part in. Becoming part of a drama group for example can take them out of their comfort zone and help improve their confidence and public speaking. These are great traits for the next CEO of a multinational corporation that won't be learnt in the physics laboratory.
It is extracurricular activities that help your child to develop a well-rounded education, to network in different groups of friends and to test the water to see what they would like to become when they have finished their academic schooling.
Many schools boast great grades at GCSE or A level. Whilst this is not to be ignored, make sure you see what else they offer your children. What happens when the school bell rings? Do all the children rush out home to do homework and watch TV, or are most off to participate in other activities?
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