When it comes to college or university applications, schools don’t only look at the grades and test scores, but also at the overall portfolio of the applicant. Colleges and universities often seek students who will potentially achieve in their chosen fields. Studies have shown that a child who participated and excelled in extracurricular activities tends to achieve higher grades and perform well academically. The relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance seen in a child truly showcases their unique potential. Furthermore, not only does participating in extracurricular activities increase brain function, it also helps the child concentrate and manage their time better.
Hence, to help students succeed, many top international schools in Singapore place an important emphasis on extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular activities have a wide range of benefits that affect many aspects of a child’s development. These include:
When faced with the challenge of balancing academics and after-school activities, students begin to lay the foundations for time management skills. These skills ultimately benefit them at the later stages of their education as their coursework gets heavier, and in the steps that they will take post-education.
A student who’s busy with homework but still has to balance other extracurricular activities is more likely to set aside time for each activity, and thus less likely to procrastinate during downtimes. In addition, having an extracurricular activity may also have the effect of “recharging” the brain after a long day of school, allowing your child to return to their school assignments with a refreshed mind.
Even though enrolling your child in an international school already increases their chance of university admissions, there is no denying that extracurricular activities will further boost their portfolio and potentially increase their chances of acceptance. Universities look for all-rounded students that are willing to go the extra mile to develop or pick up new skills. In addition, extracurricular activities also showcase your child’s personality through his wide range of interests, while expressing his desire to learn outside of the traditional classroom setting.
One of the main advantages of extracurricular activities is that your child has the chance to engage with his or her peers in a social setting. Since extracurricular activities happen away from the classroom, it provides every student with an opportunity to mix with like-minded peers in something that they all enjoy. Besides meeting new friends and widening their social circle, extracurricular activities aid in the development of self-esteem. Students also learn important life skills such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving. For older students, these activities may be a stepping stone towards their success.
Many of the skills that lie at the core of extracurricular activities can even be mapped onto academic subjects. The academic curriculum of many top international schools in Singapore requires problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking skills; to varying degrees, extracurricular activities have an impact on these areas. A research conducted in 2018 has also found that students who participate in regular extracurricular activities achieve higher grades and self-confidence in their academic performance. Here are some examples:
The structure and extracurricular activities offered are also dependent on the individual school that your child is enrolled in. For instance, in one of the top three international schools in Singapore, NPS, offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to meet the dynamic needs of every student. Furthermore, students are also given opportunities to showcase their skills in competitive events.
Outside of these clubs, students are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities outside of school hours. Be it sports or robotics, these activities are suitable for all age groups, from primary to high school. The school has also partnered with renowned organisations and coaches to provide students the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field. As such, the school has won 50% of the medals at International Schools’ Championships.
In conclusion
Many international schools in Singapore offer a range of exciting activities to capture your child's attention and spark their imagination. A handy tip when selecting schools is to first find out your child's general interests. This allows them to expand on what they enjoy and discover their potential in schools that can provide such opportunities for them.
Recognised as one of the top international schools globally, NPS International School takes on a pivoted approach to give its students the opportunity to discover and develop their multiple interests and capabilities to their fullest potential.
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