5 minute read
One step beyond
Dominic Neville, Vice Principal at New Hall School in Essex, explains how a broad range of activities beyond the curriculum helps to develop a d rt re t de t ill i tere t a d co fide ce or the t re
The co-curriculum is an intrinsic and essential part of the education that independent schools can o er. O en also referred to as ‘extra curriculum’, it sits alongside academic subjects, enhancing and complementing them with activities such as sport, performing arts, clubs and societies. By engaging in these, not only can students learn additional skills, but they can also develop a passion for an activity that may stay with them throughout their life.
Despite being commonly described as ‘extracurricular activities’, there’s nothing extra about the co-curriculum. e key to
All week long, New Hall pupils have opportunities to spend time on its farm A diverse selection of dance disciplines – from Acro and street to Cecchetti ballet and tap – are available for children to sample and learn at New Hall School
a well-rounded education is the balance of academia with activities, ensuring that students are not de ned solely by their grades. Co-curricular activities in schools allow students to develop into con dent, accomplished individuals who can be appreciated for all their talents, and importantly, well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that naturally arise in life.
A school that encourages children to participate regularly in co-curricular activities adds an immeasurable value to their education, indeed their future. Allowing children to nd their passions and talents outside the classroom can help improve self-
Northwood Senior in London o ers extracurricular art provisions At Haberdasher’s Boys’ School, rugby is one of the most popular co-curricular sports, instilling discipline in students who take part
esteem and give a sense of belonging, both of which contribute to their overall wellbeing. Furthermore, when students begin to apply to universities or think about future careers, they will have transferable skills gained from these activities, such as teamwork, resilience and time management.
A rich, broad and well-balanced cocurricular or extracurricular programme ensures that students leave school as dynamic young people, well prepared for adult life. e skills and qualities that students acquire can enhance wider aspects of their lives. In addition to core activities such as art, sport and music, many independent schools have scores of clubs, such as fencing, sewing, photography and debating, to name just a few. A diverse, outstanding co-curricular programme should be the hallmark of every great school.
At New Hall School in Chelmsford, Essex, the impact of co-curricular life of the school is fully recognised. Seven days a week, students have the opportunity to participate in whatever sparks their enthusiasm, ranging from dance, sport, music and drama to Model United Nations, astronomy, feminist society and coding, to spending time on our farm. ere’s a saying that ‘success breeds success’ and at New Hall School there’s a clear link between high standards in our co-curricular programme and
New Hall students can take part in orienteering and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme
A HELPING HAND
For more than 40 years, the New Hall Voluntary Service (NHVS) has been a beacon of hope and support for vulnerable members of the Chelmsford community. Here, year 12 student, Eve, describes the significant value of volunteering as a co-curricular activity
“Comprised of seven groups, NHVS creates a sense of community for the elderly, children and people with disabilities by holding weekly lunches and evening gatherings.
“I’ve been attending the Shaftesbury Group with adults with disabilities on Tuesday nights for the last four years. In year 12, students can become leaders of the group, which means that I have responsibility for running the group and looking after everyone that attends. As a boarder, I decided to volunteer for Shaftesbury as it’s an evening voluntary group. Getting to know all the wonderful people who attend has been so rewarding – it’s only a couple of hours’ commitment for me, but for those who attend it’s something that they look forward to so much.
“NHVS is a unique part of New Hall life that helps us to develop skills for the future including leadership, empathy and responsibility, as well as the fact that I can now confidently communicate with people of any ability. In my CV, I’ve been able to list transferable skills gained from my NHVS experience. This has really benefited me, as I’ve been preparing my university application and it highlights that I have broad interests outside my school work.”
New Hall students learn empathy and leadership and gain a sense of responsibility through outreach work
By committing to NHVS, members gain important skills while helping others
Specialising in music, Wells Cathedral School o ers its students an array of choir, band and orchestral activities outside of class time
Many of Haberdashers’ boys take part in extracurricular athletics
ALLOWING CHILDREN TO FIND THEIR PASSIONS AND TALENTS outside the classroom can help improve self-esteem and give a sense of belonging, BOTH OF WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR OVERALL WELLBEING
Hill House runs a broad range of early morning, lunchtime and after-school clubs high standards within academic life. New Hall ensures that there’s a wide range of activities to suit each and every student’s interests and passions, so that self-con dence and dedication are seen and developed in each one.
Politics, journalism and debating are on o er in the preparatory divisions, where the co-curriculum is carefully designed so that pupils gain a head start in subjects that some children may not learn until senior school, thus nurturing potential passions and interests from a young age.
We encourage students in charitable work and giving, holding fundraising events throughout the year in support of a range of charities. e popular and award-winning New Hall Voluntary Service is a co-curricular activity that all students are involved in during their time at the school, (see above le ).
