Nikki Townsend Dean of Students
The importance of co-curricular involvement for students
Co-curricular activities are non-academic programs that contribute and complement the academic curriculum. The camps, service learning, sport, music, and global exchange programs combine with St Margaret’s pastoral care days to play a very significant role in reinforcing students’ overall development by fostering the necessary qualities and skills that enhance their understanding levels and academic learning capabilities. St Margaret’s is committed to establishing the educational foundation for young women to contribute confidently to their world with intuition, imagination, and integrity. The school is known for a culture of learning that extends beyond academic domains, offering a diverse range of co-curricular activities that provide challenges outside the classroom and enable students to strengthen their minds and bodies and develop commitment and determination. Involvement in co-curricular activities develops students’ talents and abilities, their understanding of responsible participation, and inspires contribution to a greater purpose. There are five key components to St Margaret’s co-curricular program that underpin the school’s aspiration of enriched learning, the intent and the guiding principles of which foster the development of a person with good character. The school aims to prepare our students to be confident, capable, and compassionate young women, and this mission is supported by our co-curricular programs. These five components are very much inter-related. 1. Courage and resilience
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Through co-curricular involvement, students have the opportunity to strengthen existing talents and find their passion, which in turn builds confidence and self-esteem. When students feel confident in a supported environment, they are more prepared to step out of their comfort zone and take risks. The more exposure students have to feeling a little uncomfortable with the unknown, the more they will develop the courage to try new things. When stepping out of their comfort zone, students may experience the fear of failure. For example, failure could mean that the student has not been selected for their desired team, club, or group. The student may feel devastated by this outcome. However, through failure, students can learn the most valuable lessons about themselves, such as learning to cope with disappointment and the importance of being able to bounce back with determination and commitment (Crimson 2022). 2. Service to others
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Through service learning, students are encouraged to take thoughtful, ethical, and purposeful action to advocate for a
more just world. Students are provided with the opportunity to lead initiatives that have a positive impact on other people and, more broadly, society. They come to understand the importance of giving back, becoming active citizens who engage meaningfully with the community. Providing service to others inspires a student’s contribution to a greater purpose. Students can gain a better understanding of themselves and others as they explore and develop ways to contribute to their communities. The OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) suggests that ‘reinforcing global competence is vital for individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world and for societies to progress without leaving anyone behind’ (PISA 2022). 3. Emotional and intellectual intelligence In conjunction with the academic program, whether it be through the sport, music, drama, or service programs, or the various clubs and activities offered at the school, St Margaret’s is facilitating the development of students’ intellectual and emotional intelligence. Ryan (2022) says research suggests that ‘students who manage their own emotions and manage the emotions of others effectively appear to be able to focus on learning, have a positive attitude towards learning, make an effort to learn, and perform better’. A person’s ability to perceive, control, evaluate, and express emotions is vitally important, particularly when they are working in a team situation. Having knowledge of the world,
