benefits of extracurricular activities
March 7, 2025

Impact of Extracurricular Activities for Child Development

Who says learning is only limited in the classroom? Is it going to be better if there are activities to boost children’s development while they have fun with it? Extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in fostering a child’s overall development. 

But what is it, how does it benefit children, and how does St. Andrews Green Valley provide after-school activities for kids to support and foster their development? Let’s find out the answer and prepare them for success in their academic journey and beyond with us.

  • Importance of Extracurricular Activities: These activities contribute significantly to a child’s overall development, fostering skills like teamwork, leadership, emotional regulation, and time management, while also boosting academic performance and self-confidence.
  • Benefits for Children: Participation in extracurriculars promotes academic achievement, character development, emotional well-being, social skills, and future career preparation, providing a well-rounded experience that prepares children for success.
  • St. Andrews Green Valley’s Approach: The school offers over 80 after-school activities for kids, ensuring students participate in at least three activities weekly. These activities are designed to support cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, providing a range of opportunities for growth.
  • Why Choose St. Andrews Green Valley: With a diverse range of activities such as coding, arts, sports, and robotics, St. Andrews Green Valley offers a nurturing environment for holistic child development, giving children the skills they need to thrive both academically and personally.

What are Extracurricular Activities?

Extracurricular activities are structured programs conducted outside the regular curriculum, offering children opportunities to explore their interests and talents in a supportive and supervised environment. These programs could extend beyond traditional sports and arts. Well-structured extracurricular activities provide a wide range of opportunities for growth and learning.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Children benefit more than just playing and having a good time. Participating in extracurricular activities also helps children’s development and growth in unanticipated ways, according to a study from Wisconsin University and other studies. We are inviting you to explore the benefits of extracurricular activities. These benefits include:

  • Academic Achievement:
    Participation in extracurricular activities improves academic performance, which raises motivation, test scores, and grades. Activities such as athletics, arts, and academic clubs contribute to specific skills like persistence, goal setting, and problem-solving, which directly benefit academic outcomes.
  • Character Development:
    Extracurricular involvement promotes self-confidence and leadership and develops values like perseverance, responsibility, and resilience. These activities help students discover their strengths and foster skills essential to navigating setbacks, embracing accountability, and growing into well-rounded individuals.
  • Skill Development
    Participation in extracurricular activities offers hands-on opportunities to refine essential skills such as public speaking, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Whether through debate teams, performing arts, or STEM clubs, students gain practical abilities that are valuable for both academic and real-world success.
  • Emotional Well-Being

Involvement in activities like sports or the arts provides a creative and emotional outlet, reducing stress and improving overall mental health. These experiences enhance students’ self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can alleviate feelings of alienation or insecurity.

  • Social Development:
    Being part of group activities improves teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging. It also provides opportunities for students to build positive peer relationships and connect with supportive adults, which is critical for long-term social and emotional health.
  • Community Involvement:
    Extracurricular activities encourage students to engage with and give back to their communities, fostering a sense of social responsibility and creating lasting connections.
  • Future Preparation
    Extracurricular involvement, particularly in leadership roles, enhances college applications and prepares students for professional environments. These activities teach critical workplace skills like collaboration, initiative, and adaptability, laying a strong foundation for career readiness.

After-school Activities for kids at St. Andrews Green Valley

At St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, we believe that extracurricular activities are essential for child development, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the classroom. We integrate over 80 after-school activities into our school day, ensuring students participate in at least three activities weekly during school hours.

For families seeking additional after-school activities for kids, we offer sessions until 16:30 daily, accompanied by a complimentary late-bus service. While most activities are free, some led by external experts may incur a nominal fee.

By participating in these extracurricular activities, students not only pursue their passions but also experience significant child growth through extracurriculars, enhancing their overall development.

Primary Extracurricular Activities Programme

Our comprehensive Primary Activity Programme features crafted activities suitable for individuals in this age range to develop the skill set and development they need, especially in core areas like cognitive function, emotional regulation, and social and physical development. The extracurricular activities programme encompasses a wide range of activities to boost children’s growth, including:

  • Chess
  • In-line skating
  • Kung Fu
  • Photography
  • Cooking
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Coding
  • Robotics
  • Gardening
  • Drama Club
  • Forest School
  • Art Illustration
  • Youth Club
  • 3-D Art
  • Archery
  • Yoga
  • STEAM
  • Dance
  • Eco-club
  • Skateboarding
  • Film Production
  • Origami
  • Wild Wheels and Mountain Biking

Secondary Extracurricular Activities Programme

Apart from the basic skill developments, students in this age need more development. Our extracurricular activities programme designed to serve individuals to develop into the best version of themselves, including:

Sample Activities:

  • Chess
  • Art Illustration
  • Softball
  • Film Production
  • Lacrosse
  • Golf Cart Building Project
  • Board Games
  • Spanish
  • Origami
  • Basketball
  • Wellbeing and Cooking
  • French
  • Skateboarding
  • Volleyball
  • Yoga
  • Outdoor Cooking in Forest School
  • Roller Blading
  • Table Tennis
  • Dance
  • Medics Club

Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in a child’s development, offering opportunities to build essential skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management. The benefits of extracurricular activities also support emotional, social, and cognitive growth, helping children develop confidence, resilience, and improved academic performance. Encouraging participation in extracurriculars is another way to investing in your child’s future.

At St. Andrews Green Valley, we offer over 80 activities designed to nurture every aspect of your child’s growth. From arts and crafts to sports, coding, and robotics, these ensure children develop critical life skills in a supportive environment and promote child growth through extracurriculars.

By choosing us, you’re giving your child the chance to thrive both academically and personally, preparing them for success in all areas of life.