For a long time, there have been calls for schools to give students a “broad and balanced” curriculum as part of their overall development. This implies that equal emphasis should be given to all curricular and co-curricular activities. However, there are still many schools that never offer their learners the opportunity to explore their interests outside of the classroom. This limits the learner’s enthusiasm and curiosity and hinders the development of their skills, growing in their field of passion, and finding success in what interests them.
“As significant as academics are, it’s undeniable that the co-curricular activities also form one-half of the educational process. At every stage of their education, learners need a variety of interesting and challenging options, and the ‘soft skills’ that the co-curricular activities develop in them are just as crucial for success in life after formal schooling as the academic abilities,” says Anoop Singh Bishnoi, Chairman of The Doon School, Dehradun.
One can not over-emphasize the importance of academics in an individual’s life and it should be focused on with utmost sincerity, however, pupils who have only ever experienced rigid academic study in school or college may not be able to put what they have learned into practice if their talents and passion are left untapped. Co-curricular activities support character development by encouraging learners to develop original ideas, enhance their interpersonal and organizational abilities, foster the growth of their interests, and give them a chance to unwind and engage in things they truly love, this not only improves brain functioning but also enhances concentration, therefore improving academic performance and reducing stress. Hence, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that co-curricular and academic programs are connected in a way that, when the balance is reached in one area, the other naturally benefits.
To establish a supportive environment so that co-curricular activities can be successfully carried out, schools must provide adequate resources, such as spaces, tools, and most importantly funds. Additionally, co-curricular activities must be planned in a manner that fosters inclusivity so that every child can participate, regardless of their skills or interests. Schools should work to create a warm, encouraging atmosphere that motivates all children to engage in such activities and must provide extra support to those who need it. Parents should also encourage their children to participate in activities outside the classroom, and a great way of doing so is to actively get involved and participate in such activities with kids. When parents reassure their children that they support them in their interests, it leads to a healthy development of both their bond and the child’s personality.
Co-curricular activities are a breath of fresh air during the stress that students feel in the traditional learning system, easing the pressures of the educational environment and fostering students’ growth and development. For this reason, co-curricular activities must be promoted in the learning environment.
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