School is a place of learning and as well as following the National Curriculum, many educational institutions also provide extra-curricular activities. These are often in the form of lunchtime clubs or after-school clubs.

Having a structured venture to engage in at lunchtime is great for those children who are keen on learning and who want something productive to do.

Getting involved in pursuits at the end of the school day can give children a chance to do something they enjoy. It can also be useful for parents who work, as it means children can stay in the safety of the school grounds for an hour or two longer before they need collecting or get the bus home.

A chance to release some energy

Activities may be sporty, such as football, hockey, cricket or netball. These give children a chance to get some exercise and release some energy, which is good if they have been sitting at desks for much of the day, and for those who love PE it is another opportunity to be involved in a sport they revel in.

Alternatively, pastimes on offer may be music-related, such as orchestra, choir, and brass or string group. These are ideal for musically-minded individuals who want to take their musicianship further, plus studies have shown that learning an instrument can improve memory and intelligence.

Other extra-curricular activities available might include cooking, electronics, or arts and crafts. All these skills are great to whet a child’s appetite for learning more about the wider world and to gain competencies to add to their repertoire.

Some schools also proffer support for children who might be struggling at home. Breakfast clubs, for instance, can be offered to families on a low income who may not be able to provide enough food at home.

A set time to focus on their homework

There may be a Homework club as well, where children can stay on after lessons have finished to have a set time to focus on their homework – which can be useful if their home life is chaotic or if they find it hard to concentrate on studies at home.

There are many other benefits to a child learning additional disciplines. Firstly, they are good for nurturing and developing a child’s interests, as the activity is often something the child wants to do and takes pleasure in doing. Another is that the child may interact with children from different classes or school years, leading to meeting new people, forming new relationships and improving social skills.

School doesn’t have to be a chore – if a child can be encouraged to find something they like, it can enhance their life in many ways!