The extracurricular world. This is the world that we are living in, technology, sports, social behaviour. We need these things to develop and grow into mature adults. Extracurricular activities are those that are optional for your learning. During the latter part of last term, groups of students came together with the Headmaster to discuss the schools vision for extracurricular activities. After discussing the strengths, risks and why we do extracurricular activities, the groups came up with statements, which will be brought forward to the Board of Trustees.

The students came up with an extensive range of ideas as to why we have extracurricular available at the school. Ideas varied from broadening horizons and developing important skills for the future such as teamwork, communications and relationships, to striving to win and the positive reflection it has on the school.

The groups identified the strengths of the school’s current extracurricular programme. These included the behaviour and sportsmanship seen on and off the field, the community orientated approach it has taken, and the wide range of activities that students can take part in.

However, extracurricular activities, like many other programmes around the school, come with risks. The students identified the risks that such activities have in our school. These included the risk of injuries, the focus on winning over enjoyment and the image the school receives if poor behaviour is seen under their name.

Two examples of the statement that groups came up about extra-curricular activities were:

Extracurricular should be fun, develop character, enrich the value students see in themselves, and should help students develop for their wider and future lives. Meeting the above is “winning”. Success is personal and is not measured by on field results.

Extracurricular at CBHS should build character and upskill students. It should motivate students towards a goal. Resource allocation should be on a wide ranging and equitable basis. A statement aim is to have high and increasing participation and extracurricular should provide an enjoyable for the students.

The statements, as well as other feedback gathered from staff and the community, will be taken to the Board of Trustees to discuss the school’s extracurricular plan.