Best Practice

Extra-curricular activities: Just for fun?

Has our culture of academic achievement at all costs begun to infect even the extra-curricular and hobby pursuits of our young people? Dr Pooky Knightsmith underlines the importance of doing things ‘just for fun’

As pupils work their way through secondary school, there can be a tendency for even their leisure pursuits to be viewed as something in which they should be achieving.

The dance and music classes they once ran to, light-footed every week become about exams and grades and endless practice; the societies and team sports they participate in are seen as a gateway to UCAS and the world of work. It is no terrible thing, if the pursuit that brings a pupil pleasure can also complement their academic CV and help to open doors for them, but what about when those things become joyless as the pupil strives to achieve ever higher standards?

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here