Choosing what matters most

As a child enters secondary school, she will need to start planning which activities she should pursue to support her university applications.

The foundation of her exploration will give her a clearer idea on what she wants to pursue in the future. It could also help her in the courses that she wants to major.

While this means that she will be spending more time on these activities, this does not mean that she cannot dabble in other hobbies and interests. With good time management, anything is possible. However, because it is hard to go far with a certain skill when there is no focus, it is better if your child chooses a few activities to fully commit herself to.

Ruzmizah Awang, principal of SMK Raja Shahriman in Beruas, Perak, provides a list of things that should be taken into consideration when students are choosing extracurricular activities to pursue. l Where her interests lie

l Her talent and ability for the activity, either physically or academically

l The cost of the activity

l The commitment requirements of the activity

l Approval and support from her parents and teachers.

“This list is not set in stone, and can be adapted to each child’s unique situation.

“For example, if a student ticks everything off this list for an activity such as football, but her school team is not accepting any new members, she can always choose a similar sport, such as futsal, where she can hone her skills there in the meantime,” she says.

Jon McNaught, co-curriculum director of Marlborough College Malaysia, believes that while there are many benefits to extracurricular activities, students should be realistic when setting goals.

“I would be wary of pupils (and parents) assuming that an extracurricular activity is something to be pursued as an eventual career choice.

“However, taking part in a range of opportunities outside the classroom encourages social confidence, especially at university and beyond, where a common interest in sports, recreation or outdoor pursuits can lead to positive friendships and a sense of belonging. Give everything a try and you may surprise yourself.”