How after-school clubs aid mental health
After-school programmes benefit students physically, emotionally and academically. Extracurricular activities are influencing pupils to be active and are proving to have additional mental benefits as well as improving pupils’ grades.
Schools across the UK are offering a variety of free clubs to stimulate a healthy lifestyle and social development.
This is a relatively new addition to British schooling, but a highly effective way to encourage students to become a member of the school community.
Simon Graham, headteacher of St Edmund’s, said: ‘Clubs help to form a bond between teachers and students and provide children with social skills.’
St Edmund’s in Portsmouth city centre is classed as outstanding and prides itself on supplying a plethora of after-school activities.
There are 32,113 schools across the UK, with the majority running afterschool programs. The clubs generate positive outcomes for pupils, including improved classroom behaviour, health, nutrition and academic performance.
In Britain one in eight children has a behavioural or social disorder, meaning they are more likely to engage in criminal activities or drop out of school early.
Extracurricular activities can help to prevent this by allowing students to learn and reinforce social skills.
Pupil Ashik said: ‘I enjoy after-school clubs. They teach you communication and listening skills.’
A recent survey has shown that 62 per cent of children play video games for over two-and-a-half hours a day. This means that they are at a higher risk of being overweight and developing other health disorders.
School clubs inspire pupils to have a healthy lifestyle. Not only do they support students, they assist working parents.
History teacher Mr Bull said: ‘Clubs allow parents and guardians to work, knowing their children are safe.’
School clubs play a key role to pupils and parents and additional government funds would ensure that a wider range of clubs are offered at school.
Throughout a child’s time at school clubs will play an integral role in building confidence, endurance and life-long friendships.