Posted: 13th November 2023
Mrs Sarah Segrave, Principal of Eaton House Schools and Headmistress of Eaton House The Manor Prep School talks about the importance of extra-curricular activities in education.
A broad education allows children to develop into knowledgeable and thoughtful adults, to gain transferable skills, to find their passions and strengths, and to understand the world in which they live. This breadth can be found within the taught curriculum – but the extra-curricular programme can really expand children’s horizons and interests.
As a parent, in the same way as one would want to provide a varied diet of food each week, it is sensible to look at your child’s time in a week in a similar way. Extra-curricular activities boost young people’s confidence to interact socially with others, reducing stress and improving mood. They also help to develop analytical and leadership skills, problem solving and communication skills. Studies also show that students who participate in them have higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school and higher academic aspirations.
Eaton House The Manor Prep has a huge range of opportunities on offer. House and external competitions include Poetry, Debating, Public Speaking, Sports, Maths, and a Summer Photography Competition. Alongside our wide range of clubs (around 50 this term), pupils are also encouraged to put forward ideas for extra-curricular activities that they would like to see available.
Music and Drama are a big feature of the School. The boys enjoy twice-weekly music lessons, Year Group Soirees, and weekly drama lessons. There are many activities to get involved in, preparing the boys for Music and Drama scholarships. We’ve also placed one or two pupils in films and on the West End stage due to their extra-curricular excellence!
Sport is played in abundance at EHTM Prep with PE and Games lessons three times a week, including swimming, lunchtime activities, Squad training sessions in football, rugby and cricket, fixtures in all major sports and participation in national competitions. Participation in an array of clubs from Fitness and Circuits to Athletics and many more is also available.
Prep Boys love the creative arts and can take Art or DT lessons each week alongside art or design and technology clubs. Those that show exceptional talent can prepare for Art and DT scholarships.
When considering your child’s extra-curricular options, discuss what options they are most drawn to, and not just those that support academic exams or those which seem to be potentially the most impressive to senior schools. That way they will really get the most enjoyment out of their chosen activities.
To find out more about Eaton House Schools in Clapham and Belgravia please contact Miss Sam Feilding, Head of Admissions on 0203 917 5050.
First appeared in Life Magazines in November 2023
