Inspiring the person as well as educating the pupil

Jeremy Walker, Principal of King’s Rochester, outlines the benefits of a strong co-curricular programme.

At King’s we believe that pupils should be introduced to a wide variety of opportunities and experiences alongside the academic curriculum to establish skills and interests that prepare them for a happy, successful and fulfilled life.We often say that ‘exam results may get you job interviews but it is the whole person who gets the job’. While excellent academic results are crucial they do not develop the wider skills needed to be successful and with working lives becoming ever more extended it has never been more important to have a wide range of interests.

By expanding their education, often going outside their comfort zones, pupils add more depth to their existing knowledge as well as establishing skills and hobbies that could easily be overlooked. This is why a strong co-curricular programme is now as essential as academic classes. Time spent participating in such programmes introduce pupils to new experiences and grants them the opportunity to learn in new and intriguing ways. Often this can have the most unexpected rewards, from the quiet pupil who takes to the stage for an Open Mic Night, or the sporting star who gains personal satisfaction from taking part in Community Service. Trying new things certainly opens up opportunities for self-discovery.

This also encourages pupils to manage their time more effectively and this is essential for examination season when revision could seem overwhelming. Many pupils have found that these activities provide a welcome break from their academic studies, helping them to remain focused and relieve examination stress and pressure. Often putting new skills into practice can provide the clarity for an academic concept to make sense.

Some pupils struggle more than others in social situations. Starting a new co-curricular activity introduces pupils to like-minded peers and supports the development of their social skills. Working alongside a range of people helps to develop relationship and communication skills and, in many cases, lasting friendships.

Participation in activities requires pupils to make a longer-term commitment to something and see it through. Many pupils stay involved in the same activities year after year and eventually take on a leadership role with a good example being the Combined Cadet Force. Compulsory for the first two years of Senior School, many choose to continue through to the Sixth Form where they have amazing experiences with the regular Armed Forces.

At King’s we also run a weekly Community Service programme which all Lower Sixth take part in and also includes taking Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Not only do pupils learn new skills such as gardening or cooking but they also put them into practice to help those in our local community including residential homes, charity shops and schools.

Charitable fundraising is strong part of life at King’s with thousands of pounds raised each year with a focus on local charities. Being involved as part of a charity team opens pupils to the benefits of being selfless and experiencing the satisfaction of helping others while also developing organisational and communication skills alongside many others.

Inclusiveness is key for a successful programme. Not all pupils excel academically and experiencing success or being recognized for a contribution to an activity can greatly improve their self-esteem. Not every pupil enjoys being in the spotlight on stage but may wish to be involved in a drama performance, so they can join the Technical Theatre Crew. Those who enjoy physical education may not play to county standard but enjoy their sport enough to assist teaching the younger years.

King’s co-curricular programme includes Citizenship and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (CPSHEE), Careers sessions, Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Enrichment Programme and Volunteering. Such activities can inspire pupils in the most rewarding way, a weekend of camping and hiking up Mount Snowdon can show even the most reluctant pupil that if they can reach the peak of such a mountain then they can grasp that tricky subject.

A Careers day where pupils are interviewed by the owners of local businesses for fictitious jobs, encourages confidence in real life situations and reviewing feedback alongside the interviewers allows pupils to develop foundation interview techniques onto which they can build as they grow. CPSHEE is vital for health, wealth, and happiness and prepares pupils for the complexities of life through dialogue with teachers who know them and their parents well as individuals.

At King’s we complement our strong co-curricular programme with a wide range of clubs and clinics so that learning can blossom even after the last bell. After School sessions which cover areas as diverse as Mandarin, computer science, drone building, design and technology provide key skills ideal for the fast changing world. While activities such as debating, LAMDA lessons and drama improve confidence and mental stamina.

Enriching pupils in this way often sees their new external skills returned to the classroom. Our pupils are confident but also grounded and it is their enthusiasm that brings a great sense of fun to each school day. Knowing that they are being enabled to develop into balanced young men and women, equipped with the skills and interests they will need for a successful life after school makes the experience of being at King’s hugely rewarding for staff, parents and pupils.