Invicta Vlogs
As I have progressed through my education at Invicta, I have become aware of the impact that extra-curricular interests and activities have on student success.
As I have progressed through my education at Invicta, I have become aware of the impact that extra-curricular interests and activities have on student success. Students that are involved in activities outside of the classroom are likely to have higher social proficiency and more advanced academic skills. Studies show that students’ self-confidence and attendance is also improved as a result of participation in extra-curricular activities.
Regarding extra-curricular interests, whilst subject-specific reading gives us a greater insight into our chosen areas of formal study, leisure reading has a myriad of benefits including increased mental stimulation vital to developing creativity and mental health. It also improves our long-term memory, extends our vocabulary, enhances our writing skills and improves our analytical skills, all of which are essential in most professions. In addition, it is an effective form of stress reduction - something I am sure Year 11 and 13 are feeling quite a lot of as their exams draw closer!
With regard to extra-curricular activities, school trips are beneficial to our cultural development. Exchanges are the most immersive form of cultural learning to which we can be exposed during our time at school, as they allow us to live as ‘locals’ and immerse ourselves in a whole cultural experience. By visiting other countries, we are able to enhance our language and social skills as well as develop empathy, awareness and tolerance. As Invicta offers us exchanges that include Spain, France, Canada and Hong Kong, we have a fantastic opportunity to travel and extend our social learning.
Getting involved with sports and music, whether it be at competition level or just for fun, is fundamental to enhancing our concentration and stamina. Studies have shown that students who perform well in sports and music also perform well in core academic subjects. This is largely down to the dedication and discipline that sport and music requires. Playing team sports or being a part of a music ensemble develops our teamwork and self-confidence as well as offering crucial lessons in responsibility and accountability. Such activities also help us deal with and rise above failure and, as with reading, act as stress relief during hectic periods.
Finally, I believe in the old adage ‘if you want something done, give it to a busy person’. I further believe a similar principle applies to learning - if you want to learn, get involved in as much as you can! I have no doubt that this is something that I have learnt from my parents, but it is equally reinforced at Invicta. For that, I am truly grateful. So, as we embark upon a week where the theme is ‘be knowledgeable about internationalism, religion and culture’ I really would advocate that we read and get involved to further our knowledge in these areas. There is no doubt that there are lots of opportunities to do this at Invicta!
Yaz Taylor
Head Girl
