Is it the way to go?

We get it, school owners, heads, or directors need to get their schools on the map by focusing on academic performance. It’s understandable if you feel you need to focus on academics as it’s our “Kenyan culture”

 But the truth is, if the focus is always on academic performance, we could be missing out on something equally as important. Co-curricular activities (sports and clubs)are the backbone of learning by stimulating creative thought, improving social and organizational skills, developing interests and talents, and offering a chance to switch off and do something one really enjoys.

Let’s look at the sports activities being taught in the primary schools under the competency-based curriculum: Athletics (track and field events), rope work, soccer, volleyball, handball, netball softball, kabaddi, Frisbee, gymnastics, swimming, tug rugby and Rounders.

Question: how do we build this up away from the sports curriculum expectations in primary schools?

That’s where schools should choose to stand out and have that visibility that uses the academic expectations into molding a holistic child whose talents are identified and harnessed. A school like M.M. Shah & M.V. Shah Academy-Mombasa has created and equipped a co-curricular department that oversees the application of the curriculum needs in out-of-class programs. The school has additional activities like board games, table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis and basketball. These out-of-class sports programs are actualized by the time set aside on the timetable enabling learners to have a full hour of games 4 days a week and 1 hour a day three days a week for team development and training. I believe if all primary schools took this direction and spills over to junior secondary then as a country we would have sports academies springing up to capture the raising needs of upcoming sports women and men and change the entire education narrative in the continent.

Why link sports curriculum expectations in out-of-class programs?

1. Social skills: Try to bury your nose deep into books and see how easy its forget things! but when we let our pupils interact with their peers it ensures their school experiences are as memorable as they can be. Academically a pupil might be shy or timid but in sports activities like swimming or athletics, this child might find his or her voice as they meet their like-minded peers and develop their social skills.
2. Improved academic performance: there has always been a misconception that taking part in co-curricular activities distracts learners from their academic excellence. Active participation in an activity that interests a learner enables them to improve their brain functions, concentration and time management skills. For example, sports activities will train you to focus, build stamina, and teach you to keep trying in the face of failure or difficulty. Students who get involved in other areas of student life are also likely to have a more positive outlook on school. In short, co-curricular activities could give an advantage when it comes to improving your academic performance.
3. Stress relief and relaxation: For an hour or two, one can escape whatever it might be that’s stressing them out and relax into something productive. Sports or club activities build one’s self-confidence. Sports keep one healthy and happy. Discussion or interest groups will increase one’s sense of community at school. Whatever one decides to do, it’s important to do something that isn’t studying once in a while.
4. Broaden your horizons: Primary school age is the ideal time to challenge self by trying new things and considering new perspectives. Through participating in co-curricular activities, one could find a new interest, talent, or even career goal. Not everyone finds their inspiration in the classroom. One might also find that new experiences inform and shape their opinions towards their academic subjects. Developing as a person is all about putting self out of the comfort zone. Article by Khaimia Akumu