In today’s competitive world, academic success is important, but focusing solely on studies may not be enough for a student’s overall development. CBSE schools in Bangalore offer a variety of extracurricular activities to nurture students beyond the classroom. These activities help students discover and pursue their hobbies, which play an essential role in shaping their personality and enhancing academic performance. But how can students balance both? Let’s explore how extracurricular activities in CBSE schools are essential and how they help in balancing academics and hobbies.
What are extracurricular activities?
Extracurricular activities are activities that students can participate in outside of their academics. These activities include sports, music, drama, science clubs, community service, and coaching workshops. They are specially designed to develop a student’s interests and skills outside the academic atmosphere.
Types of extracurricular activities in CBSE schools in Bangalore:
CBSE schools in Bangalore offer extracurricular activities to suit different interests.
Sports and physical activities:
Sports like cricket, football, and athletics are commonly found in CBSE schools. These activities help students stay fit, build teamwork, and develop leadership skills. Samsidh’s yearly contact football tournament helps students with sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness, and mental strength.
Academic clubs and competitions:
Students can join academic clubs like math clubs, science clubs, or literary societies. Samsidh specifically provides a Change Maker Club, which includes a reading club, social structure club, health and wellness club, information technology club, and green economy club. Competitions such as quizzes, group discussions, and debates challenge students intellectually while fostering a love for learning.
Arts and cultural activities:
From dance, drama, and music to painting and sculpture, cultural activities offer students a creative outlet. They also help preserve and promote cultural heritage.
Social and community service activities:
Community service initiatives, such as participating in cleanliness drives, tree planting, or charity events, help instill a sense of responsibility and compassion in students.
The importance of extracurricular activities:
Extracurricular activities contribute significantly to the holistic development of students. They provide numerous benefits that extend far beyond the classroom:
Holistic development:
Extracurriculars nurture physical, emotional, and social growth. They encourage students to explore new interests and talents, developing a well-rounded personality. In holistic education, values are incorporated into regular teaching with every subject.
For example, when learning the math topic of fractions, children are taught the value of sharing. Similarly, for each subject every day, there is a value learned by the children. They do not learn values as a one-time moral science class. At Samsidh CBSE schools in Bangalore, values are developed as skills, and happiness is taught as science.
Life skills development:
Activities outside the classroom teach essential life skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management.
Enhancing academic performance:
Contrary to the belief that extracurriculars detract from academics, these activities can enhance academic performance by improving focus, discipline, and motivation.
Challenges of balancing academics and hobbies:
While extracurricular activities offer numerous benefits, balancing them with academics can be challenging.
Time management issues:
Students may find it difficult to juggle their academic responsibilities with their hobbies, leading to stress.
Academic pressure:
Some students feel pressured to focus solely on academics, especially when exam time approaches, and may struggle to make time for extracurriculars.
Parental expectations:
Parents often expect their children to perform well academically, which can sometimes overshadow the importance of extracurricular involvement.
Tips for balancing academics and hobbies:
It is possible to balance academics and extracurriculars with a little planning.
Prioritizing tasks:
Students should prioritize their tasks based on deadlines and importance. Write down priority tasks according to their significance, and follow the plans according to your timetable. This can ensure you balance academics and hobbies with equal care and attention.
Creating a structured schedule:
A well-organized schedule can help students allocate time for both studies and hobbies without feeling overwhelmed.
Staying organized:
Using planners or digital tools can help students keep track of assignments and extracurricular commitments, ensuring they stay on top of everything.
Learning to say no:
Learn to say ‘no’ if you are overloaded with commitments. Students should evaluate their capacity and be willing to decline additional responsibilities that might help balance academics and hobbies.
Seeking support:
The most important tip is to seek support from teachers, mentors, family members, or parents. They can provide valuable guidance and support. Students should not hesitate to seek help when feeling overwhelmed or needing advice on managing their responsibilities.
How hobbies prepare students for the future:
Activities equip students with the tools they need to succeed in the future:
Development of leadership:
Students who hold positions such as club president or team captain develop leadership and management skills.
Ability to solve problems:
Extracurricular activities enhance problem-solving skills by presenting obstacles that require innovative solutions.
Cooperation and teamwork:
Students learn how to collaborate effectively with others through activities like group projects and sports teams, a skill necessary for any career.
How to balance academics and hobbies:
While academics provide the foundation for intellectual development, extracurriculars nurture creativity, physical well-being, and social skills. Students, teachers, and parents need to understand that success in life is not measured solely by academic achievements but by the holistic development of an individual.
CBSE schools in Bangalore, with their structured support and wide variety of extracurricular options, offer students the perfect opportunity to explore their passions while excelling academically. By maintaining a healthy balance, students can enjoy the best of both worlds, setting themselves up for future success.