TAKE advantage of extracurricular activities.

Educational benefits aside, a child’s time at school provides endless opportunities to try new things, develop new skills and meet new friends along the way.

Peter Iddon, extra-curricular activities co-ordinator at King’s School, advocates sampling as many different activities as possible.

“All pupils should be encouraged by parents and teachers to take part in extra-curricular activities.

“Sampling as many different options as possible will not only provide a platform for making new friends but also contribute towards a pupil’s wider development and education,” explained Mr Iddon.

“At King’s School, pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 are encouraged to join at least one lunchtime activity a week, in addition to any other existing commitments to after-school music or sports practices.

“An Activities Fayre takes place at the start of each School year at which further information can be obtained about the diverse range of activities on offer.”

King’s School pupils can take part in traditional extra-curricular activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, Young Enterprise and the CCF, where particular skills are honed and developed such as teamwork, perseverance, diligence and entrepreneurial spirit.

If music or drama is of interest, pupils have the opportunity to take part in the school productions and concerts that are staged throughout the year.

The school has strong links with drama and music groups with plays and recitals performed regularly by different year groups.

For those with a competitive spirit, the inter house and form competitions are varied and interesting.

Pupils can participate in music, sport and other activities including quizzes, a maths version of Countdown, Scrabble club, debating, electronics and a 4x4 challenge. “The varied extra-curricular activities on offer enable pupils with different interests and abilities to gain a sense of achievement, commitment and responsibility by taking part,” said Mr Iddon.

“The high level of interest and enthusiasm from staff and pupils means new activities are constantly being added to the programme.

“In addition to term time, King’s also offers a full programme of activities in the holidays including Himalayan Club, ski trips, language exchanges and sports tours.

Previous tours have taken pupils worldwide, including Canada and South Africa. This year alone there is a cricket tour to Sri Lanka and a rugby tour to South Africa.”