Why We Value Co-curricular Activities For Our Students

A 2018 study by Edinburgh University showed that 81% of parents felt co-curricular activities enhanced their child’s academic studies and 95% felt co-curricular activities had a positive influence on their child’s personal growth. At Rugby School Thailand, we continually see evidence of our co-curricular programme enhancing the educational journey of students.

Having comprehensive co-curricular provision gives pupils more opportunities to excel—and we believe excellence is a habit and a transferable skill. This is why at Rugby School Thailand we offer daily co-curricular activities from Reception to XX (Y13); and why they become compulsory from Year 3 onwards.

Parents feel strongly that co-curricular activities benefit students 458_img1_Why-are-co-curricular-activities-valuable Why are Co-curricular Activities Valuable? | World Schools' academic and personal growth
Parents feel strongly that co curricular activities benefit students academic and personal growth

Across the school, there are over 100 different co-curricular activities to choose from in any given term. These offer children a broad range of opportunities to grow in different areas, such as academics, sports, languages, and the arts. We blend the programme to allow our own teachers to utilise their skills and passions, whilst sourcing the best external providers to offer more specialised activities, such as Chanbara, ballet, horse riding, and Chess.

Ballet class at Rugby School Thailand 458_img2_Why-are-co-curricular-activities-valuable Why are Co-curricular Activities Valuable? | World Schools
Ballet class at Rugby School Thailand

The volume and variety of co-curricular options means every child has the opportunity to excel, which builds self-esteem and confidence, ultimately supporting and improving academic performance.

Co-curricular activities encourage pupils to engage in new experiences, which promotes adaptability, builds resilience, and helps students overcome fear of failure. The development of character through co-curricular activities is an integral part of Rugby School Thailand’s ‘whole person’ philosophy. Academic excellence alone isn’t enough to propel pupils through life; character really matters. When asked whether she recruits on the basis of good results or character, the CEO of Virgin Money, Jayne Anne replied: “Character first every time”. Similarly, Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba, says “we cannot teach our kids to compete with robots, which are smarter, we have to teach them something unique”.

Outdoor activity at Rugby School Thailand 458_img3_Why-are-co-curricular-activities-valuable Why are Co-curricular Activities Valuable? | World Schools
Outdoor activity at Rugby School Thailand

Our mantra is about taking a holistic approach to education and developing children who thrive in every walk of life. Through our extensive co-curricular provision we give children a love of learning and a healthy lifestyle that supports their academic education in a dynamic and inspiring way.

Find out more about Rugby School Thailand and its co-curricular programme.

By Tom Spreyer, Deputy Head, Senior (Co-curricular)

Written by

Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School Thailand is an international day and boarding school, whose approach is based upon the world-renowned British private school model, and whose curriculum is drawn from the best of the England & Wales National Curriculum and the UK’s Independent Schools’ Curriculum. It is the first and only school to take the name of its prestigious parent, Rugby School (UK), which was founded 450 years ago and from where the world-famous sport originated.

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