Education is a pretty broad concept that surpasses the four walls of a classroom.

The
core aim of education is to fosterall round development of a child. All round
development essentially means intellectual, physical, moral, sensible and
social development. All round development can be achieved only through education.
Education plays a fundamental role in the making of a man and his development as a
culturally well developed social animal. To fulfil these objectives, there is a prime need
of striking a balance between syllabus, curriculum, books and also cocurricular activities beyond that.
Co-Curricular activities are those which are undertaken side by side with the curricular
activities. A co-curricular activity essentially takes place outside a typical pen and pencil
classroom experience. It gives the students an opportunity to develop particular skills
and exhibit their non-academic abilities. These activities might be compulsory, such as
music, art or drama classes that take place during the day. Others generally are
voluntary, such as participating in school sports team, school debating team or student
newsletters. In either case, participation can assist students in more than one ways.
They actually complement the curricular activities and groom the students in
the Art of living and working together. They are the true and practical
experiences gained by students by their own learnings.
A Chinese proverb very aptly states, Teach me, and I will forget. Show me, and I
might remember. Involve me, and I will never forget. To a very great extent, the
theoretical knowledge is enhanced when a co-curricular activity related to the content
taught, is organized. Intellectual development of the personality is achieved to a great
extent, in the classroom itself. But, the aesthetic development like character
building, spiritual and moral values, physical growth, creativity and many more
are backed up by co-curricular activities only. It also professes coordination, adjustment,
and speech fluency, extempore and debating skills amongst students. It teaches the
students to stand up for their rights. Co-curricular activities render a number of
values like:

1. Educational value
2. Psychological Values
3. Development of Social Values
4. Development of Civic Values
5. Physical Development Values

6. Recreational Values
7. Cultural Values

Co-curricular activities are vital because even though they are not a part of the core
curriculum, they play a very crucial role in giving the young boys and girls the
ability to mould their lives to become well rounded people. The school activities
have to be designed purposefully to give an apt mix of students participation in
academics and also create a chance for all round development.

Role of Co-Curricular activities in a students life cannot be put into words

easily. But let us understand some of the major benefits.

Overall Personality:

It helps to enhance the all-round personality of the students to strongly face the
turbulent road of the future. Experiences and appreciation gained through these
activities assist students during internships and other sponsored programs.

Strengthened Self Confidence:

The goal of co-curricular activities is to give better fitness to students and inculcate a
sense of sportsmanship, competitive spirit, leadership, meticulousness, cooperation,
team spirit and team spirit. The hidden motive behind all this is to develop selfconfidence and to learn to trust the team.

Developed Specialised Skills:

Co-curricular activities help hone the talents of the young minds and gives them an
opportunity to develop their specialised skills. Competitions that are organized can
create a competitive environment and helps them work towards the objective of
achieving a better society.

Improved Academic Performance:

Studies have shown that students pursuing their hobbies achieved better results in their
studies. Their academic performance goes way up north as they learn to balance their
co-curricular activities with their academic pursuits. They also better understand on how
to manage their time efficiently and also increases their interest in the school. Such
activities like participation in debates, drama, music, sports, etc. help in achieving the
bigger purpose of achieving better education.

Greater Opportunities:

In this competitive era, percentages act as game changers during admissions into
various courses. Students pursuing any co-curricular activities of their choice are given
preference over those who are not involved in any such things. These things make a
major difference when students are considered for the most popular courses.

Sense of Responsibility:

When students in their early teens are given some responsibility or a task to handle like
first aid or for that matter managing the class painting board, their efficiency to handle
such situations becomes much better. This fosters the sense of responsibility and
accountability.

Exposure to New Activities:

Students are introduced to a whole new horizon of activities that gives them a better
insight and lets them choose what they enjoy and what they wish to learn. It broadens
new horizons for them. These activities stimulate playing, painting, acting, dancing,
singing and speaking skills in students.
There is a huge plethora of options that a student can choose from. Take a little glance
at some options that one can choose from.

The rewards of co-curricular activities in schools have been researched pretty well and it
is now ascertain that students who participate in these activities show higher academic
results, stronger relationships in schools and are more likely to lead a healthy and active
lifestyle. Students also feel a sense of belonging to the school and have higher selfesteem by participating in structured activities like music, dance, performing arts, etc.
In addition to this, students are motivated and it leads to a happier, healthier and a
more cohesive school.