Newsletters | 28/03/2024

Read our latest newsletter – Thursday 28th March

General | 26/03/2024

Year 6 Easter Learning Sessions Available

Teaching | 20/03/2024

The value of extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities can play an incredibly important role in a pupil’s educational journey. They give children the chance to explore beyond their classrooms, providing them with the opportunities to discover new interests and learn new skills. 

The benefits of extracurricular activities

A study published in the Economics of Education Review by Stephen Lipscombe found that when it came to extracurricular activities, athletic participation is associated with a 2 percent increase in maths and science test scores. Club participation is associated with a 1 percent increase in maths test scores, and involvement in either type of activity is associated with a five percent increase in Bachelor’s degree attainment expectations.  

It’s crucial however, to avoid thinking extracurricular activities are only good for supporting subjects on the mainstream curriculum. Each one has its own intrinsic value and can spark an interest or uncover a passion which pupils carry with them for years to come, either simply as a pastime, or something that influences their choice of a profession in later life. 

Paradigm’s core principle is that our curriculum prepares pupils to lead fulfilling lives and to play an active, positive and productive role in our democratic society. In essence, the value of extracurricular activities lies in the holistic development they offer, contributing to well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.

Extracurricular activities often improve social skills and teamwork. Whether through sports teams, games clubs, music ensembles or other activities, pupils learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, and appreciate the importance of collective effort. These experiences can contribute to personal growth and prepare pupils for the collaborative nature of the world of work.

Taking part in extracurricular activities is also a positive way for children and young people to build cultural capital. Participation exposes pupils to a variety of new experiences and environments, and this exposure can help them develop a broader understanding of different cultures, perspectives and ways of life. Participating in arts, music, drama and other creative activities can allow pupils to express themselves and develop an appreciation for various forms of cultural expression. This exposure enhances their cultural capital by growing creativity and aesthetic awareness.

Finally, clubs can also encourage pupils’ attendance, as they provide something additional they may look forward to coming to at school. 

By having a wide range of extracurricular activities on offer, before and after school, and at lunchtimes, we can give children access to learning and experiences they may not receive otherwise, helping them become more rounded individuals for the future. 

General | 29/02/2024

World Book Day 2024

Newsletters | 26/02/2024

Read our latest newsletter – 23rd February

General | 15/02/2024

Year 6 leavers hoodies

General | 08/02/2024

Enter the Eco-Poster Competition!

General | 16/01/2024

You’re invited to a school lunch taster!

Newsletters | 12/01/2024

Read our latest newsletter – Friday 12th January

Teaching | 11/01/2024

The benefits of regular school attendance

Regular school attendance is a key focus at Piper’s Vale because of the many ways it benefits our pupils.

One of the main advantages of regular school attendance is academic success. Research shows pupils who attend school consistently are more likely to stay on track with their studies, grasp key concepts, and excel in examinations. Consistent attendance allows continuity of learning which is fundamental for academic achievement.

In 2019, 84% of UK pupils in Key Stage 2 who had 100% attendance achieved the expected standard, while only 40% of pupils who were persistently absent managed to hit their target.

The pattern continues through school. Pupils who didn’t achieve a grade of 4 to 9 in GCSE maths and English on average had missed 10 more days over the key stage compared to students who achieved grade 9 to 5 in the subject. It’s estimated just 17 missed school days per year will result in a drop in GCSE grade.

School is also crucial for developing social and emotional skills. Regular attendance allows students to form lasting friendships, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop essential interpersonal skills they’ll need in adult life. 

Attendance also instils discipline and a sense of responsibility in students, and employers often look for people with these traits who can demonstrate reliability and commitment.

To help children who struggle with attendance requires a comprehensive whole-school approach that addresses the root causes. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – we treat each case individually. As a Trust, some of the strategies we use are:

Focusing on Success

If pupils find lessons unengaging and irrelevant, they’re less likely to attend school, so we teach in a way that results in children feeling they are doing something worthwhile, but also secure enough that they feel safe. This feeling of achievement then helps them become more engaged in lessons. We continually review what we do to find ways we can refine and improve, then share them across the Trust.

Parental Involvement

Parents have a crucial role in ensuring their children attend school regularly. We promote parental involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher meetings, and highlighting the importance of attendance for their child’s future.

Early Intervention and Support

Identifying attendance issues early on is essential for effective intervention. By establishing a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable discussing their challenges we can implement early intervention and prevent prolonged absences. 

Positive Reinforcement

Recognising and rewarding good attendance can motivate students to attend school regularly. We run weekly Attendance Stars, with prizes for classes with the best attendance.

By focusing on attendance, we can help more pupils spend more time at school, so they are better educated and better prepared to succeed in their adult lives.

Last updated January 17, 2024