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Extra-curricular and out-of-school educational activities may either have a strong academic component or a more informal learning and development approach. These activities, when compatible and coherent with educational aims, may provide additional opportunities for young people to 'shine' and can increase motivation and a sense of belonging with the school that they might not otherwise have. Extra-curricular and out-of-school educational activities should be designed to complement curriculum delivery and to maximise learner participation and social inclusion. They may be developed in cooperation with parents, local organisations, services and NGOs and with the involvement of volunteers from the community.
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Extra-curricular activities have been found to be beneficial for at-risk students, including a dramatic decrease in school dropout rates. Current research finds that the participation in and feeling of ownership of a school-based extra-curricular activity is sometimes harder to come by for the most vulnerable students, but the rewards for engaging at-risk students in these activities seem to be larger than for others.
Arts and sports, the most common extra-curricular activities, contribute to improved self-esteem and motivation of all learners, and may have the most significant positive impact on students with learning difficulties. This is the case regardless of whether difficulties stem from language barriers, socio-economic or ethnic background, or behaviour.
Some extra-curricular activities ensure learners have the extended time for learning and opportunities outside the classroom they may need. Successful practices include:
- After-school activities such as homework and learning clubs;
- Activities in librarieswhich enhance literacy or support homework;
- Academic and non-academic support and activities offered during weekends or during school breaks; and,
- Mentoring and tutoring programmes in and outside the school.
Find out more:
EU project RESL.eu - Reducing Early School Leaving in the EU online platform
INCLUD-ED FP6 project, Actions for Success in European Schools, European Commission, Brussels, 2009
Flecha, R., Successful Educational Action for Inclusion and Social Cohesion in Europe, Springer Publishing Company, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht London, 2015
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