The Role of Extracurricular Activities in CBSE Schools in Sharjah

In the realm of education, the emphasis is often placed on academic achievement. However, the value of extracurricular activities should not be underestimated. The CBSE curriculum, followed by many schools in Sharjah, acknowledges this and promotes a holistic approach to education that extends beyond the classroom.

Put simply, extracurricular activities are things that fall outside the scope of the regular academic curriculum. These can include sports, arts, music, etc. They're important because they help students learn new skills not always taught in class. These activities help students build a wide range of life skills. They also contribute to keeping students healthy and happy, balancing out the hard work they do in school. Moreover, if a student is interested in pursuing a career in music or sports, these activities can serve as a starting point to fuel their passion

Extracurricular activities are typically voluntary and active participation can help students reap the following benefits: 

● All-round Growth: Extracurricular activities help students discover and grow their talents and interests beyond what they learn from books.

● Stress Relief: Doing fun activities outside of class helps students relax and recharge.

● Skill Building: Students can learn important skills like leadership, teamwork, time management, and creativity from these activities.

● Making Friends: These activities give students a chance to meet and make friends with others who share the same interests.

● Exploring Interests: By trying out different activities, students can find out what they really enjoy and might want to do in the future.

● Privileged Entry to Some Colleges: Being active in extracurricular activities can make a student’s college application stand out because it shows they have interests and skills beyond just their studies.

Extracurricular activities in schools serve a dual purpose. They not only provide a refreshing break from academic studies but also equip students with valuable skills that find application in the real world. Here are some key skills that students can pick up through these activities:

● Leadership and Teamwork: Participating in extracurricular activities helps students cultivate leadership qualities and enhances their ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

● Confidence and Self-Expression: Activities such as public speaking, performing arts, or sports nurture self-confidence. They provide students with opportunities to express themselves more effectively and authentically.

● Time Management: Balancing academic commitments with extracurricular activities teaches students the valuable skill of managing their time efficiently.

● Communication Skills: Engaging in group activities hones their communication skills, making them more adept at expressing ideas and working harmoniously with others.

● Technical Skills: Depending on the nature of the activity, students can acquire specialized skills. For instance, involvement in an Information Technology club might expose students to the world of programming. Similarly, participating in the Art and Craft clubs can familiarize them with drawing, painting, and paper crafts.

● Motivation and Focus: Extracurricular activities instill the importance of staying motivated and maintaining focus to achieve goals, fostering a strong work ethic.

● Problem-Solving Abilities: Students learn how to set goals and solve problems. For example, if they’re working on a science project, they might need to find creative solutions, encouraging creative thinking and building problem-solving skills.

● Values and Ethics: Extracurricular activities can also help students learn important values like being kind to others, being responsible, and working hard.

These skills not only contribute to academic success but also prepare students for future career paths and personal growth

To provide a well-rounded education, CBSE schools in Sharjah offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities. This includes both competitive and non-competitive sports, arts, theme-based activities, and project-based work. These schools understand that every student has unique interests and talents, and they strive to provide opportunities for students to excel in their chosen areas. They encourage participation in these activities from as early as kindergarten. Here are some extracurricular activities offered in Sharjah schools:

● Sports and Games: Football, Cricket, Basketball, Swimming, and more.

● Performing Arts: Music, Dance, Drama

● Art and Craft: Painting, Clay modeling, Paper folding, and more.

● Communication and General Knowledge: Debate, Extempore, Quiz, and more.

● Academic Clubs: Science, Language, Coding, etc.

CBSE-affiliated Indian schools in Sharjah understand the importance of extracurricular activities in the holistic development of a student. By incorporating these activities into their curriculum, they provide opportunities for students to explore their interests. With experienced mentors and state-of-the-art facilities, these schools go beyond academics, nurturing well-rounded individuals ready for future challenges.