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T e Modern Family Education & Schooling


Creative clubs and activities


How can extracurricular endeavours help your child thrive? Words: Deborah Cicurel


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hildhood is about exploring, learning and feeling the freedom to be creative. But the constraints of the


classroom don’t always allow for this and it’s often extracurricular activities that broaden horizons — sometimes even sparking a lifelong hobby, passion or career. More than just a chance to


experiment or try something new, engaging in activities outside of school can have a wide range of benefi ts. And the activity you choose can play a big role in nurturing your child’s creativity — but how?


In what way can children benefi t from extracurricular activities? Beyond fi lling their time, enrolling kids in clubs and activities outside of school serves a far greater purpose than we think. Child psychologist Dr Katie Barge believes that extracurriculars are essential. In today’s overstretched and rigid school systems, they’re one of the few protected spaces where children can follow curiosity over conformity. In these settings, they can take risks and enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome. “When chosen intentionally, these


activities can become lifelines for developing self-worth, resilience and even help with nervous system regulation,” she explains. T is can determine how they approach new challenges for years to come. Each activity teaches the child


SPARK A LIFELONG PASSION/GETTY


so much more than just the specifi c skill they’re learning. Coding clubs, for example, teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills alongside the technological skills themselves. Creative writing teaches the power of imagination and empathy.


More than a music school


Chetham’s School of Music is a unique place where talented young people from across the UK and beyond come to learn, grow and thrive. Based in the heart of Manchester, Chetham’s is the UK’s largest specialist music school and the only one of its kind in the North of England. For over 50 years, it’s nurtured generations of gifted young musicians aged eight to 18, of- fering a world-class music education — and much more. Students at Chetham’s benefi t from


one-to-one tuition with some of the country’s fi nest teachers, access to state-of-the-art facilities and count- less opportunities to perform in prestigious venues both at home and abroad. Whether they’re preparing for conservatoire training, exploring composition, or mastering multiple instruments, students are supported every step of the way in a warm and inclusive environment. While music is at the heart of


Chetham’s, the school provides a ho- listic education that supports each student’s personal, academic and ar-


tistic development — preparing them for whichever path they choose, in music or elsewhere. In a supportive, close-knit commu-


nity, students are encouraged to be curious, resilient and collaborative. Life at Chetham’s nurtures confi - dence, creativity and wellbeing, help- ing young people become not only ex- ceptional musicians but thoughtful, well-rounded individuals with friend- ships that last a lifetime. Open days, on 18 and 19 October,


off er a chance to discover what makes Chetham’s so special. Prospective stu- dents and their families are warmly invited to meet students and staff , tour the school and its unrivalled mu- sic facilities and experience life at this inspiring institution fi rst hand. Chetham’s believes musical talent


should never be held back by fi nancial barriers. Over 90% of students receive full or partial funding, thanks to the Department for Education’s Music and Dance Scheme and the school’s own bursaries, which enable access to spe- cialist education regardless of income.


Join our Open Days on 18 and 19 October – Book your place via the QR code or visit chethamsschoolofmusic.com


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Team sports encourage teamwork, sportsmanship and social skills. Music is another powerful tool


for learning. It can be a vehicle for developing both technical skills and important softer learning skills, like critical thinking, discipline, consistency, collaboration and ambition, according to Matthew Rudd, director of music at Stephen Perse Cambridge. “T e act of rehearsing, whether


playing an instrument or singing, refi nes time management and promotes adaptability, while learning new pieces of music or songs stimulates cognitive function and improves memory,” he explains.


Choosing the right one When it comes to picking an activity, Dr Barge suggests putting your child’s interests fi rst and paying attention to what they naturally gravitate to in their spare time. “Look for what lights your child


up, not what looks best on paper or even what you enjoy as a parent,” she adds. “T e most creatively expansive activities often begin with play and immersion, not pressure.” Mike Outlaw, parenting and


education expert and co-founder of screen-free activity tracker Moki Health, agrees. He says a good place to begin is with clubs that don’t feel like hard work, but simply get kids active — like dance, drama, gardening, martial arts or even walking or fi tness clubs. T ese activities get kids “moving, thinking and connecting in diff erent ways,” he says. T e most important thing is that


your child feels the freedom to explore, experiment and even make mistakes in an environment that they feel safe and confi dent in.


BEST CLUBS IN LONDON MUSIC INSPIRES TEAMWORK/GETTY


STAGECOACH Performing arts school Stagecoach has over 35 years of experience in teaching singing, dancing and acting to children aged between four and 18. Through learning performing arts, your child will develop so many skills: confi dence, communication and coordination, to name a few. stagecoach.co.uk


ART-K In classes at Art-K, kids learn everything from drawing and painting to 3D modelling and mixed media, and as they get to grips with technical skills, revel in the joy of artistic expression and build creative confi dence, too. art-k.co.uk


CODE NINJAS Coding is the future and Code Ninjas teaches kids as young as fi ve how to positively harness technology as they learn basic coding skills. Your little coder will develop their problem- solving abilities, logical thinking and creativity as they build interactive games, stories and animations. codeninjas.co.uk


chethamsschoolofmusic.com 0161 834 9644


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