What Are The Benefits Of Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities?

It is really important to get involved in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities. Participation in these activities has immense benefits for your future.


For example:

  • Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, help you find out what activities outside of the classroom that you enjoy or are good at. This helps you to make future learning and career decisions. For example, some students who played school sport have been offered opportunities to take part in elite sport programmes. These opportunities have shaped their career after leaving school, for example by being drafted in the AFL or representing Australia in international sports competitions.
  • You can include certificates, photographs, letters of acknowledgment and recognition related to your co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in your Portfolio.
  • Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and achievements make your résumé stand out.
  • Participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities provides evidence that you have skills that employers value highly, including:
    • Teamwork skills – many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities involve being part of a team.
    • Communication skills - you need to communicate with team members, coaches, managers, etc.
    • Planning and organizing skills – you need to manage your time so that you meet all training, competition, work and school commitments.
    • Learning – participating in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities shows a willingness to learn new skills outside of a classroom context, e.g., you learn new skills from your coach or co-curricular activity coordinator.
    • Self-Management – When you participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities you are likely to set personal goals (e.g., to improve your PB, get into the school Swimming Team, successfully audition for the school concert band, get an acting role in the school Production or get an 'Employee of the Month' award in your part-time job) and take action to improve your performance.