Policy into practice - Extracurricular activities

11 August 2009 1 min read Anne Longfield Education Youth Work

The issue: Demonstrating soft skills, such as decision making, relationship building, problem solving and teamwork, can really help to boost a young person's employment prospects. Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn's recent report into social mobility says that in order to help narrow the attainment gap between young people from different social backgrounds, schools should provide a range of extracurricular activities.

The recommendation is supported by a report from the Independent Schools Council, which found that schools offering 30 or more activities produce significantly better GCSE results. We need to listen to this advice and create as many opportunities as possible for young people to access a wide range of activities. By doing so, we can help to boost their career prospects while giving them something they enjoy.

CASE STUDY 1

Lambeth Council is now in its fourth year of offering the Holiday Activities Programme. The initiative provides young people in the London borough with a variety of ways to stay active and try new things while gaining practical skills and experience over the summer holidays.

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