Extra-curricular activities build character and personality

I refer to the letter “Too many school activities on Saturdays” (The Star, Aug 12) and wish to comment that extra-curricular activities should not be viewed as a burden to students, parents or teachers but rather as supplementary for a more holistic approach towards education.

I agree that some schools do focus a lot on extra-curricular activities and that some students are heavily involved in them. This might be perceived by some parents as extra work because they will have to chauffeur their children to and fro school even on Saturdays when they expect to have a more relaxed weekend.

I do not see anything wrong in sending children to school for extra-curricular activities if they learn something beneficial at the end of the day.

Some parents still possess the notion that excelling in examinations is of utmost importance, hence they belittle the importance of extra-curricular activities.

It is sad to note that while scholarship providers and universities are beginning to look at extra-curricular activities more critically, some parents think of extra-curricular activities as burdensome and unnecessary.

In our quest for a more holistic education system, A’s alone do not make the best students. Students should be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities such as debates, music, martial arts, etc, to build character and develop a positive personality. Some of these are skills that cannot be developed through our textbooks, but will prove to be of great benefit in the future when students need them.

Having extra-curricular activities on weekdays is easier said than done. With most students taking tuition classes after school hours, it will not be long before parents start complaining about time clashes between tuition classes and extra-curricular activities. Hence, the prudent solution is to have extra-curricular activities on Saturdays.

Like many other students, I was constantly nagged by my parents for being involved in so many extra-curricular activities. However, the success that I enjoy now as a university student, my ability to interact with people of higher ranking and my capabilities as a leader are all the fruits of my active participation in extra-curricular activities.

HENRY YEW, Ipoh.