What’s the Deal With Co-Curriculars?

Co-Curriculars my friend. They are a fickle friend at best. Much of the time they sound fantastic – think of all the exciting things you could do: play sport or music, debate, get involved in community service programs – but shortly after that initial wave of glee you remember the one commodity they charge is the one you desperately crave during year 12 - time.

Now of course, this is a year in which your studies do, and should, take priority – you’re working towards the culmination of all your effort since prep. But I would argue you shouldn't limit yourself to that. The idea of balancing your time is not only a very important skill, but one that will improve your overall health throughout the year. You might even learn a thing or two as you go along.

The main issue with studying without reprieve is that you force yourself out of other interactions. These are important not only for allowing you to engage with other people, but for actually keeping you happy. As humans we like to talk to people – granted, some do far more than others (introversion vs. extraversion) yet sitting couped up for hours on end with nothing but a methods textbook in front of you undeniably mind numbing and downright inefficient. You absolutely need a break – in fact, you deserve one.

And that’s where co-curriculars come in. They give you that experience away from your studies. Sure you can tell yourself that being at school is interaction with people enough, but being able to say you worked with other people towards a greater goal than simply your next SAC is far more worthwhile. In the years following your graduation, when you’re old and grey like me, you won’t remember the fact you studied consistently each day. You may well have memories of being a good student, but that shouldn't be the only thing by which you mark your time at school. Yet, say you win that sporting match or debate, or you raise funds to help marginalised members of your local community – that is an experience you will remember in the future, long after you forget your ATAR.

I know from personal experience I attribute many of my best memories at school to such programs – particularly focusing on community service. The best part of something like that is that it’s so easy for you to get involved and to balance it alongside your work – give up one afternoon a week and help tutor disadvantaged kids, or spend one morning helping serve breakfast to people sleeping on the streets. You not only gain practical life skills, but get to interact with vastly more people than you otherwise would within your school community. The exact same can be said for sport or music where you learn to work better with other people – your experiences outside the classroom count just as much as those within.

There’s no doubt about it, deciding when and how to take on a co-curricular activity is a tough decision to make – especially during VCE® Exam when responsibilities and pressures pile up all around. But I would challenge you – don’t just lock yourself away for the next seven months (yes, watch out, only seven to go). Get out there and take a break every once in a while by doing something different. Do something that lets you meet people, help people or learn a new skill. Not only does it stop your brain from wanting to implode from the sheer monotony of repetitive English quotes or calculus, but it will ensure the time you do spend on your work is more focused and driven. So, take a break, try something new, and expand your horizons past those textbooks. Your brain will thank you for it.