The difference between an after-school activity and a complementary one

In practice these two kinds of activity are often confused and the names are used interchangeably. The truth is that, if we look closely, there are substantial differences between these two kinds of activity. Knowing the difference can help you make the most of the opportunities that primary and secondary schools offer, and steer them early towards acquiring tools for the future. Although both can add a great deal to a pupil’s life, it is worth understanding what those differences are in order to make the right decision.

What is the key difference between complementary and after-school activities?

While after-school activities open the door for children to new interests, disciplines and talents that are not particularly developed at school, complementary activities aim to consolidate what has been learned at school and reinforce certain areas of knowledge. As the table shows, the differences lie in how they are organised, whether they are compulsory, and how they relate to the school curriculum.

What exactly are complementary activities?

Complementary activities are those that a school organises and prepares with the aim of broadening knowledge of a topic or subject. They differ from lessons proper in that they are usually experiential and in many cases may involve travelling away from the school. They do not only reinforce learning: they also spark curiosity and critical thinking, which are key to a more complete, balanced development.

Their direct connection to the syllabus

Complementary activities are designed and structured by the teaching team in line with the school curriculum and the syllabus for each subject. They prepare experiential activities that help pupils take in the material more fully. In other words, complementary activities are designed as an extension of academic learning, and these experiences support the development of skills such as teamwork while turning knowledge into real-life ability.

Common examples of complementary activities

These activities appear within the school day in many forms. Examples of complementary activities include:

· Plays connected to subjects such as literature.

· Organised visits to museums or exhibitions in the context of history.

· Trips to parks or natural settings to learn science outside the classroom.

· Talks and meetings with visiting specialists at the school.

· Technology, science or craft workshops.

· School competitions, whether artistic, scientific or literary.

Are complementary activities compulsory?

Any activity that the teaching team proposes to pupils, in line with the school, is always of great importance, and taking part is highly recommended. On most occasions participation will be compulsory; on others they may carry extra marks for the subject, which makes them even more worthwhile; and on others they will be optional. Either way, whenever the school proposes an activity, it is worth pupils taking part and making the most of the opportunity.

And what defines an after-school activity?

After-school activities are those that complement children’s education in many areas, both cognitive and physical. They help them discover talents and strengths, as well as socialise, form new bonds and improve their emotional intelligence through their relationships with other children. They take place once the school day has finished and have no direct link to the school curriculum. The key is that they are entirely voluntary and it is the pupils who show a genuine interest in taking part.

What are after-school activities for?

After-school activities are not just a way of filling children’s free time when they leave school. Well conceived, they are an educational tool of enormous value. Here are some of the main aims:

·Enriching their day-to-day: Getting out of the school routine and having new experiences that stimulate and motivate them.

·Developing skills in areas they love: Sport, music, robotics, art, cooking and so on. After-school activities let them explore what genuinely interests them.

·Discovering new talents: Often, thanks to an after-school activity, a child finds a vocation or an ability they did not know they had.

·Socialising outside their usual group: They mix with peers from other classes or year groups, which widens their social circle and gives them the chance to make new friends.

·Working on emotional intelligence: By facing new situations alongside other children their age, they learn to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, work as a team and build self-confidence.

For all these reasons, after-school activities are an opportunity for personal growth.

Types of after-school activity you may come across

What is on offer varies from school to school, but there is usually something for every taste, across different disciplines. The most common are:

– Sports: from the most popular sports such asfootball andbasketball tovolleyball and skating.

–Arts: you can find activities such asdance,rhythmic gymnastics, drama orcrafts, where children have fun expressing themselves.

– Technology: those who enjoy working their minds can take part in activities such as robotics orartificial intelligence.

– Languages: to build up foreign languages such asEnglish or German.

Who organises and pays for after-school activities?

After-school activities are organised either by the school itself or by the school’s parents’ association. In both cases, to make coordination and organisation easier by outsourcing it, they contract companies that specialise in providing after-school activities. It is those companies, together with the parents’ association and the school, who decide what to offer families.

As for payment, families cover the cost of the activities, although some local councils and other bodies offer grants to schools to subsidise them.

What benefits do these activities bring to the school community?

This is a fundamental question and well worth answering. After-school activities have an impact not only on the pupils who take part, but also on families and on the school where they take place.

For pupils: beyond the marks

Taking part in after-school activities has countless benefits that make education a complete, balanced experience. Some of them are:

– Discovering talents: after-school activities are a way to explore and discover what they enjoy and what they are good at; they are an ideal space for each child to find what motivates them, challenges them and lets them shine.

– Developing social skills: by sharing activities and time with other children, they learn to relate to others in a different way and broaden their social skills.

– Building self-confidence: overcoming challenges in a different setting increases their self-esteem, helps them discover what they are capable of and strengthens their confidence.

– Better academic performance: several studies, such as the report by Spain’s State School Council, indicate that pupils involved in activities outside the classroom show greater engagement with school and better results, thanks to the development of skills such as independence, responsibility and time management, and to improved self-esteem and motivation.

For families: essential support

As well as everything they bring to children, after-school activities are also genuine support for families. On the one hand, children still have plenty of energy when they leave school, and in these activities — especially sporting ones — they can move, jump, let off steam and go home calmer. On the other, after-school activities are a great ally in balancing work and family life: many families are still working when the school day ends, and knowing their children are in a safe setting, learning through play and building healthy routines, is a real relief.

For the school: added value

Offering a good range of after-school activities is an effective way to enrich a school’s educational project. It does not only extend learning hours; it opens new ways for pupils to develop skills and knowledge beyond the curriculum. That helps create a positive atmosphere, encourages a sense of belonging and, according to various studies, helps reduce absenteeism. What is more, when families see that their children enjoy themselves and learn outside the classroom too, they tend to get more involved in the day-to-day life of the school, which usually translates into a more united, collaborative school community.

It is clear that both complementary and after-school activities bring great value to pupils’ lives. Although they serve different purposes, understanding properly what each involves and how they can help at each educational stage lets you make the most of their potential. In that way we help build a much fuller, more balanced and more rewarding school experience.