From performing arts to robotics- Is this the key to your child’s success?

Extra-curricular activities play a major role in how someone is perceived in the workplace. Thus, the proverb “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy” stands as true today as it did in 1659.

In today’s highly competitive world parents are often debating which paths to take to ensure their child has the optimum chance of success, wealth and the opportunity to excel. Traditionally academic excellence in STEM subjects (STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics[1]) led students into successful careers. Conversely, studying the arts and humanities has been considered less likely to advance their future prospects.

However, as a recent graduate it is clear to me that these views are changing. Recruiters are actively looking not necessarily for people that have achieved outstanding academic success, but those that can demonstrate soft transferrable skills. These skills are defined as abilities or expertise that can be used in a variety of roles[2] including:

• communication
• leadership skills
• teamwork
• interpersonal skills
• open-mindedness
• organisational skills

to name a few[3].

Candidates showcasing these marketable soft skills are more attractive to employers.  According to a study, published in the Journal of Education Policy, society is moving away from being a credential society as employers place increasing emphasis on job readiness[4].

How can a child attain these vital transferrable soft skills from a young age?

Enrolling your children in extra-curricular activities helps them to attain vital soft transferrable skills. They have a fundamental role in the overall development of children by contributing to building social interaction capabilities, creativity and team-building skills. Extra-curricular activities include not only the traditional clubs such as sports clubs, performing arts, music clubs, Girl Guides and Scouts, but have evolved in recent times to include robotics and coding classes, Kumon, language classes and film clubs to name a few.

“Girls Who Code” is an example of a club with over 200 venues across the UK that provides a space for girls to explore their interest in technology and computer science. The Royal Society blog writes about Jackie, a “Girls Who Code” club facilitator, based in London[5]. Jackie decided to set up the club at her local library to give young girls the opportunity to become curious about computers and have the chance to teach themselves code[6]. Through the program’s Sisterhood Activities the club helps participants build friendships and collaborate as part of a team[7]. As a not-for-profit organisation this is a club that allows any girl, regardless of her background, to be a part of a support system that fosters the development of skills important for their confidence later in life in the working world. It also puts a spotlight on successful women within the tech industry and inspires girls to consider a future in coding.

Which clubs are best for my child to attend?

Children should be free to participate in extra-curricular activities aligned with their interests and natural abilities rather than being steered down a path that may not inspire them. Parental expectations that don’t match with their child’s interests are likely to result in a growing resentment for outside activities and discourage their child from interacting with their friends and classmates. A casual approach to finding out which activities suit your child through experimenting at home or watching online videos allows for interest (or disinterest) to foster organically. Once your child has achieved the first step in trying out a new activity you can assess which clubs will be best for them.

What extra-curricular activities are available for my child in South West London?

Below you can find links to a variety of after-school clubs in South West London.

• Riva Learning – An after-school club that provides online coding classes and camps for 8 – 17 years old in Scratch and Python. Children have the ability to create games and robots through coding.

Find out more here: https://www.rivalearning.com

• Wandsworth Music Academy – Wandsworth Music Academy provides over 500 children with musical training. Your child will be supported to play and sing in various ensembles, orchestras, and bands as part of the music academy.

Find out more here: https://wandsworthmusic.co.uk/music-academy/

• Jigsaw Performing Arts- Drama, singing, and acting lessons for children throughout London. Jigsaw aims to develop children’s performance skills, promote self-expression, and build their confidence.

Find out more here: https://www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

• Sparks Film School Balham – Sparks Film School offers filmmaking classes for 5–18-year-olds.

Find out more here: https://www.sparksarts.co.uk/locations/balham/

• My Little Boarders – A London based skateboarding club that specialises in teaching 5 – 15-year-olds how to skateboard in a fun and safe environment

Find out more here: https://mylittleboarders.co.uk

• Smart Raspberry Cookery School – Online and in-class cookery classes for Girls and Boys

Find out more here: https://www.smartraspberry.com

• La Sylvaine and Wendy Bell Ballet Schools – Ballet schools established in 1975 offering girls and boys an introduction into Ballet and Dance in Kensington

Find out more: https://lasylvaine.co.uk

• Art-K – Teaching a fun and personalised programme that develops core visual and technical art skills to bring art to life for 6–16-year-olds

Find out more here: https://www.art-k.co.uk/class-fulham/

• The Angels Academies – Provides empowerment opportunities for young people through cheerleading and tumbling

Find out more: https://www.theangelsacademies.com

• Foucan Free running Academy- Allowing children and teenagers to gain physical and mental confidence through freerunnig and parkour in a non-competitive environment

Find out more: https://foucanfreerunningacademy.com

[1] https://www.topuniversities.com/courses/engineering/what-stem

[2] https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/transferable-skills

[3] https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/transferable-skills

[4] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02680939.2018.1549752?af=R&journalCode=tedp20&

[5] https://royalsociety.org/blog/2020/01/preparing-girls-for-careers-in-tech/

[6] https://royalsociety.org/blog/2020/01/preparing-girls-for-careers-in-tech/

[7] https://royalsociety.org/blog/2020/01/preparing-girls-for-careers-in-tech/