Should School Clubs be made compulsory?

Many schools these days offer a vast range of extra-curricular clubs and activities for students to enjoy. Although these clubs are offered, not all students take up the opportunity to join them. There is such an amazing variety of clubs on offer to suit everyone, so why do some people not take up the opportunity?

There are so many different benefits to be gained by taking part in a club. Also it is a great way of meeting new people that have similar interests. As well if you take part in a sports club, it will give you the opportunity to make friends, compete in competitions and improve your skills. Some people may regret not taking up such opportunities, but by making it compulsory it means that in the long run they will be glad they took part.

Even though, these clubs have so many positives about them, there are of course disadvantages as well. Such as students have to travel a long way. It may mean them having to arrive at school even earlier for some of the morning clubs, or arrive home later if attending an after school club. This could have a knock on effect because it means that students would have less time to do homework or study. This could mean a student’s grades could start dropping due to being too busy with clubs. Additionally, some students may have commitments outside of school and it may prove difficult for them to find the time to do everything.

Overall, I can understand why it would be good to make the clubs compulsory, but on the other hand I think that they should just encourage students to take part. Extra-curricular activities offer so many great extra opportunities but I think it should be the individual’s decision to decide whether they want to take up the opportunity or not. 

Yasmine Hijazi, Farringtons School