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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Are we overspending on extra- curricular?!

28 replies

Cheepcheep123 · 04/09/2024 11:37

Please can I have some comparatives.

We spend around £2100 per term on extra curricular for 2 kids ages 10 & 9. London based.
Clubs are : dd 9 ballet, language , tutoring ,swimming. She did do an instrument but we dropped it this term given the rising costs.
Dd10- Gymnastics, swim, language, tutoring ( costs peanuts compared to dd9 costs as no 11 plus prep going on with her) also did an instrument and dropped it recently due to costs.

I don't think we do a crazy lot more than what others in their cohort are doing and didn't see the instruments as excessive- dh did and says although we can afford clubs it's way to much to spending on extra curricular. So is he right. ?

How much do you spend totally per year and what clubs do you get for that?

OP posts:
BestZebbie · 04/09/2024 11:50

I think it might feel like a lot in particular because you are merging two categories - "hobbies" and also "academic stretching" whereas these could be considered separately? Also, is the language a supplement to school or is it an additional cultural language class - if so, that is another category of activity again.

So if other people at the school gate say they only spend £3.50 a week on the Brownies if you ask them what extracurriculars they do, all the above will obviously feel like loads - but they are only covering your "hobbies" provision in that.
But someone who is providing an extra category that you don't have - like flights/hotels to compete in sport internationally/ski etc - would probably feel your total is pretty modest.

Is everyone else in the cohort doing all three of your categories as well, or are they just doing 'hobbies' or 'a hobby and some tutoring'?

AperolWhore · 04/09/2024 11:46

I think the costs sound extortionate, my daughter does swimming, 4x different types of dance and gymnastics. This costs circa £200 per month. Even if I had to pay for two children it would be half the cost you guys are paying.

midgetastic · 04/09/2024 11:40

It's less the spending which is obviously way more than many people could afford and probably way less than many others

and more the time - do the kids get any time to follow their own interests, to be bored , to play out and chill out ?