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Original poster

How important to encourage a range of interests in Yr7?

56 replies

Bramshott · 13/01/2015 10:22

DD1 started Yr7 in Sept and is settling in well. Music is very much her thing, but counting up this morning I realise that of 3 clubs in school and 2 clubs out of school, all are music-based. She did used to swim but stopped lessons in Yr6 and isn't that keen on joining a swimming club (although probably would if pushed). She tried Drama club at school for a bit but didn't really enjoy it.

SO - how important do you think it is to encourage a wide range of interests at age 12? Or do you accept that by this age they have by and large found their 'thing' and are focussing on it? She enjoys most of her subjects at school and reads fairly widely.

OP posts:
TeenAndTween · 13/01/2015 11:09

I think that as long as there is some extra curricular activity it doesn't really matter on the range. She is a more interesting person because of the additional activity she does, and by doing music in a group she is sociable. She has an answer to 'what do you like doing out of school' that isn't 'chatting on the internet' or similar. Though I agree about keeping some physical activity too.

TheWordFactory · 13/01/2015 10:46

IMHO I think everyone of all ages should be encouraged to have a range if interests.

Some physical, some intellectual , some creative.

I think everyone needs to try new things too in order for life to remain satisfying.

I consider this part and parcel of being a parent; encouraging new interests/projects/ endeavours.

Original poster
Bramshott · 13/01/2015 10:37

Thank you for differing perspectives. I am genuinely torn on this one.

When she started Y7 we agreed that clubs and after school activities should probably take a back-seat for a while, and she was just doing 2 out of school clubs and 1 in school one. But Christmas fired up her enthusiasm for all things musical and she's now picked up a few extra!

I guess maybe the best idea is to continue to gently encourage her to give new things a try (although no chance unless friends are doing them!) and to go swimming with a friend at the weekend to keep active.

OP posts:
Seeline · 13/01/2015 10:25

I think it is important that they have a bit of a range - most schools encourage this. Are there any other sports clubs at school she could try for fun - perhaps something she hasn't really had a go at before eg badminton/table tennis? Or how about a debating club, chess, art, or gardening (or whatever the school have?)
Outside school there is always the scouting/guiding route which encompass a wide range of different activities.

Hulababy · 13/01/2015 10:25

I found that once dd was at secondary the amount of clubs she chose reduced. She had already tried out various things and knew what she enjoyed. And tbh she had far less time due to homework etc.

Original poster
Bramshott · 13/01/2015 10:23

Oops - sorry, just realised its 4 music clubs in school. Not really looking to cut down on the amount of music, but just wondering if I should be pushing her to do other stuff.

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