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Activities at AISG are organized by age-appropriate groupings. Activities are supervised by members of the AISG faculty and in some instances are assisted by students. The program is designed to run after school but as some of the descriptions clearly indicate commitment can vary and needs to be a consideration when choosing an activity. A temptation to over commit is quite normal but should be guarded against; AISG prides itself on doing things properly and this is a wonderful opportunity to understand the value in making good choices and the decision-making process that surrounds it. The vast majority of AISG activities take place on campus during the week. AISG also belongs to a number of national and international organizations, allowing students an opportunity to travel within China to participate in sports and activities with other international students. The objective of this booklet is to provide parents and students with an overview, helpful information, descriptions and a timetable of AISG's Middle and High School Activities and Sports Programs for this new academic year.
Getting Involved in Extra Curricular Activities Believe it or not, success during the secondary school years isn't just about how well your teen performs academically. There's an important aspect of secondary school that takes place after the last bell rings each day. I have listed below a number of reasons why After School Activities are important and in many international schools can serve as the backbone of the community. Colleges look for students who are involved. It's no secret that many colleges are selective about the students they accept. College admissions officers are looking for students who have applied themselves academically during the high school years and have used their free time in enriching ways. The activities that teens choose to take part in outside of the classroom tell prospective schools much more than grades on paper. A roster of extracurricular activities lets colleges know that teens have made a meaningful contribution to something larger then themselves, can maintain long-term commitments and can juggle their priorities successfully. With some private or specialized college and trade schools, a teen's participation in activities related to the courses they offer can make the difference between an acceptance or rejection letter. They can also mean lucrative scholarships and awards.
Despite the weight that colleges place on a well-rounded high school experience, administrators say that teens should become involved with extracurricular activities based on a genuine interest - not because they think they need to pad their high school transcripts. After all, this is the perfect time for teens to "follow their bliss," choosing activities that match their interests - or pique their curiosity. Involved students reap other benefits. Beyond positioning teens well for college, there are many meaningful lessons that come from being a member of an athletic team or involved in a school club. For example:
A sense of belonging
Extracurricular activities provide an opportunity to meet new friends and develop a sense of belonging. A high school senior who has played volleyball since her freshman year says that being a part of the school's team has given her a sense of connection to the high school community. The team has also been a security blanket of sorts. "It is a whole lot easier walking into a new class on the first day of school and seeing someone who is on your team," she says.
Improved academics
Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and students know they have to meet and maintain a minimum grade point average to play sports or take part in clubs. This can often provide the additional motivation needed to stay on top of their schoolwork. In fact, students who participate in school clubs and athletic teams tend to have higher grade point averages than their less involved peers.
Better organizational/time management skills
When they add a team or new interest on top of an ample course load, teens have to learn to juggle, prioritize and manage their time-skills something they'll need in college... and in life. Students sometimes use a computer-based calendar application to plot and keep on top of their many commitments. This function helps them visualize when they have upcoming events that might coincide with a class project. Staying organized ensures students can enjoy all of the things they like without becoming overwhelmed. This is a skill that everybody needs for life.
Life skills/maturity
