Co-curricular activities are the outside activities from the regular curriculum programmes of a school system but inter-related and correlated programmes for the holistic development of a child.

Education is a process, which is especially designed to facilitate an all-round development of each and every child. An all-round development of child involves his physical, social, mental, emotional and aesthetic development. Therefore, the education should not only be exclusively concerned with the teaching of prescribed courses, neglecting other objectives of education.

Co-curricular activities and the activities which are only packed with education and instructions but provide young pupils with opportunities for self-expression and self-fulfillment. Keeping in view its importance education should take responsibility for the development of the programme of co-curricular activities.

Some important co-curricular activities undertaken in schools are described below:

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(1) Music and Drama:

For proper training of emotion and sublimation of instinct, the school life should be crowded with programmes like music and drama. This facilitates in discovering the talent, organizing skill and resourcefulness that lie dormant in the students. Music gives opportunities to discover the novelty and originality of the students. Moreover, the students find joy in these programmes.

(2) Organization of Debates and Discussion:

The next important activity of the school is to organize debates and discussions through which the students develop the art of delivering a speech and participation in discussions. Group meetings should be encouraged. Every student should be given an opportunity to speak before a small group. Rewards must be given to the winners. Participation of the students in debate will develop self-confident. It will provide information and skill in oral expression.

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(3) Organization of School Societies:

There should be dozens of societies in a school to make the students creative. Societies like the history society, the literature society, the planning forum, the religious society, etc. should be activated under the supervision of the headmaster and staff. Separate periods being allotted for the purpose will have an indirect effect on their academic achievement. Students can learn history, literature, religion, etc. through free discussion, special paper reading and other activities.

(4) Participation in Games and Sports:

Students derive great pleasure by participating in games and sports. Students should be encouraged to participate in N.C.C., Boy Scouts, Girls Guide, etc.

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(5) Special Training:

The physical training and drillmasters with required physical training should be recruited, as supervisor and guide in the playground.

But it cannot be practiced as we need proficiency of the students. In the school timetable, arrangements must be made for the physical training of the young. Inter-house tournaments, inter-school tournaments, inter-district tournaments, etc. should be encouraged.

(6) School Excursion:

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School should organize excursion in the form of journey to distant places, trips to historical sights, visit to factories, radio stations, newspaper plants. It develops the outlook of the students, enriches curricular experiences and supplements classroom learning. It gives them much new information and change their attitude and interests.