The concept of after-school programmes dates back to the 19th century when rapid urbanisation and industrialisation left many children unsupervised as their parents and families worked. Over time, these programmes evolved to meet the era’s demands, transforming into places where students can seek enrichment, academic support, or character development.
Today, centres offering after school learning are widespread. However, some parents have concerns about whether after-school programmes provide any meaningful academic benefits. In response to those concerns, this article delves into the impact of after school learning on academic growth.
Enrichment
Quality after-school centres, like MindSpace, offer a wide range of services that go beyond supervised care and academic support. These include enrichment activities such as arts and crafts and music.
Such activities can help children develop new interests and skills. Although these might not be academically focused, they can positively impact academic performance. For example, learning to play a musical instrument has been shown to stimulate the brain and enhance memory.
The Art of Learning
Education is sacred, and the role schools play in children’s mental, emotional, and moral development is commendable. However, no curriculum, whether in Singapore or elsewhere, covers everything a student needs to know. Due to their size and complexity, national curriculums, like Singapore’s, are difficult to modify and revise.
After-school learning can bridge this gap. For instance, at MindSpace children are taught not just to reinforce concepts from school but also how to learn. They acquire skills to analyse, synthesise, evaluate, and apply new concepts, as well as demonstrate creativity in problem-solving. As a result, subjects taught at school become easier to understand, leading to better academic performance.
Confidence
Confidence, though intangible, can significantly impact academic performance. Children who face learning challenges or lack confidence might find after-school programmes more forgiving than schools.
Whether it’s due to lower perceived stakes or less peer judgement, participation in these programmes can boost confidence, encouraging children to take positive risks, such as engaging in challenging learning opportunities.
Academic Gains
Research indicates that students attending after-school programmes generally exhibit higher academic performance. Additionally, these children develop qualities like persistence, focus, and engagement, all contributing to improved academic results.
Further studies have shown that higher-quality programmes yield better outcomes. This lends credence to the efforts gone into developing our curriculum.
Based on MindChamps’ 3-Minds Approach, our learning model fosters resilience, teaches how to learn, and cultivates adaptability and creativity, all essential for academic success.
This, in addition to our proprietary learning techniques, has enabled our students to achieve breakthrough academic results in the PSLE, as verified by KPMG in Singapore.*
Final Thoughts
David Chiem, MindChamps’ Founder and CEO, once said, “If art is a mirror to society, then education is the toolbox for building the future.” That’s the role of after-school learning: to be a tool for students to thrive academically and to create a future they envision.
Learn more about MindSpace and our curriculum here. If you wish to book a visit to any of our centres, you can do so by clicking here.