Schools are vital to helping kids prepare for the challenges of adult life. They can also be a source of social and moral instruction.
Yet students and parentssometimes teachers toocomplain that learning history, literature, foreign languages, and advanced mathematics does not equip them for the real worldof beingsay a firefighter or a restaurateur.
Academics
Academic is a word used to describe anything related to education. This includes the study of a subject, such as history or maths. It can also refer to the scholarly activities of an educational institution, such as a university. Academics can include research, teaching, and other administrative duties. Academics are usually measured through grades, standardized tests, and graduation rates. Schools can also promote healthy behaviors, such as good nutrition and physical activity.
At UNE, the term Faculty and Academic School refer to different levels of academic administration. A Faculty is a large area of academic administration and will administer a variety of units and degrees (ie, the Faculty of Science will administer science-related studies). An Academic School is a more specialised level of academic administration and will usually only administer studies in a specific discipline.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities complement classroom studies by helping students explore their passions and find ways to express their creativity. These are invaluable life skills that will benefit students in all their future pursuits.
These activities are often conducted outside of class hours and include school clubs, sports, volunteerism, and personal hobbies. They may be guided by teachers, specialized instructors, or volunteers. They help students develop concentration, focus, and endurance, which can carry over into academics, especially if they take part in sports or other vigorous activities.
A robust extracurricular profile is important for college admissions. It shows colleges that a student is passionate and committed to non-academic pursuits, which will make them a valuable addition to their community when they are graduates. Tier 1 extracurriculars are impressive, but self-driven activities can also be a good choice, such as writing a book that has received recognition or running a fundraising campaign for charity. These are not easy tasks to accomplish, and a student must be able to juggle multiple activities at once.
Health & Safety
School health and safety is a key issue for students. Whether they’re learning in classrooms, exercising in the gym or going on school trips, students need to feel safe and secure at all times. A safe environment promotes emotional, physical and mental health, which is crucial for academic success.
Schools must ensure they comply with government health and safety regulations. A risk assessment must be completed to identify any hazards and the steps needed to reduce them, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Effectively managing a school risk assessment involves using a sensible approach to reducing risks that has the support of staff and pupils. It is important to avoid over cautious approaches, which can lead to pupils missing out on exciting and engaging activities that develop their creativity and skills. In addition, over-cautious management can also result in pupils being less resilient to risks. This may make them more likely to suffer from stress and anxiety in the future.
Environment
Studies examining school environments have found that they are a crucial aspect of the educational experience. Students can be more productive and have a higher level of enjoyment when they are in an environment that is safe, engaging and welcoming.
Having an inviting space to relax and spend time during down-time (lunchroom, library, hangout spaces) can help students feel comfortable at school. Students also benefit from having access to physical and mental health services within the building or during the day.
A positive school environment can encourage students to engage in healthy peer relationships, which can lead to decreased risk of sexual health problems like HIV and STIs. It can also help students connect to important adults at school and in their homes. This can reduce their overall levels of psychological distress and increase their resilience. These protective factors can ultimately reduce student risk for HIV and STIs and improve their academic outcomes.