ESSENTIAL learning takes place outside the classroom, as well as inside, and these high-performers describe what and how they learn from after-school activities.

Do something you like, then you?ll love it

Joey Gribble

I?ve participated in multiple after-school activities at Shanghai Community International School, including cross-country, robotics, drama and student council. My favorites are student council and robotics.

I love leading and creating, and both let me do that in their own way. In student council I take on the role of president, leading the school and creating both school events and good times for the students.

I also took a leadership role in robotics as a team co-captain. We created great memories and a robot that won second place among the many competing international teams. After-school activities connect me to the school and other people. I get to meet so many awesome people with the same interests, along with doing what I like!

My most memorable experience was two years ago at the robotics competition when we got selected to partner with a finalist team. I was proud they chose us after we had been eliminated. These activities help me grow academically and as a person. When choosing an-after school activity, do it because you want to. If you want to do it, you'll like it, then love it. These are the times you'll remember.

2 confident sports ambassadors for òcan-doó attitude at BISS

Ludovica D'Angio and Sofieke van Bilsen from British International School Shanghai represent the school in volleyball, football, basketball and netball. In this volleyball season, they are captains of their "wonderful team."

"We are both extremely confident and have a passion for sports," the two team leaders say. "This benefits our leadership skills and underpins our learning through the IB program, both inside and outside of school."

Ludovica, the captain, says: "I have been representing BISS for eight years and I have learned so much. Now in my last year and looking back at all the team, I am proud to be a member of BISS. One of the most memorable experiences was the ACAMIS tournament with my team in Taiwan in 2011. Winning gold with only seven players, no substitutes, and in 34-degree weather was amazing! We worked tremendously hard and we achieved what we had dreamed about."

Sofieke, vice captain, says: "I have been at BISS for six years and have been part of every volleyball, football, basketball and netball season. I have been playing with my usual three teammates, Ludovica, Camilla and Gaby, for five years and it has been great going through the good and the bad with them. I enjoy meeting and playing with new members, mentoring, teaching, communicating and learning things I would have never imagined. As this is the last school year for two regular teammates, I would love to repeat our success at ACAMIS in Taiwan."

The two leaders add: "We thank our school so incredibly much for everything ... making our school years here the best they can be!"

The girls are great ambassadors for the "can-do" attitude nurtured at the school. They are encouraged to be independent and take the lead to organize practice and present their year of achievements at the school's Sports Awards Evening in May.

Young debater scores in big tourney

Claudia Meng

Feeling bored with your day-to-day life? Want a challenge? Or are you just looking for something new? After-school activities are a great way of finding something that?s perfect for you. If you?re interested in something, then joining an after-school club in that area will not only strengthen your skills, it will also help you meet other people of your age with the same interests.

Last year, I joined World Scholar?s Cup, a preparation for an international competition including debating and persuasive writing. I joined because it seemed interesting and would be a fun challenge for my friends and I.

It turned out to be a really great experience. Around 15 students from Dulwich College Shanghai went to Hong Kong for the first stage of the competition. I did well in the debating rounds and made it to the debate showcase, where the top six debaters were split into two teams and debated in front of everyone. It was an extremely memorable experience and I learned a lot from it.

Although my after-school activity might not be suitable for you - you might be more into sports or recreation - it shows what a great experience you can get from them. They're a great way to strengthen your skills or provide additional support for something you have not quite mastered.

If you are thinking about joining an after-school activity, don't just go for whatever your friends are doing. Sign up for something fun or new that you would like to try, and just have a great experience. You might discover a hidden talent.

Dramatic choices strengthen right side of the brain

Alysha Watt

Since sixth grade, my after-school activity has been theater. From working the spotlight to acting and now, assistant directing for òZombie Loveó (November 2-3), I have made theater a priority after school. Any outside activity is a way to unwind.

I chose theater among many alternatives because I can work with some of the wildest minds and a range of artistic people, all in an environment of creative release. In the theater, we can be comfortable despite everyone's differences. The most memorable moment is always the end of the last show. We all go on stage and celebrate weeks of hard work. The crowd cheers, we take our final bows, and know it was blood, sweat and tears. But it was worth it.

This can take a toll on academics if you don't manage your time, but it's a great chance to strengthen the right side of your brain, your creativity.

Theater has strengthened my personality since my first "Macbeth." It has been a journey of self-discovery that has influenced my decisions and even my career choice.

Activities make for broader mind, bigger world

Kar Mun Cheng

I have participated in many after-school programs ? basketball, volleyball, soccer and badminton; psychology club, model United Nations and student council. I am an active person with a very competitive spirit. These activities help me develop in activities I like and I represent my school at different levels.

Taking basic psychology helped broaden my understanding of society. Model UN helped in public speaking. On student council, I tried to change the school for the better so the student body and school board could reach satisfactory compromise. It was a chance to fine-tune leadership skills to become an effective leader now and in the future.

Activities helped expand my philosophy, making me a holistic learner. I learned there?s nothing wrong with taking risks and learning new things.

The most memorable experience was being on the SISAC Girl?s Basketball team, champions for 2011/2012. The victory and sense of triumph were unforgettable ... We kept our competitive spirits intact, òchecking our girlies at the door.ó

These program expanded my views of the world and opened my mind. Now I have to learn to apply these skills. How could a simple soccer strategy be used in planning a project? How could multiple skills help in areas such as CAS?

As for signing up, taking something you barely have interest in would be unwise. Be part of something you would like to be, so that you look forward it.