Co-curricular Activities and School-Community Relations
Domain 7 covers co-curricular life and the school's relationship with its community. The exam tests organisation, inclusion, safety and accountability, not nostalgia about clubs.
Core rules
- Co-curricular activities are part of the whole curriculum: sports, aesthetics, clubs, scouting, cadets, student councils and community service.
- They must be inclusive; participation cannot depend on academic rank or ability to pay.
- Plan risk management: supervision ratios, first aid, consent, transport and emergency contacts.
- School-community links include the School Development Society, Old Pupils' Association, parents, health workers and local authorities.
- Funds and donations must be receipted, recorded and reported.
Worked example
A school plans a community health camp. The teacher first checks the school calendar and gets principal approval; forms a committee with the PHI and parents; sends consent letters; arranges water, shade and first aid; plans tasks for students who cannot take part in sports; records donations in the school ledger; and reports outcomes to the SDS. Reasoning: approval protects the school; consent and first aid protect children; inclusive tasks protect participation; accounting protects trust.
Traps
- Selecting only the best players and calling it school spirit.
- Collecting money without receipts.
- Holding an event without a risk plan or consent.
- Using community donors to bypass school approval.
- Treating co-curricular work as less professional than classroom teaching.