The International Baccalaureate program is known for its academic standards and its focus on
developing well-rounded, globally aware individuals. While academic achievement is at the core of the IB, it’s far from the program’s only focus. IB students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, which are seen as an essential complement to their academic endeavors. At Lancers International School, the availability of diverse activities such as sports, music, inter-house competitions, and the innovative ABLE (Achieve, Believe, Learn and Empower)program creates a rich environment where students can explore and develop multiple facets of their identity.

Extracurricular activities play a vital role in the IB’s mission to develop well-rounded individuals.These activities help students gain life skills that they cannot always acquire in a classroom setting, such as leadership, collaboration, resilience, and creativity. By participating in extracurriculars, students not only take a break from their academic work but also build on their personal and interpersonal growth.

LIS offers a wide range of sports and physical education opportunities that align perfectly with the IB’s focus on personal development and well-being. Students can choose from a variety of sports,including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, swimming, fencing and many others. Engaging in sports helps students build teamwork, leadership, and discipline, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle that balances mental and physical fitness.

Sports also serve as an outlet for students to relieve stress and improve their focus. Inter-house and inter-school competitions provide students with the chance to showcase their skills, engage in healthy competition, and build camaraderie with their peers. These events foster a strong sense of school spirit and community, while helping students learn how to handle both victory and defeat graciously.

Music education is another key element of extracurricular life at LIS. The school offers students the opportunity to explore their musical talents, with a variety of instruments to choose from, including piano, guitar, drums, violin, wind and more. Whether through solo performances or group ensembles, music encourages students to tap into their creativity, express themselves, and build self-discipline as they practice and perfect their skills. Through music, students not only gain technical proficiency but also emotional intelligence. Music performances, whether at inter-house events or school assemblies, allow students to build confidence, perform under pressure, and collaborate with their peers. In many cases, music alsoserves as a form of emotional release, helping students manage stress and improve their mental well-being.

Inter-school and house events, which allow students to compete against other schools and each other, broaden this sense of community and challenge students to step out of their comfort zones.
Competing on a larger stage helps students develop adaptability, resilience, and the ability to
perform under pressure. These experiences not only contribute to personal development but also prepare students for the global mindset that the IB seeks to instill.

One of the most unique extracurricular offerings at LIS is the ABLE (Achieve Believe Learn
Empower) design thinking program. This program encourages students to think creatively and critically by engaging in real-world problem-solving challenges. Design thinking fosters innovation by guiding students through the process of identifying problems, brainstorming solutions,creating prototypes, and refining their ideas based on feedback. Participating in the ABLE program allows students to develop essential skills such as empathy, collaboration, and resilience. By working on complex challenges, students learn to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. The ABLE program aligns with the IB philosophy by encouraging students to become reflective, open-minded, and balanced individuals.

Here are the top 3 strategies to help students balance effectively:

  1. Time Management: Students should develop a structured schedule that includes time for
    studying, extracurricular activities, and relaxation. Using a planner or digital tools to track
    deadlines, events, and study sessions can help students stay organized.
  2. Prioritization: While it’s tempting to sign up for every extracurricular activity, students
    should prioritize activities that align with their interests and long-term goals. This will help
    prevent overcommitment and burnout.
  3. Seek Support: Students shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, mentors, or peers
    when feeling overwhelmed. LIS teachers are committed to supporting students in managing
    their academic and extracurricular workloads.

With thoughtful time management and a focus on personal growth, IB students can achieve a
well-rounded balance that prepares them for success both inside and outside the classroom.

References:

  • IB. (n.d.). Authentication selector. Retrieved from https://resources.ibo.org
  • International Baccalaureate Organization. (n.d.). Primary years programme (PYP). Retrieved From https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/

Prapti Parasher | PYP Coordinator (PYPC) 

Lancers International School