Chennai: Starting this week, students of Classes VI-IX at govt schools will take part in club activities and contests such as poster-making and creation of comics. The school education department has asked headmasters to kick-start the initiative for this year.The department added extra-curricular activities to the school curriculum in 2023 through a house system (five houses in total) and ‘Kalai Thiruvizhas’.Students will be sorted into five clubs — literary, quiz, children’s film, arts and cultural, and environment — with each getting a teacher in charge alongside a student ambassador. Additionally, Classes VI-IX will also get a period per week for club activities, a communication issued to school heads said.
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“For the last few years, we have been promoting teamwork and increasing confidence through extra-curricular activities. Last week, we kicked off the house system and appointed student ministers to five portfolios to give them an idea of administration. This year, club activities will go hand in hand with the house system and contests will be held between the houses,” school education director S Kannappan said.While the quiz club has been tasked with holding weekly quiz contests on topics ranging from academics to general knowledge and entertainment, film club members will write essays about their favourite characters and prepare posters. Environment and arts club members will hold skits and plan activities surrounding environment protection and events of cultural importance.For the literary club, the department has introduced house-wise themes this year — youth skill development, India in chess, tiger conservation, importance of forests, and friendship. “Students must either create a poster or a comic, or write slogans on these themes. Marks will be allotted to all the activities, and winners will be adjudged house-wise. The best house flag will be hoisted at the school entrance every month,” said a principal, adding that the activities will be launched on July 28.An official from the Chennai chief education office said that block education officers have been tasked with obtaining a monthly report on the club activities and ensuring that a period is allocated for them every week. “Students performing well in these activities may be chosen for educational tours abroad,” he added.
