When it comes to extra and supra-curricula activities there's also major inequalities about how has time, access, resources and support to do them. Or the belief there's no point trying if you can't do something flashy or impressive (not true, incidentally). - ThreadSky

petraboynton.bsky.social • 49 days ago

When it comes to extra and supra-curricula activities there's also major inequalities about how has time, access, resources and support to do them. Or the belief there's no point trying if you can't do something flashy or impressive (not true, incidentally).

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petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

Many students don't know what supra-curricular means (to deepen your knowledge, by extra self-directed learning that enhances your understanding of a topic (reading, museum or exhibition visits, watching documentaries or listening to podcasts). It can all be free, but help to find it may be needed.

petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

Extra-curricular they have usually heard of, but assume it has to be 'fancy'. For example, they'd assume volunteering at your Dad's GP surgery has way more value than a Saturday job as a cleaner or shop worker. Although arguably the latter provides more extra-curricular (and useful life) skills.

petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

Students are not routinely taught that for extra and supra-curricular activities the interest lies in what they're learning, doing, demonstrating and developing. It's not the status of the activity, it's the commitment, skills acquired, and ability to unpack that per your college or job application.

petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

It's also not made clear that for some courses and colleges supra-curricular count way more than extra-curricular activities, and vice versa. Nor how to describe verbally, or in writing, what you've done, what you got from it and how it's going to relate to your future job or degree programme.

petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

We also assume students (be they A or T level, undergrad or postgraduate) will know this stuff is important, be able to implement it themselves, and convey it effectively. Often very able students *are* doing both extra and supra-curricular activities but don't recognise it or fail to explain it

petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

And yes, there are still way too many elitist and foolish academics that value the kind of activities only the rich and/or supported students can achieve (including paid for summer schools and courses). But most want to know about skills and passion - we need to explain how to convey that.

lillput.bsky.social•49 days ago

This is a REALLY important point. We've noticed that our youngster @techresort.bsky.social often have more success in job applications almost immediately from the time they start working (or volunteering) for us. A long time ago one of our first employees who had significant difficulties /1

lillput.bsky.social•49 days ago

was told by a brilliant recruiter that the reason he'd been offered a job (which wasn't high-flying, or flashy - it was paid work helping in a charity shop) was because he was able to talk about the other work he'd been doing and why it was important. /2

lillput.bsky.social•49 days ago

I think if I see another young person's CV which uses the phrases "I like socialising" or "I play computer games" in the "Tell us more about yourself" section, I may just scream ;-)

petraboynton.bsky.social•49 days ago

So true. And it's why your work is invaluable. Many young people are told to list interests, not realising that's not what's needed in extra and supra-curricular information. And most *do* have something to talk about, if it's explained. Or can get that experience if it's lacking.

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