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PRESENTER: Hi. Welcome to our extra-curricular boot camp. I'm your scout leader, Daniel. I'm here to talk about secondary schools' extra-curricular activities. Let's get started so we can navigate around this tricky subject.

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OK, so we're talking about special interest programs, languages, sports, and other learning programs that can be made available at secondary school. It's extra to what we normally do at school and can support things done in class. Getting involved makes you a part of a community, as both the receiver and giver. Extra-curricular activities can be organised by the school or the broader community.

Being involved can help to develop a better understanding of other people who live and work in that community. Extra-curricular activities are activities that are pursued in addition to the usual subjects at school. These activities generate a sense of belonging to a community, which inspires them to be contributing members of society.

Students are also more likely to volunteer in their community after secondary school if they're participating in extra activities during their teenage years. Secondary schools will have special interest programs that may reflect their community and location. For example, some schools specialise in music programs and support pathways for careers in the performing arts.

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Students may be involved in a vocational, education, and training program, or specialised cultural programs that enhance learning. It's important to look at several different programs and opportunities that are offered to students attending the school. Look at the school's web page. Call the school. Request a visit. And even discuss this with your current primary school teacher.

Primary schools and secondary schools often communicate, especially during students' years of transition. Some schools will have unique programs while others offer more common activities. Languages are required as a subject in the Australian curriculum. However, many students like to learn further languages as an extra-curricular activity. Students may be hoping to improve one of their existing activities or learn a new language.

Languages such as Japanese are taught in schools but are also offered at Saturday schools. Aboriginal languages are being taught in some schools, but are also available as extra-curricular learning opportunities. It's important to talk to your young people about their preferred extra-curricular activities. What activities do you want to join? What will benefit you and be good for your wellbeing?

Let's investigate the extra-curricular activities offered at your potential secondary schools. This may give you the opportunity to begin a new hobby. It could support your personal development and pathway for the future. We encourage you, look at different schools with your young people, see what schools have to offer. If you are unsure and need clarification, call the school and ask questions. This is Scout Leader Daniel signing off.

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