1. Introduction

Extracurricular clubs provide opportunities for students to be involved in activities that are outside the standard and often very academic curriculum. As well as exploring new topics, students are also able to experiment with a variety of student centered learning experiences including field trips, theatre performances, writing short stories or poems, writing village histories, playing games, role plays and creating materials such as books, brochures, or costumes. Key to the clubs is the fact that they are largely led by students while the teacher takes on more of a facilitator's role. In the best case scenario the students will be responsible for deciding a schedule of activities they will complete over the course of the club, how they will spend their budgets, running meetings, and organizing activities such as field trips, surveys, and visits from community members. For some students this may be the first time they are ever exposed to educational choices.

2. Primary Objectives

• To foster a love of learning in students through involvement in student centered learning in subjects they are interested in and choose to participate in.
• To develop autonomy and self confidence in students.

3. Target group

Upper primary and lower secondary students.

4. Information on Implementation

Once a teacher agrees to be responsible for a particular club (History, English, Theatre, Culture, Eco) they will call the first meeting at a time that is outside school hours. At that meeting the teacher explains what is involved in taking part in the club. He/she also explains that being involved in the club is voluntary. At the next meeting the students may elect a committee to guide the club and set up a schedule for the rest of the meetings including activities they plan to do. Required budget is also discussed and planned by the students (with the assistance of the teacher) and in some schools the students take on all finance related duties. Other schools may not be ready for this and the teacher may mentor the students in budget related decision making, planning and dissemination. All activities should be student centered with the teacher taking on the role of facilitator. Therefore all materials, documents, resources and performances should be created and owned by the students. As a final activity it is a good idea for students to plan a presentation of their work for other students and teachers and if possible, community members.

5. Resources Needed

• Teacher/Facilitator - 3000 Riel per hour
• Budget for materials, trips, resources - $130 - $150 per club/year
• Space to meet - usually a classroom during out of school hours