The benefits
Out-of-school learning clubs provide a safe environment for children and young people to learn and to work together with other young people and adults.
Research has shown that clubs:
- improve attainment
- improve attitudes to school and attendance at school
- help to raise self-esteem
- helps young people become better learners
- helps children and young people who struggle with motivation at school to become more committed to learning
- improves relationships with teachers.
Comments from young people
‘We learn things in a fun way … we talk about it, we get stuff we can do ourselves and read ourselves.’
Daniel, Trinity High School, Renfrewshire.
‘When I went to 2u4u (arts and drama OSL club) it made me more confident about drama and it taught me a lot, like how to show my emotions and how to be a really good actor. It was really a lot of fun, and gave me something to do instead of being in the house all the time.’
Gary, Renfrewshire.
‘I got to know the teachers as people.’
‘I am doing what I want, the way I want to do it – without worrying about getting things wrong all the time.’
‘I never think of it as learning – but I can do a lot more things now.’
Quotes from ‘Out of School Hours Learning Workbook’
About homework clubs and study support
The homework clubs help, you can get homework done in peace and there is a teacher to help with the difficult bits.
You can ask about the bits you are stuck on but don’t want to ask in front of a whole class.
(Secondary pupils)
About breakfast clubs
It’s not just about food. It’s helpful to talk to people about school work and problems … and it’s really helpful to get help with my homework.
You have friends and supportive people around you … which means you get the help you need.
(S2 girl)
About family learning clubs
The family club is not only fun for families and entertaining, it's also educational. You find out more about computers, learn how to make finger puppets and are even taught how to make pancakes. Overall, the family club is really good fun and I would happily encourage more people to go.
(P7 pupil)
