How To Balance Extracurricular Activities with School (and Tutoring)

Does your child struggle to juggle academics and extracurricular passions like soccer or music? Imagine a solution that keeps them thriving in both. Weekly tutoring sessions can help them stay on top of their schoolwork while leaving ample time for practice and games. Studies show that students who attend tutoring see an average increase of 12% in testing. Similarly, a budding musician preparing for performances can benefit from tailored tutoring sessions that accommodate their rehearsal schedule. Studies also show that students who participate in extracurricular activities (sports, music etc.) receive better results in Maths. Therefore, signing your child up for extracurricular activities and tutoring go hand in hand. 

The Importance of Balance

Extracurricular activities (sports, music, chess club etc.) are an essential part of a child’s development, offering opportunities to build skills, explore interests, and develop friendships. At the same time, academic success (however it looks) forms the foundation for future opportunities. Striking a balance between the two ensures that students remain engaged, motivated, and stress-free. Tutoring can play a crucial role in helping students manage their schedules effectively without compromising their academic or extracurricular goals. 

A student from Eye Level Randwick Learning Centre has understood the balance between extracurriculars and tutoring well. This particular student (Year 5) enjoys Jiu Jitsu and has been working hard to attain their brown belt. They attend classes 3, sometimes 4 or 5 times a week especially as they approach grading or competitions. They also attend classes at Eye Level twice a week for Maths as they felt they were falling behind at school.

“I asked my dad if I could attend tutoring because I felt I needed more support with my maths, I felt like the easy stuff didn’t make sense. Now I attend classes at Eye Level and it works well with my training for my brown belt. It helps that the overall philosophies are similar too. So I don’t feel like my brain has to switch.” 

By aligning their Jiu Jitsu commitments and wanting to support their maths, this student is more confident with their schoolwork (not just maths work!) and was very happy with their improved school report at the end of the semester. 

Benefits of Tutoring for Busy Students

Here are some ways tutoring can seamlessly integrate into a student’s routine while supporting both their academic and extracurricular activities:

1. Personalised Scheduling

Unlike traditional classroom settings, tutoring offers flexible scheduling options. Sessions can be arranged to fit around extracurricular activities, ensuring that students don’t have to choose between their passions and their studies. Evening sessions can be particularly helpful for busy families.

2. Efficient Learning

Tutoring provides focused, tailored learning with an individualised strategy, which allows students to grasp concepts efficiently. This targeted approach minimises the time spent on studying while maximising results, leaving more room for other activities.

3. Time Management Tips for Students

A good tutor doesn’t just work on academic content; they also coach students on essential skills like time management, prioritisation and note-taking. These lifelong skills are necessary for balancing schoolwork with sports, arts, or other interests. Download our Free Study Timetable and use it as an exercise to help your child plan out their week. 

4. How to Reduce Academic Stress

Tutoring provides a supportive environment where students can tackle academic challenges with guidance, reducing stress and building confidence. This can have a positive effect on their performance in other areas.

5. Customisable Goals

Tutors work with students to set realistic academic goals that align with their overall schedule. By breaking larger objectives into manageable tasks, students can maintain steady progress without feeling overburdened. Steady, sustainable progress is the key to long-term success.  

One of the most important things to remember is to not be too strict on your child’s schedule, allow some flexibility, because well, life happens. If 80% of the time you’re able to follow the schedule and plan, you’re doing well. Here are some tips for what to do when something goes awry:

What to do when there’s a schedule clash

In the example of the student from earlier, the one that practices Jiu Jitsu and attends classes for Maths; they recently had an important grading to complete for Jiu Jitsu and wanted to do extra training, however this clashed with their classes. For a period of 3 weeks, they switched to once a week, longer Maths classes instead. Once the grading was complete, they went back to their normal schedule.

Here are some practical tips for managing these situations:

1. Prioritise tasks: Use a time-blocking method to identify “must-dos” and “nice-to-dos.” For instance, prioritise an upcoming maths test over a less critical practice session, or reschedule tutoring for a less busy day.
2. Split Sessions: If a full tutoring session is difficult to accommodate, consider breaking it into shorter segments spread across the week to maintain consistency.
3. Communicate with Coaches and Tutors: Let both parties know about scheduling conflicts in advance. Tutors often offer flexible options, such as online sessions or adjusted times, to work around extracurricular commitments.

Recognising and Preventing Burnout

Balancing multiple commitments can sometimes lead to burnout. Here are ways to help your child stay energised and motivated:

• Schedule Downtime: Ensure that your child has regular periods for rest and relaxation to recharge both physically and mentally.
• Alternate Intensity Levels: Encourage your child to alternate intense activities with lighter ones. For example, follow a challenging academic period with a creative or relaxing activity.
• Monitor Stress Levels: Work with your tutor to identify signs of stress or fatigue. Tutors can help manage academic workloads and adjust goals to reduce pressure.

Tools to Simplify Scheduling

Coordinating a busy schedule can be overwhelming. Here are some tools and strategies to make it easier:

• Use Digital Tools: Apps like Google Calendar, Notion, or Cozi can help families plan and share schedules in real time.
• Create a Visual Planner: A family-friendly planner or whiteboard can visually display weekly activities, including tutoring sessions, practices, and deadlines.
• Sample Schedule:
  • Monday: Soccer practice (4 PM – 5:30 PM), Tutoring (6 PM – 7 PM)
  • Wednesday: Piano rehearsal (4 PM – 5 PM), Tutoring (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
  • Friday: Free evening for rest or family time

Tips for Families

Parents play a key role in helping their children strike this balance. Here are some tips:

• Plan Ahead: Use a family calendar to keep track of school deadlines, extracurricular commitments, and tutoring sessions.
• Communicate Openly: Encourage your child to share their concerns about managing their time, and work together to find solutions.
• Prioritise Rest: Ensure that your child gets enough rest to stay energised and focused.
• Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly assess your child’s schedule to make sure it’s manageable, and don’t hesitate to make changes if needed. Your child’s tutor should always be open to adjustments and can advise you on how to achieve your child’s goals. 

Final Thoughts

Balancing academics and extracurricular commitments is no easy feat, but with the right support, it’s entirely achievable. Tutoring offers a personalised and flexible solution that empowers students to excel in all areas of their lives. By integrating tutoring into their routine, families can ensure that their children have the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

If you’re looking for a way to support your child’s busy lifestyle while fostering academic growth, our Maths and English programmes are here to help. Eye Level has a unique approach to supporting your child’s learning by first understanding their strengths and weaknesses to individualise the programme to their distinctive needs. We’re offering families 50% off their first month in Maths or English in February 2025. 

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