Students who are good in games have proved that co-curriculum are not an hindrance to academic excellence, with a number of them including St. Anthony’s Boys High School in Trans Nzoia County defying the conventional thinking that these extra activities distract learners.
In this school for example, a total of 49 soccer, hockey and rugby players who successfully represented the school in competitions also performed well in the 2023 KCSE.
They have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, challenging the stereotype that sportspersons struggle to balance their time effectively.
The champions of the 2023 East African Secondary School soccer crowned this fete with university qualification after excelling in KCSE.
The school principal Simon Masibo proudly revealed that almost the entire teams have secured university slots.
“17 Solidarity soccer team players and 32 hockey and rugby players from our school will be among our 498 joining various universities. They all contributed to our impressive mean score of 9.8 in the 2023 KCSE exams,” he said.
Rugby player Irad Ruto, who scored an A-, and Solidarity team soccer player Dennis Oliech, with a B+, attested to the positive impact of sports on academics.
“Sports train you to focus, build stamina, and develop concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving,” they reveal.
This trend extends beyond St. Anthony’s as evidenced by Andersen Boarding and Mixed High School in Endebess Constituency, which tells the same story.
Julius Mibei, Principal Anderson Mixed Secondary.
The 2013 North Rift secondary school volleyball champions squad earned impressive grades, with the school principal Julius Mibei attributing this success in academics to steering away children from distractions through games.
“Co-curricular activities are a valuable investment in your future,” he said, citing research that shows students engaged in extracurricular pursuits tend to have higher grades, better exam scores, and more positive educational experiences.
Ian Lunalo, a volleyball player who scored a B-, agrees.
“Taking breaks from academics gives you mental space to come back refreshed and ready to engage and succeed,” he says.
Moi Girls High School Nangili Likuyani in Kakamega County adds another powerful example.
The 2018 Copa Coca Cola under-16 champions in Africa saw 235 of its students make it to university, boasting a mean score of 8.639. Notably, 7 out of the 11 students who scored A- were players in football, hockey, basketball, and swimming.
“Sirleaf Anyangu, a basketballer, scored an A-, Samantha Auleria, a swimmer, scored a B+, and Winnie Wangechi, a footballer, scored a B-,” reveals Mercy Juma, the school principal.
Winnie Wangechi credits her success to co-curricular activities that have enhanced her concentration, while Anyangu highlights the confidence built through football, theatre and public speaking.
“Sports and discussion groups foster a sense of community,” added Wangechi.
The positive correlation between sports and academic success was further exemplified by Ivugwi Secondary School, a mixed day school in Likuyani, which saw five of their 14 high-achieving students being footballers.
Lyndoh Barasa, a striker who scored a B+, embodies this success.
“Most people think sportspersons score poorly,” Barasa shares, “but we’ve shown that sports and learning can be intertwined. They keep us fresh and boost our self-esteem, ultimately aiding our academic performance.”
The school’s senior principal Isabella Nato and a former netballer and footballer herself, points out the transformative potential of co-curricular activities, especially in remote areas.
“I want to encourage all students to participate in sports. Personally, as a sportswoman who excelled in academics and now leads this school, I’m living proof that co-curriculum does not hinder success. They can be the spark that ignites academic brilliance, even in the face of adversity,” said Nato.
Principal of Kesogon Mixed Secondary School Emmanuel Mukoya stated that out of 253 students who achieved quality grades, 5 of them were in the volleyball squad.
“As Kenyan volleyball champions, we are pleased with the results and encourage colleagues from other schools to actively participate in co-curricular activities. Our experience shows that it refreshes students and enhances performance,” said Mukoya.
By Osborne Benn
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