Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government which extra-curricular activities offered by secondary schools they consider most likely to develop the spiritual, moral, social and cultural values of pupils; and what steps they are taking to encourage and support secondary schools to provide such activities.

Extra-curricular activities can form an important part of a pupil’s education. When activities are structured and organised effectively, they can provide young people with stimulating experiences which build on the knowledge and understanding they gain through lessons; as well as supporting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Schools have been given greater freedom over their curriculum, so that they can plan their teaching to meet the needs of their pupils. This includes deciding which extra-curricular activities to provide.

The Department for Education is allocating £5 million to expand capacity in character education, build evidence of what works and deliver a national awards scheme to recognise existing excellence.