THE MANAGEMENT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The high demand for active participation of students in extracurricular as well as high academic performance has been a daunting task for managers of second cycle institutions. This study aimed to explore the managerial practices employed in the implementation of extracurricular activities in the Wa SHS and Tupaso SHS in the Wa Municipality.. The data were collected from students, teachers, parents and officials of the GES using questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussion and analysed using descriptive statistics including mean and percentage. The results showed that the schools ran two types of extracurricular with varied ways of participation, no definite rules or regulations governing the planning and implementation of the activities in the schools. Parents’ involvement in the selection and management of the activities is very low. There is no formal training in planning, organising and implementation to increase the teachers’ knowledge in managing extracurricular activities. There is no scheme in place to cater for lessons lost by students who represent the schools at competitions. While Tupaso SHS has specified day and time for extracurricular activities, Wa SHS did not have any period allocated for extracurricular. Moreover, Tupaso SHS ran only mandatory extracurricular but Wa SHS ran both mandatory and voluntary extracurricular. The challenges in the management of these activities include logistical constraints, inadequate funding and less attention to the activities by the patrons and the schools management. Both the students and the schools management need an in-depth knowledge and skills training in managing extracurricular activities in the schools. Benchmarks for the planning, organising and implementing these activities should be developed by the G.E.S and the MoE for the effective management of extracurricular activities in the schools.