Preparing for the Selective School Test is a significant milestone for many students across Australia. It’s a time filled with high expectations, rigorous study schedules, and an understandable focus on academic performance. In the process, however, one important element often falls by the wayside: extracurricular activities.
There’s a common belief among students and parents that to succeed in test preparation, extracurriculars must be scaled back—or even sacrificed entirely. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, striking the right balance between academics and extracurricular pursuits can not only enhance a student’s well-being but also improve academic performance. A well-rounded approach fosters resilience, time management, and emotional stability—all key ingredients for long-term success.
Here’s how you can support your child in balancing study with extracurricular activities, without either one suffering.
1. Time Management Is Key
One of the biggest challenges students face during test prep is managing their time effectively. With schoolwork, homework, tutoring sessions, and extracurricular commitments all vying for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Start by helping your child build a realistic and structured weekly schedule. This might include blocks for studying, extracurriculars, rest, meals, and free time. Use tools like planners, whiteboards, or digital calendars (like Google Calendar or MyStudyLife) to visually map out their week. Involving your child in this process helps build ownership over their schedule and teaches valuable planning skills.
Remember, the goal isn’t to cram as much as possible into every day—it’s to allocate time wisely, ensuring your child has enough time to study and recharge through meaningful activities.
2. Set Clear Goals
Having clarity around goals can make a big difference. Sit down with your child and help them identify both academic and extracurricular goals. This might look like aiming for a certain practice test score, improving a writing skill, or working towards a performance or competition in sport, music, or art.
These goals give structure and purpose to their efforts. When children know why they are studying or practising, they’re more likely to stay motivated and committed. It also helps them focus on what matters most, reducing the temptation to overcommit or compare themselves to peers.
Encourage your child to regularly check in with their progress and adjust their goals as needed. The sense of achievement that comes from meeting both academic and extracurricular goals can be a fantastic confidence booster.
3. Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to extracurricular activities, more isn’t necessarily better. It’s not about how many things your child does—it’s about what they do and why.
Encourage your child to choose activities they genuinely enjoy or feel passionate about. This could be a sport that keeps them active, a creative outlet like painting or drama, or a social club that builds community and confidence.
Rather than juggling multiple activities and risking burnout, focus on one or two quality experiences that offer fulfilment and growth. These can also be a point of discussion in future scholarship or school applications, demonstrating a student’s interests and character beyond academics.
4. Extracurriculars Can Be Productive Breaks
It’s easy to view extracurriculars as “extra” or even “distracting” during intense test prep periods. But in reality, these activities can act as powerful, productive breaks.
Movement-based activities like sport, dance, or martial arts release endorphins and reduce stress. Creative outlets such as music, painting, or writing engage different parts of the brain, improving mood and cognitive flexibility. Even more structured hobbies like chess or coding can offer a refreshing change of pace while still building important skills.
Importantly, breaks are not wasted time. They’re essential for rest, consolidation, and rejuvenation—so your child can return to their studies more focused and energised.
5. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Every child experiences stress and pressure differently, especially during test preparation. That’s why regular, open conversations are so important.
Check in with your child about how they’re feeling. Are they managing their schedule well? Are they enjoying their activities? Are they feeling stretched too thin?
By fostering open dialogue, you create a safe space where your child can express overwhelm before it becomes too much. This allows you to work together to reassess commitments, make adjustments, and ensure your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing remains a priority.
It’s also an opportunity to model healthy behaviour—showing your child that it’s okay to ask for help, make changes, and take breaks when needed.
6. Encourage Reflection and Flexibility
After a few weeks or months of juggling academics and extracurriculars, it’s a great idea to pause and reflect. What’s working well? What’s proving too much? What activities bring joy and which ones feel like a burden?
Encourage your child to take stock of their routines and commitments. Perhaps that second training session during the week is more tiring than expected, or a new study technique is making a big difference.
Reflection helps your child take control of their own learning and time management. It builds critical thinking and self-awareness—skills that will benefit them well beyond the Selective School Test.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Balanced Approach
The journey to a selective school placement can feel all-consuming—but it’s important to remember that academic excellence doesn’t exist in a vacuum. A child who is mentally well, socially engaged, and emotionally supported is far more likely to perform at their best.
Balancing academics with extracurricular activities isn’t just about “fitting things in.” It’s about helping children develop a holistic approach to learning and life. They’re not just preparing for a test—they’re building resilience, curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
So yes, encourage your child to study hard and aim high. But also encourage them to dance, kick a footy, paint, build, perform, and explore. In doing so, you’ll be nurturing not only a successful student but a happy, healthy, and well-rounded young person.
