The relationship between co - curricular activities and academic performance of secondary school students in Kirinyaga Central district, Kirinyaga county.

Abstract

There has been research concerning the correlation of student achievement in the classroom and participation in CCAs (co - curricular activities) academic oriented and non - academic oriented. However little emphasis has been given to students’ participation in CCAs and enhancement of students’ competencies thus failing to link academic performance excellence to participation in CCAs. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between CCAs and academic performance of secondary school students in Kirinyaga Central District, Kirinyaga County. The CCAs included are: - athletics, football, drama and music. The main objectives of the study were: - to establish the relationship between students’ participation in music, athletics, football, drama and academic performance. The researcher asked whether students’ participation in CCAs affect their academic performance. A Correlation Research Design was carried out in secondary schools in Kirinyaga Central District. A questionnaires schedule and school records were used to collect data. The rationale for the choice of the site is because of its proximity to the researcher’s work station and also because the researcher could consult his supervisor at Kenyatta University. The target population of the study was drawn from 15 public secondary schools in Kirinyaga Central District, Kirinyaga County, where the researcher used stratified sampling technique to ensure schools from the three strata are represented. During the piloting of the instruments questionnaire schedule for teachers were designed and then administered in Mutira division. The pilot test was used to determine reliability of the instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Calculations were done using the statistical package of social science (SPSS) computer programme. The study found that academic oriented CCAs (drama & music) have a higher correlation with academic than non- academic oriented CCAs (athletics & football). The researcher recommends the inclusion of CCAs to develop the student academically, socially, mentally and character wise. The findings of the proposed study will contribute to the emphasis of inclusion of CCAs in school curriculum and theoretically contribute to advancement of academic performance. It may also help in coming up with programmes for teachers patrons to help mentor students in the CCAs.