Investigating how learners’ participation in extracurricular activities contributes to their academic performance

Vanessa MashabeORCID iD, Constance MphojaneORCID iD & Awelani Rambuda ORCID iD

Issue: Vol. 7 No.9 2026 Article 12 pp.2642 – 2654
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267912Published online 28th October 2026

© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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This empirical paper discusses the contribution of learners’ participation in extracurricular activities to their academic performance. Learners are having challenges preventing them from engaging in extracurricular activities in township secondary schools in Kutloanong. This paper is framed in institutional theory, which looks at the limitations and restrictions placed on learners by authorities. In this paper, the qualitative interpretivist research paradigm was employed. 6 participants, 3 teachers and 3 learners, were interviewed. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to choose five schools in Kutloanong township from which data were gathered. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with the participants. The literature review findings indicate that learners’ participation in extracurricular activities may reduce harmful behaviors such as substance abuse and gang affiliation, foster a sense of belonging and connection to the school community, and be essential for sustaining healthy, balanced lifestyles. The study’s findings demonstrate that participation in extracurricular activities enhances learners’ physical and mental well-being, provides respite from academic obligations, elevates self-esteem, fosters a sense of community, positively contributes to discipline, improves academic performance, and offers a venue to showcase diverse talents. In light of the findings, the study recommends that schools provide a diverse range of extracurricular activities to accommodate various learner interests. Additionally, ascertain the reasons for club inactivity and promote their rejuvenation to guarantee that learners can engage and have access to the requisite facilities for diverse extracurricular activities. Ultimately, to facilitate extracurricular activities, the management and other school officials must proficiently supervise their expenditures.

Keywords: Extracurricular Activities, Academic Performance, Participation, Secondary Schools.

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Dikeledi Vanessa Mashabe is currently a PhD student at the Central University of Technology. Her research area includes holistic education with a focus on all aspects which affect the teaching and learning processes. She is a teacher by profession.  Previously, she worked for the Department of Basic Education as a teacher and as an acting Department Head. She also served as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Educational and Professional Studies.

Prof. Awelani Rambuda is an Associate Professor in the Department of Postgraduate Studies: Education within the Faculty of Humanities. He teaches research methodology to students enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Bachelor of Education Honours (BEd Hons) programmes. Prof. Rambuda previously served as department manager for three academic units at CUT’s Welkom Campus: the Department of Educational and Professional Studies, Department of Language and Social Sciences Education, and Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. He also chaired the Departmental Research Committee (DRC) during this tenure. His research interests include enquiry-based teaching and learning and the application of science process skills in education.

Pastor Dr. C Mphojane is currently working at Central University of Technology, Free State as the Head of Department, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of School-Based Learning/Teaching Practice. Her research interests include Microteaching, School-Based Learning, as well as Leadership & Management. She is also a fully-fledged ordained Pastor registered with SACOFF.  Previously, she worked for the Department of Basic Education as the Department Head, Deputy Principal and School Principal.

Mashabe, Vanessa, Constance Mphojane, and Awelani Rambuda. “Investigating how learners’ participation in extracurricular activities contributes to their academic performance.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.9 (2026): 2642 – 2654 https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267912

© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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