Back-to-school season is upon is us—which, of course, means extra-curricular activity season is back too. As current and former students know, those experiences offer kids a way to see academics in a new light, find a passion to help people, keep in shape or just hang around in the interest of padding a college application. But which activity should you choose? Debate or dance team? Cheerleading or chemistry club? French, fencing or football? Let these nine cinematic looks at the benefits of extra-curricular involvement help you decide. After all, no matter which activity you end up with, the Hollywood version will be more fun to watch than a movie about someone sitting in class. Coach Carter, basketball Before you can begin your quest, you must learn that participating in extra-curricular activities is a bonus, a privilege. Your grades and actions need to reflect that. Coach Carter knows this and was willing to lock out his entire basketball team to prove the point. This 2005 movie follows the real-life story of Ken Carter and debates the roles sports play in an academic institution. Akeelah & The Bee, spelling competitions Trying something new can open up a world of possibilities, as Akeelah Anderson learns in this 2006 movie about a young girl from a rough background who finds a new place within the world of competitive spelling. Mr. Holland’s Opus, music As you pick your newfound favorite extra-curricular activity, keep in mind that what you may glean from the experience could be completely different than what you expected. Glenn Holland found that out—as a teacher. In this classic 1995 drama, Richard Dreyfuss learns that changing the lives of those around you can prove the most profound activity of all. Yeah, that’s probably not the reason you signed up, but it could be the reason you stay. To Sir With Love, engineering Can’t play an instrument? You can have a life-changing interaction with your advisor even if you don’t know the difference between an eighth note and an English horn. But you should remember![]()
