Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
NAIS Rotterdam
07 August, 2025

Learning beyond academics: the lifelong benefits of a holistic international education

Beyond the Classroom
At NAIS Rotterdam, learning stretches far beyond academics.

Our students hone their talents and skills at a wide selection of extra-curricular clubs. Global school trips, competitions, and festivals, meanwhile, broaden horizons and build confidence. And eye-opening leadership and community service activities instil a sense of purpose and strong values.

It is often these experiences, beyond academics, that shape who our students are, their interests, and ambitions. These opportunities also help to define what our young people want to do in the future.


What is learning ‘beyond academics’?

Learning beyond academics is an integral part of the NAIS Rotterdam school experience.

It is, essentially, taking part in extra-curricular activities, trying new things, doing what you love, and working with others and the community. The opportunities we offer develop an array of practical, social, and emotional skills, all of which are essential in later life.

The types of activities we offer typically take place outside of scheduled lesson times – at lunch, after school, and off campus. They include sports, arts, music, languages, and social purpose projects. They also include local and international school trips, competitions, and festivals.

 

The benefits of learning beyond academics

Getting involved in life beyond academics brings so many benefits.

The international school experiences we offer are a great way for learners to explore new areas, discover talents, and pick up skills they may not be able to in an academic environment. They nurture our students’ personal and social development, and encourage community participation and social responsibility.

Exploring interests

We run lots of different after-school activities, from athletics and team sports to our orchestra and choir, a sewing club, and Model United Nations. There really is something for everyone!

The process of trying new things and discovering passions is enriching and fun, and inspires our learners to be open-minded. Finding an activity they love can even determine the academic subjects they choose at International Baccalaureate Diploma level. It can also put them on a pathway to specialist university courses or careers.

Developing new skills

Taking part in activities beyond academics develops a host of skills.

Playing sports, for example, fosters discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Artistic activities, like our brilliant brushes club, stimulate creativity and physical expression. Joining our Model United Nations group, meanwhile, boosts research skills, critical thinking, and communication.

Social responsibility and global citizenship

From a young age, we encourage students to get involved in social impact activities that develop their global citizenship.

Our Student Council, for example, supports local and international charities, including WWF, Pink Ribbon, and Nederland Voedselbank, while our kindness club collects and delivers books, food, and clothes to local families. Joining our Model United Nations group, meanwhile, deepens our learners’ understanding of global events and challenges.

Encouraging leadership

Many of our extra-curricular activities give students the chance to take the lead.

This helps them to develop important leadership skills, learn to make decisions, and work as part of a team. Whether it’s captaining a sports team, taking the lead on a school trip, or joining our Student Council, these activities offer transformative opportunities to guide and inspire others.

Promoting wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing is fundamental to our students’ academic and personal development.

Taking part in activities beyond academic studies can reduce anxiety and stress, and help students manage the pressures of revision, coursework, and exams. This is particularly true of activities like our yoga club, which give our children the opportunity to recharge their batteries, relax, and be present.

Boosting confidence and self-esteem

Another benefit of learning beyond academics is the positive impact joining a club or group can have on self-esteem and confidence. This is certainly the case when it comes to the global competitions and festivals our students take part in through Nord Anglia.

By facing new challenges and overcoming obstacles, our students experience a sense of achievement and pride. This has a positive effect across their lives, from academic performance to personal relationships.

 

Strengthening relationships

Getting involved in different areas of school life is a fantastic way to widen friendship groups and connect with peers of different ages.

Signing up for one of our sports teams – or joining our Lego building club – for example, is a great way to build social skills, such as communication and collaboration. Creative activities, such as our theatre and street dance clubs, meanwhile, bring like-minded students together and enable self-expression.

A world of discovery and growth beyond academics

Learning outside of the classroom is a fundamental part of the international school experience at NAIS Rotterdam, complementing and enriching the academic education we offer.

As well as enabling our students to do what they love and try new things, learning beyond academics often inspires lifelong passions. In fact, the skills and talents honed at clubs, competitions, festivals, and on school trips regularly influence the subject choices, university destinations, and career choices our students go on to make.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does learning ‘beyond academics’ mean?

Learning beyond academics involves taking part in enriching activities outside of lessons. These experiences develop a host of skills, spanning the personal, social, emotional, and practical.

Participating in extra-curricular clubs, sports, arts, community service projects, school trips, competitions, and festivals helps our students grow into well-rounded individuals who can navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and contribute meaningfully to society. It also enables them to grow talents and discover passions.

What international school experiences and activities do you offer?

Beyond our academic curricula, we offer a range of outstanding learning opportunities that inspire our students to follow their dreams, showcase their talents, and do what they love.

These include:
- A wide range of extra-curricular clubs and after-school activities.
- Unique experiences through collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF.
- Transformative social responsibility and community service activities.
- Local and international school trips.
- Exciting global competitions and festivals through Nord Anglia Education.

What are the benefits of taking part in activities beyond the academic curriculum?

There are so many benefits to proactively getting involved and learning beyond academics. We’ve listed some these here.
1. Confidence and self-esteem: Trying new things and achieving goals outside the classroom helps students develop a strong sense of self-worth.
2. Social skills: Clubs, teams, and group activities promote communication, teamwork, and the ability to form lasting friendships.
3. Leadership and responsibility: Taking on roles such as a team captain, Student Council member, or event organiser develops leadership, time management, and accountability.
4. Passion and creativity: Whether it’s music, theatre, Lego, or volleyball, enrichment activities allow students to explore their interests and talents.
5.  Academic performance: Learning beyond the curriculum can enhance focus, discipline, and motivation, which often translates to better performance in the classroom.
6. University readiness: Universities and employers look for well-rounded individuals. Taking part in activities can strengthen applications and demonstrate initiative and character.
7. Wellbeing: Creative and physical outlets help to reduce stress, build resilience, and contribute to a stimulating, enjoyable school experience.


To find out more about life beyond academics at NAIS Rotterdam, head to our ‘Beyond the Classroom’ webpage.