Co-curricular Activities Conducted at St. Philip’s High School and College
Co-curricular activities are programs that take place outside the traditional classroom but, in
some manner, complement academic learning from the classroom curriculum. Cultural events,
debates, math, science, and sports are examples of these activities. These activities are ungraded
and do not allow for academic credit to be earned; however, they provide many advantages to
students academically and in skill development.
Co-curricular activities are important because they can enhance a student’s academic
development. They also help students build several important life skills in areas such as
leadership, organization, confidence, and socialization. These activities have now become part
and parcel of a student’s academic life, helping them improve skills and perform duties and
responsibilities efficiently. For these very reasons, St. Philip’s High School and College places
great emphasis on co-curricular activities alongside the academic curriculum. In this institution,
the following co-curricular activities have been conducted for years:
1. Scout/Girls Guide/Rover Scout Activities:
St. Philip’s High School and College is a traditional and prestigious old school. Many wise and
talented people who have studied in this esteemed institution are now serving in various levels of
society, both in the country and abroad. Apart from academics, the school excels in various other
areas as well, with Scouting/Girls Guide and other activities bringing the school recognition. The
renowned institution has a well-equipped and well-organized Scout/Girls Guide team. There are
two skilled and experienced scout teachers who manage the team. With their efficient and
dedicated management, the Scout/Girls Guide team has been recognized as an exemplary and
thoroughly disciplined team. Every year in January and February, new students are admitted to
the Scout/Girls Guide groups. After three months, they are given the membership badge and
scarf through an ‘initiation’ ceremony. Annual school camping begins in the month of March.
During this time, scouters stay in tents for three days and nights, with every effort made to shape
them into honest, ideal, and good citizens through various training programs. All scouts attend
troop meetings and participate in various activities.
Fortunately, this Scout/Girls Guide team has always brought honor to the school by attending or
participating in `Jamboori’ gatherings, ranging from local police stations to district, regional, and
national levels. This team has made significant contributions to social development. They
consistently extend a helping hand to the poor and helpless people affected by floods and are
always ready to serve humanity. Every year, this scout group participates in state functions like
Independence Day, Victory Day, and Martyrs' Day parades organized by the Upazila
administration and observes these occasions with due respect. Above all, the Scout/Girls Guide
team of the school plays a special role in maintaining school cleanliness and promoting
education. Through all these activities, the participants become ideal scouts and responsible
members of society and the nation.
2. Science Fair and Science Laboratory:
Science and technology week is celebrated every year at St. Philip’s High School and College
with the aim of building a science-conscious society and nation. During this event, students
create innovative science projects and demonstrate their scientific knowledge through various
practical ideas. Additionally, with the help of indigenous sources, low-cost science and
technology help in alternative technology importation, supporting scientific and technological
innovation. The school has a modern science laboratory for the practical application of science.
3. Computer Lab:
In today’s world, computers are powerful tools for creating and achieving goals. The multi-
purpose use of computers is increasing day by day, and almost all activities in the working world
are dependent on them. Therefore, it is necessary for students to have practical knowledge of
computers. That’s why there is a computer lab in the institution. In the lab, students attend
computer classes every day on a rotational basis. They gain knowledge on various topics related
to computer usage from computer teachers.
4. Cultural Activities and Drama:
There are two types of education in this institution: textbook education and non-textbook
education, i.e., ‘co-curricular activities.’ Co-curricular activities are not contrary to education but
support the practice of academics. Participating in these activities helps develop a student’s latent
talents, making them an integral part of education. Cultural activities and drama are among the
co-curricular activities. Various cultural activities are practiced in the school. Different types of
performances, such as singing, solo dance, group dance, solo acting, poetry recitation, quizzes
(general knowledge), extemporaneous speech, debate, painting, handwriting competitions, essay
writing, chess competitions, and math Olympiads, are held throughout the year.
5. St. Philip’s High School and College Library:
St. Philip’s High School and College is a well-known and reputable institution. The library of
this institution plays a significant role in its success. The library serves as a hub for acquiring
knowledge, housing about four thousand books on history, geography, civics, economics, novels,
science fiction, short stories, general knowledge, and science. Few schools can boast such a rich
library collection. Therefore, it is a matter of pride for the 4,000 students of this school.
Library Activities: Any student from grade 3 to 12 can read library books. Books can be
borrowed in two ways. Interested students can collect a library card in January, valid for one
year. With the card, students can borrow one or two books a week. Students can also read books
in the library before school or during break time without needing a card.
Management: The library is managed by a teacher (librarian) and some student assistants. These
students are responsible for distributing books, maintaining the collection, and fulfilling the
duties of assistant librarians. They receive extra benefits for their work, such as becoming
familiar with all the books and gaining the opportunity to expand their knowledge.
6. World Literature Center:
In 2003, St. Philip’s High School and College became a member of the World Literature Center.
Students can borrow books from the World Literature Center using a card. However, the unique
aspect of this program is that students must write a summary of each book they read in a
designated notebook. The teacher evaluates their summaries and signs them. This helps students
improve their skills, and at the end of the year, they can participate in exams conducted by the
World Literature Center and receive awards.
7. Debate:
Debating is essential for developing self-expression and talent among children and adolescent
students. Through debating, students get the opportunity to develop their inner potential. As a
result, they become more confident and articulate. Debate competitions help break the students'
shyness and expose them to public speaking. Many unknown facts can be learned, and a strong
attitude and morale for establishing truth through logical arguments are developed. In fact, all the
students become more inquisitive.
8. Annual Magazine and Dewalika (Wall Magazine):
In addition to formal education, every year an opportunity is created to publish various
categories of Dewalika in the school premises. An annual magazine, i.e., "Philip’s
Barshadarpan," is also published each year. Through these activities, our students get ample
opportunities to develop their latent talents.
9. Games and Sports:
Games and sports play a very important role in a student’s life. Their areas of great importance
are as follows:
Sports are key to building the physical bodies of the students.
Different types of sports are held in the school every year. Students, as per their
eligibility, participate in various games.
The mentality of students is improved through sports. Winning is not the main focus;
participating is important because it keeps both the body and mind fresh.
If recognition in sports is achieved, there may be opportunities for the school to
participate in games outside the country.
Sports teach students about friendship and are a special part of discipline.
Joy and sorrow can be managed by learning to control emotions and understanding the
value of good health.
Just as there are opportunities for various sports at this institution, students have brought fame at
different times by participating in various sports at the national level. Football, basketball,
handball, and cricket are well-organized, and trainers are available. The reputation of this
institution is well-known in the upazila, district, and even at the national level. In 2019, the
institution achieved the unique glory of being "runner-up" in a national-level basketball
tournament.
10. Drawing:
St. Philip’s High School and College is a traditional institution in this district and Bangladesh.
Although all educational institutions are considered factories for making people, this one stands
out. Apart from academics, various co-curricular activities are given special attention. Different
subjects are practiced from the beginning of the year, and painting is one of them. Not all
students are equally skilled in painting; hence, art teachers are assigned the responsibility to
teach it. Painting competitions are held annually, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are
awarded. We believe that through such practice, several future painters will emerge from this
school.
11. Class Festival:
A class festival is held every year, and every student is required to participate.
According to the school rules, each student must contribute (by saving their own tiffin
money) for the class festival.
The class festival teaches students about brotherhood, frugality, cooperation, and
teamwork.
It is also considered a part of discipline.
12. English Language Club:
Our school has an English Language Club where English language skills can be acquired. The
club members meet at least once a week, where they get a chance to speak in English. They
participate in various activities, such as speeches, public speaking, poetry recitation, and debates,
with great care.
13. Educational Tour:
St. Philip’s High School and College has exceptional educational tour management.
Educational tours are essential for students. The head of the institution and concerned
teachers arrange the tours.
The expenses for the educational tour are borne by the students.
Educational tours expand the scope of students' knowledge.
Tours alleviate students' boredom and encourage them to get involved in education.
Respect and affection between students and teachers are strengthened during the tour.
Students gain a lot of knowledge through questions related to unfamiliar objects, plants,
and animals.
14. Environment Club:
Objectives:
To raise environmental awareness among people through active physical and spiritual
involvement.
To enhance physical and human skills related to nature.
To preserve and ensure the safety of wild animals.
To reduce negative human activities on nature and the environment.
To spread services in our society in this regard.
Aim:
To enhance the skills, knowledge, and experiences of those who will bring about local
changes today and lead the way in balancing the environment in the future.
15. World Environment Day Celebration:
Our understanding of the environment includes everything around us. In English, the
environment is called "ecology," derived from two Greek words: "eco," meaning "home," and
"logy," meaning "study or knowledge." Thus, "ecology" refers to "knowledge about living beings
and their habitat," also known as "environmental science." The triumph of science has also led to
environmental threats. The waste from factories, black smoke, and carbon dioxide emitted by
vehicles are polluting the environment, endangering the existence of all living beings. In 1972,
the United Nations arranged an international conference in Stockholm to create widespread
environmental awareness. Following that program, since 1973, June 5 has been observed as
"World Environment Day" to focus on environmental protection. This day is celebrated every
year at our school with due solemnity.
16. Place Visits (Visiting Places):
Areas to be visited: Residential areas, hospitals, historical places, specific occupational areas
(Kumarpara, Mahalipara, neighborhoods), van and rickshaw/auto stands, etc.
Inspection reports are to be done in groups of 4 students, and each group must submit a
report to the concerned teachers.
Reports will be submitted in the first and second semesters with 10 marks (Bangladesh
and global study affairs).
Students from grades 4 to 12 visit various places under the teachers' guidance and
supervision.
Purpose of the Visit:
To increase awareness of one's society and determine the direction for self-awareness in
building future life.
To gain a direct understanding of the life of the poor, needy, and neglected people in
society and identify the causes for personal duty awareness.
17. Picnic:
As the number of students is large, class-based parties/feasts are arranged once a year.
18. Participation in Welfare and Humanitarian Work:
Students are required to participate in social welfare and humanitarian activities at different
times as advised by specific teachers.
Purpose:
To make students aware of social duties, such as cleanliness and environmental
conservation.
To encourage sharing money, time, and talent with the needy, distressed, starving, and
neglected people through small sacrifices. The funds collected from students for needy
people aim to develop a compassionate attitude toward others.
To teach about 300 poor children up to grade 5 in the afternoons without any payment. It
is the responsibility of everyone associated with the institution to assist with financial
support.
Around 700 other poor students in school and college receive discounts on monthly
tuition fees, enabling them to continue their education.
More Examples:
Standing by beneficiaries.
Distribution of food for religious festivals.
Immediate response to the requests of sick people.
19. World Teachers’ Day Celebration:
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5 at this institution, like in other countries and
institutions worldwide. On this day, students show respect and gratitude to teachers in various
ways, while teachers become more aware of their responsibilities and express their care for
students. This fosters continuous growth in the relationship between students and teachers.
20. Engagement in the Service of Humanity:
Students should be accustomed to being aware of society and responding to calls for humanity,
fulfilling their responsibilities at present. An attitude of responding to any natural or human
disaster and participating accordingly should be developed. Therefore, the school provides
opportunities for students to participate in various humanitarian activities throughout the year.
Currently, there is a school called "Mother Teresa Charity School" in the afternoon for children
of the poor, working-class, and below-poverty-line population, where about 300 students from
kindergarten to grade 5 are studying. Through the overall support of this institution, social
responsibility among students is nurtured, preparing them to become good citizens of the country
and the world.
21. Honesty Club (Sotota Club):
This club was established on July 3, 2022, with the goal of fostering honesty and dedication to
building a corruption-free society. The Honesty Club in this educational institution promotes the
practice of honesty and ethics among students, encouraging an awareness of one's values and
conscience. Its aim is to build a generation of honest and ethical individuals who will spread
these values. The club is managed by responsible teachers.
Therefore, it can be said overall that the co-curricular activities mentioned above are performed
in the school with great importance.