At Unity College – a special needs school in Gauteng – education extends outside of regular classes. We offer an array of fun and inclusive extracurricular activities that promote talent, teamwork, and personal growth. Special needs children deserve avenues for their creativity, physical strength, and social development to blossom, and our team of educators and therapists take steps to ensure every child can explore their skills and passions. These extracurricular opportunities are designed with the same principles as our academic approach: inclusivity, support, and the nurturing of every child’s ability to exceed their own expectations.
Sporting Extracurricular Activities Build Teamwork and Confidence
Sports at Unity College don’t revolve around winning games or refining athletic techniques – they empower pupils to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. Our sports offerings are varied, ensuring every child can find an activity that suits their interests, abilities, and needs.
During the warmer months, we focus on swimming as our primary sport, where children develop water safety and swimming skills with guidance from an experienced external coach. The focus is on learning, not competition, so every pupil, regardless of ability, can enjoy the water confidently. We also host an annual swimming gala, celebrating participation over victory – a hallmark of our inclusivity ethos.
During winter, children can enjoy sports like soccer, volleyball, and table tennis. Our pupils are encouraged to try a range of extracurricular activities, providing them with opportunities to discover their strengths, have fun, and interact with their peers. Events such as annual Family Fun Days are moments when both pupils and parents come together, with family members joining in matches. We are also proudly associated with Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA), often participating in and hosting tournaments.
Cultural Programmes: Encouraging Self-Expression and Creativity
The cultural extracurricular activities at Unity College are designed with a therapeutic and creative approach. The performing and visual arts, including music, dance, drama, and poetry, allow children to express themselves beyond words.
Each year, we participate in the Perservaria Eisteddfod, an event designed specifically for children with special needs. This is a space where diversity is celebrated, and pupils can explore their creativity in a stress-free setting, with video submissions ensuring they aren’t overwhelmed by live audiences.
One of Unity College’s most-loved extracurricular events is our annual concert. This showcase helps the children feel recognised, allowing them to perform in song, dance, or theatre. The experience builds self-esteem and provides a profound sense of accomplishment for the child and their families alike.
School Outings: Bringing Learning into the World
Understanding that children with special needs often benefit greatly from experiential learning, Unity College also prioritises outings as part of our extracurricular programme. Field trips are an opportunity for the children to be more hands-on, bringing classroom concepts into real-world settings, from museum visits to nature walks. More importantly, these outings help give social skills a boost and allow children to go on exciting adventures, broadening their understanding of the world outside the school gates.
If you’re looking for a special needs school with enriching extracurricular activities, Unity College offers programmes that go beyond the norm, helping children discover their full potential in a safe, supportive environment.