Unleashing Creativity and Curiosity Through ASAs
By Ritu Mishra
MYP Teacher and Activities coordinator
As the After-School Activities (ASA) Coordinator at Stonehill International School, it brings me immense pride to reflect on the success of our ASA programme for the academic year 2024–25. What began as a carefully curated set of offerings evolved into a vibrant, student-centered platform where creativity, curiosity, and confidence truly flourished.
At Stonehill, we believe that learning isn’t confined to the classroom. Our ASA programme is a direct extension of our commitment to holistic education. Across both semesters, we designed and implemented activities that sparked new interests, developed existing talents, and gave students space to express themselves beyond academics.
A Canvas for Creative Expression
One of the most rewarding aspects of this programme was seeing students step into roles that allowed them to explore and showcase their creativity. From musical talents nurtured in Taaqademy Music, Rock-pop Band, and Orchestra, to performance arts such as Theatre, Set Design, and Storyboarding & Animation, students were empowered to embrace their inner artists and performers.
Visual art lovers found their voice in activities like Painting & Sculpture, Collaborative Art Project, Three-Dimensional Art Club, and Art of Journaling. We also incorporated hands-on, sustainable creativity through Cooking, Seed to Table, and DIA Craft Projects—all of which were enthusiastically received. And for budding writers and communicators, Tiger Trail Magazine served as an engaging editorial outlet.
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Promoting Physical and Emotional Wellness
Physical wellbeing continued to be a major pillar of our ASA approach. The variety in our sports and wellness activities was truly expensive—ranging from Wall Climbing, Pilates, Yoga, and Hip-hop Dance to more competitive games like Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Football, Cricket and Ultimate Frisbee.
A special highlight was the continued success of Horse Riding at Embassy Riding School, which gave students a rare opportunity to connect with animals and build unique skills outside the standard school setting.
Embracing Innovation and Leadership
Our future-focused ASAs were equally energising. Activities like Aeromodelling, Rocketry, Drone Technology, STEM, Coding and Robotics captured student imagination and allowed them to explore problem-solving in innovative ways. The Sci-Fi & Space Exploration Club was a standout addition, perfect for students whose minds drift toward galaxies far beyond our own.
Equally important was fostering leadership and academic excellence. Through Model United Nations (MUN), World Scholar’s Cup, Student Council (STUCO) and the Secondary Yearbook, students learned to lead, collaborate, and think critically—preparing them for the wider world.
Meeting Individual Needs
We recognise that every learner's journey is unique. That’s why academic support was an integral part of the ASA programme. Select students received personalised tutoring in specific subjects, helping them build confidence and bridge learning gaps in a supportive environment.
Semester-Wise Growth and Participation
The growth in student interest and engagement from Semester I to Semester II was tangible. In Semester I, we offered 22 ASAs on Tuesdays and 29 on Thursdays. Encouraged by participation and feedback, we expanded the choices in Semester II to 35 ASAs on Tuesdays and 30 on Thursdays. The programme was made possible by the dedication of our Stonehill teaching staff and the expertise of external facilitators.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
As I reflect on the year, I am filled with gratitude — for our students, whose enthusiasm brought life to each activity for our teachers and facilitators, whose passion and planning made everything possible and for the Secondary Leadership Team, whose constant support made our shared vision a reality.
This year’s ASA programme was not just a schedule of extracurriculars, it was a journey of self-discovery, expression, and growth. Watching our students explore, take risks, create, and lead was a true reminder of why these programmes matter.
At Stonehill, after-school doesn’t mark the end of learning — it signals the start of something magical: passion awakened, talents explored, and lifelong memories made.
Here’s to another exciting year ahead of creativity, curiosity, and connection!