In the first wave of the national post-school destination survey, we asked Year 10 students whether they have regularly participated (i.e., at least once a week, for three months or more) in several extracurricular activities (ECAs) in the year. 3 in 4 young people reported that they engaged in at least one category of ECA in the past 12 month. Youth were most commonly participating in team sports, followed by individual sports, arts, music or performance lessons, with about 1 in 5 representing their town, city or state.
75% of the 15-16 year olds surveyed reported that they engaged in at least one category of ECA in the past 12 month.
Fewer than 10% of youth regularly participated in community groups, religious services or classes or debating or chess clubs.
Of those who were a part of an individual or team sport, took art, music or performance lessons, or engaged in cultural activities, about 40% were doing the activity outside of school.
Of those who were a part of an individual or team sport, took art, music or performance lessons, or engaged in cultural activities, around 1 in 5 were representing their town, city or state.
GENERATION asked Year 10 students about the extracurricular activities, which they participated in after school. 75% of the 15-16 year olds surveyed reported that they engaged in at least one category of ECA in the past 12 month. Youth were most commonly participating in team sports, followed by individual sports; arts, music or performance lessons. Fewer than 10% of youth regularly participated in community groups, religious services or classes or debating or chess clubs.
Of those who were a part of an individual or team sport, took art, music or performance lessons, or engaged in cultural activities, about 60% were doing the activity at school, 70% at a club and 22% are representing their town, city or state.
Between 46 to 52% of those who did team sports, individual sports, arts, music or performance lessons or cultural activities were doing these activities at a club. 17 to 28% were also representing their town, city or state with the highest percentage of those who participated in individual sports, followed by team sports, cultural activities and then arts, music or performance.
GENERATION data on ECAs highlighted how the great majority of young people were actively engaged in a range of activities particularly outside of school in their communities. Despite the possibility of the decline in community activities in the wake of the pandemic, these results remind us of the important role youth play in community life. It is also important to note that many of these young people are representing their communities and most likely, at an elite level of performance in the arts or sport. Following the shadow of the pandemic, these findings highlight the positive role young people play in Australian community life.