Choosing the right CCA for successful pathways
- Written by Xuan Yun
- Updated on September 4, 2023
CCA stands for Co-Curricular Activities, and they are a platform for students to discover their interests and talents.
CCA meaning and when to apply
CCA stands for Co-Curricular Activities, and they are a platform for students to discover their interests and talents. They complement a student’s academic growth by providing opportunities for students to develop socially and gain experiences beyond the classroom. In secondary school, students are further incentivised by points to take up leadership roles in their CCA. Leaders are required to plan and organise events, fostering a sense of community and culture.
Most primary schools offer the opportunity to join a CCA from Primary 3 onwards. Most schools introduce students and parents to the school’s available CCAs through a fair where there would be booths for students and parents to learn more about the CCA from existing members. They also organise showcases and performances so that potentially interested P3s can have a hands-on experience of what to expect before committing to a CCA.
Right CCA brings right benefits
Joining the right CCA will enable students to discover their passion for an activity they had never thought to explore before – be it exposure to a club, a sport, performing arts or a uniformed group. With the right CCA, students will be more inclined to keep to a rigorous training schedule, allowing them to develop discipline and time management skills as they juggle between their academics and their CCA.
The right CCA also allows students to learn the value of commitment. In a positive feedback loop, enjoying the time spent at their CCA will encourage them to spend more time polishing their craft, which improves their performance and encourages them to spend more time refining their art. Their commitment to their CCA also allows the students to develop social skills. CCA allows students to interact with schoolmates from different levels and classes that they may otherwise not have the opportunity to interact with. Spending time with a different group of friends will allow students to learn from their peers and develop social skills in different environments.
Finally, it offers a future opportunity to get into competitive schools through DSA (Direct School Admission) and, in secondary school, an improved chance of gaining CCA points for Tertiary admission.
Also read : DSA Sec via football for your soccer lover kid
Choosing CCA – factors to consider
When it comes to choosing the CCA, there are a few factors to consider. Most importantly, is your child interested in it? Have a conversation with your child and understand what they are interested in. Does their personality allow them to develop well in the environment of the CCA? For example, some CCAs, like Debate, would require a child to be more outgoing and willing to speak in public. Therefore, talk to your child, understand their interests and consider his/her personality before committing to a CCA.
Next, consider how much time your child has to commit. Beyond the number of days or the hours held in school each week, is your child required or recommended to complete additional practice or do additional research in their own free time? This would mostly apply to Performing Arts groups and some Clubs and Societies. Practice sessions sometimes increase in preparation for events, performances or competitions. This affects most CCAs, so be aware of the busy periods and be prepared to adapt to a more rigorous training schedule during those times.
After all, complementing your child’s academic journey is what CCA stands for, so knowing the amount of time commitment required would allow you and your child to adapt skillfully to it.
Last but not least, consider the possibility of using CCA to apply for DSA Sec. Additionally, taking up leadership opportunities will contribute towards gaining CCA points for Tertiary admission and from there, elevating your CCA can also improve one’s university application. Done right, it can have long-term benefits for your child.
CCA categories offered in schools
Four main categories of CCA are offered in schools: Visual and Performing Arts, Clubs and Societies, Physical Sports and Uniform Groups.
Some examples of Visual and Performing Arts are Dance (Contemporary, Cultural, etc.), Choir, Bands and Ensembles. Some Clubs and Societies offered include Infocomm and IT clubs, Art Club and Language clubs. Physical Sports include Basketball, Netball, Sepak Takraw, Badminton, Football, etc. Uniform Groups include Scouts and Brownies.
Do check with your child’s primary school to learn what CCAs are available for them, as the availability differs greatly from school to school.
You can also check the MOE website for more information on CCA.
In conclusion, Finding the right CCA for your child can provide a positive learning environment for him/her. It allows for holistic growth. In the long run, it can also benefit his/her choice into secondary and Tertiary education and University admissions. Have a conversation with your child to discover their interests and find out how your child’s primary school could meet that requirement with CCAs offered in their school.
Explore Klassbook for more Classes
To explore more classes, go through our list of subjects here. Why not start with a trial class to gauge your child’s interest?
Xuan Yun is an educator who hopes to inspire a passion for the arts in the next generation. True to form, she enjoys reading books in her free time. Her favourite word is 'consensuses' because it looks silly but is a real word.
