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Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:37 am
by MrsKiasu
After reading some posts on CCAs, I too have some concerns on some CCAs that require more time commitment.

Some of our dc may be reaching another stage of growing up at start of Sec1. Some would have their own preferences though open to suggestions..mine same and would like to try something she never tried before. As parent, I do convey my concerns on those that need more days of staying back, worry of tiredness etc and therefore 'guided' her in what to ask during selection stage.. and in our case, I find sometimes difficult for kids to be so 'frank' in asking abt commitments coz to them choosing CCA should be about their interest and they only wish to get selected for the first choice..and dd got emotional that night told me isn't that conflicting .. and she thought that she could get 'blacklisted' in the selection process.. so far looks alright, gotten what she wants, 'official' cca day looks good, let's hope going forward, all will be good.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:42 am
by tessdeomma
I believe schools would be more than willing to share info about CCA timings and details if you approach the teachers or the GO. Personally I would support my DD in whatever CCA choice she makes, as long as it's her interest. My job then would be to teach her how to manage her time properly so she still gets enough rest and can focus on her studies. We can't help our kids manage their lives forever, so better to teach them these skills while they are young!

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:45 am
by kssthan
From my time in school, my CCA was where most of my memories are formed. It's true that some CCAs require more time and commitment, but they are the best ways to build character and friendships. Of course, the child must be interested in the CCA, otherwise it's all moot! Every CCA will give enough opportunities for the students to get enough CCA points. So I think the bottom-line is whether your child is interested in the CCA.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:49 am
by Zappy
MrsKiasu wrote:
Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:37 am
After reading some posts on CCAs, I too have some concerns on some CCAs that require more time commitment.

Some of our dc may be reaching another stage of growing up at start of Sec1. Some would have their own preferences though open to suggestions..mine same and would like to try something she never tried before. As parent, I do convey my concerns on those that need more days of staying back, worry of tiredness etc and therefore 'guided' her in what to ask during selection stage.. and in our case, I find sometimes difficult for kids to be so 'frank' in asking abt commitments coz to them choosing CCA should be about their interest and they only wish to get selected for the first choice..and dd got emotional that night told me isn't that conflicting .. and she thought that she could get 'blacklisted' in the selection process.. so far looks alright, gotten what she wants, 'official' cca day looks good, let's hope going forward, all will be good.
The intent of the CCA-day is precisely to answer any questions they might have.
Besides, asking "how many days a week do you train/ meet/ gather?" isn't offensive at all.
Nobody's asking them to go and tell the teacher "I don't want to waste time but I want to join your CCA".
So there's no reason to get blacklisted. I guess sometimes they overthink it and are worried about how they are viewed.

And since they're going to be spending at least 2x a week on this for 4 years, yes, I think their interests should be at least considered together with their parents' academic concerns. Otherwise, it may be a very moody 4 years.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:54 am
by MerlionInGermany
MrsKiasu wrote:
Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:37 am
After reading some posts on CCAs, I too have some concerns on some CCAs that require more time commitment.

Some of our dc may be reaching another stage of growing up at start of Sec1. Some would have their own preferences though open to suggestions..mine same and would like to try something she never tried before. As parent, I do convey my concerns on those that need more days of staying back, worry of tiredness etc and therefore 'guided' her in what to ask during selection stage.. and in our case, I find sometimes difficult for kids to be so 'frank' in asking abt commitments coz to them choosing CCA should be about their interest and they only wish to get selected for the first choice..and dd got emotional that night told me isn't that conflicting .. and she thought that she could get 'blacklisted' in the selection process.. so far looks alright, gotten what she wants, 'official' cca day looks good, let's hope going forward, all will be good.
Questions on cca commitment and what they do when they meet, etc, should be asked at the CCA fair, whatever they call it in school, not at the interview stage. Cos the kid should have a rough gauge of what it is like, before deciding which ones he/she would like to join, before sitting down for the interview/selection.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:56 am
by Imp75
Think parents and kids choosing cca should know that for some cca, on top of regular cca hours,there are unofficial cca gatherings for morning runs, voice training, afternoon preps and whatever it takes to prep for the next sports meet or performing arts events and most often, nobody can skip these voluntary sessions. If commitment is really a concern,then parents should advise kids to stay on those clubs cca whereby the level of commitments are lower.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:56 am
by floppy
In terms of commitment and time spent, it’s usually in this order:

Sports / performing arts > uniform groups > clubs and societies

If you really don’t want to spend too much time on CCA, pick the clubs and societies. If you must choose sports but don’t want to spend too much time, pick the one that the school is weakest at, and will get knock out at the zonals / first qualifying rounds every year. Similarly, for performing arts, pick one that doesn’t participate in SYF. For uniform groups, well it’s tough but there will always be some super on ones and some way off. You know which ones to avoid if you don’t want to waste time. You will get thru secondary school with the required CCA points etc without expending too much time and energy... but seriously, where’s the fun in that?

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:03 am
by MerlionInGermany
Therefore the cca fair is the right time to ask all your questions. Even unofficial morning runs etc, will be shared if you just ask how many times a week. Or gardening duties, photography duties during events, etc. Whether you need to pay for the sports coach, or drama coach, etc. They wont withhold these info cos it is also in their interest to find the right fit. It is both ways.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:08 am
by Imp75
Actually hor,if my kids results are ok and not at borderline, I am quite happy to have them invest time in cca or things that they love doing. And when your kids results are not ok, the sch will.inform you and that's when the cca commitments will be brought up for discussion. So for now no news is good news.

Re: Secondary School CCA

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:09 am
by MrsKiasu
coz I kiasi..get dd to reconfirm after closing date when they doing the final stage selection..when the seniors asked them if anyone has anymore qn.