Co-curricular activity (Singapore)

CCA's choices vary widely from school to school, although schools at each education level are required to conform to national standards prescribed for that level. Basically education is imparted at three different levels of age. In kindergarten a small learns to being social, etiquette and first time enters the world without parents. At primary level learning ability goes at an upper edge child needs to learn higher degree of emotions, teacher student relations, sharing,caring and most important build trust on self to be a good boy or girl concept. Co-curricular activities includes all those activities which needs mind, heart and hand coordination. Playing in groups indoor or outdoor games, solving puzzles, collages, drawing, dancing, singing, mimicry, knitting, cooking and level goes on ascend as the child grows. In primary schools focus should be on the synchronization and coordination of basic skills of a child. A child needs to stand state before learning football. In primary schools, Brownies are likened to junior Girl Guides.

In secondary schools, CCAs are treated more seriously. Students are required to pick at least one Core CCA to join at Secondary One. Belonging to a Core CCA is compulsory, and the students may choose a second CCA if they wish. At the end of the fourth/fifth year, 1 to 2 'O' Level points are removed from the examination aggregate (a lower aggregate indicates better marks). Although the marks are few, it is believed by many that they may make a difference when the students are considered for the most popular post-secondary educational institutions. For example, one minimum prerequisite for admission to the Raffles Institution at Year Five, via the 'O' Levels, is an already perfect score with the maximum of 4 points removed.

CCAs are held outside of curriculum hours and the activities partaken depend on the nature of the particular CCA. For example, uniformed groups do foot drills and team-building exercises.

Many alumni return to their alma mater after graduation to help impart what they have learned to their juniors. Some do so within a formal framework, such within the uniformed groups (where ex-cadets are appointed as cadet officers) or as part of the Voluntary Adult Leader scheme (for those above age 20). Others do so on a casual basis.

Many CCA-related competitions are held in Singapore, creating a competitive environment which provide CCA groups an objective to work towards.

The Ministry of Education organises competitions for competitive sports at the zonal and national level, respectively the yearly Zonal and National Schools Competitions. MOE also organises the biennial Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) for the Aesthetics CCAs.

• MOE CCAB Homepage