What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?

Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.

- Eveline Gan

With so much homework, revision and tuition to tackle during the school term, you may consider co-curricular activities (CCAs) a superfluous frill. But some parents share that these non-academic activities have offered their kids a priceless education – in life – that cannot be found in a typical classroom lesson.

When Misha Misra picked up rope-skipping in Primary 2, her mum felt that her co-curricular activity (CCA) choice was a tad boring.

But four years on, Er May Hua’s views on the sport have changed drastically.

“I was amazed to see my daughter execute so many different skipping patterns using a jump rope. It also taught her resilience and not to give up easily – values which she applied to her academic studies,” the 47-year-old stay-at-home mum shares.

Being actively involved in her CCA has helped 11-year-old West Grove Primary student Eunice Teo build character, leadership skills and discover her talent and passion for dance.

At the same time, it has provided an outlet for Eunice to relieve stress, shares her mother, Jenny Wong, 43.

“Eunice particularly enjoys showcasing her talent in dance. She used to be afraid to perform, but is now a confident person on stage after going through all the competitions and performances,” says Jenny, a senior research and development chemist.

To promote a balanced and holistic development, the Ministry of Education (MOE) strongly encourages all students to take up a CCA in primary school.

Through their CCAs, students can discover their strengths and talents while developing values and competencies that will prepare them for a rapidly changing world, says Christina Lim, deputy director of CCA, Student Development Curriculum Division at MOE.