St. Margaret's Secondary

[relax mum]

DD confirmed tests are on. thanks kittycat01


I like regular tests to keep the girls on their toes and assess ttheir progress.

[kittycat01]

relax mum:

DD confirmed tests are on. thanks kittycat01


I like regular tests to keep the girls on their toes and assess ttheir progress.

u r welcome...

yes....I find the teachers are also quite committed in their teaching. I agree - regular tests are good for the girls.

[kittycat01]

Anyone knows how did SMSS do for GCE O levels 2013? Today is the result…

[kittycat01]

received letter last week from principal - students did well. percentage of distinctions higher than national standard for all subjects.

[kittycat01]

How are your children in sec 1 choosing their CCA? Or rather CCA choose them. coz if you choose that cca, may not get depending on vacancy.


dd went for cca trials last week. She is actually placed 5th position for chinese dance out of 17 girls. This is misleading as there are lots of DSA people thru Chinese dance so today found out that she is not shortlisted.she is shortlisted for rhythmic gymnastics (RG) instead. But RG training very strenuous - like 3 x a week, will extend to 4 x during competition.

Now she’s in dilemma - wanted to put Chinese dance 1st choice (though not shortlisted - chances not good). 2nd choice RG, then third choice (has to be uniformed group). But she’s afraid she’ll lose her chance of going to RG 2nd choice then she’ll end up in uniformed group which she doesn’t want. Is it wise to put Chinese dance (though she wants that the most but not shortlisted) as first choice? Will doing so jeopardise her 2nd choice and end up in uniformed group?

[ProudOfMyKids]

kittycat01:

How are your children in sec 1 choosing their CCA? Or rather CCA choose them. coz if you choose that cca, may not get depending on vacancy.


dd went for cca trials last week. She is actually placed 5th position for chinese dance out of 17 girls. This is misleading as there are lots of DSA people thru Chinese dance so today found out that she is not shortlisted.she is shortlisted for rhythmic gymnastics (RG) instead. But RG training very strenuous - like 3 x a week, will extend to 4 x during competition.

Now she's in dilemma - wanted to put Chinese dance 1st choice (though not shortlisted - chances not good). 2nd choice RG, then third choice (has to be uniformed group). But she's afraid she'll lose her chance of going to RG 2nd choice then she'll end up in uniformed group which she doesn't want. Is it wise to put Chinese dance (though she wants that the most but not shortlisted) as first choice? Will doing so jeopardise her 2nd choice and end up in uniformed group?

I can understand that sometimes resources may be limited but then, if kids are encouraged to take up CCA, isn't it the case that it has to be something that the child has an interest in, whether or not the child is trained in the CCA?

In my son's school, there are 3 levels of CCA;

1. School team – For pupils who excel in the sports CCA and have been selected to represent the school in competitions.
2. Recreational – For pupils who have a strong interest in the sport and would like to play to hone their skills.
3. Enrichment – For pupils who have a strong interest in the sport and would like to train directly under a paid coach.

Their efforts need to be applauded as this gives the kids the opportunity to do something they truly enjoy.

Not having to be assigned to the school band or the choir because you don't qualify for any other CCAs and the schools need you to fill up the gaps. Seriously, it is no joke being stuck into a CCA that you don't enjoy for the next 4 years of your secondary school life, and mind you that the practice sessions can take up lots of time. More often than not, this can have a detrimental and demoralizing effect on your school life, perhaps even affecting your academic performance!

The problem with many schools is that they are only looking for those who are already good and can contribute immediately to the CCA, and bring glory to the schools. So we are not just talking about parents who have to invest in academic enrichment but also into areas like tennis, bowling, golf, ballet, music etc to help their kids get into certain CCAs. What about someone who is interested in say badminton, maybe not good at it, but wants to have it as a recreational sport? Many schools don't give you this choice!

Or rather, it is so ironic that even as the MOE talked about de-emphasizing the academics, that the CCA selection is an equally highly meritorious and result driven process!

A choice is not necessarily a choice when you are forcefully being told to make those choices........

I am having the same dilemma for my daughter.

[kittycat01]

ProudOfMyKids:

I can understand that sometimes resources may be limited but then, if kids are encouraged to take up CCA, isn't it the case that it has to be something that the child has an interest in, whether or not the child is trained in the CCA?

In my son's school, there are 3 levels of CCA;

1. School team – For pupils who excel in the sports CCA and have been selected to represent the school in competitions.
2. Recreational – For pupils who have a strong interest in the sport and would like to play to hone their skills.
3. Enrichment – For pupils who have a strong interest in the sport and would like to train directly under a paid coach.

Their efforts need to be applauded as this gives the kids the opportunity to do something they truly enjoy.

Not having to be assigned to the school band or the choir because you don't qualify for any other CCAs and the schools need you to fill up the gaps. Seriously, it is no joke being stuck into a CCA that you don't enjoy for the next 4 years of your secondary school life, and mind you that the practice sessions can take up lots of time. More often than not, this can have a detrimental and demoralizing effect on your school life, perhaps even affecting your academic performance!

The problem with many schools is that they are only looking for those who are already good and can contribute immediately to the CCA, and bring glory to the schools. So we are not just talking about parents who have to invest in academic enrichment but also into areas like tennis, bowling, golf, ballet, music etc to help their kids get into certain CCAs. What about someone who is interested in say badminton, maybe not good at it, but wants to have it as a recreational sport? Many schools don't give you this choice!

Or rather, it is so ironic that even as the MOE talked about de-emphasizing the academics, that the CCA selection is an equally highly meritorious and result driven process!

A choice is not necessarily a choice when you are forcefully being told to make those choices........

I am having the same dilemma for my daughter.

True....sad that the reality abt CCA selection is based on the ability/talents of the child and not his/her interest. And the sad part is if the child is stuck with the CCA he/she doesn't like, it can be quite torturous. Maybe should bring it up to Mr Heng S K.

I think if that's the case for my dd, then worst case scenario/last resort is to appeal into the CCA she likes the 2nd year which will cost her the CCA Points. (think her CCA points will be affected). For all she knows, maybe she'll grow to like the CCA? then no need to change. I hope this will be the case for her..... :xedfingers:

[relax mum]

Hi Kittycat01, SMSS’ niche is in gym so there will be opportunities for yr dd if she does well to go for competitions. Yes, will be strenuous though I see how my dd developed grit and determination because of her participation in sports school team in primary school. Maybe gd to find out if she will automatically get into RG if she doesnt get her first choice. The best approach is if she doesn’t mind RG, put that as 1st choice. Better than stuck with 3rd choice she does not like.


Luckily, my dd is enjoying her cca Netball very much. She keeps complementing how nice and caring seniors are. Ours is Appeal case, no need to choose cca. Generally, the girls are so supportive of each other, I think yr dd will grow to love the posted cca because of the friendships she will build there.

[kittycat01]

relax mum:

Hi Kittycat01, SMSS' niche is in gym so there will be opportunities for yr dd if she does well to go for competitions. Yes, will be strenuous though I see how my dd developed grit and determination because of her participation in sports school team in primary school. Maybe gd to find out if she will automatically get into RG if she doesnt get her first choice. The best approach is if she doesn't mind RG, put that as 1st choice. Better than stuck with 3rd choice she does not like.


Luckily, my dd is enjoying her cca Netball very much. She keeps complementing how nice and caring seniors are. Ours is Appeal case, no need to choose cca. Generally, the girls are so supportive of each other, I think yr dd will grow to love the posted cca because of the friendships she will build there.

Glad to know yr DD enjoys her Netball cca and friends there . My DD eventually put RG as 1st choice Cos she was told if she didn't put her short listed choice fiirst she most likely will lose her place. So she dared not risk it. Anyway she told me she got the place in RG already.

I just hope it will not affect her studies. :xedfingers:

[ProudOfMyKids]

kittycat01:

relax mum:

Hi Kittycat01, SMSS' niche is in gym so there will be opportunities for yr dd if she does well to go for competitions. Yes, will be strenuous though I see how my dd developed grit and determination because of her participation in sports school team in primary school. Maybe gd to find out if she will automatically get into RG if she doesnt get her first choice. The best approach is if she doesn't mind RG, put that as 1st choice. Better than stuck with 3rd choice she does not like.


Luckily, my dd is enjoying her cca Netball very much. She keeps complementing how nice and caring seniors are. Ours is Appeal case, no need to choose cca. Generally, the girls are so supportive of each other, I think yr dd will grow to love the posted cca because of the friendships she will build there.

Glad to know yr DD enjoys her Netball cca and friends there . My DD eventually put RG as 1st choice Cos she was told if she didn't put her short listed choice fiirst she most likely will lose her place. So she dared not risk it. Anyway she told me she got the place in RG already.

I just hope it will not affect her studies. :xedfingers:

Gosh! Has CCA registration started? Or even ended?

How is the registration done? There isn't any form nor is there online registration! My daughter says that they only need to inform the PE teacher of the choices and it will be done next week.

I better check with her........