Raffles Institution (Year 1-4)

[sharonkhoo]

iFirefly:

ngl2010:

I see. So, in JC parents can totally hands-off? Is there still parents briefing?

Not sure about other parents, I was hands-off way before DS1 went to JC. DS2 is the one I still need to watch over..

There'll be only one parents' briefing at the beginning of Y5 (no briefing for Y6). There're 2 parents-teachers meetings in Y5 (not too sure about Y6). Can email the teachers if we need any clarification. No worries..

There is a Y5 parents' briefing after the JAE students have joined. I don't remember it much, so it can't have been very enlightening! What I remember is that we met my husband's ex-colleague and found out that his daughter is a friend of our daughter's, and has even been to our place before! My daughter told me not to bother with the PTMs, and as she was doing OK, I haven't been to any. How hands-off parents are really depends on the child and how much you want to \"manage\" them - I prefer to be hands-off as far as possible, so I listen and sometimes advise, but my daughter handles studies, CCAs and other stuff on her own. Both of us prefer it that way! My older girl takes more of my time and energy.

[jtoh]

@firefly, your son's in JC2 this year? how time flies.

@slmkhoo, i remember the teachers going why are you here? Your child is doing fine. No need to come for PTMs.

[sharonkhoo]

jtoh:

@slmkhoo, i remember the teachers going why are you here? Your child is doing fine. No need to come for PTMs.

That's what I thought. Anyway, I have gone for every PTM for my older girl (more necessary for her), so I'm glad not to have any more to attend!

[doramon]

Hi may i know how competitive are the sports CCA? Wondering if my DS has no experience but wish to join sports like shooting or softball, is it still possible? Are most of the vacancies taken up by those who get in via dsa sports?

[iRabbit]

iFirefly:

Y1 Investiture today ? Enjoy the moment ! :rahrah:


@ hquek.. Remember to remind iRabbit to bring more tissues this evening. This emo daddy may

Where got cry, so drama.

From the sch's FB page - the RI Cheer! Reminds me a little of the All Blacks. Would they sing this during the Kiwi Cup?

https://video-sin6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t42.1790-2/15906903_724949547680285_5847301461846786048_n.mp4?efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6InN2ZV9zZCJ9&oh=40f5e8440eb7861f5c7c185224fa2574&oe=58706642#_=_

[CMF]

doramon:

Hi may i know how competitive are the sports CCA? Wondering if my DS has no experience but wish to join sports like shooting or softball, is it still possible? Are most of the vacancies taken up by those who get in via dsa sports?

For sports CCA, there are still spots for non-DSA boys. However, like in all the other CCAs, there will be trials and selections conducted. From what I understand, the school will try to match both skills and interests. Each boy will be required to rank his preference, and the CCA will allocate available vacancies based on their CCA requirement(s) and *skill-set(s) of each boy. Hence other than the compulsory trials, it would be good to sign-up for trials for any CCAs that the boy has an interest in, just for a try-out.

In most sec schools, CCA allocation is essentially based on *skill-sets required by the CCA & number of vacancies, and not on interest alone. It is an opportunity to explore new CCAs, and not be too \"hung-up\" or focused on just wanting to join a particular CCA. There are many instances of boys being allocated CCAs which were not even on their radar in the first instance, but they made the most of it and find that they are actually good in it & enjoy it! Most importantly, your boy should enjoy his CCA and look forward to it, as they spend at least 2-3 times a week at it & it's their \"downtime\". Camaraderie is strong amongst each CCA, and other than classmates, CCA-mates are an important avenue for interaction & friendship.

*Skill-set(s) : May not necessarily be that there has to be prior experience, but aptitude & innate talent / skill could be what the coaches etc may be looking out for:)

[doramon]

CMF:

doramon:

Hi may i know how competitive are the sports CCA? Wondering if my DS has no experience but wish to join sports like shooting or softball, is it still possible? Are most of the vacancies taken up by those who get in via dsa sports?

For sports CCA, there are still spots for non-DSA boys. However, like in all the other CCAs, there will be trials and selections conducted. From what I understand, the school will try to match both skills and interests. Each boy will be required to rank his preference, and the CCA will allocate available vacancies based on their CCA requirement(s) and *skill-set(s) of each boy. Hence other than the compulsory trials, it would be good to sign-up for trials for any CCAs that the boy has an interest in, just for a try-out.

In most sec schools, CCA allocation is essentially based on *skill-sets required by the CCA & number of vacancies, and not on interest alone. It is an opportunity to explore new CCAs, and not be too \"hung-up\" or focused on just wanting to join a particular CCA. There are many instances of boys being allocated CCAs which were not even on their radar in the first instance, but they made the most of it and find that they are actually good in it & enjoy it! Most importantly, your boy should enjoy his CCA and look forward to it, as they spend at least 2-3 times a week at it & it's their \"downtime\". Camaraderie is strong amongst each CCA, and other than classmates, CCA-mates are an important avenue for interaction & friendship.

*Skill-set(s) : May not necessarily be that there has to be prior experience, but aptitude & innate talent / skill could be what the coaches etc may be looking out for:)

CMf,
thanks for the detailed explanation. Apprecaite it!
Can I just checked if RI allows the boys to change CCA, say after a year? Or it is the norm to stick to the CCA for 4 or even 6 years? Just worried that my DS chooses a CCA (and got in) and ended up find that is not so suitable....

[CMF]

doramon:

CMF:

[quote=\"doramon\"]Hi may i know how competitive are the sports CCA? Wondering if my DS has no experience but wish to join sports like shooting or softball, is it still possible? Are most of the vacancies taken up by those who get in via dsa sports?

For sports CCA, there are still spots for non-DSA boys. However, like in all the other CCAs, there will be trials and selections conducted. From what I understand, the school will try to match both skills and interests. Each boy will be required to rank his preference, and the CCA will allocate available vacancies based on their CCA requirement(s) and *skill-set(s) of each boy. Hence other than the compulsory trials, it would be good to sign-up for trials for any CCAs that the boy has an interest in, just for a try-out.

In most sec schools, CCA allocation is essentially based on *skill-sets required by the CCA & number of vacancies, and not on interest alone. It is an opportunity to explore new CCAs, and not be too \"hung-up\" or focused on just wanting to join a particular CCA. There are many instances of boys being allocated CCAs which were not even on their radar in the first instance, but they made the most of it and find that they are actually good in it & enjoy it! Most importantly, your boy should enjoy his CCA and look forward to it, as they spend at least 2-3 times a week at it & it's their \"downtime\". Camaraderie is strong amongst each CCA, and other than classmates, CCA-mates are an important avenue for interaction & friendship.

*Skill-set(s) : May not necessarily be that there has to be prior experience, but aptitude & innate talent / skill could be what the coaches etc may be looking out for:)

CMf,
thanks for the detailed explanation. Apprecaite it!
Can I just checked if RI allows the boys to change CCA, say after a year? Or it is the norm to stick to the CCA for 4 or even 6 years? Just worried that my DS chooses a CCA (and got in) and ended up find that is not so suitable....[/quote]Have heard of appeal(s) for CCA changes after allocation. However, understand that re-allocation depends on availability (which after 1st round allocation would be less / none, so would presumably depend on someone in that desired CCA concurrently wanting to change to something else) & skill-set, ie. whether it's determined that there will be a fit in that CCA. The allocated CCA is usually for 4 years of sec school, not required at JC to choose the same CCA. BTW the 2017 CCA training schedule is now available on Stamford - just for info prior to Raffles Trail on upcoming Friday.

**FYI have PM-ed you.

[iFirefly]

jtoh:

@firefly, your son's in JC2 this year? how time flies.

Hi jtoh.. :imanisland:

Indeed, how time flies ! Yes, DS1 is in JC2 this year. He's currently very busy with preparation for RIJC Open House (CCA) and JC1 Orientation (OGL). Lessons have also started today for JC2.

How's your gal ? Enjoying her course in Uni ? Are you back @ work, now that your gal is in Uni ?

[RafflesianSnr]

doramon:

CMF:

[quote=\"doramon\"]Hi may i know how competitive are the sports CCA? Wondering if my DS has no experience but wish to join sports like shooting or softball, is it still possible? Are most of the vacancies taken up by those who get in via dsa sports?

For sports CCA, there are still spots for non-DSA boys. However, like in all the other CCAs, there will be trials and selections conducted. From what I understand, the school will try to match both skills and interests. Each boy will be required to rank his preference, and the CCA will allocate available vacancies based on their CCA requirement(s) and *skill-set(s) of each boy. Hence other than the compulsory trials, it would be good to sign-up for trials for any CCAs that the boy has an interest in, just for a try-out.

In most sec schools, CCA allocation is essentially based on *skill-sets required by the CCA & number of vacancies, and not on interest alone. It is an opportunity to explore new CCAs, and not be too \"hung-up\" or focused on just wanting to join a particular CCA. There are many instances of boys being allocated CCAs which were not even on their radar in the first instance, but they made the most of it and find that they are actually good in it & enjoy it! Most importantly, your boy should enjoy his CCA and look forward to it, as they spend at least 2-3 times a week at it & it's their \"downtime\". Camaraderie is strong amongst each CCA, and other than classmates, CCA-mates are an important avenue for interaction & friendship.

*Skill-set(s) : May not necessarily be that there has to be prior experience, but aptitude & innate talent / skill could be what the coaches etc may be looking out for:)

CMf,
thanks for the detailed explanation. Apprecaite it!
Can I just checked if RI allows the boys to change CCA, say after a year? Or it is the norm to stick to the CCA for 4 or even 6 years? Just worried that my DS chooses a CCA (and got in) and ended up find that is not so suitable....[/quote]There's a short window in the first half of Y1 for CCA changes during which most people who intend to change will change. They can still change outside of this window but this is on a case by case basis. Would recommend your son to seriously consider if he's interested and willing to commit for the whole 4 years. RJ has a much greater variety of CCA so it's quite common for most to change CCA again at Y5.