CIP hours at Secondary School

[sand]

I’m not sure what’s the min requirement for Pri Sch, but I do know for Sec Sch, the min requirement by MOE is a compulsory of 20 hr of CIP per year.


In my school, 15hr will be planned activities eg classroom cleaning, collection of old newspapers. The other 5hr will be planned by students’ CCA. so definitely will meet the min requirements, unless of cos, the student doesn’t turn up for the activities at all.

[schellen]

sand:

In my school, 15hr will be planned activities eg classroom cleaning, collection of old newspapers. The other 5hr will be planned by students' CCA. so definitely will meet the min requirements, unless of cos, the student doesn't turn up for the activities at all.

Yup, that is the case for most schools. So it is rare to see a school that entrusts the entire 100hrs (over the years) to the students.

Like you said, schools themselves do provide in-school activities like charity bazaars, chances to clean up the school premises (not as punishment but voluntarily), and check if the school has any existing \"contracts\" with external organisations.

I was actually wondering about childcare centres (CCs). If students can help out in old folks' home, why not CCs? Of course, the actual supervision and teaching and care of children there are the trained teachers' responsibilities so I was thinking along the lines of support activities. See suggestions below:
1. CCs usually operate on themes so this means deco work. Materials provided by CCs. Students can help to brainstorm and put up decos/re-do learning corners, etc.
2. Teachers need worksheets/activities. They plan them but need materials. Students can help in the preparation, e.g., photocopying, binding, cutting up, stuff that young children can't do, etc.
3. Help to clean up!

These can be done after school is over in the afternoon. CCs usually have naptime from 1-3 p.m. just after lunch and bathtime. Drop by during this time to help out. Spend about 2-3 hours there and leave soon after the children wake up or after teatime. This way, you can minimise the disruption you cause at the CCs.

I know that CC teachers would love to have some help, especially since lunch time is usually spent having a rushed lunch after making sure all the children are settled and asleep. Then, quickly preparing materials and cleaning and decorating, etc.

Now, what we need to find out is are CCs willing to accept students to help them? Paperwork for validating CIP hours is a small matter so ultimately, it is the mindset of the CC operator/supervisor. After all, you get free help in exchange for doing a little paperwork.

[SX4]

[Editor's note: Topic selected for http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/what-cip.]


CIP is actually part of a CCA grading system called LEAPS. It awards points in 5 categories, namely Leadership, Enrichment, Achievement, Participation and Service.

CIP comes under Service, where each student is required to perform minimum 6 hours of community service per year.

Over a period of 4 years, points are awarded as follows:
100 or more hours - 5 points
80-99 hours - 4 points
60-79 hours - 3 points
40-59 hours - 2 points
24-39 hours - 1 point

These points will go towards the CCA grade (25 and above to get an A1 grade and therefore -2 points for JC admission).

Generally schools will try to help the students fulfil as many CIP hours as possible. Or for example, some church going students go on mission trips to help teach the less fortunate, or build a new school for them etc - all this can be taken into account.

[Zann]

SX4:

CIP is actually part of a CCA grading system called LEAPS. It awards points in 5 categories, namely Leadership, Enrichment, Achievement, Participation and Service.



These points will go towards the CCA grade (25 and above to get an A1 grade and therefore -2 points for JC admission).

Hi SX4, Thanks for sharing. Kind to illustrate further how CCA points are being accumulated in the various categories, say, using uniform group - NPCC, as an example, through out the year and what if a student switch CCA?

IP students do not go through 'O' level path? Does it mean the extra 2 bonus point is not applicable to them?

I always feel that joining an CCA should go according to interest and not meant for scoring point though some CCA are more high profile and could help score more CCA points.

Have a nice day!

[SX4]

Hi Zann, I'll share what I understand about LEAPS.


1. Leadership
The rank determines the number of points awarded in this category. If the child holds any leadership position in school, such as prefect or class chairman, he will also get extra points for this.
Maximum of 12 points in this category.

2. Enrichment programmes
I'm not so sure about this, but I think the schools will make provision for the kids to fulfil this area.
Maximum of 4 points

3. Achievement
Representation of the school in interschool competitions, attainment of sports leaders awards, president guides, and achieving good results (top 4 for sports or gold award for performing arts) make up this category.
Maximum of 15 points

4. Participation
Mainly on attendance, min 75%. Extra points if the child takes part in SYF or NDP.
Maximum 10 points

5. Service

If a child changes CCA halfway through, I understand he will lose his points for that CCA and has to start afresh. Thats why schools do not encourage students to change, and it is very important that a Sec 1 child manages to get a CCA which he enjoys.

As for the IP program, I am not very sure about that.

Hope this helps

[lizawa]

schellen:

sand:

In my school, 15hr will be planned activities eg classroom cleaning, collection of old newspapers. The other 5hr will be planned by students' CCA. so definitely will meet the min requirements, unless of cos, the student doesn't turn up for the activities at all.

Yup, that is the case for most schools. So it is rare to see a school that entrusts the entire 100hrs (over the years) to the students.

Like you said, schools themselves do provide in-school activities like charity bazaars, chances to clean up the school premises (not as punishment but voluntarily), and check if the school has any existing \"contracts\" with external organisations.

I was actually wondering about childcare centres (CCs). If students can help out in old folks' home, why not CCs? Of course, the actual supervision and teaching and care of children there are the trained teachers' responsibilities so I was thinking along the lines of support activities. See suggestions below:
1. CCs usually operate on themes so this means deco work. Materials provided by CCs. Students can help to brainstorm and put up decos/re-do learning corners, etc.
2. Teachers need worksheets/activities. They plan them but need materials. Students can help in the preparation, e.g., photocopying, binding, cutting up, stuff that young children can't do, etc.
3. Help to clean up!

These can be done after school is over in the afternoon. CCs usually have naptime from 1-3 p.m. just after lunch and bathtime. Drop by during this time to help out. Spend about 2-3 hours there and leave soon after the children wake up or after teatime. This way, you can minimise the disruption you cause at the CCs.

I know that CC teachers would love to have some help, especially since lunch time is usually spent having a rushed lunch after making sure all the children are settled and asleep. Then, quickly preparing materials and cleaning and decorating, etc.

Now, what we need to find out is are CCs willing to accept students to help them? Paperwork for validating CIP hours is a small matter so ultimately, it is the mindset of the CC operator/supervisor. After all, you get free help in exchange for doing a little paperwork.

Hi schellen,

Did you confirm that the CIP cannot be done at CC ? I was thinking, could it be because, CIP can only be done at non-profit organization ?

[schellen]

lizawa:

Hi schellen,


Did you confirm that the CIP cannot be done at CC ? I was thinking, could it be because, CIP can only be done at non-profit organization ?

Hi lizawa, no, I didn't confirm but based on experience, I have not encountered school students doing CIP at CC. Maybe you have a point: can only do CIP at non-profit organisations.

[pinky]

My son’s school recently organized a fund raising campaign for a

charitable organization. Every S$20 collected = 1 CIP hour.
Each child is required to clock in at least 100 hours from sec 1 - 4 so I
feel this is a creative and more relaxed way (for busy students) to
achieve the target.

[pinky]

Regarding CIP at CC or RC, do call up PA (People’s Association) to

verify. I think they are in charge of CC and RC. There are some RC who
organize tuition class for children from low-income families. outdoor
activities for senior citizens, road shows (health/safety issues) etc which
I think students can play a part in helping. These are community work,
aren’t they?

[csc]

Zann:

IP students do not go through 'O' level path? Does it mean the extra 2 bonus point is not applicable to them?

I always feel that joining an CCA should go according to interest and not meant for scoring point though some CCA are more high profile and could help score more CCA points.

Think the CCA points are not applicable to them for application to \"A' level or poly program. But , having a balanced portfolio with impressive CCAs will definitely help in securing a place in a popular course in the university or in obtaining a scholarship.

I'm sure preference will given to the student with CCAs compared to one without CCAs, all things being equal.

Yes, I strongly agree with you that one should take up a CCA according to interest and not just for scoring points. Otherwise, the student will be in agony for six years.

I feel that student life without CCAs is uninteresting. There are so many skills to be learnt from participating in a sport, club or performing arts - skills the student will not find in the books alone. These learning experiences are more valuable than any CCA points the student accumulates.