My child wants to opt out of CCA in Sec School

[Raajbeary]

Sorry new here. I am at a loss. My son entered Sec 1 in 2025 and wanted to join a particular sports CCA in school. He went on several rounds of trials until he was dropped at the last stage. Unfortunately the school’s CCA function on trials only for sports. There is no option for recreation and by the time he was dropped, most trials were over. He got placed in his 3rd choice CCA and hates it. What makes it worse is the commitment is heavy like 3 times a week including Saturdays. I can’t justify forcing him to spend hours on something he hates. But I feel like I am fighting the school on a simple request to change CCA. The discussion has been going in circles for months and he has been made to go from teacher to teacher and get rounds of forms and approvals. He didn’t want to attend his current CCA while awaiting a CCA change this has affected his CCA record. Which in turn, I am told, could affect his chances of being accepted into the new CCA. So disappointed with the way the school has handled this. Anyone have a similar experience? I am honestly considering just telling the school he is opting out of CCA entirely.

[zac's mum]

@Raajbeary If u are aware of & ok with him not having any LEAPS 2.0 bonus points, then u can probably inform the school of your decision via a formal email.

It’s actually very common for students not to get their preferred CCA. Most schools will request the student to at least attend their allocated CCA for one year before permitting a switch.

[sharonkhoo]

@Raajbeary I do sympathise with the situation your son is in. Unfortunately, not all schools are accommodating to individual requests, and there’s the issue of fairness to other students who may be in a similar position.

If the school is unwilling/unable to do more, one option is to follow zac’s mum’s advice and opt out of CCA altogether, but it does mean that there may be repercussions later on if CCA record is a necessary prerequisite (e.g. participation in other activities, trips etc.)

I’m sure you’ve tried already, but is there any way you can persuade your son to accept the CCA he has been allocated? Can he participate in the most low-key way, just doing the minimum? Attendance is better than not having any CCA at all.

I don’t want to offend, but is there a reason why your son is so against accepting what he has been allocated? It was his 3rd choice, so is it something he really hates or can’t cope with? There are many kids who accept what they have been assigned, however unwillingly, and grow to at least tolerate it, and maybe even like it. Learning to accept what he doesn’t like can be a learning experience. Of course, none of us would want this for our kids, but sometimes it can’t be helped.

My younger daughter returned from overseas in mid-Sec2 and also had a similar experience trying to get into a CCA. She was refused by her first few choices, but was finally accepted (after appeal, interview and audition) by one that wasn’t among her top choices. We encouraged her to make the best of it, and although she didn’t always enjoy all of it, she made a few friends and gained some experiences that she otherwise she wouldn’t have. Overall, she now looks back at it with fondness for what she learned and experienced.

Wishing you and your son all the best in making your decision.

[thebottomsupblog]

Hi @Raajbeary!

My son is in Sec 2 going on to 3, and I have an older daughter. They’ve both been in various school teams (badminton, gymnastics, soccer).

In my view: 3x a week commitment for a CCA that one “hates” is a lot. Maybe you could share more about where you’re at, in terms of the school discussions. You mentioned forms and approvals, so it’d be good to know more. Also, is your son able to take part in the sports trial again next year?

For students who entered Sec 1 after 2024, the “bonus points” system will change, and it will be capped at 3 bonus points instead of the previous maximum of 4.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/junior-college-jc-admission-l1r5-l1r4-criteria-4980771

If your son already has bonus points for affiliation or the mother tongue language, the CCA may matter less.

There was also this story recently:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/chess-mind-sports-national-school-games-chij-st-nicholas-cca-5377491

Just sharing that, in case it sparks some new ideas!

[jonathantan888]

Hi,

Can try to appeal. But unfortunately, CCA in secondary school is not like pri school.

CCA which is meant to develop a child holistically is actually just simply a way for them to get their extra 2 points.

Bobian… very sianz one… gotta really suck thumb…

This cca record thing is also quite bs in my opinion… its just changing CCA. Sounds like the HOD of CCA or teacher just doesn’t want to go through the administrative work.