Secondary School CCA

[sssdarlings]

ChiefKiasu:

Fairy:

...I am very sad to learn that one of the Sec1 students in a top school had collapsed and passed away over the weekend while undergoing his private sports training. Who knows, he may be pushing himself to train hard for his CCA trial. ...

It does appear that in our eagerness to ensure our children is prepared for the future, we may have put too much emphasis on instant measurable results rather than fundamental long-term character building and appreciation of life. We want our children to be highly efficient problem-solvers without them really understanding why they have to solve the problems. We demand that they strive for excellence without understanding its potential impact on their lives. Without an anchor, even the best ships will flounder under the smallest storms. Perhaps we should teach our children why life is worth living and fighting for, instead of just living to fight for life.

I cannot agree more.

I think one reason why we parents tend to focus on 'instant measurable results' is that we do not have a crystal ball to show us how well our children will turn out in the future. Scores and trophies are more quantifiable and give us short-term assurance.

If i may add, I had blogged about my dd's academic performance this yr, with more of my thoughts:

http://sssdarlings.wordpress.com/2009/12/15/more-than-just-grades/

[daisyt]

hwachongkid97:

I am having a dilemma whether to chose robotics or chess. I am interested in both. My parents say robotics suit me better. Can anyone tell me which is more enjoyable?

My girl is in robotics, which is something totally new to her before she joins. She is enjoying it so much now.

The two major robotics compeitions are NJRC and FLL. Usually it takes them 1 to 3 months to prepare, extra time required beside the normal CCA time.

[happynlucky]

hwachongkid97:

I am having a dilemma whether to chose robotics or chess. I am interested in both. My parents say robotics suit me better. Can anyone tell me which is more enjoyable?

In my opinion,I think that robotics would be a better choice over chess. Robotics can unleash your creativity,and learning Robotics elsewhere is more expensive than learning chess.

[Bear.014745w.014745me]

DecJan:

During one of the recruitment talks, I asked a teacher at HCI about the in-take of students. She said HCI about 500, NYGH also about 500, and then both groups proceed to fill HCJC's about 1000 vacancies at 5th yr - so not many left for \"outsiders\". Situation probably similar at RJC???

From this post it seems that if one cannot gets into the affiliated schools then one must go for HMT (any minimum score?) in order to off-set 2 of the 4 bonus points reduction allowed. The students in schools with affiliation to JC(and usually top schools too) will have it easier.

As for CCA, everyone is on level playing field for the 2 points following LEAPS frame work.

I am really worry for my DD1 now as she is not qualified for HMT and she is in school without affiliation to JC. Does it mean that she can only aim for Poly? Thanks for giving advice.

[DadOfGirl]

Bear.w.me:

From this post it seems that if one cannot gets into the affiliated schools then one must go for HMT (any minimum score?) in order to off-set 2 of the 4 bonus points reduction allowed. The students in schools with affiliation to JC(and usually top schools too) will have it easier.


As for CCA, everyone is on level playing field for the 2 points following LEAPS frame work.

I am really worry for my DD1 now as she is not qualified for HMT and she is in school without affiliation to JC. Does it mean that she can only aim for Poly? Thanks for giving advice.

Share what is LEAPS framework & how it ensures 2 points for CCA. My DD also not affliation & no HMT... does it mean end of road for JC 4 years down the road.

[zeemimi]

DadOfGirl:

Share what is LEAPS framework & how it ensures 2 points for CCA. My DD also not affliation & no HMT... does it mean end of road for JC 4 years down the road.

You can go to MOE website and search on LEAPS. Lots of info.

Doesn't mean no affiliation and no HMT = no JC. Just that it will be more difficult to get into the top JCs (as the header suggests). There are still a few JCs which are not on the IP programme.

As a side note, if your DD joins a uniformed group CCA or is on the school team for some sports, very likely to get the 2 pts for CCA.

[sleeping beauty]

zeemimi:

You can go to MOE website and search on LEAPS. Lots of info.


Doesn't mean no affiliation and no HMT = no JC. Just that it will be more difficult to get into the top JCs (as the header suggests). There are still a few JCs which are not on the IP programme.

As a side note, if your DD joins a uniformed group CCA or is on the school team for some sports, very likely to get the 2 pts for CCA.

Hi ! Do you mean to say that uniformed groups are a good way of gaining LEAPS points? Can you elaborate? In what ways can such pupils earn their points in UGs? School representations or leadership ranks? Thanks.

[DadOfGirl]

zeemimi:

You can go to MOE website and search on LEAPS. Lots of info.


Doesn't mean no affiliation and no HMT = no JC. Just that it will be more difficult to get into the top JCs (as the header suggests). There are still a few JCs which are not on the IP programme.

As a side note, if your DD joins a uniformed group CCA or is on the school team for some sports, very likely to get the 2 pts for CCA.

Thank you. It seems JC afflitations are even worse than Primary affliations for non affliated schools! Then why conduct O-levels ? With IP programs O levels are losing limelights and if afflitation deducts 2 marks , MOE may as well stop conducting the O level exams ... just give admission based on affliaations.

[zeemimi]

sleeping beauty:

Hi ! Do you mean to say that uniformed groups are a good way of gaining LEAPS points? Can you elaborate? In what ways can such pupils earn their points in UGs? School representations or leadership ranks? Thanks.

yup! UGs are known to take up more much more time compared to clubs / societies. There are usually more competitions / camps / activities involved and taking part in all these help you gain points. more points if you take on leadership roles.

Representing school also can earn points.

[zeemimi]

DadOfGirl:

Thank you. It seems JC afflitations are even worse than Primary affliations for non affliated schools! Then why conduct O-levels ? With IP programs O levels are losing limelights and if afflitation deducts 2 marks , MOE may as well stop conducting the O level exams ... just give admission based on affliaations.

That's why now many try to get into IP after Sec 2.

But there is also the Poly route which is not bad also!