Far too many CCA choices in JC? Here's 4 tips to help you select!

Why should I spend time on activities outside of the curriculum?

Joining co-curricular activities (CCA) allows you to gain fresh perspectives and exposure while having a hiatus from academics. You might also discover your talents or passion and develop useful transferable skills while participating! Here are four factors to consider when selecting a CCA

1) Passion

2) Commitment

3) Scale

4) Relevance

1) Passion

- What are you passionate about? The different areas may include Arts, sports, politics, research, and many more.

- It is crucial to identify where your passion lies as passion fuels sustainability. Join activities you are genuinely enthusiastic about so that your journey with them will be long-lasting and meaningful.

- Undeniably, one’s passion might change. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to change or make continuity from secondary school. The switch from secondary school to junior college provides you with a good avenue to try out other things you are finding passion for.

- If you have yet to find your passion, JC will also be a good time to develop your interest into a passion. Enter JC with an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to explore areas, even at the slightest curiosity.

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Having trouble identifying your passion? Fret not.

It is recommended if you could attend a trial session first to confirm your passion.

Learn about senior’s past experiences by asking questions like “Why did you join the activity initially?”, “What makes you stay in this activity?” to have a better understanding!

2) Commitment

- Make a point to find out the commitment level of the CCA before joining by asking the head of that CCA or researching their online platforms.

- Commitment level can range from low; You are primarily more involved in the execution phase to high, where you have to contribute much more frequently.

- Consider your ability and willingness to commit in the short-term and long-term. With careful consideration, you are responsible for your learning as well as for others by making sure not to jeopardise their plans or progress due to your sudden withdrawal.

- If you are really passionate for the CCA but cannot be certain of your commitment, attempt to discuss with the head if it is possible to have a short trial period before giving your final decision of continuing or discontinuing.

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While thinking through about your ability to commit, take into account both peak (examination periods) and non-peak (holidays) seasons.

Looking at the big picture allows you to honour what you promise.

3) Scale

i) Previously, in secondary school, most CCA were set in the school context. As a JC student, you are opened to more activities, not just CCA and of a greater scale, such as;

- within school level

- community level

- national level

- International level

ii) Community-level activities can include serving residents by participating in the Meet-the-People session as a volunteer or community service projects to help vulnerable social groups.

iii) Joining different scales of activities gives you varying experiences and learning points. Building on your experience from secondary school, re-think your learning objectives and choose the scale that you want and are able to handle.

iv) However, keep in mind that often, the greater the scale, the higher the commitment, and you must be confident of being able to juggle it along with your studies! After all, ‘A’ Level is our ultimate JC goal.

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Unlike school-based activities, community level activities require you to take the initiative to reach out to both governmental or non-governmental organisations personally. Research on the agency websites for opportunities to sign up!

4) Relevance

- Consider practical reasons for joining activities outside of the curriculum in JC. After the ‘A’ Levels, you will begin to apply for tertiary institutions or internships which require a strong portfolio for you to stand out.

- Simply having a portfolio full of activities does not make it a strong one. Instead, the activities should be relevant to your future endeavours.

- For example, if you would like to read about Medicine, you could join your school’s medical society. Suppose you would like to be in the research industry, you could participate actively in the famous student research opportunities like the Nanyang Research program.

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Look beyond JC. What is your future aspiration?

How can you then begin to explore earlier while in JC?