It is a question that came to my mind during my school orientation week and has been discussed mainly among mature students. As we have been out of school for years or even decades, do we have the option not to join any CCA (Co-curricular activities)?
The answer is yes. However, if you can manage your studies, having a CCA is recommended, and I would like to share my insight regarding the choice of CCA.
You would first like to find out what activity you would be interested in. For instance, if you are a person who loves sports or are good at it. Then, you would like to choose a sports CCA because ITE has a PRAISE system where you can get up to 0.2 additional Grade Point Average (GPA) depending on your activeness. It is essential if you are not great at studying. An example would be if you would like to enter a direct Year 2 Polytechnic Nursing course, but the minimum GPA is 3.0, and you only had 2.8. The additional 0.2 will benefit you greatly.
As you can see, you can earn CCA points through Participation, Representation, Achievement, Leadership, Service, and Enrichment (PRAISE).
CCAs like the Singapore Nurses Association (SNA) Student Chapter are exclusive to nursing students.
As someone like myself who has always wanted to do community service, it only started when I joined the CCA. The three CCAs I am in are Rotaract Club (Rotaract CE), SNA Student Chapter, and CD Lionhearters (CDLH CE). They all have community service and are on an ad-hoc basis, so you may commit whenever you are available.
An overview of what I have done in my CCA so far:
1st General Membership meeting cum Team bonding
Rotaract
2 February 2024 (Friday), 1500 to 1700 (2 hours)
I was new to the CCA. I had an orientation at the school Lecture Theatre and shortly thereafter played some team-bonding games with the current and new Rotaractors. Yes, that is what we call ourselves.
Responders Plus Programme Training
CDLH
8 March 2024 (Friday), 1400 to 1800 (4 hours)
Attending is compulsory, and I learnt First Aid, BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support), and AED (Automated External Defibrillator). A few days later, SCDF issued a certificate of participation via email for completing the Responders Plus Programme.
Meals on Wheels
Rotaract – 16 March 2024, 20 April 2024 (Saturday). 1000 to 1300 (3 hours)
SNA – 28 March 2024 (Thursday), 1400 to 1700 (3 hours)
Providing meal deliveries from Bethesda Care Services Bedok to homebound elderly.
Orientation Camp 2024
Rotaract
10 May, 15:00 to 11 May, 17:00 (Friday-Saturday, 16 hours)
It has been a long time since I went to a camp. The last time I went was during my primary school days. I wanted to know how it works, so I decided to try it. It was mainly team bonding games, and I never had to be afraid of starving because there was lots of food provided, and surprisingly, it was delicious.
My CA (Class Advisor) and Co-CA are in the CCA, and most of the lecturers in charge are from the School of Nursing, so my classmates and I communicated with them.
Unlabelled Run 2024
Rotaract
18 May 2024 (Saturday), 0400 to 1100 (7 hours)
I helped set up the drinks station, gave out drinks to runners, and worked as an usher.
20th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) Singapore 2024
Rotaract
Dry Run – 26 May 2024 (Sunday), 1500 to 1615 (1.25 hours)
Day 2 – 2 June 2024 (Sunday), 0745 to 1300 (5.25 hours)
Day 3 – 3 June 2024 (Monday), 1700 to 2000 (5 hours)
I went for the dry run and worked in a Stage Management/Logistics Team role for Days 2 and 3 of the 20th APRRC to welcome our Rotaract Club friends worldwide and ensure the event went smoothly.
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
SNA
7 June 2024 (Friday), 1300 to 1600 (3 hours)
I am more of a stay-at-home person and have never visited this museum, so I took this opportunity to go with the CE Green Ambassadors Club students and explore a diversity of species.
House of Joy Community Outreach
Rotaract
15 June 2024 (Saturday), 0930 to 1230 (3 hours)
I went to the new HDB (Housing & Development Board) flats to ask the residents if they have any household seniors around the age of 60 to provide a sense of home to older people by promoting the House of Joy Tampines Elder Care Center.
Fengshan CC Befriending Event Planning
Rotaract
24 June 2024 (Monday), 1500 to 1700 (2 hours)
I, my Rotaractors, and the lecturer of the CCA were present to plan the upcoming befriending event, which will create a space for vulnerable seniors to connect, forge relationships, and foster mutual support within their community. I helped compile the National Day videos for the actual day.
SCDF Workplan Seminar 2024
CDLH
4 July 2024 (Thursday), 1330 to 1530 (2 hours)
I thought I was there to help out with activities, but it turns out that I am just there to explore.
Technologies are so advanced these days.
Medical devices that detect veins and the upcoming OMNII 2.0 is expected by 2030.
Befriending Session with Fengshan Elderly Residents
Rotaract
20 July 2024 (Saturday), 1030 to 1330 (3 hours)
I helped compile additional National Day videos, took pictures and videos, interacted with the elderly, and assisted them with making a Singapore paper flag.
I find that I still prefer community service.
Hence, I will no longer participate in activities unrelated to community service.
If you have signed up for the NYAA (National Youth Achievement Award), they also have community service, and some of your CCA can count towards your NYAA.
One of the activities I went to was Korban Meat Distribution to the Zakat beneficiaries’ households on 29 June 2024 (Saturday), from 0830 to 1230 (4 hours). It is similar to Meals on Wheels, where I distributed 2 kg of Korban meat, 5 kg of rice and 2L of oil to each household.
Certain CCAs offer overseas community service trips. For instance, I know Rotaract has a one-week Philippines trip where you can earn CCA points or even an EAGLES award if you want. SNA also has a trip to Shanghai for those with lower GPAs.
Prioritise your studies first rather than your CCA. If you are struggling with your studies, you should stop committing to CCA until you improve.
At last, I hope this post will help you decide on CCA.
