Choice of Co-curricular Activity in Secondary Schools

Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Minister for Education (a) what percentage of Secondary school students are given their first choice of co-curricular activity (CCA) for the last five years and in the prior decade; (b) in what percentage of cases do sign-ups exceed the school's capacity; and (c) what percentage of sign-ups require a qualifying test and what is the reason for such a test.

From past surveys, the percentage of Secondary 1 students who were given their first choice of CCA was about 75%. Almost all students were enrolled in a CCA within their top three choices.

Schools may limit the number of students for a particular CCA due to manpower, facilities, financial, logistical and safety considerations. For some types of CCAs, selection trial is one fair way to allocate these places. Schools make these judgements on the ground. MOE does not keep a record of such school-based decisions.

Even though some students may not get the CCA of their choice, they could still have exposure to a variety of arts and sports through the following school programmes

(a) School-based aesthetics programmes provide students with access to popular art forms, such as drama and dance, through customised workshops, quality assembly programmes and learning journeys to plays and concerts.

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(b) Students learn to play a range of sports through our Physical Education programme from Primary 1 to Pre-University. To add further variety, the Sports Education Programme (in partnership with the Singapore Sports Council) offers schools more than 50 sports (such as floorball and golf) for students to learn to play.

(c) Students who are keen on an activity can also launch a Student Initiated Activity (SiA) by gathering interested peers and obtaining a teacher’s endorsement for the activity. SiAs encompass all activities and may include a new CCA.