By Betty Ding (25A01B) and Venkatesan Vidya Laxmi (25S03B, Peer Helper)
Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/RIAAUU and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month.
“What is the point of taking a CCA in JC? Is it looked down on if you don’t take one? What is the CCA culture like in RI?”
— Apprehensive Archibald
Dear Apprehensive Archibald,
Navigating the waters of Junior College can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). You’re probably weighing the pros and cons, wondering if joining a CCA is worth it.
It’s understandable to feel a bit apprehensive about the whole ordeal, especially when you are considering choosing the path less travelled—not choosing a CCA at all. Plus, with the unique and perhaps still unfamiliar culture of existing RI CCAs looming over you, it’s natural to seek some clarity on what to expect.
What is the point of taking a CCA?
Unlike primary or secondary school, MOE has stipulated that CCAs are no longer compulsory in JC.
Yet, majority of students still choose to take a CCA due to a myriad of reasons, such as the desire to explore new interests or pursue existing ones. For some, it may also be to boost their portfolio in preparation for their desired university courses. Some who have joined Sports CCAs chose to do so as a way of ensuring they get regular exercise and continue a healthy lifestyle in the midst of the busyness of JC life. Furthermore, CCAs can offer a sense of belonging and community within the often stressful environment of school, while giving you the opportunity to widen your social networks.
Why do some students not join a CCA and how are they viewed?
For many, it may seem like one might be missing out on the “JC Life Experience” if they do not join a CCA, given that a significant proportion of social interactions come about through one’s CCA. After all, CCA is also an avenue where you can meet new people other than your classmates.
Fret not, as there are ways to ensure that you do not miss out on this aspect of social interactions. By participating in school activities such as watching performances by CCA groups, supporting friends when they compete in National School Games (NSG), taking part in class outings, or even initiating your own activities with friends, you can still immerse yourself in the vibrant social scene of JC life.
It’s not uncommon for students to initially take on 2 CCAs, only to realize later that juggling everything becomes overwhelming. In such cases, students opt to drop down to just one CCA or even withdraw from CCA participation altogether. This process of rightsizing commitments is a very natural and common thing to do, and students can ensure that they are able to dedicate sufficient time and energy to activities that truly matter to them—it’s all about finding the right balance.
Nevertheless, for some, given that ‘A’ Levels are looming around the corner, they may wish to devote their time solely to their academic studies, especially if they feel that they may struggle with handling all their commitments.
Additionally, some students may have external activities that they are involved in such as managing a podcast or a start-up, participating in work attachments, research opportunities or volunteering activities, and thus, may refrain from joining a CCA to avoid stretching themselves too thin.
While it may seem like having more commitments is better and one would be looked down upon if they do not take a CCA, having the courage to take the tougher and more uncommon decision is admirable. That’s because it shows that that person is decisive and has crystal-clear clarity on what they want out of their JC journey, instead of simply succumbing to the pressure of joining every opportunity that is offered to us.
What is the CCA culture like in RI?
RI has a myriad of CCAs to choose from—a whopping total of 70 CCAs—and making a decision on which one(s) to join may be a very daunting decision. Taking into account the academic workload, enrichment programmes, VIA, travelling time to and from school, CCA culture would be a key factor in making the ultimate decision.
Regardless of whether it is Clubs and Societies, Performing Arts or Sports, all CCAs are very bonded and have an inclusive and open environment. Seeing CCAs having brunch, lunch or dinner together before or after CCA sessions is a very common sight and is a testament to how united CCAs are at RI.
For most sports and performing arts CCAs specifically, you might find yourself spending at least two days a week with your CCA, and in the lead-up to performances or competitions like Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) or National School Games (NSG), training times may increase to three days (or more) a week. It is a similar situation for Clubs and Societies that are preparing for their various competitions or events as well.
During such crunch-times, one might expect students to show up to CCA with a disgruntled face, but most students actually ask for even more training sessions to practice more. Pushing through training sessions regardless of how tiring it may be undoubtedly makes the CCA more bonded and forges close-knit friendships that can last a lifetime.
Of course, it is impossible to boil down RI CCA culture into a few words, as each CCA is unique and different. By asking seniors about their experiences and finding out more about the CCAs, you might be able to glimpse what life in those CCAs are like.
Ultimately, the decision to join a CCA should align with your interests and goals. Do not feel the pressure to conform to expectations; instead, you should choose activities that genuinely excite you and offer opportunities for personal growth and fulfilment. You might have to take a tough call, but regardless of your decision, as long as you can clearly communicate the reasoning behind your decision to yourself and others around you, there is no need to doubt yourself!
Sincerely,
Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset
If you need anyone to talk to about any issues you might be facing, do drop by My Rest Space near Marymount gate and talk to one of our peer helpers! We’re open on Mondays and Tuesday from 3.00 – 5.00 p.m, Wednesday 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m., Thursday and Friday 3.00 – 5.00 p.m. If you would like to meet a peer helper on a regular basis, do email us a request at rafflesinstitutionphp@gmail.com or fill in our request form at our website https://rafflesinstitution5.wixsite.com/rafflespeerhelpers/peer-helping-request!
