My boys' Co-curricular Activities (CCA) in school

All students in Singapore must participate in some co-curricular activities in the school, either in sport/games, uniformed group, performing arts or clubs/societies. It is hope that CCA will help to inculcate team spirit, sharing and bonding among peers; and further enhance a person's character.

However, gone were those days that the students could choose CCA based on their interests. To be eligible for selection into certain sports or games, you have to possess more than average skills. Novice would never stand a chance to enter sports CCA. One has to go through selection process; only those who are deemed talented will be shortlisted.

My older boy, Cheng Kai, managed to get into Chinese Orchestra, playing the Chinese Flute (Dizhi). During the selection process, he had to demonstrate to the instructor his ability to "generate" some vocal sound from the flute. Fortunately, he had tried "blowing" Chinese Flute with his uncle before, and manged to "blow out"some tune during the selection. Those who could not were apparently rejected.

Cheng Kai (middle)

He participated in the just completed SYF (Singapore Youth Festival) competition recently. His school Chinese Orchestra team has won Certificate of Distinction in this year's competition! Cheng Kai will "retire" from his CCA from this week to concentrate on his impending "O" Level examination this year.

My second and youngest boy, Cheng Jie, was fortunate to be a volleyball player during Primary School days. Hence, he was easily accepted into the school team. He was quite shot among his peers; but being quite agile and physically fit, he was trained to be a Liberal for the team. They did quite well last year - managed to win Second place for National C Division (lower secondary) for Volleyball, losing only to Bukit Panjang High School.  But this year (secondary 3), they could only manage to win Second placing in Zonal B Division, and lost out to stronger opponents in the quarterfinal at National Level.

Cheng Jie (right)

 I wishes his volleyball team will perform better in next year's National "B" Division Tournament.