Week three 28/4/20

28/4/20

We were to present a particular CCA group where we had to think of the aims and how the CCA group is organised.

Student associations 

Aims

The formation of a student association. The purpose of the student associations is to encourage unity and a sense of community among the students in the school such as to develop school culture which encourages the students to have a sense of belonging. The aims of the student associations are to improve student well-being, to function as the middle person of the school administration and students, to establish a healthy environment for the students and many more. The process of organising and managing a student association can promote democracy in the school, where the students are involved in the improvement of the school.

Source: iecabroad 

How to organise student associations

1. Come up with a black and white document with the aims/vision/purpose/goal of the student association (SOP/guideline).
2. Inform the students about the student association (notices to parents as well as school assembly, and talk to each class).
3. Have a short, informal interview to join the council.
4. Set up specific meeting dates/ days where they will meet and the council members and teacher advisor can bring up issues and matters.
5. Set up a platform for students to access and express their thoughts in order to allow students to have a voice. The students will manage the website and keep it up to date.
6. Create surveys and get students to participate in it for them to select between options that are proposed by student council.
7. Propose/ organise events according to timeline prepared in the document.
8. have a post-mortem meeting after every event including reflection, analysis, feedback to improve etc.
9. Make announcements such as bulletin boards specifically for the student council only for activities that will be carried out/ current events/ important notices from the school.

Uniformed groups

Source: The 9 uniformed groups in Singapore 

Aims

1. To make good citizens of students by imbuing a spirit of service to others
2. To build character and discover their identity in society
3. To develop discipline and perseverance in each individual
4. To develop a sense of unity among students
5. To develop life skills useful for student’s future (leadership/communication skills, first-aid/survival skills)
6. To acknowledge the people of service in society

Organisation

1. Come up with a black and white document with the overall aims/vision/purpose/goal of the Uniformed Groups (SOP/ guideline)
2. Decide on which Uniformed Groups to organise
3. Come up with a black and white document with the aims/vision/purpose/goal of each Uniformed Group (SOP/ guideline)
4. Inform the students about the Uniformed Groups (announcements)
5. Organise schedule for activities (what to learn/where/when)
6. Conduct a ‘Trial day’ for students to experience the gist of the CCA and to recruit potential members/for students who are interested to sign up
7. Go through aims.schedule/procedure with members (uniforms/precautionary steps)
8. Amend schedule with members (Add excursions/events)
9. Hold activities/events according to timeline prepared in the document
10. Make announcements for any special events via posters/bulletin board to encourage other students of the school to participate

5/5/20

A continuation of the presentation of a selected CCA group

What I've learnt so far:

The aims of implementing sports and games in primary schools include encouraging a holistic experience in education for the students, induce morals and values in them, and even developing ether sense of responsibility/ discipline as a human being.

The organisation of the sports and games in CCAs includes a step-by-step process when establishing one.

1. Guidelines- which includes the aims and purpose of implementing a club
2. Listing- selecting a number of sports and games that are suitable for the students
3. Qualification- to ensure the CCA experience is of good and consistent quality for the students who participate in it
4. Meeting- an agreement established between teacher-advisor, school and coaches outside the school to maintain the quality and routine of the activities in the CCA
5. Notification- allowing options and time for the students and parents to pick out a suitable CCA
6. Communication- teachers/supervisors set up a platform to communicate with the participants go the CCA 
7. Activities- setting up suitable activities that are both achievable and challenging at the same time to keep the members/students of the CCA engaged and motivated
8. Post-mortem- to conduct a timely update and meeting regarding the progress of the CCA

The Aims of the CCAs (uniform, clubs and societies and performing arts) are more or less the same. They include:

1. Developing the individual.
2. Promoting team work
3. Developing a sense of community 
4. Incur a sense of responsibility of the individual 
5. Allowing the individual to discover their talents and interests.

Organization

1. Guidelines: a document for aims/ goals/ purpose of sports and games CCA created by school
2. List out suitable sports & games clubs (eg. rugby may not be suitable at primary level)
3. Teacher/ Coaches: ensure they are qualified and hire external coaches to lead clubs (differs for each school/ depends on school)
4. Meeting: meeting of teacher supervisors external coaches to discuss details (which should be approved by school before being implemented)
5. Notify: inform students & parents given time to choose CCA clubs they find suitable
6. Communication: teachers/ supervisors need to have a platform where they can communicate w/ each other through websites or Whatsapp group
7. Club activities: find suitable club activities/ competitions that are eligible for students to participate
8. Post- mortem: Conduct timely post- mortem meetings between supervisor and teachers

Role of Teachers/ Coaches

• To be a good planner (so that the activities are carried out systematically throughout the year)
• Be an opportunity provider (be active in finding ways for them to excel in CCA)
• Be innovative: introduce creative and fun activities (Eg. basketball club; vary the trainings)
• Be proactive in club matters/ activities: not just observing , some matters need teachers input
• Be encouraging: appreciate students efforts and success
• Provide meaningful feedback: how to improve
• Be a role model: set a good example 
• Provide challenges for the club and students (Principle: have potential to be successfully, give the room to make mistakes)

There are also challenges (as well as suggested solutions) presented in implementing this CCA which includes:

Time - some are held after school hours so they may be tired from academics

Solution:

1. CCA done during school hours

Unqualified supervisors

Solution:

1. have training & workshops for teachers
2. To get PATA to help out
3. To get alumni to come back and contribute

Non- committed - some teacher supervisors ‘give up’ halfway

Solution:

1. school management and CCA coordinator needs to play a more dynamic role
2. Teachers should not be forced to take on a club if they are not willing