Findings from 2020 Pilot to Remove CCA Selection Trials

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Education (a) what have been the findings of the 2020 pilot to remove CCA selection trials; (b) how many schools have adopted the no-trial model; and (c) whether the Ministry will require schools to offer both recreational and competitive CCA tiers so that students wishing to participate for leisure and development are not excluded by selection.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) are an integral part of a holistic education aimed at developing our students' character, skills and values.

The primary schools in the pilot study were able to allocate students to their CCA choices without selection trials.

Today, about two-thirds of primary schools do not conduct CCA selection trials. Most of the remaining schools conduct trials only for a few CCAs that are oversubscribed, keeping the enrolment manageable to ensure a quality learning experience for students.

Schools customise their CCA offerings to best fit their student profiles and available resources. Many already provide recreational options. Schools also work with SportSG to provide additional recreational sports opportunities, such as the Sports Education Programme and the recently launched School Sports Fiesta, as enrichment beyond regular CCAs. Students also have many opportunities to learn and play a range of sports during Physical Education classes and during unstructured play at recess.

We will continue to strengthen our CCA system, to ensure meaningful development opportunities for all students.