Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.      Will my child be allocated her first choice of CCA? 

The school adheres to the quota set to ensure the quality of the CCA programme. The school optimises the number of slots for each CCA by considering the interests of students while maintaining a healthy number in each CCA to sustain a diverse CCA eco-system. Additional manpower is deployed to manage the more popular CCAs.

While the school recognises each student’s interest in the CCA and tries to assign all students to their preferred choice option, for CCAs which are oversubscribed, a computerised ballot will be conducted during the selection. Your child may not get her 1st -choice CCA but she will be assigned to one of her preferred options. 

It is important to manage your child’s expectations and choose the six options, in ranked order, wisely.

2.      My child would like to participate in a Competitive Sports or Performing Arts Group. What should she consider before she signs up?

Interest and potential aside, it is very important to consider the amount of time your child can commit to her chosen CCA. Training is rigorous. Competitive Sports teams and Performing Arts Groups train or practise the whole year round. During the school terms, training and practice sessions are twice weekly. Every PL-Lite, when making the choice, should seek to have sustained participation.  She must act responsibly, persevere and continue honing her skill to excel rather than change CCA when there are challenges.If you do not want your child to commit her three years to one competitive sport / performing arts group, we would strongly advise you to choose other clubs and recreational sport.

3.    My child wants to participate in 2 CCAs in the school. Does the school allow for such a choice?

No. Due to the time and commitment required, it will not be possible for PL-Lites to take part in two CCAs. 

4.    My child takes weekly enrichment lessons outside school. Can she be exempted from the school’s CCA Programme?

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in school-based CCA as it provides an meaningful dimension to the PL-Lites’ holistic development. Students who have valid reasons can be excused from a CCA. Please submit a request for your child to be exempted from CCA to Mr Lim Wei Sheng (HOD PE & CCA) at lim_wei_sheng@moe.edu.sg.

5.    Can my child change her CCA? 

An online form will be shared with parents via PG in Term 1. After the option period, we do not accede to requests for change of CCA unless on medical grounds. The outcome of the change of CCA is subjected to the vacancies and a computerised balloting will be conducted for popular CCAs. Students will be informed of the outcome before the start of CCA in term 2.

6. How is my child selected for the school-team to represent the school for competitions or performances?

The school provides students with opportunities to represent and participate in external events as a way to develop and demonstrate their skills in authentic settings. Each CCA has its own selection process, which is based on criteria such as skill level, consistency, attitude, and suitability.

The school ensures that the selection process is fair and transparent. For students who are not selected, the experience can serve as a valuable opportunity to learn about growth mindset, resilience, and teamwork.

7. Is my child expected to enrol in external training in order to be selected for the school team?

No, your child is not required to attend any external training to be considered for the school team.

While some students may have prior exposure through external training, this is not a requirement for selection. We have also selected students who do not have any external training but demonstrate strong passion, commitment, the ability to learn and perform during the selection process, and good values such as teamwork, respect, and resilience.

Similarly, parents should not assume that selection into a CCA or the school team is guaranteed based on external training or achievements in external competitions.

Selection is based on merit and readiness, including factors such as attitude, effort, responsiveness to coaching, and values demonstrated. The process is conducted jointly by the coaches and teachers in a fair and transparent manner, and all students are given equal consideration.

P3 CCA Readiness Trial

What is the P3 CCA Readiness Trial?

1.       The CCA readiness trial is designed to give students an opportunity to experience the CCA and for teachers and coaches to better understand each student’s interest, attitude, and readiness in a supportive environment.

2.       It is not a selection exercise in itself, but rather part of a broader process to ensure a good fit between students and the CCA.

3.       Students will be engaged in simple activities and may be grouped based on their suitability for the CCA during the session.

4.       As each CCA has a limited number of places, balloting may still be conducted where necessary to ensure a fair and balanced allocation.

5.       If your child has selected the following CCAs, you will receive a PG notification to invite your child to attend the readiness trial:

a.       Badminton

b.       Netball

c.       Rhythmic Gymnastics

d.       Rope Skipping

e.       Table Tennis

f.        Track and Field

g.       Choir

h.       String Ensemble*  

i.         Handbell Ensemble* 

j.         International Dance

* Preferably Piano/Strings Grade 1 or equivalent. Students who do not have grade 1 are still welcome to try out if they display musical interest and readiness to learn.

How is the P3 CCA Readiness Trial different from a typical selection exercise?

1.       We do not select students based solely on specific CCA skills or prior experience, nor do we only take the “best” performers.

2.       Instead, we aim to welcome students with a range of abilities and strengths so that all students can learn and grow together.

3.       At the same time, we will consider students’ readiness and suitability, as placing students in a CCA that may not be a good fit could affect their ability to benefit from and enjoy the experience.

If my child is not selected, does that mean she failed the CCA readiness trial?

1.       No, it does not mean that your child has failed the CCA readiness trial. The trial is not an assessment to pass or fail.

2.       After the session, students are generally grouped based on their observed readiness, such as their interest, attitude, and response to the activities.

3.       As each CCA has limited spaces, a balloting exercise may still be conducted within these groups if there are more students than available places. As a result, some students may not be selected due to balloting, even if they show higher readiness.

4.       Similarly, students assessed to be of lower readiness may not be selected if the CCA may not be the best fit for them at this point in time.

Why can’t the CCA accept every student who has an interest in it?

1.       While our CCAs aim to welcome all students who are keen to learn and show interest, there are practical considerations that we need to take into account. Operationally, it is important to keep each CCA at an optimal size to ensure that sessions remain safe, well-managed, and conducive for meaningful student engagement.

2.       As such, CCA sizes are kept within a set limit to ensure a healthy and balanced spread of students across all CCAs, allowing each student to participate actively and benefit from the experience.

What happens if my child really wants to join the CCA?

1.       We understand that students may have a strong interest in a particular CCA, and we appreciate their enthusiasm. If your child is not allocated to her preferred CCA, you may wish to reach out to us to share more about her interest and reasons. While we are not always able to accommodate all requests due to limited spaces, we will do our best to review each case carefully and place students on a waitlist where possible should vacancies arise.

2.       Students may also request for a change of CCA in Term 1 of the new academic year. No readiness trial is required for this process, and students will be allocated to their new CCA in Term 2, subject to available vacancies.

3.       Please feel free to contact Mr Lim Wei Sheng (HOD PE & CCA) at lim_wei_sheng@moe.edu.sg or Ms Karine Yeo (SH PE & CCA) at yeo_wei_san_karine@moe.edu.sg for further discussion.