At One World International School (OWIS) Nanyang Campus, we want our Secondary students to succeed academically, socially, emotionally and physically. With this in mind, we provide a variety of after-school co-curricular activities (CCAs) designed to promote holistic development.
In this article, we explore the advantages of CCAs and showcase the wide array of activities accessible to secondary students.
Benefits of CCAs
Many parents are hesitant to enrol their children in CCAs because they fear these activities will distract them from academics. While this is a valid concern, research shows the opposite to be true: CCAs improve overall engagement in the classroom.
Other benefits include:
- Stronger teamwork and leadership skills
- Enhanced social-emotional development
- Improved physical and mental health
- Increased self-confidence
- Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
CCAs are particularly important for secondary students as involvement in these activities can strengthen college applications by demonstrating a well-rounded profile of skills and experiences. Extracurricular activities can also help secondary students explore their interests, passions and talents. In doing so, they get a better idea of what they might want to study at university and pursue as a career.
CCAs for Secondary School
At OWIS Nanyang, our international school campus in Jurong, we recognise that learning happens outside the classroom, too. That’s why we provide a range of CCAs tailored to suit the passions and abilities of our students. Some of the CCAs available to secondary students include:
Science and Technology
Coding
In our coding club, students dive into the world of coding for app development and problem-solving using a custom training platform. This hands-on experience builds a strong foundation for future careers in STEM.
Digital Animation
Students team up with tech-savvy mentors to learn the ins and outs of different animation apps. In doing so, they develop practical skills while also expressing themselves in a fun and creative way.
Robotics
Through robotics, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and will have opportunities to represent the school at robotics team events. This experience can be instrumental as they make decisions about university programmes and careers.
Performing Arts
Senior Choir
Led by professional vocal instructors, our senior choir blends vocal exercises and a diverse repertoire to nurture a love for music. Participants perform at school functions, too.
Dance
Students interested in dance have the option of learning a variety of dance styles and genres, from K-pop to Bollywood. Ensembles also have the chance to share their routines with the school community during regular performances.
Contemporary Band
Our core senior ensemble is led by seasoned music professionals, allowing students to further their musical abilities while learning how to collaborate with peers. Participation is open to all who can play an instrument or sing, regardless of ability.
School Magazine (OWIS OPUS)
Students on the school magazine staff write and edit content, take photographs and create layouts. This hands-on experience prepares students for careers in journalism and publishing.
Movie Making
Future filmmakers can learn about scriptwriting, filming and editing during our movie-making CCA. This extracurricular allows students to create compelling narratives from script to screen.
Angklung Ensemble & Drum Circle
Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the angklung, an Indonesian instrument, and the drums. These CCAs support the development of self-expression and creativity in our students.
Sports and Fitness
Basketball (open training)
Led by passionate coaches, our basketball programme offers students the opportunity to build technical skills as well as social-emotional skills like collaboration, communication and resilience in the face of failure. All students can participate in open training CCAs for fun and exercise, regardless of whether they represent the school on an official team.
Cheerleading/Cheer Squad
In cheerleading, students master advanced routines, stunts and cheers. They also learn important social-emotional skills like collaboration and teamwork while strengthening the school spirit. Later in the year, students also have the opportunity to try-out for the official OWIS cheer squad and support our sports teams at their matches.
Football (open training)
Our secondary football players are led by dedicated coaches who work to elevate their skills and teamwork through drills, friendly matches and tactical plays. Football teaches students dedication and resilience, which carries into the classroom. All students can participate in open training CCAs for fun and exercise, regardless of whether they represent the school on an official team.
Kickboxing
This dynamic activity offers a high-energy workout in a fun and supportive environment, allowing students to work on their fitness, agility, and self-defense skills.
Touch Rugby
Touch rugby is a no-contact sport that nurtures fitness and camaraderie. During practices, students learn skills, strategies and teamwork. The game is open to all genders.
Other activities
Chess Club
In the chess club, participants can play casually against their peers or delve into advanced techniques and strategies for competitive play. Either way, chess helps develop critical thinking and strategising skills.
Knitting
Perfect for beginners and those with some knitting knowledge, this hands-on session is both educational and enjoyable.
Official Organisations
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an educational simulation in which students role-play delegates to the United Nations, engaging in debates, negotiations and resolution drafting on various global issues. This process builds communication skills while helping shape students into global citizens. Students participate in exciting mock conference events against other schools throughout the year.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
DofE is an internationally-recognised award scheme through which young people have fun, build confidence and gain essential skills and attributes for work and life. The award consists of three sections for participating students to complete independently (skills, physical activity and volunteering), plus a fourth section: a challenging overnight expedition, which students complete in teams.
Eco Club
The Eco Club strives to promote sustainable practices around the school and to raise awareness of key ecological issues. Students also have opportunities to engage in hands-on activism through fundraising events and an upcoming ‘eco garden’ project.
Learn More About CCAs at OWIS
School is about more than taking tests — it’s about learning to become a kind, well-rounded young adult. That’s why, at our international school in Jurong, we offer co-curricular activities that help secondary students excel academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
To learn more about CCAs at OWIS Nanyang, schedule a campus tour today.
(CCA offerings are subject to change.)
