DHSZ Online CCA：Participating in Their Passions in Another Way
Co-curricular Activities (CCA’s) are an integral part of the DNA of Dulwich International High School Suzhou. However, with the recent epidemic restrictions resulting in our school switching to an online learning model, it was necessary to move our extensive CCA program online.
In this article, we are going to look at some of the challenges involved in creating a valuable online CCA program and examine how we were able to rise to them. The process of switching the CCA program to a fully online model was carried out very rapidly, with work taking place on it from the moment we were told that we were going to be delivering lessons online. We didn’t want our students to miss out on their holistic development any longer than necessary. As a result, we were able to launch our online CCA program on the 22nd of February.
Some of the CCA’s we offer were able to migrate to an online format with the minimum of challenges. However, for others (such as team sports CCAs) it was necessary for alternatives to be provided. However, the focus was on ensuring that they provided genuine value to our student’s holistic experiences. This is important because online CCA time is one of the few opportunities our students have to engage with others outside of the classroom environment whilst participating in their passions.
This is what Tony Winton (Economics Teacher, Trips Coordinator, Head of CCAs) had to say about our online CCA program.
“This is an exceptionally challenging time for our students thus the CCA programme provides an invaluable opportunity for students to interact and see each other outside of timetabled lessons. With the aid of our incredible CCA leaders we can continue to support students in developing their interests, skills, and passions. Many of the CCAs, such as our Scholars Programme and Extended Project Qualification, have been able to continue online with minimal disruption. However, other CCAs were modified to suit the demands of the online programme whilst also ensuring that they meet the holistic needs of the students. An excellent example of this is how Coach Dani Grego adapted the Girls Basketball CCA from a physical activity to one where students analysed pre-recorded basketball games to allow them a greater understanding of the tactical side of the sport. Overall, we have observed an encouraging level of engagement and participation from our students across the whole online CCA programme.”
This is what some of our students had to say about their experience with Online CCAs:
Anna M (DHSZ-Y11)
“I joined the Shakespeare Festival CCA and online cooking CCA. Shakespeare Festival CCA is going to prepare some of Shakespeare’s famous drama works. Online cooking is really great. We made strawberry ice cream this week which is really nice!”
Genevieve W (DHSZ-Y12)
“I'm doing the Economics Book Club and EPQ online CCAs. Since they're online, we do face some challenges when it comes to communicating our thoughts through teams. But in general, the online meeting atmosphere is really great! For example, we still take turns reading economic books every week, and we chat with each other just as if we're face to face. About the EPQ, it's definitely more self-orientated. There's not much difference between online ones and the ones we did in school. The teachers still make sure we are achieving progress and ask how we're coping. The usual mentor meetings are now online as well, but I actually find it very efficient. It's a way to work smart!”
Audrey P (DHSZ-Y11)
“I joined Mr. Winton’s Economics CCA, which specifically study the 9- or 12-marks questions. He leads us to read the text together and we share ideas with each other. Then everyone writes a part of the answers so that we get a fantastic answer at the end. I enjoy this CCA cuz I can always get some new ideas and knowledge from others and also helps me review topics from last year. It’s really enjoyable.”
