Can catch up on Koku during F6?...

[CelineD]

...or is it too late?

I didn't take Koku very seriously when I was younger (e.g form 1) so I only join clubs etc. as a regular member. Didn't take part in those competitions etc. organized...

I only realized that it was important when I was in form 5 last year. So I actively got involved in the clubs and societies I joined. But due to not being so popular and well-known by the students and teachers(I was the quiet, shy type with my little world, little friends and don't know how to berkawan with teachers...) so I didn't get voted a lot. Highest posts I ever held is AJK. Somemore that year got SPM, so all the activities cut short...

Now not only do I have a huge disadvantage at scholarship applications (ya results good so what...among all those other people are head prefects and those who joined state-level competitions!), but I realize I lack so much skills and experience when it comes to going to college/uni life. that's one of the main reasons why my parents (and myself) decided to opt me for F6...the maturity thing...(the other reason is purely financial)

So I wish to ask, can I catch up during F6? Not only in school, but any public service stuff, etc can I use not so much as to boost my co-curricular records, but also make me a more all rounded person?

(i like writing fiction and opinion articles...=)in terms of interest that is. In fact, the only competitions that I have opted to join is essay writing ones...)

Thanks=)
I hope that this thread can help anyone who may be in a similar situation...

ps:I searched the forum for words 'co-curriculum active' but can't seem to find anything related...so forgive me if this thread is redundant...

[Glassylicious]

Well, before I can answer that, it really depends on what your ultimate goal is.

The first question to answer is: What are you trying to accomplish with co-curriculum activities?

Are you doing this for the "co-curriculum marks" that you'll need for that 10% of your public university application? If yes, then you'd better try to make full use of your time while you can. In my school at least, we gave priority to the Form Six students, where key positions like president and vice-president are concerned. Try your luck and don't stop vying for these positions. Try to get to know some people -- networking around a little doesn't hurt. =)

Are you doing this for foreign university/scholarship application purposes? Or for picking up some valuable skills? If yes, then try to shift focus from school-related stuff if you are having difficulties securing positions in school. Indulge in other stuff. The sky is the limit -- student leader seminars/youth conferences, public speaking workshops, kickstart a project/small online business, write a novel, travel around for some cultural sight-seeing, do some charity work, maybe get involved with a church youth organization if you're a Christian.

You mentioned that you love writing. Well, you can tap into that. Try to look into any creative writing workshops that you can participate in. Or contribute to a regular column in some community newsletter/news portal. Or start your own blog penning your thoughts/essays. There are loads you can do! I personally did the Nanowrimo challenge [write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days] and my university interviewer was visibly impressed. =)

I totally empathize when you say that shyness is an issue; I used to have that problem when I was in secondary school too. >_< But do try to take the initiative to get to know people; do it gradually if you have to. I found out that most of the time, they don't bite! =D

Best of luck!

[CelineD]

Well, before I can answer that, it really depends on what your ultimate goal. (1)

The first question to answer is: What are you trying to accomplish with co-curriculum activities? (2)

...

You mentioned that you love writing. Well, you can tap into that. Try to look into any creative writing workshops that you can participate in. Or contribute to a regular column in some community newsletter/news portal. Or start your own blog penning your thoughts/essays. There are loads you can do! I personally did the Nanowrimo challenge [write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days] and my university interviewer was visibly impressed. =) (3)

I totally empathize when you say that shyness is an issue; I used to have that problem when I was in secondary school too. >_< But do try to take the initiative to get to know people; do it gradually if you have to. I found out that most of the time, they don't bite! =D (4)

Best of luck!

(1)My ultimate goal is to improve my skills and abilities through being involved so that I can contribute to society.:)

(2)Both the goals that you mentioned, actually. To get the co-curriculum marks is my short-term goal while to apply for university, and to gain skills is a long-term one.

(3)Thanks for all your useful suggestions...I do have more involvement outside school and to know that that's actually an option is a relief! I do have a relatively new blog. I'm still working on the content to make it more unique, and I've started commenting on blogs and forums more often...right now I keep most of my personal creations (essays)in storage, maybe it's time to showcase them...

(4) I tend to take a longer time to make friends actually...but yup, people don't bite. It's worth me a try...

[LLCH]

My best co-co achievement was in form 6.

[CelineD]

My best co-co achievement was in form 6.

Cool...you must be very involved:) testimony that we indeed can catch up:amuse

I"ll be in a different school this time, due to change of stream...have to work a little harder to gain trust in a new environment where no one knows me...on the plus side in a new place people don't know you by your old stereotype e.g the (insert quality here) person, especially if it was not very good...got pros and cons.

[LLCH]

Eh. Not really. Let's put it this way. When you are in form 6, teachers tend to give you the higher post like president. Less people to compete with you too as usually there's less people in form 5. (You can ask for it if you are muka tembok enough, p.s. like me) I got involved in Robotics in lower 6. That's really a time of madness. Totally threw my studies out of the window.

[markwongsk]

I think it was worth it though... that was an experience worth remembering =) Not that I had any part in it haha

[zanyzephyr]

hmm... i personally do think that co-curicullum in form 6 is only feasible, when you know that you can cope well in both studies and activities. plenty of my friends now who are active in their school activities can hardly get an B for all their core subjects. Plus, by the end of the day, unless you club's activity can bring you to state level or higher,your total marks wouldn't reach A at all. As for me, I'm not really into activities because there is so little you can get from the form 6 circle of co-curiculum(in my school). Might as well focus on your studies, if you are good enough to get a 4 flat, regardless of what the government offers, you can choose to apply for better ranking universities overseas which can provide you full scholarship.

I'm kinda confused why the school push so hard in our co-curicullum, when clearly half of our current form 6 students can barely reach the cgpa of 3.5 and above. Look, co-curicullum do bring you to an advantage, but hey if you can't even cope with your studies and get a solid result, what is the point of holding so many positions in your ECA(extra-curicular activity)? Your main aim to pursue STPM is to get a good result and get into a good university. Do participate, but get your eyes on the prize, 4 flat is your aim, not a splendidly done ECA cert yet cgpa of less than 3.5.

PS: How's your studies going on? Did you manage to get CGPA of at least 3.5 in your last exam?

PPS: I'm an active MC in my current school, so practically any major function requires my participation if possible. I declined all positions from the prefectorial board has given because I have had enough experience as a prefect for 5 years in my old school.

So really, think about what you want by the end of the day. Soft skills can be acquired even after your STPM, or to be a lil harsh, you should have spend the 5 months before entering form 6 wisely to brush up your skills. You don't exactly have time for much stuffs other than your studies now, get the drill?

[Turkey]

hmm... i personally do think that co-curicullum in form 6 is only feasible, when you know that you can cope well in both studies and activities. plenty of my friends now who are active in their school activities can hardly get an B for all their core subjects. Plus, by the end of the day, unless you club's activity can bring you to state level or higher,your total marks wouldn't reach A at all. As for me, I'm not really into activities because there is so little you can get from the form 6 circle of co-curiculum(in my school). Might as well focus on your studies, if you are good enough to get a 4 flat, regardless of what the government offers, you can choose to apply for better ranking universities overseas which can provide you full scholarship.

I'm kinda confused why the school push so hard in our co-curicullum, when clearly half of our current form 6 students can barely reach the cgpa of 3.5 and above. Look, co-curicullum do bring you to an advantage, but hey if you can't even cope with your studies and get a solid result, what is the point of holding so many positions in your ECA(extra-curicular activity)? Your main aim to pursue STPM is to get a good result and get into a good university. Do participate, but get your eyes on the prize, 4 flat is your aim, not a splendidly done ECA cert yet cgpa of less than 3.5.

PS: How's your studies going on? Did you manage to get CGPA of at least 3.5 in your last exam?

PPS: I'm an active MC in my current school, so practically any major function requires my participation if possible. I declined all positions from the prefectorial board has given because I have had enough experience as a prefect for 5 years in my old school.

So really, think about what you want by the end of the day. Soft skills can be acquired even after your STPM, or to be a lil harsh, you should have spend the 5 months before entering form 6 wisely to brush up your skills. You don't exactly have time for much stuffs other than your studies now, get the drill?

Sorry, but I may have to disagree with you.

I totally loathe that kind of thinking. In my opinion, studying is not everything in the world. There's a lot more out there, waiting for us to explore and learn. One won't realize exactly how much being involved in co-curricular activities can change a person until he/she takes part in these activities. And I really do mean what I say! Co-curricular activities can change the person who you are right now, and even your entire life. Your perception in life changes, you grow more mature.

Even if you are only active in 1 co-curricular activity, it is more than enough. Try organising lots of creative activities. Even small activity such as Treasure Hunt poses many difficulties and challenges that people besides the organizing committee don't notice. There's proposals, reports, budgets and many problems that you will have to think about. And this is the best time to pick up soft skills.

May I ask, how exactly can you enhance your soft skills with just studying? And the 5 months before entering Form 6, if you're just staying at home, surfing internet to read up about presentation skills, communication skills etc, it still won't be sufficient, unless you are working part-time or involved in some social activities. There's a lot more that can only be acquired by working with others, such as cooperation, leadership, discipline etc, and these skills are requisites when working. You may think that there are still many chances to improve yourself in this aspect when you're in university, but do you know it takes a certain duration before it is polished brightly enough, and there surely is no shortcut. Almost everyone is well-equipped and a step ahead of you by that time. And are you sure you will have the time to start from scratch in university? You have to realize that the workload in university is far more than Form 6.

Of course one must also balance co-curricular activities with studies. Time management plays an important part here. See, there's another skill you can pick up.

To me, studies and co-curricular activities come HAND-IN-HAND. We can't omit either one. BOTH are important!

Plus, you'll surely grow extremely attached to your club's members and AJKs. I found it a MIRACLE that people ranging from the age of 13-17, who have different opinions when discussing about an important decision pertaining to the club, can even sit together during lunch and laugh about silly matters. Won't you want to indulge yourself in this kind of warm feeling? When everyone is together, it doesn't matter anymore who's senior and who's junior. It's like a big family, and we certainly respect each other!

I've gone through lots of wonders together with my fellow club members. Although those hardships that we face sometimes irritate us, but when asked this question, "Will you still join this club if time goes back to when you were Form 1?", everyone said yes in unison!

As to why the government pushes so hard in co-curricular activities, well, the reason is to form an all-rounded generation. Besides, I think foreign universities concern more on your personality. Even if you score CGPA 4.00 in STPM, you may not get a place. And employers nowadays look for workers with good personality, good results doesn't matter anymore. The degree is just to ensure that you have a certain level of knowledge in the field. Of course, if you have the combination of both good results and good personality, then it's the best.

[nickvl]

hmm... i personally do think that co-curicullum in form 6 is only feasible, when you know that you can cope well in both studies and activities. plenty of my friends now who are active in their school activities can hardly get an B for all their core subjects. Plus, by the end of the day, unless you club's activity can bring you to state level or higher,your total marks wouldn't reach A at all. As for me, I'm not really into activities because there is so little you can get from the form 6 circle of co-curiculum(in my school). Might as well focus on your studies, if you are good enough to get a 4 flat, regardless of what the government offers, you can choose to apply for better ranking universities overseas which can provide you full scholarship.

I'm kinda confused why the school push so hard in our co-curicullum, when clearly half of our current form 6 students can barely reach the cgpa of 3.5 and above. Look, co-curicullum do bring you to an advantage, but hey if you can't even cope with your studies and get a solid result, what is the point of holding so many positions in your ECA(extra-curicular activity)? Your main aim to pursue STPM is to get a good result and get into a good university. Do participate, but get your eyes on the prize, 4 flat is your aim, not a splendidly done ECA cert yet cgpa of less than 3.5.

PS: How's your studies going on? Did you manage to get CGPA of at least 3.5 in your last exam?

PPS: I'm an active MC in my current school, so practically any major function requires my participation if possible. I declined all positions from the prefectorial board has given because I have had enough experience as a prefect for 5 years in my old school.

So really, think about what you want by the end of the day. Soft skills can be acquired even after your STPM, or to be a lil harsh, you should have spend the 5 months before entering form 6 wisely to brush up your skills. You don't exactly have time for much stuffs other than your studies now, get the drill?

I think there's no better time than in form 6 to develop soft skills and it's never to late to start. It's actually the time to grab the opportunity since high posts are usually offered to form sixers. Sometimes, you discover your hidden potential when you are faced with situations you never had before.
After STPM, you said. How so?
Soft skills isn't picked up just like that when you want it. It's something that grows subtly and unconsciously and only through own experience. For example, as an MC you would have very good public speaking skills and the necessary confidence for it but that didn't come overnight, did it. Therefore, I think everyone should have the same opportunity to develop themselves during form 6. Sure, I understand that one needs to focus on studies to get good results but that's not all that is needed to be done. Yup, a 4 flat may be impressing but during interviews, when one starts stuttering; that's not going to leave a good impression.

Truly, I've seen many who blossomed, so to speak, during form 6 due to their active involvement and they developed their own personality. Many have told me it was hell balancing studies and koku but one thing they all agreed was that they didn't regret one single moment because the experience made them better persons.

p/s: My bro was the highest in his koku. Yeah, it may not have been four-flat but he was still offered into a good uni.

[zanyzephyr]

Sorry, but I may have to disagree with you.

I totally loathe that kind of thinking. In my opinion, studying is not everything in the world. There's a lot more out there, waiting for us to explore and learn. One won't realize exactly how much being involved in co-curricular activities can change a person until he/she takes part in these activities. And I really do mean what I say! Co-curricular activities can change the person who you are right now, and even your entire life. Your perception in life changes, you grow more mature.

Even if you are only active in 1 co-curricular activity, it is more than enough. Try organising lots of creative activities. Even small activity such as Treasure Hunt poses many difficulties and challenges that people besides the organizing committee don't notice. There's proposals, reports, budgets and many problems that you will have to think about. And this is the best time to pick up soft skills.

May I ask, how exactly can you enhance your soft skills with just studying? And the 5 months before entering Form 6, if you're just staying at home, surfing internet to read up about presentation skills, communication skills etc, it still won't be sufficient, unless you are working part-time or involved in some social activities. There's a lot more that can only be acquired by working with others, such as cooperation, leadership, discipline etc, and these skills are requisites when working. You may think that there are still many chances to improve yourself in this aspect when you're in university, but do you know it takes a certain duration before it is polished brightly enough, and there surely is no shortcut. Almost everyone is well-equipped and a step ahead of you by that time. And are you sure you will have the time to start from scratch in university? You have to realize that the workload in university is far more than Form 6.

Of course one must also balance co-curricular activities with studies. Time management plays an important part here. See, there's another skill you can pick up.

To me, studies and co-curricular activities come HAND-IN-HAND. We can't omit either one. BOTH are important!

Plus, you'll surely grow extremely attached to your club's members and AJKs. I found it a MIRACLE that people ranging from the age of 13-17, who have different opinions when discussing about an important decision pertaining to the club, can even sit together during lunch and laugh about silly matters. Won't you want to indulge yourself in this kind of warm feeling? When everyone is together, it doesn't matter anymore who's senior and who's junior. It's like a big family, and we certainly respect each other!

I've gone through lots of wonders together with my fellow club members. Although those hardships that we face sometimes irritate us, but when asked this question, "Will you still join this club if time goes back to when you were Form 1?", everyone said yes in unison!

As to why the government pushes so hard in co-curricular activities, well, the reason is to form an all-rounded generation. Besides, I think foreign universities concern more on your personality. Even if you score CGPA 4.00 in STPM, you may not get a place. And employers nowadays look for workers with good personality, good results doesn't matter anymore. The degree is just to ensure that you have a certain level of knowledge in the field. Of course, if you have the combination of both good results and good personality, then it's the best.


alright, obviously you didn't get my point. Look, I've spend my time joining ECAs in form 5 and I have got all the soft skills required. Yes, All-rounded personas do stand a higher chance in your career road but hey, the point now is, whether or not it is feasible for our friend here to Re-Catch up on the ECAs in FORM 6. I repeat, FORM 6.

I'm not sure if you have taken the route as a form 6 before, nor I'm going to question it. But what I've wanted to convey was, your soft skills do not matter YET, if you haven't even able to secure a place for your degree. It might sound funny, but form 6 is not exactly a perfect ground for interpersonal skill development. If you really want to develop these skills, get yourself involve when you have the time, not NOW, when you need to sit for the major exam. Sure, go for activities to release stress and gain some experiences, but not to haggle yourself with burdens and responsibilities, at least no now. I stress on NOW alright?

About having fun with juniors and all during or after the meetings. Hey, I had them, still can have them. But, not at the cost of your studies you dig? I never mentioned that we do not need ECAs, I stressed on focusing more on STPM instead because it is not easy. Provided that you are brilliant enough and are able to manage your time well, I'd say ditch the activities. You have more to come in your university years , in which if you are pursuing a degree,3-4 years. Ain't that enough for you to build what ever soft skills required for you to take on the world? If you can't , then I really do not have any comment on that.

And about workload, unless you are taking medicine or any higher tier courses, once you have conquered STPM, university for the 1st 2 years is practically a breeze. Seriously, that is why you take on STPM at the first place, Pre-University, as the name states. So seriously, are you sure you are able to nab the 4 flat? Yes, everyone can get 4 flat and less are able to present them well. But hey, if you can't even compete with them at the preliminary level, let alone hoping to get called for the interview. Presentation skills are as important as well, but like I said, you do not need extra workload to divert your attention.

Give or take, I had my glory days in form 5 and I have pick up reasonably competent soft skills for me to survive as a form 6, without spending much time outside schooling hours. So, I might think that the ECAs in form 6 do not provide as much platform as those in my lower forms had. But, seriously, this not the time. If you are in upper six right now, don't even think about it because now ain't the time for you to polish your soft skills, your curriculum should be your primary focus.


Like I said again, I stress on STPM is NOT the period for you to spend time on ECAs. Do it before(in form 4 and 5) or after(the long break from december to march) not NOW. So Turkey, you clearly misunderstood me.

If you wanna talk about ECAs, I have a whole list in my resume for you to see. Not to boast, but to tell. Lower forms were the best time to build them. At form 6 level, you wouldn't have enough time to scrounge around.

If I do offend any party in my context, please do forgive. Tend to go aggressive in trying to hold my stand.

[LLCH]

Well, one thing is true. If you are capable of balancing both, then strive for both. But, if you have failing grades and you still want to catch up in co-k activities? That's suicidal. Make sure you have fairly good results while having satisfying co-k. Kehadiran is already worth 50 marks, and jawatan another 10. Pencapaian will be tough, but getting penglibatan is easy. Just volunteer for one day for a national level activity and you are in. So the method is participate wisely, not just striving for competitions. Nab the easy marks.

[zarionette]

Well, one thing is true. If you are capable of balancing both, then strive for both. But, if you have failing grades and you still want to catch up in co-k activities? That's suicidal. Make sure you have fairly good results while having satisfying co-k. Kehadiran is already worth 50 marks, and jawatan another 10. Pencapaian will be tough, but getting penglibatan is easy. Just volunteer for one day for a national level activity and you are in. So the method is participate wisely, not just striving for competitions. Nab the easy marks.

Good point you have here. It took me the hard way to realise this one simple trick. During my f4 years, i've thought that the more participation in ECA regardless, the higher i'll score. And my participation had been mostly at the school level. And i ended up with a 'B' [again!] for my ECA grade even though i have been a lot much active than when i was during lower secondary years.

[nyanko]

Good point you have here. It took me the hard way to realise this one simple trick. During my f4 years, i've thought that the more participation in ECA regardless, the higher i'll score. And my participation had been mostly at the school level. And i ended up with a 'B' [again!] for my ECA grade even though i have been a lot much active than when i was during lower secondary years.

ya same situation too. in form 5 i was less active but still got same marks in the penglibatan part

[zanyzephyr]

LLCH mentioned a good point. On top of that, possible participation of national level activities are near to zero in form 6 level, unless you actually hunt it down, which I won't for now because I've had enough of these in my lower forms. Only ifopportunity knocks, or not I'm just going with the flow. So that was the precise point. You will get a B ultimately, so whats the point? And please, 99% of the form 6 get into koku just for the marks, I'm not being cynical, but that's the ugly truth. Getting soft skills and all, that comes in the package if you REALLY want to participate actively, which I don't see in most of the form 6, even the students outside my school.

[LLCH]

Yup. I don't think people are really caring about the soft skills to be honest. Well, participating in something like leo forum or national day celebration or essay competition which issues a certificate is sufficient. Aim for that. I got my national level too. You can also participate in Kuiz Kimia Kebangsaan and all other similar quiz. There are certainly many state and national level activities which you can join. Just open your eyes widely.

[Turkey]

alright, obviously you didn't get my point. Look, I've spend my time joining ECAs in form 5 and I have got all the soft skills required. Yes, All-rounded personas do stand a higher chance in your career road but hey, the point now is, whether or not it is feasible for our friend here to Re-Catch up on the ECAs in FORM 6. I repeat, FORM 6.

I'm not sure if you have taken the route as a form 6 before, nor I'm going to question it. But what I've wanted to convey was, your soft skills do not matter YET, if you haven't even able to secure a place for your degree. It might sound funny, but form 6 is not exactly a perfect ground for interpersonal skill development. If you really want to develop these skills, get yourself involve when you have the time, not NOW, when you need to sit for the major exam. Sure, go for activities to release stress and gain some experiences, but not to haggle yourself with burdens and responsibilities, at least no now. I stress on NOW alright?

About having fun with juniors and all during or after the meetings. Hey, I had them, still can have them. But, not at the cost of your studies you dig? I never mentioned that we do not need ECAs, I stressed on focusing more on STPM instead because it is not easy. Provided that you are brilliant enough and are able to manage your time well, I'd say ditch the activities. You have more to come in your university years , in which if you are pursuing a degree,3-4 years. Ain't that enough for you to build what ever soft skills required for you to take on the world? If you can't , then I really do not have any comment on that.

And about workload, unless you are taking medicine or any higher tier courses, once you have conquered STPM, university for the 1st 2 years is practically a breeze. Seriously, that is why you take on STPM at the first place, Pre-University, as the name states. So seriously, are you sure you are able to nab the 4 flat? Yes, everyone can get 4 flat and less are able to present them well. But hey, if you can't even compete with them at the preliminary level, let alone hoping to get called for the interview. Presentation skills are as important as well, but like I said, you do not need extra workload to divert your attention.

Give or take, I had my glory days in form 5 and I have pick up reasonably competent soft skills for me to survive as a form 6, without spending much time outside schooling hours. So, I might think that the ECAs in form 6 do not provide as much platform as those in my lower forms had. But, seriously, this not the time. If you are in upper six right now, don't even think about it because now ain't the time for you to polish your soft skills, your curriculum should be your primary focus.


Like I said again, I stress on STPM is NOT the period for you to spend time on ECAs. Do it before(in form 4 and 5) or after(the long break from december to march) not NOW. So Turkey, you clearly misunderstood me.

If you wanna talk about ECAs, I have a whole list in my resume for you to see. Not to boast, but to tell. Lower forms were the best time to build them. At form 6 level, you wouldn't have enough time to scrounge around.

If I do offend any party in my context, please do forgive. Tend to go aggressive in trying to hold my stand.

Hmm, if that's the case, then I agree with LLCH to just participate in a national level event and get the marks needed. And the school teachers usually give chances to Form 6 students, as they know the marks are important. This is for those who can't cope with their curriculum.

Somehow, if you're someone who can cope really well in studies, then I really suggest you to participate actively in co-curricular activities.

Ahh, I still can't bring myself to agree with you, zanyzephyr. Lol. :amuse In my opinion, co-curricular activities are equally important as the test. I've seen lots of examples where most people who succeed later in their lives are those with high EQ, not those who only focus on their studies. Of course I'm not saying that maintaining good results is not important. It is crucial for acquiring a place in university. But there are more to our lives than just results. Don't just be a bookworm, try to be an all-rounded person as you lead your life. One may always think that he/she will have the chance in future, but who knows, the day may never come, and you have wasted your life. Open your door when opportunity knocks, for it may never come again. I say, lead life meaningfully! Don't regret later on!

Well, I've seen lots of Form 6 students just concentrating on their studies, without participating in any activities. Actually, there is certainly enough time for studies and co-curricular activities together. It's the matter of how you manage your time. There are students who don't participate in activities, and yet keep on complaining about how hard STPM is and there's not enough time to study. When asked what they do in their free time, the answers are procrastinating, playing computer games, sleeping, shopping, singing karaoke, etc. On the other hand, there are students whom you see rushing in and out, juggling studies with activities, and yet still obtain good results.

It all boils down to your determination. If there's a will, there's a way.
(It's like the issue of whether tuition is necessary. For those who's weak, you may say it's necessary. But some of the weak students don't concentrate in tuition classes and don't do homework given by tuition teachers. In the end, it's also useless. But if you really have the determination to succeed no matter what, you don't need tuition. Some of them ask for extra classes from school teachers or refer to the top students. Teachers and friends are more than willing to help.)

As a conclusion, ask yourself, are you willing and able to take up the responsibilities? *Notice that I stress on the word "able".*
If yes, then congratulations to you! If no, then go back to the advise in the first paragraph. :) (There's no right or wrong path, as it's the decision that you make for yourself.)



P.S. To zanyzephyr, I'm not trying to attack you personally. It's just that I wish the prospective Form 6 students will look at things in many different angles. Sorry if I've said anything that has hurt your feelings. Lol. :P Anyway, it's fun debating on issues with someone. :laugh

[CelineD]

Wow...I come back after a day and find 10 extra posts on my question thread...nice debate going on here:amuse

After reading all your precious opinions, looks like now it boils down to three things, or qualities, to utilize this time in f6 that I have. The first quality, as stated by some of you here, is time management. If we can balance our studies and our co-cu activities, then we can learn to be all-rounders, and make the most out of the F6 years, and later in life too.

The second thing is discipline and determination. Even if there were a wide array of choice of activities that I am able to do, if I'm not disciplined enough to commit to them, and waste my time, it still amounts up to not much improvement, either in Koku marks or in developing and using soft skills in real life. (Confession: I have a major bad habit that I'm working on kicking right now-- procrastination!:oh)

The third and final thing, which I personally think is vital to making this time meaningful, and is relatively needed to make qualities #1 and #2 achievable, is attitude. I tend to fall in the 'study just to score A, get involved in Koku to secure scholarships and enter uni' mentality (I say fall, because I personally don't agree with this mentality but sometimes get tempted to buy it in) and this will be a mentality that I don't want to carry throughout life. Instead, why not 'study is to gain knowledge and learn, Co-cu is to gain soft skills and exposure to what happens out there, and working is to contribute the knowledge that I have to society'? something to think about...I'm working on adopting and practicing this mentality, it's more optimistic, fulfilling and purposeful...

So yes, I will seek out opportunities in f6, but if I'm not granted much choice in school, it won't be the end of the world...know about what's happening out there and learn to get involved in other ways and means:laugh

PS: To zanyzephyr, I'm a 2009 SPM leaver...entering f6 this may 10th. I asked the initial question so that I have ideas on what I can do to catch up while given the opportunity to do so now. I didn't take Koku seriously during my secondary years (refer to my first post), and to talk about the 5 month holiday, don't you think it's past already? I ask about what I can do now and after...can't change anything in the past lah...I agree with you that I should have made maximum use of it. Not that I wasn't doing anything then (I teach informal piano and tuition certain days of the week but that started in March only I guess?...)but far from maximum use..:sigh (if only there was a sigh smiley)

PPS: To turkey, (referring to the example you gave on tuition)I didn't take much tuition either...I only will take a few extra classes here and there some months before the main exams (finals, and PMR/SPM) to expose myself to more questions. The rest of my studies is self-study at home:) Some people I know take so much tuition that the tuition center is like school no. 2 to them...

[Exxoner]

[quote=Turkey;313706][spoiler]

Ahh, I still can't bring myself to agree with you, zanyzephyr. Lol. :amuse In my opinion, co-curricular activities are equally important as the test. I've seen lots of examples where most people who succeed later in their lives are those with high EQ, not those who only focus on their studies. Of course I'm not saying that maintaining good results is not important. It is crucial for acquiring a place in university. But there are more to our lives than just results. Don't just be a bookworm, try to be an all-rounded person as you lead your life. One may always think that he/she will have the chance in future, but who knows, the day may never come, and you have wasted your life. Open your door when opportunity knocks, for it may never come again. I say, lead life meaningfully! Don't regret later on!

Definitely agree with you 100%:). I may not be taking STPM, but what I have read from you so far is applicable in so many situations, including SPM. The same can be said by SPM students, e.g: "I have SPM this year so I can't participate in cocurricular activities"...or...."Who needs extracurricular activities when I can get straight A+'s and secure scholarships?" But my experience tells me otherwise. Grades are nothing. I repeat, grades are nothing if you expect to secure scholarships with grades alone. A 4 flat without cocurricular activities does not get you as far in life compared to those with a slightly lower CGPA(probably 3.8 or 3.9) with a solid background in cocurricular activities. Sure, people may regard you highly but I doubt that the admissions officer will even consider the 0.2 difference compared to the activities that you have participated in. Don't get me wrong here. Hell, if you can get both then why not?:)) In scholarship interviews do they ask you questions on your SPM or your cocurricular activities that you have participated in? I can almost guarantee you that they'll ask about the latter. Well, just giving my opinion, thats all. Any differences in opinion is welcomed.:)

[smy]

In my opinion,co-curricular activities are equally important to obtaining excellent grades if he or she is planning to pursue tertiary education overseas especially in the US where the admission officers will look for applicants with talents.

[Restl3ss]

Ahh, I still can't bring myself to agree with you, zanyzephyr. Lol. :amuse In my opinion, co-curricular activities are equally important as the test.


About equally important, I say not quite Exxoner. First, think back, why do we even want to go to school? It's because we need to learn the subjects we have taken, we need a tutor and an environment to guide us. Thus we need to achieve the aim of attending a school by doing well academically.

I'm not denying that extra-curricular is important. I'm not supporting those who gave up extra-curricular activities to study either. But if we are to compare extra-curricular and curricular on a weighing scale, I'd say curricular is more important in school. (a 7:3 ratio)

This is because in school, it's the only chance we can learn things we won't be further studying when we are working later on. (if we don't take the initiative). The only chance a teacher is present to guide us and deal with our questions. And why do we attend a school? It is to learn our subjects, right?

Whereas for extra-curricular activities, the soft skills required, are something that can be developed later on. I agree that those who are actively involved in coco activities will gain a greater advantage when they are starting to work, but in contrast, if they didn't give the concentration needed to grasp their studies, being too actively involved in coco activities is just like starting to work early. They learn how the real world deals, but they wouldn't know the knowledge those who do well academically possess.

And that's not all. To excel tremendously in extra-curricular takes a lot of time and effort. If you can do it by maintaining your scores, that's great. I've know a number of people who can do that, but let's be frank, not everyone are capable of doing that.

Besides, it's true that the exams that we are talking about here is STPM. Thus, we understand that STPM is one of the hardest exams in the world. So we need to consider that if that person can place a lot of effort in Coco and still cope with the exam.

Consequently, For extracurricular marks, I agree with LCCH. Nab the easy marks. Go for competitions like National Physics Competition, Australian Maths Competition, Kuiz Kimia Kebangsaan and so on. They give you the national level marks. As for sports, you can participate in one or two competitions to have the "penglibatan" marks, but I'll highly suggest marathons as they give you an international level of marks for penglibatan.

I feel that we have run off the course with the main title "Can catch up Koki during Form 6?" It should be "Do you think extra-curricular achievements are as important as academic achievements? "

Thus, to answer the main question, can we catch up on Koku during Form 6? I'd say "Yes definitely." :)

[zanyzephyr]

so practically the need and wisdom in time management is the key factor for people to be able to juggle between studies and activities. I'm not sure how well are the people doing out there trying to juggle between these two, but as for me, I would say go for the activities that can really bring the maximum out of you, not just for positions.

plenty had asked me to take the head prefect for my current school but I rejected all of them, even the head mistress. Why? Being a prefect for 5 years has asnwered all the questions. What's worse, the prefectorial board in my current school does not provided the maximum exposure I need. On other hand, the other extra activities did. For example, organizing camps for the form 6, emceeing the events in school(PS: I even did one when the japanese came to my school, in which I did the japanese part) or participating in projects. But, one thing was for sure, I did all these not at the account of my studies, and I am proud to say that I went through late nights just to finish up my schoolwork, trust me at STPM level, being able to finish up your school work is considered a bliss.

As for celine, welcome aboard, hope I didn't scare you much. Seeing on how you have persevered, you should really balance out because you did all the study using up the koku time in your form 4&5 years. Bare in mind, form 6 is a total different degree from lower forms. You will have breakdowns and hard times along the way in which you might not be able to handle alone or single-handed. So think twice when you choose to uphold the responsibilities kay?

Wish you all the best.

As for Turkey, as you a Leo? Haha enjoyed the debate session, but like I said, I stressed on the TIME and Situation, not the Necessity .


Run along~

[BattleBoyz]

I'd recommend you to participate in activities or competitions that are of your interest. For example, if you have a good command of English, have the confidence and likes to speak in front of people, then you can participate in public speaking, debate competition etc etc. By doing so, you won't struggle as hard as others will. Join in other activities that can aid you in your studies as well such as NPC, K3M etc. By preparing yourself for those competitions, you are actually preparing for your STPM too! To get more marks, you can also opt to be a librarian instead of prefect. Being a librarian enables you to stay in touch with books. The same goes for the posts. Choose to be the president or any other higher post in clubs/societies such as mathematics club, (science) clubs etc etc. When you organize activities in the form of quizzes, crossword puzzles etc etc, you will need to read through your text/reference books too! :laugh Killing two birds(or maybe more) with one stone is better, don't you think so?

All the best in your From 6! I am sure you can catch up your co-curriculum marks if you manage your time well.

[Exxoner]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Exxoner http://www.recom.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?p=313872#post313872)
Ahh, I still can't bring myself to agree with you, zanyzephyr. Lol. :amuse In my opinion, co-curricular activities are equally important as the test.
As to the quote above, it belongs to Turkey. I made a typo, sorry. The first paragraph belongs to Turkey, the second is mine. I was just agreeing to some of the points put forward by Turkey, that's all. But aside from that, yes I agree wholeheartedly with your points as well. It's definitely true that we go to school to gain knowledge in academics, and its imperative that we do well in academics before our co-curricular activities.
To excel tremendously in extra-curricular takes a lot of time and effort. If you can do it by maintaining your scores, that's great. I've know a number of people who can do that, but let's be frank, not everyone are capable of doing that. Yes, I agree with that too. One should not be overly active in extracurricular activities to the expense of their studies. But if one is able to balance both well, be my guest. All the better for you. I just wanted to provide a diffferent viewpoint, one which is more geared towards the adventurous, the able. Sorry if that last sentence seemed a bit exaggerated. Lol:)