Oin eyond the ordinary
PART of Epsom College in Malaysia’s specialty is its vast offering of co- curricular activities ( CCA), which emphasises the importance of a diverse, exciting learning experience.
“Co- curricular activity is crucial at Epsom, reflecting our commitment to give students an education in the fullest sense of the word,” says headmaster Martin George.
Students are encouraged to select CCAs that exhibit a balance of key areas. The CCA commitments at Epsom can be broken down into sports, drama, music, service and culture.
One of the major sporting activities at Epsom is rugby – the college has boys and girls teams, and all pupils are welcome to participate regardless of rugby skill or experience.
Coach of the U18 boys team Steve Capon ( former Saracens UK player) engages players through a variety of skill practices, teambuilding activities, techniques and drills three times a week.
A typical session includes warming up according to basic skills and fitness components, breaking into specific unit skills, then finishing off the last 20 to 30 minutes with a game setting, which includes stopping and coaching.
Rugby attracts students of various ages, from 10- year- olds in prep school to 18- year- old senior pupils.
There are currently 50 boys ( divided into Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18 groups) with three staff members, one of whom is a guest coach from rugby club KL Tigers.
“Besides improving their fitness levels, leadership and gross motor skills, the students learn new skills and better understand the game while having a good time as a team,” says Capon.
“As an educator, I see the level of commitment and passion they have and watch them grow in confidence, which translates to other activities they engage in within the classroom and college,” he shares.
Students also have their pick of exciting indoor activities such as Madness in the Kitchen, which is essentially a beginner’s culinary class.
A group of 16 pupils ( mostly boys in Years 7 and 8) meet for an hour every week to put together simple meals such as sandwiches and kebabs under the guidance of teachers.
“Most students have never had access to a kitchen as they either have cooks at home or eat out often, so it is their first time learning how to dice an onion or peel a cucumber.
“They gain the most important life skill there is – looking after yourself,” says Suzanne Kuster, head of co- curricular activities, who is also one of those in charge of this activity.
Kuster says students can be seen communicating and working together to make a delicious meal, which set the classroom abuzz with energy and enthusiasm.
She emphasises the diverse learning opportunities offered through CCAs at Epsom, saying, “All pupils have different sports and physical activities – from the traditional team sports of rugby, hockey, netball and basketball to the physical fun of ballroom dancing, yoga, fencing, squash or cross- country running.
“They also immerse themselves in expressive arts through music, art, drama and speaking skills. There are 44 clubs and activities on offer at the college, so there is something for everyone to have a balanced and diverse portfolio of co- curricular activities.”
For more information, visit www. epsomcollege. edu. my