How CCAs Can Provide Students a Competitive Edge for University?
What are Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)? Just a way to fill time after lessons? Not here at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi!
Our CCA Programme is a key part of how we help students build their personalised pathways and grow into well-rounded, compelling candidates for top universities and beyond.
Pathways to Leading Universities: Elevating Sports Through Partnerships
Our CCAs aren’t just internally led. We collaborate with top-tier providers who bring specialised expertise to our students, particularly in sports like tennis and golf, where talent and dedication can open doors to elite universities.
Is it important?
Recently, we welcomed Mark Beede, the Hawaii State Area Director from National Scouting Recruitment, who shared invaluable insights on how students can leverage sports, particularly through the NCAA, to gain admission to top North American universities.
He mentioned that "Students with a strong, well-rounded sports portfolio often have a competitive edge in admissions over those with purely academic records".
Tennis:
Through our tennis provider, students receive targeted training, tournament planning, and direct links to NCAA coaches — tailored support that helps them develop both as athletes and university applicants.
Tennis Provider
Our mission is to empower student-athletes to turn their talent and dedication into tangible university opportunities. We take a personalised approach — guiding each student through competitive tournament selection, NCAA training, and direct outreach to coaches. Through our Summer USA Tour, Donovan Showcase, and tailored recruitment planning, we help students not only build a strong tennis profile but also life skills like time management, communication, and resilience.
Golf:
Our golf partnership offers a similarly structured path — from beginner to elite levels — with international competition experience in China, Asia, and the U.S. Through summer camps in the U.S., students gain exposure to American golf courses, top junior tournaments, and NCAA coaches, giving them a clear view of what’s required at the university level.
CCAs:
10 Categories
100+ Opportunities
Students have access to a diverse and ever-evolving CCA programme that nurtures both academic and personal growth. From academic enrichment and creative arts to physical pursuits and service leadership, our CCA framework is built to:
- Broaden students' knowledge and understanding across various disciplines
- Provide opportunities for practice and skill reinforcement
- Offer valuable feedback in non-traditional learning environments
Golf Provider
For students serious about using golf as a pathway to university, early preparation and the right tournament exposure are crucial. We’re here to ensure they are ready for every step — from developing a competitive scoring average to understanding the expectations of college teams. We guide them from fundamental skills right through to elite competition, helping them build tournament records in key AJGA and WAGR events where they can be seen by university recruiters, and preparing them to meet the expectations of college teams.
In response to valuable feedbackfrom our students and parents, we've expanded the programme further, including Bouldering, Makaton Masters, Flag Football, Chinese kungFu, Open Makerspace, Public Speaking, etc. In Term 2 alone, 91.3% of our Primary School students are taking part in CCA Block 2-a testament to the breadth and appeal of our offerings. These CCA shelp students explore passions, build confidence, and identify their unique strengths.
As a top international school, our CCAs reflect what we value most at Dulwich Puxi — personalised pathways, global opportunities, and a pioneering mindset. Whether a student is discovering a new hobby or honing a lifelong passion, our CCA programme helps shape who they are and who they will become.