By Owen Lee
At SJK(C) Sam Tet, education goes far beyond textbooks and exam halls. With a bold slogan “Hands On, Minds On”, the school is revolutionizing co-curricular learning by introducing a wide array of talent, sport, cultural and STEM-based classes to enrich the minds and bodies of its young learners.
Rooted in the school’s core values of Faith, Hope, Love, the newly expanded programme ensures that every pupil has the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and grow into well-rounded individuals.
From traditional Chinese culture like Lion and Dragon dance, Taichi, Diabolo, and the powerful rhythm of the 24 Festive Drums to sports like Latin dance and football, the school’s new lineup of co-curricular classes reflects a strategic push to develop not only academic excellence. It is able to help the pupils to be equipped with creativity, cultural appreciation, teamwork, and self-confidence.
According to headmistress Lee Chia Chia, the expansion of the co-curriculum was driven by the school’s commitment to nurturing the whole child intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.
“We believe learning should be active, engaging, and joyful,” said headmistress Madam Lee Chia Chia. “Our co-curriculum approach is designed to stimulate both physical and mental development, hence the concept of ‘Hands On, Minds On’ is taken where children learn by doing, thinking, and feeling.”
A Vibrant Palette of Activities
Among the most exciting additions are performance-based and cultural talent classes such as lion and dragon dance, Latin dance, Diabolo (Chinese Yo-Yo), 24 Festive Drums and Taichi. These activities not only promote creativity and discipline but also connect students with their cultural heritage and physical expression.
“Our pupils are developing better confidence, teamwork, and cultural appreciation,” said Madam Lee. “Many of these traditional art forms, like the 24 Festive Drums and Diabolo, require incredible focus and coordination. Students are discovering that learning can be rhythmic, colourful and deeply meaningful.”
In addition to performing arts, music classes including harmonica and ukulele have been introduced, allowing students to explore musical literacy from an early age. The drawing class further enhances creativity through visual expression.
Expanding the Sporting Spirit
On the sports front, SJK(C) Sam Tet continues to cultivate teamwork and perseverance through badminton, basketball, and football, which was introduced as part of the new lineup.
The inclusion of Taekwondo, both ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) styles can bring diversity to martial arts education. While ITF focuses more on traditional patterns and self-defense techniques, WTF (now known simply as World Taekwondo) emphasizes Olympic-style sparring with dynamic kicks and agility.
Meanwhile, Latin dance class was just introduced by MY Dancesport Studio to the pupils. According to the principal of MY Dancesport Studio, Yeap Yen Chin : “We are organizing this dance performance to tell the boys (Sam Tet pupils) that Latin dance is not just only for girls or elderly people. It’s a very good sport, a very good type of sport actually for all ages and for all genders.”
Cultivating Cultural Intelligence
To further promote cultural knowledge and concentration-based activities, the school offers Wushu, Chinese chess, and is actively working to introduce Kompang Formasi, a Malay traditional drum performance that combines rhythm, movement and national spirit. The school is currently in search of a professional coach to guide pupils in this unique art.
“These cultural classes are more than just extracurricular, it is also a bridge between generations, races and traditions,” said Lee. “Our vision is to raise culturally literate pupils who respect and understand the diverse heritage of Malaysia.”
At present, the school is actively seeking a qualified Kompang coach to guide and train pupils in this art form. Interested individuals or cultural practitioners are encouraged to reach out to the school administration to support this exciting addition to the school’s cultural enrichment programme. Please contact the number for SJK (C) Sam Tet, 05-254 2154 if you are interested in teaching the pupils.
Sharpening the Mind: Logic, Numbers and STEM
In line with 21st-century education goals, SJK(C) Sam Tet is also strengthening its focus on brain-training and digital literacy classes. Pupils can now participate in Supermind, Chess, Mental Arithmetic, and the soon-to-be-launched Olympic Math, all of which challenge logical reasoning and mathematical confidence.
To nurture the future scientists, engineers and coders, the school also offers STEM-based programmes such as robotics, Micro:bit programming, and Scratch. These classes are integrated into computer lab sessions, allowing pupils to explore the exciting world of coding, circuitry, and problem-solving.
A Joyful, Purposeful Learning Environment
To ensure equal access, all students are encouraged to take part in at least one co-curricular activity, with rotating schedules and guided assessments to monitor participation and progress. SJK (C) Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman, Mr. Christmas Leong shared his thoughts on supporting the children to be involved with many co-curriculum activities;
- “In today’s world, raising a child isn’t just about academics. It’s about unlocking their full potential. Every co-curricular activity is a window to their hidden talents, a stage for building confidence, and a bridge to lifelong friendships. As parents, we must not only open these windows but step through with them but cheering, guiding, and believing them. Because in this fast-moving, gadget-driven era, the best ‘screen time’ is still the one spent on the field, the stage, and in real-life teamwork.”
The school’s leadership team also plans to collaborate with community artists, athletes, and alumni to mentor students and build sustainable enrichment programmes.
‘Faith, Hope, Love’ in Every Child’s Journey
Headmistress Madam Lee believes that the co-curricular transformation aligns closely with Sam Tet’s motto: Faith, Hope, Love.
“Co-curricular activities are the living spirit of our school motto; Faith, Hope, Love. Through teamwork and challenge, students learn to believe in themselves and others (Faith), to strive with optimism for a better tomorrow (Hope), and to care, support, and grow together as a community (Love). These activities are not just add-ons but they are the heartbeats that nurture character, resilience, and compassion.
- As drums echo across the schoolyard, robots hum quietly in the lab, and laughter fills the art room, it is clear that at SJK(C) Sam Tet education is not just about academic success, but it’s about lighting a spark in every child, with heart, hands and minds fully engaged.
