What is CESPA-ECA?
The prime function of ECA is to organise extra-curricular activities (ECA) for the pupils. It is a dynamic section of the Parents’ Association of the European School at Culham (CESPA).
CESPA-ECA provides a unique service to pupils, parents and the school as a whole. It complements the academic, social and cultural activities of the school, while opening up new vistas and opportunities.
Mission Statement
CESPA-ECA aims to create a space where pupils can get together, play and learn. By mixing across all groups, they can deepen the respect across those groups and so learn the skills that are increasingly needed in the world of today and tomorrow.
What kind of activities are offered?
There is a great variety of sporting, cultural and art and craft activities, some of which are seasonal.
These include –
The courses are professionally organised and run with specific targets in mind. These can be competency in a skill or proficiency where certificates are awarded. The activities are voluntary and are often put on in response to specific requests from pupils and parents.
Grant Application
Download the form to apply for a grant to start a new activity.
Who are the activities for?
The ECA wing of CESPA caters for nursery, primary and secondary pupils from all language sections.
The courses are structured to apply to specific age groups
How does it work ?
When and where are the activities ?
Activities are after school and take place either on the school premises or off-site – for example at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre in Abingdon or at Farmoor Reservoir. Most courses run throughout the school year and follow the 3-term structure of the school. Some run at weekends or even during the holidays.
Enrolment
Enrolment forms with all relevant information are distributed by the class teachers within the first few days of a new academic year.
Enrolments are either on a first-come-first-served basis or by ballot.
Cost
There is a charge for the courses, payable by cheque (strictly no cash, please).
For parents’ benefit, enrolment is for one term at a time.
For the organisation’s benefit, there are no refunds.
Re-enrolment for existing courses (and participants) happens after the autumn and spring half terms.
Waiting lists are active and come into operation as soon as a vacancy occurs.
There are deadlines for submission of applications, and these should be observed to avoid disappointment.
How did it all begin ?
Under the Statutes of the European Schools, the Parents’ Associations are responsible for co-operating in the organisation of after-school activities. At Culham, the Parents’ Association has always seen this aspect of school life as important.
In January 1984, CESPA appointed its first ECA Co-ordinator.
Who is in charge?
Hanne Starling. She is the Co-ordinator, and may well be described as ECA’s nerve centre. Appointed in 1987, she walks, talks and cycles the job. Her centres of gravity are the school premises, the White Horse Leisure Centre and Farmoor Reservoir. Hanne is seriously European. She has seen her children through the European School from Nursery to Secondary, and so has been familiar with the system for the last two decades.
Contact
To contact ECA / Hanne Starling leave a note at School Reception. Alternatively you can CESPA at cespaculham@googlemail.com.
