SELECTION GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS


How will I be selected?

Whenever an activity leader chooses some children to do something – to be involved in the activity, or to be involved in the team – they will be doing so based on:

• Ability: Ability means how good you are at something. We believe that all children can be good at things but we also know that sometimes activity leaders need to choose children who are really good right now, in order for the team or the play or the event to be successful. One of the reasons you will be chosen is because your activity leader thinks that at the time of selection you are ‘more able’ than most of the other children in the activity. Ability can change though – we get better at things the more we do them and other children get better as well. Some children improve very quickly and some improve more slowly. Some children improve and then stop improving for awhile. Some children don’t see any improvement at all for a long time and then suddenly they seem to be able to do things much better. It is always difficult to know when you will get better and how quickly, but one thing that will help you get better is having a positive attitude.

• Attitude: A positive attitude is very, important. Activity leaders will also look at your attitude when they are making decisions. You should ask, “Did I really try my best during each activity?”, “Was I ready on time?”, “Did I listen carefully to the leader?”, “Did I encourage other children in the activity to do their best?”

• Attendance: If you do not attend an activity on a regular basis then you will not be selected to take part.
NB: If there are activities that are greatly over-subscribed, children who have missed out will be given priority in the next term.

How do I deal with selection?

This is difficult. At IST we expect children to be caring and principled. This means that we have to be aware of how we react to things and how others react to things.

• If I am chosen: If you are chosen you will probably be happy. You may feel very relieved and you may want to jump up and down and cheer and shout. Remember though that other children have not been selected and if they see you jumping up and down and cheering they will be even more upset – they may think you are big-headed and not very caring. It is good to feel happy but remember to respect others’ feelings as well. Make sure you find out whether other children have been selected before you share your enthusiasm with them. If other children have not been selected you may want to support them by telling them that they can always try again sometime or that they tried hard and should be proud of their effort.

• If I am not chosen: If you are not chosen you will most likely be upset. You may feel angry, you may feel like giving up, you may feel like crying. All of these feelings are ok and normal. Remember though that this does not mean that you are not good at what you are doing. Neither does it mean you will never be selected. It may just mean you are not yet ready to be chosen. When you are told that you haven’t been selected, remember that there will be some children who have been chosen. Congratulate them – they should be happy. If you see others who have not been chosen, speak to them and let them know that they have tried hard. You may want to speak to someone about how you feel – talk to your activity leader, your friends or your parents/guardians. Remember, don’t give up! Work to improve your skills and try again next time.