DSA 2021

[zac's mum]

Sports: none of the major competitions show any signs of resuming soon. Doubtful how the kids can add to their portfolio from now till P6. Even if schools manage to conduct selection trials for sports, doubtful whether they will force themselves to choose any candidates if they’re not fully sure of the caliber. There is no quota that they need to fill.

Music: ABRSM not running any F2F exams until further notice. There’s online theory exams planned but it’s a totally different platform and test qn format is different too. How many parents still want to press on and push the kids to get the grading, just for those 0-1 slots per school?

All other competitions, performances, also no sign of resuming. Doubtful if any alternative formats (online comps, YouTube videos, self-initiated groups formed during Covid) will even be recognized/given weightage by the panels.

[Tzuke]

Sports: none of the major competitions show any signs of resuming soon. Doubtful how the kids can add to their portfolio from now till P6. Even if schools manage to conduct selection trials for sports, doubtful whether they will force themselves to choose any candidates if they’re not fully sure of the caliber. There is no quota that they need to fill.

Music: ABRSM not running any F2F exams until further notice. There’s online theory exams planned but it’s a totally different platform and test qn format is different too. How many parents still want to press on and push the kids to get the grading, just for those 0-1 slots per school?

All other competitions, performances, also no sign of resuming. Doubtful if any alternative formats (online comps, YouTube videos, self-initiated groups formed during Covid) will even be recognized/given weightage by the panels.

I think this pandemic give MOE and the schools the opportunity to relook and review their selection process. Are they selecting pupils who show potential for music, sports etc and not rely on pupils getting various external coaching, certifications, competitions and awards? Both the schools and parents have "abused" the DSA system in the past and the issues had been discussed in Parliament in 2017, hence this revised application format via central application started in 2019.

It is indeed difficult for schools to ignore pupils who have undergone private coaching and select pupils who have shown potential in the talent area but lack the financial resources for private coaching. MOE and the schools have to find a balance when come to selection and giving CO under DSA. Some schools are doing better than some others when come to selection; some schools still rely on proven skill set and certification while some schools look for candidates with potential in the talent areas and are willing to develop these pupils to maximize their potential. Parents still have to navigate the "unknown" while all these changes are taking place concurrently.

[Imp75]

Actually I used to think that if you do not get around 82 on average or in top class, don't bother applying dsa sports into top IP sch cos it would be a absolute struggle. But actually I was very humbled by a gal I knew. She had the grit to get into the same school my gal was in. She was in second or third last class in pri school, nvr take HCL and got 23x eventually in psle. She is now doing quite well in the top IP sch cos of her sheer hard work and determination. I am very proud of her so actually nothing is impossible.

[Tzuke]

Actually I used to think that if you do not get around 82 on average or in top class, don't bother applying dsa sports into top IP sch cos it would be a absolute struggle. But actually I was very humbled by a gal I knew. She had the grit to get into the same school my gal was in. She was in second or third last class in pri school, nvr take HCL and got 23x eventually in psle. She is now doing quite well in the top IP sch cos of her sheer hard work and determination. I am very proud of her so actually nothing is impossible.

The top IP schools are willing to accept pupils at 23+ via DSA especially schools with dual track. They have the option to switch to Express along the way if the going gets too tough. If the pupils are hardworking, they will make it with even greater determination.

[floppy]

Imp75 DD school doesn’t have dual track though.

[Tzuke]

Imp75 DD school doesn’t have dual track though.

My relative's son went to the top IP school via DSA pre-2019 system where besides talent, "connection" also play a part in your success. He also belonged to the 23plus and coping well. Post 2019 DSA is quite different and "connection" can be difficult because most top schools now have a DSA Committee to select and review all the applicants unlike the pre-2019 days.

[Imp75]

Actually I used to think that if you do not get around 82 on average or in top class, don't bother applying dsa sports into top IP sch cos it would be a absolute struggle. But actually I was very humbled by a gal I knew. She had the grit to get into the same school my gal was in. She was in second or third last class in pri school, nvr take HCL and got 23x eventually in psle. She is now doing quite well in the top IP sch cos of her sheer hard work and determination. I am very proud of her so actually nothing is impossible.

The top IP schools are willing to accept pupils at 23+ via DSA especially schools with dual track. They have the option to switch to Express along the way if the going gets too tough. If the pupils are hardworking, they will make it with even greater determination.

......I feel that this current envnmt has made the girl develop much better than had she gone to a neighbourhood school.

[Tzuke]

Actually I used to think that if you do not get around 82 on average or in top class, don't bother applying dsa sports into top IP sch cos it would be a absolute struggle. But actually I was very humbled by a gal I knew. She had the grit to get into the same school my gal was in. She was in second or third last class in pri school, nvr take HCL and got 23x eventually in psle. She is now doing quite well in the top IP sch cos of her sheer hard work and determination. I am very proud of her so actually nothing is impossible.

The top IP schools are willing to accept pupils at 23+ via DSA especially schools with dual track. They have the option to switch to Express along the way if the going gets too tough. If the pupils are hardworking, they will make it with even greater determination.

......I feel that this current envnmt has made the girl develop much better than had she gone to a neighbourhood school.

Agree! Pupils who are above average in academic are likely to perform better in a top school then become a top performer in a neigbhourhood school. This is because they always pit themselves against pupils better than them and hence the motivation to do better. That is why parents always try to get their children to the best or top schools provided of course the child is self motivated.

[SG_KP1]

MOE is relaxing some CCA restrictions. Looks like the Olympiads are back. Some sports/arts activities area also allowed, although I do not know if the ones listed are the most important/relevant competitions for these domains?

https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-relea ... activities

Interested to see whether the selection process goes back to what it was like in 2019 or if schools stick with a simplified version conducted at the primary schools (probably easiest for some academics).

[Mamagancheong]

Hi, I would love to know more abt dsa English drama!