School Of The Arts, Singapore

[mamabung]

Thanks very much KiasuNewbie for your refreshing & candid insights into what life for a VA student is like at SOTA! It certainly does dispel some stereotypes that certain quarters may harbour about SOTA students being weak in Maths and Science. I have no doubt that SOTA has a rigorous academic curriculum, for it has adopted the IB after all.


I have a daughter who is keen on applying for SOTA's VA this year. Rexcaliburr, you mentioned in your post on 27 Mar that you believe the panel will be looking more for raw talent and passion rather than technical skills. Out of curiosity, may I ask what you had presented for your portfolio? What was it that helped you clinch your hard-won place in VA?

KiasuNewbie, may I also ask what LCD is and why it is so \"precious\" and \"less attainable\" compared to the other art forms?

To both Rexcaliburr & KiasuNewbie, my apologies for the barrage of questions but I do hope you can address these queries. Would really appreciate hearing from you both

[mamabung]

By the way, the requirements for this year’s VA portfolio submission has increased from 8 works in previous years to 10-15. Any idea why that is so?

[belle_116]

Hi there,

Any parents or kids in the music program who would like to share your experience in SOTA?

[kiasu newbie]

belle_116:

Hi there,

Any parents or kids in the music program who would like to share your experience in SOTA?

Hi there I am not a music student but from what i hear from my friends who are in year one music,the music students have pretty long hours,on fridays they usually have concerts which could stretch up till about 10 pm.They also frequently have lunchtime concerts to watch and they have only about 15 mins to eat then and they have to go for the lunchtime concert for the rest of their lunch,music students are also split up in to two groups,the performing track and the creating track,generally from what i hear is that the performing track mainly just focus on performing but the creating track go deeper into it and compose their own pieces,the creating track are usually deeper thinkers and
Composers rather than just performing,however of course the performimg track will get more oppourtunities to peform compared to the creating track.They also have individual sessions with teachers when the teachers can help them privately,there are practice rooms where music students can go and practice before their art form starts,however they are sometimes also left to practice on their own and could get kicked out of class or be failed for their entire component if they do not take it seriously or do not practice if their teacher is very strict,i do not know much about the music faculty being from theatre but i can assure you that it will be very tiring and taxing taking on the art form in sota but still overall enjoyable as long as u can manage your time well and be disciplined

[rexcaliburr]

To mamabung, I presented two sketchbooks that I doodled in in my spare time so some of the drawings in there weren’t very pretty but it was everything I did when my mind went wild. The panel actually focused on this pebble I painted on, guess hardly anyone presented rock paintings. I also presented a little cat sculpture made out of newspaper and kitchen towels which they were only a bit interested in. Most of the attention went to the painted pebble. I was asked what was my favourite work out of all I presented and I answered with the pebble, so I guess they were really interested in why I made it and all that.


Regarding the increase in portfolio works, I suppose it’s because the panel wants to see more and some people in my year complained they didn’t have enough to present. I’m not completely sure about this though.

[mamabung]

Hi rexcaliburr, really appreciate your prompt response and generous sharing:)


Like what you said, it appears the panel doesn’t seem to want to see artworks that are too highly polished. It’s a certain intrinsic spark that they are looking for and I guess that’s what only the trained eye can truly discern.

All the best to you for the rest of Year 3!

[MMM]

Dear All,


My ds (P6 this year) is very interested in symphonic band and plays a brass instrument. He is very passionate about his instrument. For me, if he wants to be a conductor or further in this area one day, I think I will be supportive.

We have intention to let him DSA under symphonic band to selected schools that are strong in band. Frankly, we are hesitating about SOTA as we feel that we do not want him to pursue such a specialized route at this stage in life. So yes, I am still contemplating.

On the other hand, I also feel that if he really wants to pursue the band route in the future, maybe going to to SOTA and the future progression path might be more beneficial in training him.

I wanted to hear views from other parents and students particularly in the music area. Thanks !

[Shoe]

I’ve heard mixed feedback on SOTA, any existing parents with kids in SOTA to share their experiences?

[yip33]

Shoe:

I've heard mixed feedback on SOTA, any existing parents with kids in SOTA to share their experiences?

Hi, I'm not a parent, but a student in the lower years of SOTA.

I think that a lot of people view SOTA as a school where the students don't study, they go to SOTA because they have bad academic results, SOTA students have no self-discipline etc. And this is totally not true.

SOTA students actually have quite good PSLE results, as you have to get into express stream to be admitted into SOTA.

Even in year one, students work hard to excel in both the arts and acads. I think that with an extra arts curriculum, it makes us even more busy. It is a common misconception that artists are loose. It is in fact the opposite.

I think SOTA is a very good school. I have always been happy with myself, but after going to SOTA, I'm very pleased with the person I've become as I'm more enthusiastic, more open and much more happier. I think that if your child wants to have an arts curriculum, SOTA would be a good choice.

The teachers understand us, and they are professionals at what they do, and can share personal experiences about their careers as artists.

I hope this helps, and if you want to find out more, SOTA is having an open house on the 12 of April

[buds]

yip33:

Shoe:

Hi, I'm not a parent, but a student in the lower years of SOTA.


I think that a lot of people view SOTA as a school where the students don't study, they go to SOTA because they have bad academic results, SOTA students have no self-discipline etc. And this is totally not true.

SOTA students actually have quite good PSLE results, as you have to get into express stream to be admitted into SOTA.

Even in year one, students work hard to excel in both the arts and acads. I think that with an extra arts curriculum, it makes us even more busy. It is a common misconception that artists are loose. It is in fact the opposite.

I think SOTA is a very good school. I have always been happy with myself, but after going to SOTA, I'm very pleased with the person I've become as I'm more enthusiastic, more open and much more happier. I think that if your child wants to have an arts curriculum, SOTA would be a good choice.

The teachers understand us, and they are professionals at what they do, and can share personal experiences about their careers as artists.

I hope this helps, and if you want to find out more, SOTA is having an open house on the 12 of April

:goodpost:

I love your post!

Thank u so much for sharing your heart out. :love: It's very heartening to hear of children with so much passion for what they do - be it academic or sports or arts. You're passionate not only just about academics AND the arts but u have a positive outlook to life itself.

I'm sure your parents must be very proud.

Cos reading your thoughts, I'm proud of you.

I wish all the best in your future endeavours.:love:
My daughter and I will explore options at SOTA.