DSA 2017
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jenao:
Thank you jenao. Your post summarizes everything I wanted to know.
This requirement for one subject is fairly new, maybe just started last year, if I am not wrong? There used to be GEP domain, then it was removed maybe 2 yrs back, then General acad domain and now they are replacing it with subject domain. The last 2 years the dsa has changed quite a bit. Not very sure but that's what i gathered since I am first time PSLE mom.lee_yl:
From the RGS website, my understanding of DSA academic is to just look at one subject the student is good at right? Not overall 4 subjects, I think. :? :?
From RGS website for DSA Academic:
DSA ACADEMIC
Applicant must be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of students in the same age group and/or have a history of consistent high academic achievements in one of the following:
English Language
Chinese Language
Malay Language
Tamil Language
Mathematics
Science
I think for last year, a few schools like RGS moved away from general acad domain to subject domain, inline with the new direction? The way I understand it, the key words from these are \"BEYOND the abilities of students in the same age group\" which mean getting good marks are not enough! You need to be very TALENTED in that domain!!! Like if you are getting above 90s for maths is not good enough for maths domain, you need to be maths olympiad platinum! That's how I read it. Really very tough for our kids! How many are platinum or gold medal for any subjects? When I read it, my first thought was, no chance at all! Might as well just concentrate on doing well for PSLE, dont need to waste time and effort.
As DSA was not in my mind last year, I wasn't sure if last year's requirement was the same as this year's. When people talk about general academic abilities, I see only the subject domain.
Yes, I have heard that for Maths Olympiad, gold is the deal winner. Top schools (like RI) are looking for Platinum. Thus even when DD1 was selected to represent her school for MO competition, we didn't even bother to send her for external training because, Platinum seems so far away, no point.
Except for NUSH, DSA via the one subject route does appear out of reach. Better to spend the time and effort preparing for PSLE -
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lee_yl:
I guess candidate must also be good in one or two non-acad areas. I remember zulu's DD got into RGS thru English domain 3 years ago, but he mentioned she also has violin ABRSM certs (possibly Grade 8 kind!), CCA accomplishments, top few in her cohort (a neighbourhood school) and some Eng-related awards to include in her portfolio.From the RGS website, my understanding of DSA academic is to just look at one subject the student is good at right? Not overall 4 subjects, I think. :? :?
From RGS website for DSA Academic:
DSA ACADEMIC
Applicant must be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of students in the same age group and/or have a history of consistent high academic achievements in one of the following:
English Language
Chinese Language
Malay Language
Tamil Language
Mathematics
Science -
lee_yl:
Based on my observation during ds' DSA exercise last yr, a few boys had not only SMOPS platinum (top 1.5%), but some were also numbered (top 20), while others qualified for math masterclass (top 30 math geppers). Yet they were neither only WL or outright rejected by RI/HCI. So I don't think platinum award alone is such a big factor in DSA, let alone gold.
Yes, I have heard that for Maths Olympiad, gold is the deal winner. Top schools (like RI) are looking for Platinum. Thus even when DD1 was selected to represent her school for MO competition, we didn't even bother to send her for external training because, Platinum seems so far away, no point.
Except for NUSH, DSA via the one subject route does appear out of reach. Better to spend the time and effort preparing for PSLE
Afaik, even NUSH doesn't give much weightage to MO awards (except NMOS) as they've their own selection tests which ds said was super hard (for Sci).
I'm not entirely sure what are the X factors top sch are looking for. But from what ds shared, I know the DSA qns were designed to test the maturity of 12 yr olds. One needs to read widely, be quick-thinking, and able to articulate well to tackle those qns adequately. Some qns were definitely out-of-classroom settings kind of qns (I think out of respect for the sch, I shouldn't share the qns here). In a sense, I feel that those in debate CCA stand a good chance to ace DSA interviews, since they are trained to think on their feet.
Anyway looks like major changes to DSA are on the horizons and anything is fair game this year. Good luck to all! -
jetsetter:
If that's indeed the case, then DSA is indeed stressful and one has to plan & prepare early for it. My children have been doing violin and piano with Mandeville for years but nowhere near grade 8.
I guess candidate must also be good in one or two non-acad areas. I remember zulu's DD got into RGS thru English domain 3 years ago, but he mentioned she also has violin ABRSM certs (possibly Grade 8 kind!), CCA accomplishments, top few in her cohort (a neighbourhood school) and some Eng-related awards to include in her portfolio.lee_yl:
From the RGS website, my understanding of DSA academic is to just look at one subject the student is good at right? Not overall 4 subjects, I think. :? :?
From RGS website for DSA Academic:
DSA ACADEMIC
Applicant must be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of students in the same age group and/or have a history of consistent high academic achievements in one of the following:
English Language
Chinese Language
Malay Language
Tamil Language
Mathematics
Science
Compared to Maths, I wonder whether using Science as the DSA subject will be easier as it is not as competitive?
Unfortunately, except for the E2K program, my DD1 does not participate in any SO because her school does not take part! :gloomy:
Guess she has to rely solely on her PSLE results then. -
DSA definitely needs preparation. If a child has been consistently placed in the top 10% of a top primary school or perhaps the top few in a neighbourhood school, there is a very high chance they will do very well in the PSLE and thus qualify for all schools. DSA probably is very much unnecessary for this group of pupils.
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Imp75:
DSA definitely needs preparation. If a child has been consistently placed in the top 10% of a top primary school or perhaps the top few in a neighbourhood school, there is a very high chance they will do very well in the PSLE and thus qualify for all schools. DSA probably is very much unnecessary for this group of pupils.
Of course should dsa. Actually, if good school results means the more one should try dsa since there might be reasonable chance of success. No guarantee but at least can be hopeful. I posted my top takeaway on page 1 ot this thread
The primary benefit of dsa is a calmer state of mind because it is bird in the hand. With a confirmed offer, dd2 had a stress-free psle. Me too
Both kids only applied for dsa to 1 school which is their 1st choice school. If dsa not successful, the 2nd chance would be to apply using t score.
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sleepy:
Aiyo!!! That's why now MOE is reviewing the DSA scheme........Your girl doesn't need to DSA lah seriously!!Imp75:
DSA definitely needs preparation. If a child has been consistently placed in the top 10% of a top primary school or perhaps the top few in a neighbourhood school, there is a very high chance they will do very well in the PSLE and thus qualify for all schools. DSA probably is very much unnecessary for this group of pupils.
Of course should dsa. Actually, if good school results means the more one should try dsa since there might be reasonable chance of success. No guarantee but at least can be hopeful.
The primary benefit of dsa is a calmer state of mind because it is bird in the hand. With a confirmed offer, dd2 had a stress-free psle. Me too In any case, dd2 only applied for dsa to 1 school which is her 1st choice school. If dsa not successful, the 2nd chance would be to apply using t score. Ditto with dd1. Only dsa to her 1st choice school.
Better run before gets more hammered on this topic... :siam: -
lee_yl:
Don't think music cert played a big role if applying under academic domain. A music cert at most can demonstrate that child is an all-rounder, not just studying and studying the whole time. In any case, every school's selection criteria is different. I think as long as you can show the school of your choice that your child is an all rounder, should be good enough. Not necessarily must be in music, can be CCA or even services.
If that's indeed the case, then DSA is indeed stressful and one has to plan & prepare early for it. My children have been doing violin and piano with Mandeville for years but nowhere near grade 8.
Music dsa would be much tougher. I remember attending an open house for a top school in bukit timah some time ago. One of the parents asked a question on music dsa and the principal replied 40% of their students have music background and many with grade 8 cert & above. Even though principal didn't say outright but I guess everyone in the hall would most likely infer that reply as don't bother trying to dsa by music domain if the only credential is grade 8 cert
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jenao:
You are correct with your interpretation. Just like DSA via sports, the child must show exceptional achievements in his area of talent. It's not enough to participate in inter-school competitions. Participation at national levels would be advantageous. It would be a more guarantee to get a CO if he is one of the top 3 winners.
This requirement for one subject is fairly new, maybe just started last year, if I am not wrong? There used to be GEP domain, then it was removed maybe 2 yrs back, then General acad domain and now they are replacing it with subject domain. The last 2 years the dsa has changed quite a bit. Not very sure but that's what i gathered since I am first time PSLE mom.lee_yl:
From the RGS website, my understanding of DSA academic is to just look at one subject the student is good at right? Not overall 4 subjects, I think. :? :?
From RGS website for DSA Academic:
DSA ACADEMIC
Applicant must be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of students in the same age group and/or have a history of consistent high academic achievements in one of the following:
English Language
Chinese Language
Malay Language
Tamil Language
Mathematics
Science
I think for last year, a few schools like RGS moved away from general acad domain to subject domain, inline with the new direction? The way I understand it, the key words from these are \"BEYOND the abilities of students in the same age group\" which mean getting good marks are not enough! You need to be very TALENTED in that domain!!! Like if you are getting above 90s for maths is not good enough for maths domain, you need to be maths olympiad platinum! That's how I read it. Really very tough for our kids! How many are platinum or gold medal for any subjects? When I read it, my first thought was, no chance at all! Might as well just concentrate on doing well for PSLE, dont need to waste time and effort.
As for DSA via subject domain, any achievement at national level would be a BIG plus. E.g., for English, if you are in the finals of the annual National Spelling Competition, that would stand you well.
Generally, to apply for DSA via any domain, you must have relevant achievements/accolades to support your application. School academic results are only an indicative (unless MOE start imposing the requirement that the child must score a certain baseline to be admitted to certain schools via DSA).
In any case, schools will be conducting trials, auditions, entry tests, etc to assess the child in the area of talent before making a decision to offer a CO/WL.
To participate in the DSA exercise takes time and effort and can be a roller-coaster ride emotionally (for both parent and child). Do consider carefully before you embark on it.
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