School Of The Arts, Singapore

[tomatocellulose]

raisintan:

Hi,


Does anyone have insight into the quality of IB program at SOTA? At the end of Year 6, they will pitch against other IB kids in (according to some) more established IB schools like ACS and MGS. Question is are the SOTA kids as well prepared as other IB kids? Any views?

Dear raisintan,

While it is true that more established schools like ACS and MGS score better academically, one should also consider other aspects of the IB curriculum. The IB curriculum is very comprehensive, and it isn't just about academic subjects. There are also Group 6 subjects that many students in these schools don't take in favour for a more science-based education, and they don't do as much CAS (like community service, which needs at least a pass in order for you to get your IB). SOTA students are usually accepted readily into arts-related courses in local and overseas universities. This is firstly due to the large amount of preparation that the teachers make the students do, such as sketchbooks. One might also notice that SOTA is unique because we are the only school in Singapore to do the IB and give a comprehensive arts education in Singapore. There is also an IBCP program for those extremely interested in joining the arts and are willing to give up their maths or sciences to pursue these professions.

Additionally, being an arts school, we think differently. This can also be seen in our community service, as there are many unique projects that students can do, which can range from organising music and arts festivals, to even just cooking and placing it on your blog. Many students in SOTA do go the extra mile in the CAS component, and have unique projects, something you don't often see in other IB or A Level schools. Of course, on your IB certificate although it will only say Pass/Fail for the CAS component, you definitely have more interesting stuff in your admission slip to university. I think its safe to say that if a SOTA student can get academically in the competitive range of university course admissions, they would do very well for the interview. :rahrah: :rahrah: :rahrah:

[ImMeeMee]

ChiefKiasu:

Anyone going for the SOTA open house this evening? I'd be there with my daughter

CKS what art form is your daughter interested in?

[mommy31]

Hi All,


My son has been selected as one of the finalists for “sota creative writing competition 2017”.
He received invitation to attend creative writing workshop. Winners will be announced after this workshop.
I would like know if anyone has experience about creative writing workshop last year. May I know what to expect and expectation from kids.
Please help to provide more details about it.

Regards,
Mommy31

[mummyof4]

[quote]Hi All,


My son has been selected as one of the finalists for “sota creative writing competition 2017”.
He received invitation to attend creative writing workshop. Winners will be announced after this workshop.
I would like know if anyone has experience about creative writing workshop last year. May I know what to expect and expectation from kids.
Please help to provide more details about it.

Regards,
Mommy31[/quote]Hi Mommy31,

Congrats to your son for being shortlisted! I also have a girl shortlisted for this workshop. Have you found out anything more about this?

Does anyone else know of any details regarding this workshop?

Thank you.

[mommy31]

Hi,

Congratulations to your daughter also. I am not sure yet, what is expected in workshop. Let us wait and see. My son is eagerly waiting to attend.
Thanks & Regards,
Mommy31

[tinalimct]

Hi Parents

We will be trying for TA 2017 under DSA secondary (non-MOE). We are currently residing overseas (in EU) and returning to Singapore only in June. Would love to have some insights what is expected in Cognitive and written components and what about Maths Entrance Tests? is this about the same standard as PSLE?
Is attending the open house helpful? we are thinking whether it make sense to make a trip back to Singapore just to attend the open house.
appreciate any help or guidance in this area. thanks.

[lexis]

hi, sent u a PM but not sure if you are able to receive PMs yet.


I am unable to help regarding the Math entrance test as my girl was from a mainstream Singapore school. From what i gathered from my girl last year, the cognitive test consists of some logic type of questions and English questions - nothing too difficult. It’s MCQ and done on a computer. For the written test, they had to write a short essay from a list of given topics - again, nothing too difficult and most primary school kids will be able to handle it if they can write compositions.

I don’t think flying back to attend the Open House is necessary at all. The information you require for the TA is on the SOTA website. For info on the IB, you can get that from the IB website. If you have specific questions about a particular art form, you can email the teachers.

Hope that helps!

[tinalimct]

Dear Lexis

Thanks for much for your reply and the hint! Regarding composition, can you tell me what’s a typical composition topic in Singapore? My daughter is not familiar with writing composition. what about the interview, is it nerve-wreckily difficult? We will try to prepare as much as possible here but i’m worried having been away for some years could be difficult for her. thanks again!

[lexis]

P6 Compositions are narrative, descriptive types - based on a set of given pictures, with a theme, eg last years psle topic was "a secret" or smthg along those lines.


For last year, the SOTA essay was nothing like that. It’s very general - I think I may have posted it somewhere earlier, can’t remember exactly what it was. It’s not difficult , they will ask you something based on your own experiences, so you definitely will be able to come up with something if you can write at all. Just as an example- eg what qualities you’d like in a Friend, a happy memory… pro and cons of internet,. These aren’t what came out, but merely my impression of the kind of questions they ask at the writing test.

Again, can only speak from what my girl went through, and the interview wasn’t tough. They didn’t ask any cheem questions, more of a casual chit chat. I don’t even think she was asked any specific question about her art form or why she wanted to go to SOTA.

My advice is : no need to over prepare, just be yourself and let her passion and interest shine through.

Good luck!

[tinalimct]

Thank you so much Lexis. I feel much better now. I am very anxious lately knowing the dates are looming ahead and preparing for so many things simultaneously. Helps to stay relaxed in the process. School is one of the 2 things we fear coming home besides the weather.