DSA 2017

[Imp75]

since this is the first year MOE has implemented the niche talent category (DSA Acad), it’ll be interesting to know what eventually are the schools’ selection criteria? I can’t believe there will be so many Gold and Platinum winners around in SG…


parents who are successful, please come back to this thread to report thank you!

[sean wife]

Now that General academic domain for DSA has been removed, does it mean those in GEP who are just doing average and not particularly strong in any subject will not have a good chance to DSA?


Any recent update from the school or GE branch to the recent P6 batch on the changes in DSA criteria?

Thanks.

[jedamum]

I feel that it is very risky to post any gep related queries regarding DSA. Non gep people will start to scrutinize whatever posted and make noise that geppers get preferential treatment n then moe pressured to plug any criteria

[jedamum]

sean wife:

Now that General academic domain for DSA has been removed, does it mean those in GEP who are just doing average and not particularly strong in any subject will not have a good chance to DSA?


Any recent update from the school or GE branch to the recent P6 batch on the changes in DSA criteria?

Thanks.

Geppers do not get preferential treatment as the domain criteria has an open interpretation. It does not favour geppers or rule out mainstreamers from application. They look at achievement via competition regardless of stream.
Even if not platinum or gold mo winners, still can apply because they state any other relevant achievement. But if you have other domains that gives you a higher success rate, go for that as math domain is very competitive. But if you only have math, just try if you don't mind the outcome. I feel there may be some other assessment like whether for into sch culture etc.

[jedamum]

Imp75:

I can't believe there will be so many Gold and Platinum winners around in SG...

Actually I think there are many leh. Hwa chong even have smops junior starting this year I think. Schs also don't have so many vacancies for math domain.

[sean wife]

jedamum:

I feel that it is very risky to post any gep related queries regarding DSA. Non gep people will start to scrutinize whatever posted and make noise that geppers get preferential treatment n then moe pressured to plug any criteria

Thanks for the reminder:)

[jedamum]

fable:

jenao:

Would like to ask experienced parents here as this year dsa quite a fair bit of change. So, if a school is asking for Mathematics Talents ie Platinum or Gold Medallists in the Singapore Math Olympiad for Primary Schools, or other relevant achievements, would you try to apply if you are not Platinum or Gold medallist? Is it a waste of time to try? I am thinking the school is quite specific in terms of who they see as talent. This is in addition to another change which is the places available for dsa will be cut, no longer 50% like previous year, so chances of getting dsa places will be even less this year.

My son is in P6 this year as well, so I'm in a similar boat. If your child is talented in mathematics but does not gave platinum or gold, then I think unless there is some other means you have to illustrate his/her talent, it seems unlikely to be considered. I suspect the bar is set higher because there is no longer GAT to help with selection. Then again, if your child really wants to go to the school there is no harm trying, or thinking about any other specialisation that they can apply under.

I agree with fable.
But if you are concerned about dampening the kids spirit if the outcome is negative, maybe can set the expectations prior to application. Treat DSA as an experience, and also an avenue to check out how schools treat students during the selection. Assess the vibes the school give and if it fits what you want your kid to be in for the next 4-6yrs. Jmo.

From personal experience, the kid will also see how you treat this exercise. If the kid wants a go, we should support with discussion on expectations instead of pour cold water. Personally I feel this yr like any other, the selection of domain needs to be done carefully if one has more than a domain applicable.

[wishbone]

sean wife:

Now that General academic domain for DSA has been removed, does it mean those in GEP who are just doing average and not particularly strong in any subject will not have a good chance to DSA?


Any recent update from the school or GE branch to the recent P6 batch on the changes in DSA criteria?

Thanks.

Actually, it is more correct to say that GAT will not be use as a criteria to admit students under the DSA scheme. General academic domain will still be there. Attached RGS website for easy reference http://www.rgs.edu.sg/admissions/admission-to-rgs/year-1-via-dsa/dsa-academic. However, officially, GAT is to be removed in 2018, there may be some schools which still require GAT this year. Have to check with the individual school.

[mommyNg]

wishbone:

sean wife:

Now that General academic domain for DSA has been removed, does it mean those in GEP who are just doing average and not particularly strong in any subject will not have a good chance to DSA?


Any recent update from the school or GE branch to the recent P6 batch on the changes in DSA criteria?

Thanks.

Actually, it is more correct to say that GAT will not be use as a criteria to admit students under the DSA scheme. General academic domain will still be there. Attached RGS website for easy reference http://www.rgs.edu.sg/admissions/admission-to-rgs/year-1-via-dsa/dsa-academic. However, officially, GAT is to be removed in 2018, there may be some schools which still require GAT this year. Have to check with the individual school.

There is no more general academic domain. Any DSA applicant must specify and apply to ONE specific (subject) domain.

[jedamum]

I see Nj criteria as general academic domain with a specified CCA interest.