DSA 2017
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Hello KSP members,
I’m faced with dilemma and concerns and wish to ask for advice.
My child received a CO in Performing Arts for IP prog. My child is a slightly above average student who scored low-mid A for 4 subjects in sch, with a 80% aggregate score.
I’m concerned about accepting the CO :
1) can she manage to survive thru IP prog
2) by accepting DSA, it would means 6 yrs in the IP prog. if she cannot cope or dislike the IP prog, we would not be able to transfer her to another main stream sch due to the ‘contract’ bounded by DSA acceptance
3) would she become demoralized if she cannot cope with the prog or be ‘banished’ to O level class
It is a pity to give up the CO as we worked hard for it… however, if it meant to cause more harm than opportunity, probably we would be better off to go to a sch via T-score.
Can anyone share with me your experience and thoughts?
TIA -
MaryDaisu:
My son is also in P6 this year, but we have friends whose kids are in the IP programme of some schools and entered via DSA. One is an above average student, and he struggled in the IP course of his school. He has moved to the O level course of the same school and is much happier. Another 2 are in prestigious schools that offer only the IP track. Both are bright kids, one was from GE, but both are struggling with their IP programmes. Still keeping head above water, but just barely.Hello KSP members,
I'm faced with dilemma and concerns and wish to ask for advice.
My child received a CO in Performing Arts for IP prog. My child is a slightly above average student who scored low-mid A for 4 subjects in sch, with a 80% aggregate score.
I'm concerned about accepting the CO :
1) can she manage to survive thru IP prog
2) by accepting DSA, it would means 6 yrs in the IP prog. if she cannot cope or dislike the IP prog, we would not be able to transfer her to another main stream sch due to the 'contract' bounded by DSA acceptance
3) would she become demoralized if she cannot cope with the prog or be 'banished' to O level class
It is a pity to give up the CO as we worked hard for it.. however, if it meant to cause more harm than opportunity, probably we would be better off to go to a sch via T-score.
Can anyone share with me your experience and thoughts?
TIA
I'm not saying that IP is a bad idea. But I do think its wise of you to think about the fit with your daughter. Based on my friends' advice, I'd say think about
- your child's attitude and aptitude. Its less about her marks per se but whether she is the kind of person who will doggedly work at something if she needs to improve, whether doing without the O levels will be beneficial to her or if she is the kind of person that will only really focus on schoolwork with an exam to work towards
- is she a self starter, responsible for her own learning, or does she have alot of tuition? If she is getting the marks you mention without tuition, I think she will be better prepared to handle the demands of IP than if she already has alot of tuition in various subjects. In most cases, kids will be somewhere in between, and you'll have to make that subjective assessment
- does she want this, and does she know what to expect? If she is the one who wants to go to this school, then give her a reality check on what is needed to make it through the programme in the school. Speak to a teacher or school rep for a better picture, and why they chose to extend the offer to her. Perhaps they see something in her that gives them to confidence to make the offer? If the school is more someone else's preference than hers, or you;re just not sure, then ask her.
- whats the potential risk? If the school offers both IP and O level programmes, then it perhaps its less risky to take up the programme as there is an \"out\" clause. But if it is primarily an IP school, and only very few go to the O level programme, or you'll have to leave the school, then there may be more impact on her self esteem.
I think they are old enough to have opinions of their own, and to extract a commitment to work hard through the challenging bits. But if the gut feel is that she's not ready or will not cope, then I think it is actually very admirable to look past the allure of an IP programme and look at what would be best for her.
Good luck in your decision! -
fable:
Thanks Fable.
My son is also in P6 this year, but we have friends whose kids are in the IP programme of some schools and entered via DSA. One is an above average student, and he struggled in the IP course of his school. He has moved to the O level course of the same school and is much happier. Another 2 are in prestigious schools that offer only the IP track. Both are bright kids, one was from GE, but both are struggling with their IP programmes. Still keeping head above water, but just barely.MaryDaisu:
Hello KSP members,
I'm faced with dilemma and concerns and wish to ask for advice.
My child received a CO in Performing Arts for IP prog. My child is a slightly above average student who scored low-mid A for 4 subjects in sch, with a 80% aggregate score.
I'm concerned about accepting the CO :
1) can she manage to survive thru IP prog
2) by accepting DSA, it would means 6 yrs in the IP prog. if she cannot cope or dislike the IP prog, we would not be able to transfer her to another main stream sch due to the 'contract' bounded by DSA acceptance
3) would she become demoralized if she cannot cope with the prog or be 'banished' to O level class
It is a pity to give up the CO as we worked hard for it.. however, if it meant to cause more harm than opportunity, probably we would be better off to go to a sch via T-score.
Can anyone share with me your experience and thoughts?
TIA
I'm not saying that IP is a bad idea. But I do think its wise of you to think about the fit with your daughter. Based on my friends' advice, I'd say think about
- your child's attitude and aptitude. Its less about her marks per se but whether she is the kind of person who will doggedly work at something if she needs to improve, whether doing without the O levels will be beneficial to her or if she is the kind of person that will only really focus on schoolwork with an exam to work towards
- is she a self starter, responsible for her own learning, or does she have alot of tuition? If she is getting the marks you mention without tuition, I think she will be better prepared to handle the demands of IP than if she already has alot of tuition in various subjects. In most cases, kids will be somewhere in between, and you'll have to make that subjective assessment
- does she want this, and does she know what to expect? If she is the one who wants to go to this school, then give her a reality check on what is needed to make it through the programme in the school. Speak to a teacher or school rep for a better picture, and why they chose to extend the offer to her. Perhaps they see something in her that gives them to confidence to make the offer? If the school is more someone else's preference than hers, or you;re just not sure, then ask her.
- whats the potential risk? If the school offers both IP and O level programmes, then it perhaps its less risky to take up the programme as there is an \"out\" clause. But if it is primarily an IP school, and only very few go to the O level programme, or you'll have to leave the school, then there may be more impact on her self esteem.
I think they are old enough to have opinions of their own, and to extract a commitment to work hard through the challenging bits. But if the gut feel is that she's not ready or will not cope, then I think it is actually very admirable to look past the allure of an IP programme and look at what would be best for her.
Good luck in your decision!
In fact, my DD has accepted the CO in her mind and she seems determined to pursue her interest in the Performing Arts in the IP sch. We have discussed about what it takes to be in IP prog, like self study, manage her own time as well as other classmates during project work, having to start her revision later due to her commitments in the DSA CCA, etc. She agreed and said she is alright to such pressure and stress... I am not sure if she is still in the state of euphoria, hence agree to everything.
As parents, we want the best for our children. If we see a pit ahead, we try our best to avoid it or at least try the best way to cross it.
That's the dilemma I'm facing.
Nonetheless, the many pointers you listed are very relevant and much appreciated.
:thankyou:
I now need to talk to her teachers, sit DD down again and discuss more. Look at our 'gut' feelings too... To decide if we should exercise the CO by the end of the month.
In any case, all the best for your P6 boy. Hope he can also get into his sch of choice based on his results. -
MaryDaisu:
I think since IP schools set the criteria at overall min 80% and seriously, I don’t think everyone offered COs are in the 9X% range. Since your daughter meets the min 80%, then I see no reason for her to give up the CO out of fear. Schools don’t offer COs without careful consideration and your daughter must have stood out from the rest.Hello KSP members,
I'm faced with dilemma and concerns and wish to ask for advice.
My child received a CO in Performing Arts for IP prog. My child is a slightly above average student who scored low-mid A for 4 subjects in sch, with a 80% aggregate score.
I'm concerned about accepting the CO :
1) can she manage to survive thru IP prog
2) by accepting DSA, it would means 6 yrs in the IP prog. if she cannot cope or dislike the IP prog, we would not be able to transfer her to another main stream sch due to the 'contract' bounded by DSA acceptance
3) would she become demoralized if she cannot cope with the prog or be 'banished' to O level class
It is a pity to give up the CO as we worked hard for it.. however, if it meant to cause more harm than opportunity, probably we would be better off to go to a sch via T-score.
Can anyone share with me your experience and thoughts?
TIA
But it is good that you have thought this over and best is, if you can have a backup plan. If the school does not offer dual track and your girl (in the very worst case) was asked to leave, going to an international school, or even going overseas are possible solutions. Even for students who did fantastically well in PSLE (enter via tscore), there’s no 100% guarantee that he/she will continue to do well in IP. -
Dear Parents,
If anybody know how MOE allocate DSA WL seats? My kid got two WLs (no CO
), both are very popular schools. In the preference form, we have to indicate 1st, 2nd choice. However, what if no enough available seats in the 1st choice school, do you think we will still have chance in 2nd choice school if many other students put the school as 1st choice? Wondering if MOE only see 1st preference? Or actually there will be 2 chances given.
Under MOE web, it says \"The candidate who is ranked higher in the school’s Waiting List will be allocated first. It does not matter which choice order the candidate puts the school in the School Preference Form.\" How do you understand it?
For example:
[u]Student A:
1st choice: school X
2nd choice: school Y
Student B:
1st choice: School Y
2nd choice: School X
School X ranking: Student B higher than Student A
School Y ranking\" Student A higher than Student B
If we assume the school Y ranked Student A higher than Student B, when School X has no sufficient balance seat, but school Y still have limited seats. For student A, do you think he/she still can get in 2nd choice under School Y over student B? If so, does it mean that what students preference order does not matter, as long as you put any WL as one of the preference, MOE will allocate the school according to the school's WL ranking?
If both schools got sufficient balance seats, Student B is higher ranked than student A in School X, will Student B got in School X instead Student A although he/she put school X as 1st choice?
So the result will be:
Student A got in School Y (2nd choice school)
Student B got it School X (2nd choice school)
Can anyone confirm that? Many thanks for your reply. -
mummyks:
Dear Parents,
If anybody know how MOE allocate DSA WL seats? My kid got two WLs (no CO ), both are very popular schools. In the preference form, we have to indicate 1st, 2nd choice. However, what if no enough available seats in the 1st choice school, do you think we will still have chance in 2nd choice school if many other students put the school as 1st choice? Wondering if MOE only see 1st preference? Or actually there will be 2 chances given.
Under MOE web, it says \"The candidate who is ranked higher in the school’s Waiting List will be allocated first. It does not matter which choice order the candidate puts the school in the School Preference Form.\" How do you understand it?
For example:
[u]Student A:
1st choice: school X
2nd choice: school Y
Student B:
1st choice: School Y
2nd choice: School X
School X ranking: Student B higher than Student A
School Y ranking\" Student A higher than Student B
If we assume the school Y ranked Student A higher than Student B, when School X has no sufficient balance seat, but school Y still have limited seats. For student A, do you think he/she still can get in 2nd choice under School Y over student B? If so, does it mean that what students preference order does not matter, as long as you put any WL as one of the preference, MOE will allocate the school according to the school's WL ranking?
If both schools got sufficient balance seats, Student B is higher ranked than student A in School X, will Student B got in School X instead Student A although he/she put school X as 1st choice?
So the result will be:
Student A got in School Y (2nd choice school)
Student B got it School X (2nd choice school)
Can anyone confirm that? Many thanks for your reply.
I believe MOE would allocate base on school WL rank order. So 1st scenario when School X has no more vacancies, Student A despite putting School Y as 2nd choice would be ahead of Student B who put School Y as first choice since School Y rank Student A higher/better.
2nd scenario since both schools got sufficient vacancies for the WL, both should then get their first choice. So Student A would get into School X and Student B would get into School Y. There would not be a need to look at their second choice. -
WonderWoman:
Thank you for the positive vibes. :slapshead:
Please don't be disheartened. Do give your DS the confidence that he was given the DSA offers based on his achievements and the potential the schools obviously see in him. PSLE is unfortunately the 1 exam per subject that everyone seems to focus solely on. There are many factors that can affect the child during the PSLE exam so please disregard that sole performance and instead celebrate his achievements throughout his 6 years. He deserves to take any of the DSA offers and he will regain the confidence once he's moved on to Secondary school.newcomer77:
Just wonder any parents are starting to have any thoughts about post PSLE vs DSA school choice....
The general feeling of this year PSLE seems harder. On top of this, my DS fell sick the night before Science paper and did not complete the paper :faint:
My DS got offered 1 WL and 1CO. But now after the PSLE, felt he didn't have the confidence he will meet the COP (his goal) of any of these schools. In fact he gauge it may be 20-30 points below the COP :lightrod: He is beginning to feel bad about going to these schools with a lower than norm COP. And contemplating to drop DSA or opt for one that is not too far from the COP even though it's not his preferred choice. :siam:
Even though the option for DSA is already there and so he need not depend on just 1 PSLE exam.
He did well Ok for prelim (2A* 1A 1B) but have no confidence to do as well in PSLE now after all's over. He thinks he will get worse than prelims.
Since this is a DSA forum, I am wondering what are most parents thoughts after psle vs DSA and what will you do if you are in my shoes. :imdrowning:
All the best! Stay positive and it'll all fall into place for your DS. -
WonderWoman:
Thank you for the positive vibes. :xedfingers:
Please don't be disheartened. Do give your DS the confidence that he was given the DSA offers based on his achievements and the potential the schools obviously see in him. PSLE is unfortunately the 1 exam per subject that everyone seems to focus solely on. There are many factors that can affect the child during the PSLE exam so please disregard that sole performance and instead celebrate his achievements throughout his 6 years. He deserves to take any of the DSA offers and he will regain the confidence once he's moved on to Secondary school.newcomer77:
Just wonder any parents are starting to have any thoughts about post PSLE vs DSA school choice....
The general feeling of this year PSLE seems harder. On top of this, my DS fell sick the night before Science paper and did not complete the paper :faint:
My DS got offered 1 WL and 1CO. But now after the PSLE, felt he didn't have the confidence he will meet the COP (his goal) of any of these schools. In fact he gauge it may be 20-30 points below the COP :lightrod: He is beginning to feel bad about going to these schools with a lower than norm COP. And contemplating to drop DSA or opt for one that is not too far from the COP even though it's not his preferred choice. :siam:
Even though the option for DSA is already there and so he need not depend on just 1 PSLE exam.
He did well Ok for prelim (2A* 1A 1B) but have no confidence to do as well in PSLE now after all's over. He thinks he will get worse than prelims.
Since this is a DSA forum, I am wondering what are most parents thoughts after psle vs DSA and what will you do if you are in my shoes. :imdrowning:
All the best! Stay positive and it'll all fall into place for your DS. -
Musings:
:goodpost: Totally agree. PSLE is just a snapshot of the child's performance at a moment in time. It is really not a good gauge of the child's ability. If your child has been performing consistently throughout P5,P6 which he must have to obtain DSA offers, he is more than capable of handling the academic rigour of the school. There are just too many variables that can affect PSLE performance, whether it is sickness, or compo write out of point, or even shading the OAS wrongly due to anxiety (all these had happened to my DS before).
Please don't be disheartened. Do give your DS the confidence that he was given the DSA offers based on his achievements and the potential the schools obviously see in him. PSLE is unfortunately the 1 exam per subject that everyone seems to focus solely on. There are many factors that can affect the child during the PSLE exam so please disregard that sole performance and instead celebrate his achievements throughout his 6 years. He deserves to take any of the DSA offers and he will regain the confidence once he's moved on to Secondary school.WonderWoman:
[quote=\"newcomer77\"]Just wonder any parents are starting to have any thoughts about post PSLE vs DSA school choice....
The general feeling of this year PSLE seems harder. On top of this, my DS fell sick the night before Science paper and did not complete the paper :faint:
My DS got offered 1 WL and 1CO. But now after the PSLE, felt he didn't have the confidence he will meet the COP (his goal) of any of these schools. In fact he gauge it may be 20-30 points below the COP :lightrod: He is beginning to feel bad about going to these schools with a lower than norm COP. And contemplating to drop DSA or opt for one that is not too far from the COP even though it's not his preferred choice. :siam:
Even though the option for DSA is already there and so he need not depend on just 1 PSLE exam.
He did well Ok for prelim (2A* 1A 1B) but have no confidence to do as well in PSLE now after all's over. He thinks he will get worse than prelims.
Since this is a DSA forum, I am wondering what are most parents thoughts after psle vs DSA and what will you do if you are in my shoes. :imdrowning:
All the best! Stay positive and it'll all fall into place for your DS.
I feel PSLE is as much a test of exam technique as it is about competency in the subject. I know my DS has always been a little short on exam technique. On hindsight, I now appreciate the benefits of DSA as the assessment is a lot more holistic. The one or two school exams where he did badly did not affect his DSA chances because taken in the overall context of P4 - P6 grades and his academic achievements outside school, his academic ability is quite clearly shown.
Encourage your DS, he should not feel any less worthy of accepting the DSA offer and entering the school regardless of the PSLE outcome.[/quote]Thank you actually my DS will enter DSA via non academic route. His average is around 80-84% in P4-P6. So if he didn’t do well enough for PSLE he might go below 80% which is what I am worried of, which might in turn affect his self esteem. With results possibly 20 marks lower than the COP of IP cohort will he still be able to cope with the rigorous academic and CCA demands in secondary sch curriculum/ IP program? Anyone has experience? -
slmkhoo:
The basic question you should ask is whether your assessment of your son, and his own of himself, is still valid, quite apart from PSLE scores. Presumably you chose the schools he applied to through DSA having assessed that he is able to thrive in that environment and keep up with the standards. Whatever his PSLE score, that will not have changed. As others have pointed out, PSLE scores are not the best or only measure of ability. There are students with lower PSLE scores who do well in sec school while others with higher PSLE scores do worse, so you should not base your decision solely on PSLE performance.
Agree. Most of the IP schools mentioned that as Long as it’s around 240 range they should be able to “survive”... any parents have experience?
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