DSA 2017
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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? -
AppleCrumble:
Very true indeed. I really think by the time my DS set for PSLE he is almost burned out. He peaked and did well in prelims though but fell ill during midway through PSLE. But IP program has many tests and exams but no national exam till year 6. Maybe it’s also better for people who are not too exam smart but consistent in their work?!
PSLE is just a snapshot of your DS' learning journey. It should not be a gauge of his overall ability. Since 2 schools are willing to offer him a CO and WL, this means he is good enough to join the 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:
In any case, I have personally come across of kids who did very well in PSLE (t-score > 250) struggling in secondary school. It all has to do with if one is willing to continue to work hard and learn.
You may be wondering why these kids are struggling in secondary school. My guess is that they have not adapt and grow into the new learning environment in secondary school, which is very different from primary school. My DS (in secondary school now) suggested that it could be that many of them who are struggling were totally burnt-out after PSLE and slack in secondary school. Others could be not used to being independent in their learning as many had loads of tuition in primary school. Now with a much heavier curriculum in secondary school (due to longer school hours, compulsory CCA), time set aside for tuition is very limited.
One chapter of your DS' learning journey has closed. He should learn to look ahead and continue on a new journey. Do not let one exam set him back on achieving his dreams. -
lee_yl:
I like your positivity! I shouldn't give up out of fear..and thanks for the tips about having backup plan. Going overseas is definitely something I haven't thought of.
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.
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.
:imcool: Thanks lee_yl -
newcomer77:
240 for IP : is considered lowslmkhoo:
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?
240+ : child is safer, to go O level track
to go IP : better to have at least minimum 255 (T-score) and above -
emoh:
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.
Thank you emoh! For 2nd scenario, What if both school only have limited seats eg.. 10 seats for each school, so MOE only allocate the top 10 ranked students to the school respectively no matter what their preference is 1st or 2nd. Am I correct? -
mummyks:
emoh:
[quote=\"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.
Thank you emoh! For 2nd scenario, What if both school only have limited seats eg.. 10 seats for each school, so MOE only allocate the top 10 ranked students to the school respectively no matter what their preference is 1st or 2nd. Am I correct?[/quote]
Yes, should be unless of course the top 10 ranked students some may not had exercised their WL or they had already receive other CO or their 1st choice WL is converted to CO before the 2nd choice WL is looked at etc. -
240 for IP : is considered low
240+ : child is safer, to go O level track
to go IP : better to have at least minimum 255 (T-score) and above[/quote]
Totally Agree.
JMHO.
DSA non academic (sports/arts/leadership etc) and GEP program are just different sides of the same coin.
Those that missed the GEP boat aim for DSA non academic boat to wear the badge of honor. To the DSA hopefuls, one word of caution, there is a 6 year commitment attached whereas GEPPERS are true blue smarties who can somehow sail through in all weather. They will always be in a league of their own.
The DSA kids are in IP to serve that school, full stop. A DSA sportsperson will always be a sportsperson. At the end of the IP journey; Grades don’t lie. Future employers will probably easily guess and know the reason behind the mismatch in grades (stellar achievements mentioned for CCAs etc) to that badge of honor; especially if the IP journey ends prematurely at year 4; the verdict is as clear as that, full stop.
Parent and non academic DSA child have to set realistic goals and expectations.
The profile of every DSA hopeful is unique; no one size fits all for any parent to relate to their own DC. IP is rigorous and with DSA commitments, there are instances whereby not all successful COs are truthful to their passion in their CCA DSA domain. It is an open secret as actions of CCA DSA DC will reveal over time. It’s reality on the ground. As no one will openly share their true journey or has there been but I’ve yet to come across.
Personally I pity the DC, if child can attain 255 and above and yet chose to undertake DSA CCA route coz all they need is that extra final push to 260 and be a free bird to wear that badge of honor. Such cases has happened. In my observations, 255 are attainable by geppers, top/best class. Therefore, these groups of children will have to face up to their DSA CCA commitments and deliver their medals wholeheartedly and dedicate themselves to CCA training dutifully throughout their 6 years since they are considered both smart and good at sports. It’s sad if they become master snake charmers at the end of the DSA journey. They are deprived of a lesson in grit and resilience; facing up to PSLE challenges is survival in its own kind.
It’s also been observed that cases whereby DSA CCA DC of 255 and below; somehow or the other, (due to monkey see monkey do), kids learn fast and they have a higher tendency to skip CCA traingins starting year 2 due to ailing grades; simply a lot of athletes go ‘MIA’ after mid year of their year 2 onwards… some fail one subject, some borderline, some trying to meet minimum for promotion to year 3 IP program; is it worth wearing that badge of honor? How much worth is the pride of DC wearing that school uniform and/or having that school decal plastered on family car to or being PSG or for whatever reason DC decide to sign up for… most of the time, DSA CCA are banded together; rarely are they mixed with the GEP peers. They are just different.
Schools take in DSA CCA DC to deliver CCA honor; thus Parents of DC of same frequency as schools are at peace with whatever their DC grades are at the end of their journey.
Above JMHO; just food for thought. -
ViKids:
Not all Geppers are true blue smarties who can somehow sail through all weather; some struggled and then quietly left the \"group\"; some trained to be accepted by GEP program.
.
GEPPERS are true blue smarties who can somehow sail through in all weather. They will always be in a league of their own.
...
It’s also been observed that cases whereby DSA CCA DC of 255 and below; somehow or the other, (due to monkey see monkey do), kids learn fast and they have a higher tendency to skip CCA traingins starting year 2 due to ailing grades; simply a lot of athletes go ‘MIA’ after mid year of their year 2 onwards.. some fail one subject, some borderline, some trying to meet minimum for promotion to year 3 IP program; is it worth wearing that badge of honor? How much worth is the pride of DC wearing that school uniform and/or having that school decal plastered on family car to or being PSG or for whatever reason DC decide to sign up for..
As for the question whether it is worth wearing that badge of honour? Well, some parents don't really care, they \"just want to take the plunge...不在乎天长地久，只在乎曾经拥\"...? So, whatever decision one chooses to make (hopefully an informed one), one will have to live with it and deal with whatever challenges that come along the way.
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