DSA 2023

[zac's mum]

Swc\" post_id=\"2099603\" time=\"1677765753\" user_id=\"178585:

The profile of kids who get CO for MEP or Higher Music - finished G8, most already doing diploma. Have national or even regional/international competition experience.

Yes. Exactly what I heard thru grapevine, the winners for DSA 2022 NJC Music, ACSI MEP, MGS MEP, RI Music and RGS MEP had this profile.

[Zeal mummy]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099605\" time=\"1677767390\" user_id=\"45412:

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.

I understand we have very little chance. But try anyway. Nothing to lose.

Btw, MEP has nothing to do with your Grade. They don't teach any instruments and they expect you to learn outside on your own. Ability of play an instrument is one thing and sitting through Music History and Literature classes in MEP and creating and editing soundtracks is altogether completely different.

Depends on which schools your child is trying for.. as SWC and Zac’s mum has pointed out, for many top tier schools the competition is stiff and many of such profile would have G8 w competition experience. Your child’s music teacher would be the best person to help your child with the DSA pieces. All the best!

[floppy]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099605\" time=\"1677767390\" user_id=\"45412:

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.
...

I think what the MEP workshop means is:
Profile of students entering MEP is typically around G5 and G6 in Primary 6. These students, however, would need to meet the COP of the respective schools as well as be admitted to the school. Upon admission, students will have to attend and pass the selection exercise conducted by the school at the beginning of Secondary 1 before being accepted into the MEP.

However, what swc and zac's mum are saying is:
Profile of students securing a CO for MEP during DSA is at least G8 with regional / international competition experience. It's probably worthwhile to note that in most cases, the schools will only offer 1 CO for MEP. Hence, it's understandable that they will be looking for the 'best'.

[Swc]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099605\" time=\"1677767390\" user_id=\"45412:

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.

I understand we have very little chance. But try anyway. Nothing to lose.

Btw, MEP has nothing to do with your Grade. They don't teach any instruments and they expect you to learn outside on your own. Ability of play an instrument is one thing and sitting through Music History and Literature classes in MEP and creating and editing soundtracks is altogether completely different.

I was not talking about profile of MEP kids, I was talking profile of kids who received CO under Music domain for DSA. Most schools give out 1 to 2 COs per year for Music domain. Which means 1 to 2 COs for all instruments (both Western and Chinese instruments, and including Voice). Hence the competition is extremely stiff. However, once you are already in the school, it becomes much easier to qualify for MEP. The minimum requirement is G5 practical and G3 theory (if I remember correctly).

[floppy]

Swc\" post_id=\"2099617\" time=\"1677773503\" user_id=\"178585:

...
The minimum requirement is G5 practical and G3 theory (if I remember correctly).

IIRC, that was the minimum requirement.

However, in the https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/our-programmes/mep-sec/how-to-join, the 2 requirements seem to have been taken out.

[Avenue3]

Thank you for your views.


I spoke to both MOE staff and kids from Catholic Hgh. So it is specific information. This was last year and things would have changed. In the past kids did get in with G5 and G6.

I understand that these kids may not have got it via DSA.

[zac's mum]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099627\" time=\"1677799618\" user_id=\"45412:

Thank you for your views.

I spoke to both MOE staff and kids from Catholic Hgh. So it is specific information. This was last year and things would have changed. In the past kids did get in with G5 and G6.

I understand that these kids may not have got it via DSA.

If u are targeting CHS, then ask the teachers directly about the profile of kids who received CO cos I dont have insider info.

For those schools I listed, yes extremely competitive for that 1 Music/MEP CO. Some meet the profile and ace the audition but interview stage cannot convince the panel of their sincerity to the school(s). I know one kid who convinced all enough to obtain 3 COs. Of course could only pick 1 and then the other 2 had to be released to WLs (not necessarily music domain).

The rest of the MEP students come in via S1 posting, and not many from the entire S1 cohort want to apply for MEP actually, unless they are dead keen on persisting until O/A levels. I don’t think they are allowed to quit. And must commit to a music-related CCA also?

[Swc]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099627\" time=\"1677799618\" user_id=\"45412:

Thank you for your views.

I spoke to both MOE staff and kids from Catholic Hgh. So it is specific information. This was last year and things would have changed. In the past kids did get in with G5 and G6.

I understand that these kids may not have got it via DSA.

DSA MEP selection and MEP selection for S1 cohort differs greatly. My info might be a bit outdated as they were from pre-covid days. But CHS DSA MEP selection - boys were asked to sit for a theory test of G5 and G6 standard. They also need to perform 2 contrasting pieces. If you want to get a guage of the standard of the audition performance, you can check out the annual National Piano and Violin Competition. Similar to the standard you hear at those competitions.

But for S1 cohort, those interested in MEP, their selection test and audition will be much easier. So yes, G5, G6, no problem. If they take MEP, they will need to take Music as a subject for O level (regardless of whether they are in IP or O level stream). However, they do not need to continue with Music for A level if they choose not to.

For those who are passionate about Music, MEP is a great program. It goes way beyond playing an instrument. And most students in MEP I know really enjoy the program.

I am not trying to dissuade you or your child from trying for MEP through DSA. Just wanted to share with you what you might encounter should you try this path.

[Avenue3]

The chances of my kid getting in with G4 in an IP/IB school via DSA are zilch. I realise this.


I am blindly hoping that she can get shortlisted to interview/Junior Academy at SOTA for the sake of experience.

If we are lucky, she may get in via S1 posting, but that depends on her performance on the exam day. Whether she is 1 mark this side or that side for some subjects.

[zac's mum]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099638\" time=\"1677804423\" user_id=\"45412:

The chances of my kid getting in with G4 in an IP/IB school via DSA are zilch. I realise this.

I am blindly hoping that she can get shortlisted to interview/Junior Academy at SOTA for the sake of experience.

If we are lucky, she may get in via S1 posting, but that depends on her performance on the exam day. Whether she is 1 mark this side or that side for some subjects.

If that is the best talent domain that your child can aim for (DD, so not targeting CHS then), then go ahead with the application. I was in similar boat in 2022 as well, just submitted the applications for the best 3 that I could think of for my child. I knew he was nowhere near the standard required & that the competition was tough. Need to manage expectations.

Just be aware that the audition preps will take time away from studying for PSLE. U as the parent would know whether she can cope. All the best!