DSA 2023

[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!

[floppy]

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

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

I don't think that's a blind hope.

SOTA conducts its admission exercise via their talent academy (https://www.sota.edu.sg/admissions/talent-academy, so watch this space). SOTA is not as strict in https://www.sota.edu.sg/admissions/talent-academy/dsa-sec, i.e. less demanding than DSA but comparable to the MEP selection test. Potential music students are not required to have any formal training or certification in order to apply. It is a requirement that they are able to sight-read and sight-sing (which your kid will likely to have no problem clearing). Hence, SOTA should be able to accommodate students who have a strong interest, but not as 'developed' as one of those DSA CO candidates.

The main dilemma, however, is what happens when you get an offer from SOTA. Do you you accept SOTA's offer (assuming there's a CO) thereby forgoing all others, or do you decide to rely on PSLE result for the only schools?

[coast]

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.

Please note that SOTA admits 100% of its Year 1 cohort through the DSA exercise and does not participate in the S1 Posting exercise post-PSLE. You also need to apply to SOTA directly (not via MOE DSA portal).

Note: SOTA may conduct a Supplementary Intake Exercise (SIE) in November post-PSLE subject to available vacancies.

All the best to your gal.

[Avenue3]

I didn’t realise that there may be supplementary intake.


I do not have expectations, but my girl seems (over) confident…!!! And we have to manage her expectations.

We will still let her pursue coz I do not want too much focus on exams. Already stopped going to playground as it rains half the time. There should be some other activity other than studying …and music is better than TV shows !

If SOTA is successful, we will accept. I am a Math and Science person and liked going to playground… and frankly it’s a boring life without art and the inability to go to playground/adventure as and how I like.

Thank you.