DSA 2023
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I feel that the problem with using Sci DSA is that there are lesser competitions available. Furthermore, some prestigious ones like that NUSH one has a fixed quota per school. So if one is in a competitive pri sch, he may not be sent for Sci competitions if he’s not among the best in his batch.
MO, on the other hand, has almost no cap per sch.
What are the Sci competitions available to pri students nowadays? -
iRabbit\" post_id=\"2063635\" time=\"1649154983\" user_id=\"51587:
Singapore Primary Science Olympiad (SPSO), aka the NUSH one.
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What are the Sci competitions available to pri students nowadays?
Raffles Science Olympiad (RSO), aka the RI one. -
iRabbit\" post_id=\"2063635\" time=\"1649154983\" user_id=\"51587:
That’s the dilemma:
I feel that the problem with using Sci DSA is that there are lesser competitions available. Furthermore, some prestigious ones like that NUSH one has a fixed quota per school. So if one is in a competitive pri sch, he may not be sent for Sci competitions if he’s not among the best in his batch.
MO, on the other hand, has almost no cap per sch.
What are the Sci competitions available to pri students nowadays?
Go to popular pri sch and compete for that few places
Or
Go to less popular pri sch to have a higher chance of nomination. -
skii\" post_id=\"2063643\" time=\"1649161360\" user_id=\"82603:
It’s a dilemma only if you are given one option; MOE has given you three. IMHO, it’s a “make-believe” dilemma for within the three options, you can definitely incorporate a popular school and a less popular school. People who felt “dilemma-ed” will probably feel the same if they are given 10 options.
That’s the dilemma:
Go to popular pri sch and compete for that few places
Or
Go to less popular pri sch to have a higher chance of nomination. -
RSO is limited to 5 students per school. SPSO may not be limited. Sometimes they offer to the entire cohort of p5 depending on the school. Most schools do not offer science Olympiad training unlike Maths Olympiad training which is more common. The most important thing is that if your child has aptitude for science, do try for it. My DS is only interested in science so he has rejected all maths Olympiads and is only taking part in the science Olympiads. Seek out your child interest first and foremost there’s a couple of science Olympiad books in popular which you can try to let your kid attempt and see if they are interested.
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Hi parents
A workbook created to aid DSA school search:
https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/sg.parent
Open the workbook ending with “DSA”. View it on a computer; will not display in full when viewing from phone -
My daughter has demonstrated some talent in music (violin grade 8 with 2nd instrument of piano started 1 yr ago) and virtual art. She was shortlisted by Sota for violin after attending Sota master class, but I understand she still need to attend audition and interviews. Hence, we have submitted VA for Sota as the 2nd art form too. Would any parent share the experience of Sota DSA application?
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Shirley_415\" post_id=\"2065190\" time=\"1650695790\" user_id=\"127476:
You may be asking at the wrong thread?
My daughter has demonstrated some talent in music (violin grade 8 with 2nd instrument of piano started 1 yr ago) and virtual art. She was shortlisted by Sota for violin after attending Sota master class, but I understand she still need to attend audition and interviews. Hence, we have submitted VA for Sota as the 2nd art form too. Would any parent share the experience of Sota DSA application?
Maybe u can ask at the DSA2022 thread (Year 2022 application for entry into Sec 1 2023):
https://kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=101834&start=290 -
zac's mum\" post_id=\"2065193\" time=\"1650696412\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2065193 time=1650696412 user_id=53606]
Thanks for highlighting. Yes, I have replied under a wrong thread…
You may be asking at the wrong thread?
Maybe u can ask at the DSA2022 thread (Year 2022 application for entry into Sec 1 2023):
https://kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=101834&start=290[/quote] -
iRabbit\" post_id=\"2063635\" time=\"1649154983\" user_id=\"51587:
Despite the fact that Math has many more competitions that Science, but if your kid wants to get into top schools like RI, for your info, RI would almost definitely take in only those who have at least won GOLD (yes, AT LEAST), at various MO competitions, or even consider those who have won top THREE at Math competitions.
I feel that the problem with using Sci DSA is that there are lesser competitions available. Furthermore, some prestigious ones like that NUSH one has a fixed quota per school. So if one is in a competitive pri sch, he may not be sent for Sci competitions if he’s not among the best in his batch.
MO, on the other hand, has almost no cap per sch.
What are the Sci competitions available to pri students nowadays?
Meanwhile, the friends who fully understand how to game the DSA system went for Science competitions, whatever they could find to enter. The kids just won Bronzes and Silvers for some, and yes, they are in year 1 at RI now. So don’t be under the wrong impression that just because Science has less competitions, it is relatively more competitive. We can assure you it is way less competitive than your kid trying his luck at RI with Math Domain. Too many Math whiz kids.
Again, just sharing some tips to help those kids with less ‘stellar’ Math “achievements” to have a better chance at getting into RI or their other choice schools.
Good luck to all the p6 kids and parents this year! -
gryphon888\" post_id=\"2066313\" time=\"1651712603\" user_id=\"197583:
Thank you for the hint! So kids should try out Science competitions to prepare for DSA. Perhaps we should have a schedule of both Math and Science competitions so that parents can be made aware?
Despite the fact that Math has many more competitions that Science, but if your kid wants to get into top schools like RI, for your info, RI would almost definitely take in only those who have at least won GOLD (yes, AT LEAST), at various MO competitions, or even consider those who have won top THREE at Math competitions.
Meanwhile, the friends who fully understand how to game the DSA system went for Science competitions, whatever they could find to enter. The kids just won Bronzes and Silvers for some, and yes, they are in year 1 at RI now. So don’t be under the wrong impression that just because Science has less competitions, it is relatively more competitive. We can assure you it is way less competitive than your kid trying his luck at RI with Math Domain. Too many Math whiz kids.
Again, just sharing some tips to help those kids with less ‘stellar’ Math “achievements” to have a better chance at getting into RI or their other choice schools.
Good luck to all the p6 kids and parents this year! -
gryphon888\" post_id=\"2066313\" time=\"1651712603\" user_id=\"197583:
I understand where you're coming from. Just that during ds' time, he wasn't selected for any SO competition by his primary sch coz the competition then was insane. So he had to use his MO results to apply for DSA instead.
Despite the fact that Math has many more competitions that Science, but if your kid wants to get into top schools like RI, for your info, RI would almost definitely take in only those who have at least won GOLD (yes, AT LEAST), at various MO competitions, or even consider those who have won top THREE at Math competitions.
Meanwhile, the friends who fully understand how to game the DSA system went for Science competitions, whatever they could find to enter. The kids just won Bronzes and Silvers for some, and yes, they are in year 1 at RI now. So don’t be under the wrong impression that just because Science has less competitions, it is relatively more competitive. We can assure you it is way less competitive than your kid trying his luck at RI with Math Domain. Too many Math whiz kids.
Again, just sharing some tips to help those kids with less ‘stellar’ Math “achievements” to have a better chance at getting into RI or their other choice schools.
Good luck to all the p6 kids and parents this year!
Your advice reminded me of an incident - my ex-colleague told me that he sent his kids for external badminton training (with an eye to use it for DSA later) coz the table tennis route was just too competitive. -
ChiefKiasu\" post_id=\"2066316\" time=\"1651713300\" user_id=\"3:
I believe that will be very useful indeed. There are Math ctrs that prep students for MO competitions.
Thank you for the hint! So kids should try out Science competitions to prepare for DSA. Perhaps we should have a schedule of both Math and Science competitions so that parents can be made aware?
I wonder if there's any for SO as well. -
Ultimately, parents should try to provide activities/opportunities for their kids in areas where the kids are interested. Can get DSA or cannot get DSA the time and effort spent will still be worth it. Doing something because there may be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow will often end in disappointment…
I don’t know if the odds for Science are truly better than they are for Math. But even if the Science odds are better, the odds will get closer together once everyone piles into Science competitions, etc. And as I’ve said elsewhere, I don’t think Academic DSA is a “free entry” or “no strings attached” ticket.
Understand there is some feedback loop between what you are good at, what you experience success in, and what you like to focus on. But I still think internal interest > chasing an externally driven goal. -
To get started, here's the https://www.internationalolympiadacademy.com/olympiads/sasmo-singapore-amp-asian-schools-math-olympiad#:~:text=The%20top%2040%25%20winners%20are,SIMOC%20will%20be%20held%20online.:
17 July 2022 for top 40% winners
26 November 2022 for top 20% winners -
iRabbit\" post_id=\"2066578\" time=\"1651885289\" user_id=\"51587:
Your colleague would be shocked to know that badminton is just as bad as table tennis. No shortage of players and applicants. One of the few sports with enough players and teams to organize zonal competitions.
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Your advice reminded me of an incident - my ex-colleague told me that he sent his kids for external badminton training (with an eye to use it for DSA later) coz the table tennis route was just too competitive.
Likewise, science isn’t any easier than math. -
Yes I agree. Badminton is no less competitive…just look at the number of kids joining the external comps every year and the ranking…
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Imp75\" post_id=\"2066602\" time=\"1651891338\" user_id=\"2358:
There are at least 32 U11 boys with a ranking, and 98 U13 boys with a ranking. Didn’t check out the girls but I’m guessing should be similar. Including those without ranking, I think it’s going to be a tough route for DSA.
Yes I agree. Badminton is no less competitive.....just look at the number of kids joining the external comps every year and the ranking......
Good news though, this is for DSA 2023. Still got time to earn ranking points for next year -
Better to train for less common and more affordable sports ba …try searching around sure can find…