School Of The Arts, Singapore

[manorway]

astrini82\" post_id=\"2126633\" time=\"1704775703\" user_id=\"158943:

Hi,

My son is in P6 now and has been drawing since little. Attached last drawing of his dad. Everyone encouraged him to apply for Visual Arts in SOTA, however we are concerned if he could sustain the academic rigour once inside, because he is not academic at all. His P5 AL was 22 so he had to work hard to bring this to at least 20 to qualify for the required level, to begin with. He did better in languages but both English and Chinese were still at AL 5 also. Any thoughts from experienced SOTA parents? I wonder if kids who can’t study like this will be better off taking normal O level or IB which is supposed to be more holistic? Thanks in advance.
https://postimg.cc/JysjRZH6

You are very wise to be concerned. What is the reason to go SOTA? To get more exposure and training for the Art or because the IB is viewed as easier to score than the O levels/A levels? If it is the latter, then it is a misconception.

IB is no walk in the park at all and certainly not for the academically weak students. Visual Art is only ONE of the SIX groups of subjects besides the other IB specific subjects like TOK, CAS and EE. Besides, drawing at home since young is a hobby. Pursuing it as an examinable subject requires a different level of commitment.

Even if he wants to pursue Art, he can still apply for AEP or EAP in Secondary school or take private classes in his own time. If the aim is to go Poly or NAFA (just some examples), then no need to go SOTA. Just do O levels. He can decide later at age 16 when he is more mature.

[SG_KP1]

astrini82\" post_id=\"2126633\" time=\"1704775703\" user_id=\"158943:

Hi,

My son is in P6 now and has been drawing since little. Attached last drawing of his dad. Everyone encouraged him to apply for Visual Arts in SOTA, however we are concerned if he could sustain the academic rigour once inside, because he is not academic at all. His P5 AL was 22 so he had to work hard to bring this to at least 20 to qualify for the required level, to begin with. He did better in languages but both English and Chinese were still at AL 5 also. Any thoughts from experienced SOTA parents? I wonder if kids who can’t study like this will be better off taking normal O level or IB which is supposed to be more holistic? Thanks in advance.
https://postimg.cc/JysjRZH6

Hi, you can also consider the IBCP (Career-related Programme) within SOTA for Years 5-6 (not everyone does IBDP).
Further, while the local IP IB programmes are dealing with a certain subset of students, the IB itself is taken globally (and locally within the international schools) by a wide range of students.

https://www.sota.edu.sg/why-sota/ib

I think both of the following are true. First, one can go the traditional route and find ways to further his/her interest in art (whether AEP/whatever it's called or lessons/time spent outside of school). Alternatively, one can go to SOTA to leverage the school's offerings in art, and get a well-recognized education (that expands beyond art). Which route is best may depend on whether the end game is known at this point or what options either path provides along the way.

For clarity, AL22 will get a student into SOTA.

https://www.sota.edu.sg/admissions/talent-academy/dsa-sec

7. What are the eligibility criteria for successful admission to SOTA?

To gain admission into SOTA via DSA-Sec, shortlisted applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Received either a Confirmed Offer or Wait List (subject to available vacancies) for their final TA outcome
2. Indicated SOTA during the School Preference Submission
3.
Be eligible for Posting Group 3 (PSLE scores 4 to 22)
If you satisfy criteria 1 and 2 and have received an ‘Posting Group 3 or Posting Group 2 Option’, you may be automatically assigned to Posting Group 3 and be posted to SOTA.

Best of luck and regards.

[zac's mum]

astrini82\" post_id=\"2126633\" time=\"1704775703\" user_id=\"158943:

Hi,

My son is in P6 now and has been drawing since little. Attached last drawing of his dad. Everyone encouraged him to apply for Visual Arts in SOTA, however we are concerned if he could sustain the academic rigour once inside, because he is not academic at all. His P5 AL was 22 so he had to work hard to bring this to at least 20 to qualify for the required level, to begin with. He did better in languages but both English and Chinese were still at AL 5 also. Any thoughts from experienced SOTA parents? I wonder if kids who can’t study like this will be better off taking normal O level or IB which is supposed to be more holistic? Thanks in advance.
https://postimg.cc/JysjRZH6

https://www.sota.edu.sg/p6artcom2023

Keep an eye on SOTA’s main website to see when they will launch the 2024 art competition for P6 students. Last year the deadline was end Jan (see the link above).

There is absolutely no harm letting him take part in this year’s competition. If he’s good enough, will be selected to take part in the Junior Academy (some sort of camp i believe) in March (i’m sure you’re not going away during March hols anyway). At the camp, he (and you) can then find out more about SOTA and IB and whether he will like it there, whether can cope academically or not (ask the teachers!)

All the best. Get an insider pov, will be valuable. I think their open house is usually in April.

Edit: 2024 competition has been launched. The details are here: https://sotalava.com/sota-primary-6-art-competition

[kashetty]

Hi All,


I am new to this forum. Can anyone please share abt the dance interview and audition ? Thank you

[Lynn1967]

Any Chinese assesment to recommend for year 5?

Standard is borderline. Many thanks

[manorway]

Lynn1967\" post_id=\"2127468\" time=\"1705660979\" user_id=\"12711:

Any Chinese assesment to recommend for year 5?
Standard is borderline. Many thanks

I believe you are referring to IB Chinese curriculum since it is year 5.
Assessment books are mainly for O levels. Have you approached the school Chinese teachers for extra resources, question papers to practise?

[Anu25]

Hi

Can anyone share about Hindustani classical singing & audition?
TIA

[skii]

Any kid attended the Music Masterclass 2 Saturday ago?

(A few from my child’s school went)

Apart from some professional pointers and some brain washing, does anyone thinks that the masterclass will help with the subsequent DSA application?

[skii]

Anyone applying?


At least we can keep each other updated about the important dates and notices.

[lucid]

skii\" post_id=\"2133060\" time=\"1713945558\" user_id=\"82603:

Anyone applying?

At least we can keep each other updated about the important dates and notices.

https://www.sota.edu.sg/admissions/talent-academy/dsa-sec

Log In to the TA Portal to submit your application before 10 May, 5:00 pm (SGT).
The application form will automatically close in 16 days 3rd Friday from now at 5:00 pm (SGT)

Shortlisting outcome: 31 May 2024.

Good luck.