2009 DSA(Direct School Admission)

[MdmKS]

Fairy:

I have both GEP and non-GEP children. They are equally intelligent. However, the one who is in the GEP programme does exhibit some X- factor in his analytical thinking and the way he processes information since he was a todler. Intelligence may not always translate into good grades (IQ scores, maybe) since many other factors like deligence are at play.

Your mainstream kid may be just out of the 500 selected. I believe he got into the second round? I also understand the screening test is mainly multiple choice and English is a key factor to be able to understand the questions well. Well there are people who choose not to take part in the screening test at P3.

I like the HCI way of doing away with the name \"GEP\" and mix them with \"mainstream\" students while they all have chance to do advance learning.

[father_of_3]

Attended HCI Open hse last Sat. If I remember correctly, for Ispark, they will not admit non-GEP student.

Back to statistics, there are about 550 GEP students for this year P6 student. If I remember correctly, there are more than 300 boys. So mainstream boys may be at slight disadv for places. Hope this help you can work out the chances when you plan for DSA.

[Fairy]

father_of_3:

Attended HCI Open hse last Sat. If I remember correctly, for Ispark, they will not admit non-GEP student.

Back to statistics, there are about 550 GEP students for this year P6 student. If I remember correctly, there are more than 300 boys. So mainstream boys may be at slight disadv for places. Hope this help you can work out the chances when you plan for DSA.

Up till 2009, there are Non GEP students in Isparks. I have friends whose boys are there. Unless HCI decides to change its policy for 2010's cohort. Of the 300 plus boys per cohort in most years, majority will go RI, some to Catholic High and ACS due to the strong attachment to their primary schools. Of course, we cannot be sure which school this year's cohort prefers. My experience with HCI is that it is very warm and sincere in welcoming potential students.

[Fairy]

phankao:

Fairy:

HCI grouped the students under 4 consortiums. In the past, GEP students automatically get grouped under Isparks. However, there are also many non-GEP students in Isparks. Those who joined via DSA Sports are grouped together as their curriculumn are planned around their training schedules. I have friends, whose sons (non-GEPers) had very high PSLE scores but not placed under Isparks.
.

Hi,

Do you have any hearsay about whether there are boys who gain entry to HCI under other CCAs?

Phase I DSA for HCI states specifically Math & Sports. Phase II says academic excellence and \"other talents\". But it's quite unclear what the \"other talents\" are. At least for Dunman High, they are quite clear in what they want for DSA - all clearly outlined.

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

Let me know if you have heard or your boys in HCI have friends or know of?

TIA!

I suggest you write to HCI. I am certain you will get a reply. Other talents may refer to achievements in CCAs other than Sports or track record of leadership positions.

[Fairy]

MdmKS:

Fairy:

I have both GEP and non-GEP children. They are equally intelligent. However, the one who is in the GEP programme does exhibit some X- factor in his analytical thinking and the way he processes information since he was a todler. Intelligence may not always translate into good grades (IQ scores, maybe) since many other factors like deligence are at play.

Your mainstream kid may be just out of the 500 selected. I believe he got into the second round? I also understand the screening test is mainly multiple choice and English is a key factor to be able to understand the questions well. Well there are people who choose not to take part in the screening test at P3.

I like the HCI way of doing away with the name \"GEP\" and mix them with \"mainstream\" students while they all have chance to do advance learning.

Yes. My younger child went for the selection tests. I did not ask both my kids what was tested. I remembered asking them whether they could answer those questions. Child 1 said they were 'easy'. I did not put much thoughts into his reply. Child 2 said they were 'ok' but was unsure if some questions were correctly answered.

Yes, one of child 1's classmates was selected for the program but decided not to join. One of child 2's current classmates was successful in securing a place in the program but had stayed in mainstream.

[joconde]

phankao:

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

So ur boy plays chinese instrument ? I think DHS chinese orchestra troupe can be considered one of the best, RVH also good. Although these may not be most parents first choice

[phankao]

joconde:

phankao:

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

So ur boy plays chinese instrument ? I think DHS chinese orchestra troupe can be considered one of the best, RVH also good. Although these may not be most parents first choice

Yes. DHS clearly states they take in under CO. I think by p6 year, my boy shd be able to. Only thing dhs so far away for us \"northlanders\". He prefers HCI tho. Not even thinking abt RVH.

[phankao]

kiasuson:

If your child is a GEP student and meet the minimum criteria, you will not have all this concerns.

Yes we know, KS-son. Our kids are dumbos. :stupid: :stupid: :stupid:

Your kids are not dumbos. You will not even have a chance to go for DSA if your kids are dumbos. I believe every details has to be taken care if we do not have the privillige of skipping GATs..

But anyone, including the v worst CAN go for DSA. Just whether they will be offered is another matter, right?

[csc]

phankao:

kiasuson:

If your child is a GEP student and meet the minimum criteria, you will not have all this concerns.

Yes we know, KS-son. Our kids are dumbos. :stupid: :stupid: :stupid:

Your kids are not dumbos. You will not even have a chance to go for DSA if your kids are dumbos. I believe every details has to be taken care if we do not have the privillige of skipping GATs..

But anyone, including the v worst CAN go for DSA. Just whether they will be offered is another matter, right?

I don't understand what you mean by v worst. Some kids may not excel academically but they may be exceptionally good in a sport, art or musically inclined so DSA gives them a chance or an opportunity to tap on their talents and develop their potential.

Also , it's not the end of the world if the child is not offered DSA. From those I know, many kids who were not offered DSA still went on to achieve excellent results to get into their dream schools.( or is it their parents' dream schools?)

[phankao]

csc:

phankao:

[quote=\"kiasuson\"]
If your child is a GEP student and meet the minimum criteria, you will not have all this concerns.

Yes we know, KS-son. Our kids are dumbos. :stupid: :stupid: :stupid:

I don't understand what you mean by v worst. Some kids may not excel academically but they may be exceptionally good in a sport, art or musically inclined so DSA gives them a chance or an opportunity to tap on their talents and develop their potential.[/quote]Yea i know.... no biggie ... .. just that by that statement, kiasuson seemed to tell us that we are worrying(concerns) only bc our children do not perhaps \"meet the minimum criteria\" and they shd not even be considering DSA. That's the general feel i get from that.