DSA 2011

[phankao]

realwhiz:

Hi all,


Understand that most schools require at least Practical Grade 7 above for DSA using music.

If my gal has Violin Grade 5 for both practical and theory, can she still apply for DSA? She has represented her school in SYF.

She is interested in SCGS and Methodist cos both schools have String ensemble.

For both of these schools, it seems they require minimum grade 6 practical. Do check last year's criteria for your reference:

MGS: http://www.mgs.sch.edu.sg/article/1183
SCGS: http://www.scgs.edu.sg/pdf/DSA_App_Form_2011_Intake_May-10.pdf

[realwhiz]

In this case, can my gal still try to apply for DSA? or totally cannot apply at all?


or just apply and see if she will be selected for interviews etc?

Please advise.

Thanks!

[jtoh]

realwhiz:

In this case, can my gal still try to apply for DSA? or totally cannot apply at all?


or just apply and see if she will be selected for interviews etc?

Please advise.

Thanks!

The criteria state MINIMUM Grade 6. Does your dd have any other achievements to compensate for the minimum grade 6 requirement? Like various performances etc? If not, and you decide to take the chance and apply, you'll have to bear in mind that you will be paying the admin fee for nothing.

[Mum1113]

Following some of the threads and can't help but feel that DSA is more inclined for GEP students more than mainstreamers. Don't get me wrong but cant' help but have this feeling. So may not get kid to try any at all but focus on actual deliverables which is more within our own control

[jtoh]

Mum1113:

Following some of the threads and can't help but feel that DSA is more inclined for GEP students more than mainstreamers. Don't get me wrong but cant' help but have this feeling. So may not get kid to try any at all but focus on actual deliverables which is more within our own control

DSA is for kids with special talents, so mainstreamers who are top ranking in sports have no problems getting confirmed offers via DSA. It's a tougher ball game for mainstreamers via the academic domain but those who demonstrate ability beyond their peers do get confirmed offers too. Otherwise, if you're not prepared to face rejection, then just work hard for PSLE and score >260 to secure a place in practically any secondary school in Singapore.

[realwhiz]

Thanks for all the advise and information.


Will discuss with my dd and decide thereafter.

[Mum1113]

jtoh:

Mum1113:

Following some of the threads and can't help but feel that DSA is more inclined for GEP students more than mainstreamers. Don't get me wrong but cant' help but have this feeling. So may not get kid to try any at all but focus on actual deliverables which is more within our own control

DSA is for kids with special talents, so mainstreamers who are top ranking in sports have no problems getting confirmed offers via DSA. It's a tougher ball game for mainstreamers via the academic domain but those who demonstrate ability beyond their peers do get confirmed offers too. Otherwise, if you're not prepared to face rejection, then just work hard for PSLE and score >260 to secure a place in practically any secondary school in Singapore.

May not be so much on the parents but more on the kids on how do they handle it should their dreams setting on 'dreams schools' do not accept them through DSA route.
Not a problem for easy-going kids who are easier in nature and take things on their stride. Afterall, they are only 12 years old children :love:
There are also kids who are relatively more matured and have think-through thoughts and plan their future really fantastically.
Therefore, just wanna share my 2-cent think-aloud thoughts for parents and kids to manage expectations should they decide to try DSA route and be prepared for the....results

[jtoh]

Mum1113:

jtoh:

[quote=\"Mum1113\"]Following some of the threads and can't help but feel that DSA is more inclined for GEP students more than mainstreamers. Don't get me wrong but cant' help but have this feeling. So may not get kid to try any at all but focus on actual deliverables which is more within our own control

DSA is for kids with special talents, so mainstreamers who are top ranking in sports have no problems getting confirmed offers via DSA. It's a tougher ball game for mainstreamers via the academic domain but those who demonstrate ability beyond their peers do get confirmed offers too. Otherwise, if you're not prepared to face rejection, then just work hard for PSLE and score >260 to secure a place in practically any secondary school in Singapore.

May not be so much on the parents but more on the kids on how do they handle it should their dreams setting on 'dreams schools' do not accept them through DSA route.
Not a problem for easy-going kids who are easier in nature and take things on their stride. Afterall, they are only 12 years old children :love:
There are also kids who are relatively more matured and have think-through thoughts and plan their future really fantastically.
Therefore, just wanna share my 2-cent think-aloud thoughts for parents and kids to manage expectations should they decide to try DSA route and be prepared for the....results [/quote]Definitely parents have to manage expectations. We have to be the ones to encourage and support in hard times. So much more difficult to be a parent these days compared to our parents' time, especially in terms of studies.

[verykiasu2010]

definitely "managing expectation" is crucial, especially when the DSA result is out. (1) not to allow the kid’s confidence to be shaken / shattered, and also (2) don’t let the kids become too proud and cocky ending up with below expectation for PSLE score after getting confirmed offers via DSA

[phankao]

realwhiz:

In this case, can my gal still try to apply for DSA? or totally cannot apply at all?


or just apply and see if she will be selected for interviews etc?

Please advise.

Thanks!

This is what you need to ask the schools concerned, not us. We can't comment for the schools. If your dd is for eg. working on Grade 6 or even grade 8 for example (no other exam certificates to show for), you can ask her teacher to write a letter to certify. But that is as far a solution I can think of for your case.

Was your daughter a key member of your String Ensemble also? That could help, plus a Testimonial from her String conductor/instructor or School CCA Teacher-in-charge.