School Of The Arts, Singapore

[babylion]

She has been learning the electone for the past 5.5 years , since P1. We thought she could play the electone for the audition but was told they don't accept that during the Symposium early this year. We were eager to gain entry so made an attempt to pick up piano and started her first lesson in March. In 3 months she learnt 3 songs with the guidance of a good teacher. Alas, her performance was not good enough.

jtoh:

Your dd picked up piano just for this audition? She must be pretty good.

[dovetail]

As far as I can see, I find SOTA is quite confused about it’s mission. On one hand it calls itself an ART school, on the other hand it ties itself down with above average academic requirements whiche pushes out the really passionate and talented ones who are not academically inclined. If SOTA is truly set up by MICA to nurture artistic talents, it needs to be more inclusive just like the sports school.


Is it really necessary to get 230 to do IB. Look at the International schools, do you think all the kid’s there can score 230 if they sit for PSLE?

It appears to me SOTA is trying to be a scale down ACSI with a lower COP for their IB. This is their way to ensure beautiful results for the IBDP results. So what is the talent development all about here? What is SOTA achievement wrt to it’s artistic development after 6 years?

I’ve thought of letting my dd go there but I feel that SOTA is really more of an academic ground than a talent development one. For it to develope well as an art school, it needs to seriously open up multi-track academic programme to cater for those who are truly talented, passionate but have diverse academic background.

[blitz]

Dovetail, if there was a LIKE button, I'd choose that. :salute:


Perhaps you might want to send a similiar email to SOTA, and see what is their response.

[red dot]

i would standby SOTA requirements otherwise it will have a bunch of talented students in arts who are unable to complete their IB programme. Is that kind of students we want to produce in our School of the Arts ???

I would also like to highlight without some good PSLE score, it will be tough for the kids to do their IB programme.

[Maisu]

red dot:

i would standby SOTA requirements otherwise it will have a bunch of talented students in arts who are unable to complete their IB programme. Is that kind of students we want to produce in our School of the Arts ???

I would also like to highlight without some good PSLE score, it will be tough for the kids to do their IB programme.

I would think the t score is acceptable, rather the auditions should be solely base on their art forms, the rest of the selection test are trainable, don't u think so? The school suppose to teach, isn't it?

[phankao]

red dot:

i would standby SOTA requirements otherwise it will have a bunch of talented students in arts who are unable to complete their IB programme. Is that kind of students we want to produce in our School of the Arts ???

I would also like to highlight without some good PSLE score, it will be tough for the kids to do their IB programme.

They should have a dual-track programme, like Sports School. Why must do IB? Can do O & A-levels also wat. But Sports school does IB bc the exams are 2x a year. Better to schedule around their students' competitions.

[jtoh]

I was told that if a student performs poorly academically, he/she could be retained or asked to leave SOTA.

[tigerplayingaguitar]

Hi everyone... new here. Okay I AM a student at SOTA (for theatre). I got 240 for my psle.


Firstly, you do not have to get 230 + to go to sota or do the IB. I don't know where this info came from, I know 201's who are in my level. You don't need to get over 200, just need to qualify for express.

Secondly, SOTA is a great school. And I don't think you should not allow your child to go there just because there is an emphasis on education as well.

The point of IB isn't to produce geniuses. Its to produce all rounders that know how to handle work and pressure. I think those are traits and values everyone needs to develop. Even artists. I believe its GREAT that they teach and have an emphasis on the arts as well.

And the IB is a great qualification. Its internationally recognised and it shows that your a person who can handle stress and work.

SO TO THOSE PARENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING, JUST LET YOUR CHILD SIGN UP! Go for it

[tigerplayingaguitar]

jtoh:

I was told that if a student performs poorly academically, he/she could be retained or asked to leave SOTA.

thats true. They'll be retained first for one year, if they can't improve in the next year they will be asked to leave. But if you study hard in SOTA it won't be a problem because you actually get marks for putting in effort

[kiasu-mom 0]

[quote]Is it really necessary to get 230 to do IB. Look at the International schools, do you think all the kid's there can score 230 if they sit for PSLE?[/quote]
Hi dovetail, per your input above, I agree with you that 230 should not simply be the criteria and I believe SOTA will give consideration for young talents with the passion for the arts and the determination to succeed.

At the same time, let's not put down students at the International School, many of them choose to go to these schools because of the IB program and the all round education system. My DD scored 255 for her PSLE and is currently at one of the international schools, there are many others who scored 230 and above in the same school...