School Of The Arts, Singapore

[dasalo]

Carpe diem:

Ragamuffin shinobi:

Thanks , Pixie and Dasalo! Very useful info the past few days from you 2!


And yeap, like Pixie, I heard that dance intake is only about 36-40.
VA is the largest and music is the smallest (something to do with the 1-1 coaching perhaps?)

Pixie, you mentioned that for the writing component, they are given a choice of 3 and they choose 1. What types of questions are given? Factual, general knowledge ones? About self? About their art form? Pri school question type? Are they looking at solely language or maturity of thought?

The writing questions are compo type, for example one of the questions this year is \"where do you want to live and why\". I suppose IB requires good writing skills.

Yes. It's creative writing. They can read you from what and how you write. The why part is to see how you reason things. This is crucial because many students will fail in these subjects if they can't write well. Subjects like Literature, ARC and these are important subjects. The other part is your art form, ultimately you have to be good in your art form. I \"think\" (pls reconfirm) they make it compulsory to take your art form for IB now. You can't drop that subject at yr6 anymore.

[Carpe diem]

I can’t remember the other questions but it had nothing to do with factual or general knowledge. I think they are looking for one’s ability to write well, maybe also to assess their maturity.

[Carpe diem]

Hi dasalo,


Your dd1 is doing music and dd2 is in VA, can you comment on which one is happier with their chosen art form, program, cohort? I ask this because my dd has CO for music and is considering to switch to VA.

[Mrs Cheng]

Hi


I know the students only need to qualify for express course. But I would like to find out if anyone has kids in SOTA and who scored in the low 200s (not more than 210) for PSLE? Is your child coping well academically? Since we can’t change school once we accept the offer, I have reservations whether to accept the offer or to choose a school where students are of similar standard academically. If you prefer, you may email me privately. Thanks alot.

[dasalo]

Carpe diem:

Hi dasalo,


Your dd1 is doing music and dd2 is in VA, can you comment on which one is happier with their chosen art form, program, cohort? I ask this because my dd has CO for music and is considering to switch to VA.

I'll PM you later. Thanks

[Carpe diem]

Mrs Cheng:

Hi


I know the students only need to qualify for express course. But I would like to find out if anyone has kids in SOTA and who scored in the low 200s (not more than 210) for PSLE? Is your child coping well academically? Since we can't change school once we accept the offer, I have reservations whether to accept the offer or to choose a school where students are of similar standard academically. If you prefer, you may email me privately. Thanks alot.

I can't speak for sota but I think schools will in general help their kids cope by giving support such as remedial, etc. The more crucial factor is the child's attitude, discipline and resilience. I believe that sota will want their kids to do well once they enrol there.

[Carpe diem]

Carpe diem:

Mrs Cheng:

Hi


I know the students only need to qualify for express course. But I would like to find out if anyone has kids in SOTA and who scored in the low 200s (not more than 210) for PSLE? Is your child coping well academically? Since we can't change school once we accept the offer, I have reservations whether to accept the offer or to choose a school where students are of similar standard academically. If you prefer, you may email me privately. Thanks alot.

I can't speak for sota but I think schools will in general help their kids cope by giving support such as remedial, etc. The more crucial factor is the child's attitude, discipline and resilience. I believe that sota will want their kids to do well once they enrol there.

Btw I know this is a controversial statement but I think psle is just one indicator and not THE indicator of success in school. I have seen late bloomers who manage to exceed what is expected of them later in life. The traits I mentioned earlier are what I believe to be more relevant.

[Pixie28]

I suppose those kids who can achieve 240+ will continue to do well in their post pri years. Kids who score 200 or so definitely have a chance to do better in the later years. As they may mature later in terms of thinking and ability. Some kids perform better while others not as well regardless of their PSLE scores. It would be a pity if we were to give up the chance for our child to enter SOTA unless the passion for their art form is not that strong. Just offering my humble opinion.

[Carpe diem]

Pixie28:

Mrs Cheng:

We received the letter today and my ds is given a confirmed offer for a place in Visual Arts . Now we're in a dilemma as his academic results are not great and we're concerned whether IB is suitable for him.

Congrats! My girl's exam results have not been good. But if she is able to qualify for the express stream to get into SOTA, I wouldn't worry about the
IB program yet and will definitely select SOTA.

Hi Mrs Cheng/ Pixie28 - congrats! Don't worry about the IB program. In terms of level of academic rigour I believe it would be no different from mainstream. So whether IB or mainstream, your child still have to continue working hard.

[Mrs Cheng]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I’m worrying too much. It has been a struggle for my son for the past few years and I want him to be able to enjoy his secondary years. The CO was unexpected but nevertheless a happy problem. He likes the school and in fact he said he enjoyed the TA. Anyway, we have up till Oct to decide.