DSA 2013

[klo44w]

jtoh:

klo44w:

Hi all,


My apologies up front if my questions has been addressed before; but the number of posts to run through is quite daunting.

Plainly my questions are:
a) For swim DSA, which girls or coed schools are more relaxed in their criteria (ie a top 8 finish vs a top 3 medal winner finish)?

b) For those that get in through CCA DSA, is it always a conditional entry? Meaning the kids still must get into the Express stream? Yes. Some set a pre-determined COP.

c) For those getting into the school via the CCA DSA, is it a must to complete the full 4 years on the team, or perhaps which school only need the kids to see out their part of the \"contract\" for 2 years, instead of 4 for \"O\" levels? Yes. All 4 years.

d) For those kids who have gotten into the school via CCA DSA, if their PSLE results are good enough, can they opt to take the IP program if so available, or are they strictly only allowed to take the 4 + 2 option? Depends on the school. But if your results are above the COP for IP, you can make a request. Shouldn't be a prob.

e) I have been reading about the GAT, but would anyone know where I can get some reference books? Perhaps a GAT mock exam type of book?

f) Finally any good recommendation for schools that have swim and good balance of education, learning, and sport?

g) And if my kid does not do higher Chinese, does this mean she cannot apply for Swim DSA for schools that are SAP schools (ie St Nick - very strong swim team, NGHS - also has a swim team, Hwa Chong - may have a swim team) Not everyone does HCL in SAP schools. I think that's the case at SNGS. NYGH all Year 1s must do HCL.

THank you so much in advance for your answers.

Thks!

[HairyOrange]

octoberbaby:

Mum101:

[quote=\"octoberbaby\"]What kind of portfolio RI is looking at? If a student doesn't have any achievements so far, how can he show the portfolio? will he be invited to sit GAT?

There are 3 types of DSA. Via:


2) Academic for Mainstream


For Mainstream boys, I think during the DSA application which is online, you dont need to submit any porfolio. You will have to enter your P4 to P6 results including other non-academic achievements. The boy will then have to sit for GAT (General Ability test). If he pass GAT, he will be asked to prepare a project to present...the topic of the project will be given if the boy pass GAT.

As long as we apply online, is it an automatic that the boy will get the invitation to sit for GAT test?[/quote]Lots of wrong info above.

RI DSA Mainstream in 2012 (Academic)

Shortlisted boys sit for RI's own GAT test, not the ones administered by Principals Academy (the ones for CH, SNGS, SCGS, etc). Its more challenging test than the GAT.

Thereafter RI will shortlist roughly 100+ to take the various Subject domain tests (Maths has the biggest pool 60+, English and Chinese smallest pool 10-20+).

From this 2nd round, RI will send out the CO or rejects.

No interviews or portfolio presentation required after the 2nd round test.

Frankly, the RI DSA Mainstream chances extremely slim, better to focus on doing well for PSLE because unless your DS is mentally strong, DSA selection process can be really stressful.

Important Note:

In 2012, HCI, RI and NUSH all had their 2nd round selection tests on the same day. HCI was from 8-3pm and RI suppose to start at 3-5 but thankfully started late in RI. Looking back, it was really amusing to see so many \"kancheong\" parents waiting outside HCI to run with their DSs to waiting cars to sprint down to RI.

But make sure your DS is up to the challenge because its almost 10 hours of tests cum interviews in both schools. Very draining.

The RI Maths domain test is ridiculously difficult, even JC double Maths student didn't know how to answer one of the problem sums.

[clay569]

HairyOrange:

Lots of wrong info above.

RI DSA Mainstream in 2012 (Academic)

Shortlisted boys sit for RI's own GAT test, not the ones administered by Principals Academy (the ones for CH, SNGS, SCGS, etc). Its more challenging test than the GAT.

Thereafter RI will shortlist roughly 100+ to take the various Subject domain tests (Maths has the biggest pool 60+, English and Chinese smallest pool 10-20+).

From this 2nd round, RI will send out the CO or rejects.

No interviews or portfolio presentation required after the 2nd round test.

Frankly, the RI DSA Mainstream chances extremely slim, better to focus on doing well for PSLE because unless your DS is mentally strong, DSA selection process can be really stressful.

Important Note:

In 2012, HCI, RI and NUSH all had their 2nd round selection tests on the same day. HCI was from 8-3pm and RI suppose to start at 3-5 but thankfully started late in RI. Looking back, it was really amusing to see so many \"kancheong\" parents waiting outside HCI to run with their DSs to waiting cars to sprint down to RI.

But make sure your DS is up to the challenge because its almost 10 hours of tests cum interviews in both schools. Very draining.

The RI Maths domain test is ridiculously difficult, even JC double Maths student didn't know how to answer one of the problem sums.

Thx for the info. Any idea what's the criteria to meet in order to be shortlisted for GAT?

[octoberbaby]

HairyOrange:

As long as we apply online, is it an automatic that the boy will get the invitation to sit for GAT test?

Lots of wrong info above.

RI DSA Mainstream in 2012 (Academic)

Shortlisted boys sit for RI's own GAT test, not the ones administered by Principals Academy (the ones for CH, SNGS, SCGS, etc). Its more challenging test than the GAT.
[/quote]

What you mean by shortlisted? Based on what criteria being shortlisted?

[GLORYmum]

All Dsa applicants will be required to sit for GAT but some schools exempt gep students from GAT if their results are above a certain percentage. The requirements for each school are different. You can check up their website for the details starting in May.

[mama_10]

when will the DSA starts? where can we get the info?

thanks

[GLORYmum]

mama_10:

when will the DSA starts? where can we get the info?

thanks

U can look out for info posted on the school website starting in may.

[BeContented]

GLORYmum:

mama_10:

when will the DSA starts? where can we get the info?

thanks

U can look out for info posted on the school website starting in may.

Sometimes schools will also give out some flyers or inform the kids. Check with your child. Me gotta start the process all over again

[mama_10]

BeContented:

GLORYmum:

[quote=\"mama_10\"]when will the DSA starts? where can we get the info?

thanks

U can look out for info posted on the school website starting in may.

Sometimes schools will also give out some flyers or inform the kids. Check with your child. Me gotta start the process all over again [/quote]
I hv only 1 child and no experience at all. What shud we prepare?
thanks :thankyou:

[Just relax]

I hv only 1 child and no experience at all. What shud we prepare?

thanks :thankyou:[/quote][/quote][/quote]

It depends on the school and on the DSA domain. Some schools only want P6 CA1 and SA1 whilst others want P4 & P5 SA2 results and P6 CA1 & SA1results.

You have to visit the school websites to find out what is really required. Also it depends on whether you are trying for Sports, Music, Academic or GEP DSA. Each has different requirements.

But for a basic DSA portfolio, it would be appropriate to have the following:
1. Tabulation of P4 & P5 SA2 results & P6 CA1 & SA1 results;
2. Listing of CCA participation including colours awards, leadership position and hours spent yearly (P4 - P6);
3. Listing of P4-P6 CIP;
4. Listing of outside school activities such as learning ballet at CC, etc.
5. Listing of academic awards won including EAGLES etc.;
6. Listing of participation and results of Olympiads, debates, writing competitions, UNSW etc.
7. Listing of personal interests;
8. A short statement about the child, describing himself, family, circumstances etc.

That should be about it. You need to check school websites or call the school to see if photocopies of results etc are required with DSA portfolio.

Ultimately u will identify 2-3 schools for the DSA so it makes sense to check on the requirements of each school to make sure you do not give unnecessary or irrelevant information