<![CDATA[Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL?]]>Hi,


this is my first post to kiasuparents. Hope to tap on the experience of parents who have tried DSA for NYHS.

My DD1 (Pri5, GEP) has been scoring above 85% in P4 (overall, top in English) and P5 (mid year, top in English) and scoring around 85% for CL. She was given the option to do HCL but we didn’t take up (she is in a non-SAP GEP sch) after much consideration of the pros and cons. One main reason was that she does not have the flair for CL (unlike English) and her CL grade comes with lots of hardwork. So DH and I do not want to ‘kill’ her interest by getting her to do HCL.

So far, we have been looking at RGS or SOTA for DSA. But increasingly, I have reservations about whether RGS is suitable for her and DH and I have been hearing good things about NYHS. However, we are not sure whether will she be considered for DSA at NYHS without HCL and if considered, what are her chances?

Anyone has similar experience or information to share? Now wondering whether did we make the wrong decision on not doing HCL…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/13912/chances-for-dsa-at-nyhs-without-hclRSS for NodeFri, 28 Aug 2026 12:22:43 GMTThu, 16 Sep 2010 15:23:46 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 02:44:29 GMT]]>

red dot:
Hi TREX8


I am almost in the same boat but slightly different as my dd is doing her PSLE this year.

She has gone thru DSA for TKGS and SOTA, she has got both schools under drama/theatre studies. But, soon we have to decide one
for which both my dd and myself are still thinking...

Reason, TGKS being a very popular school in the east and SOTA is still new with no track records yet.

I am equally confused as you :?

Any sharing ??
Hi red dot,

have you all make a decision on whether to take up offer from TKGS or SOTA? Can share on how you've arrived at the decision?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/281584https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/281584Mon, 25 Oct 2010 02:44:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:46:04 GMT]]>Hi, congrats first on your DD’s success at DSA!


I might not be of much help as I am not familiar with TKGS and do not have much first hand information of SOTA.

There are some differences between these 2 schools though and I am not sure whether have you considered these:

1. TKGS is a 4 yrs ‘O’ level programme while SOTA offers a 6-yr through train programme - difference will be that your DD needs to apply to a JC after ‘O’ levels at TKGS. Not sure how competitive it will be as both VJC and TJC are offering IP and some places would be reserved for students from their respective feeder school.

2. SOTA offers an IB programme while your DD will probably be taking the ‘A’ levels if she follows the conventional secondary school then JC route. You might wish to consider which programme is suitable for your DD.

To quote Innovate "The way SOTA teaches eng lit is very different from mainstream schs. The school encourages independent thinking to the extend of being a critic, much like US high schs. Different opinios, outward expressions are very much sought after in this sch."

IB seems to emphasis more on regular assessment (rather than a ‘once-off’ exam at ‘A’ levels) and this will probably require the child to be self-disciplined and able to prioritise and manage dead-lines.

If you are ok with both TKGS and SOTA, then how about presenting the pros and cons to your DD and let her decide?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/268001https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/268001Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:46:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:33:24 GMT]]>Hi TREX8


I am almost in the same boat but slightly different as my dd is doing her PSLE this year.

She has gone thru DSA for TKGS and SOTA, she has got both schools under drama/theatre studies. But, soon we have to decide one
for which both my dd and myself are still thinking...

Reason, TGKS being a very popular school in the east and SOTA is still new with no track records yet.

I am equally confused as you :?

Any sharing ??

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/267899https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/267899Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:33:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:20:45 GMT]]>Tks Innovate and jtoh for sharing valuable information. Will get DD to check with her teachers regarding DSA portfolio after her exams and get her to prepare her portfolio during the school hols.


Good idea to get DD to do the audition for SOTA in Mar next year and then focus on RGS and NYGH in June/July. Hopefully, she can be exempted from GAT (remembered her coming out absolutely brain drained after round 2 of GEP screening and the last thing we need is a brain drained girl during her PSLE year 😛 ).

The 'only' left to do now is to slowly introduce NYGH to DD as she has never considered NYGH because she's not taking HCL ...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261995https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261995Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:20:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:07:53 GMT]]>Hi TREX8,


SOTA holds its DSA auditions twice a year, once in March and again in June. NYGH and RGS hold their interviews in July. There shouldn’t be much stress especially if you take the SOTA audition in March.

Just to clarify on what INNOVATE mentioned regarding the RGS and NYGH DSAs:- GEP students are exempted from taking the GAT in RGS and NYGH provided they meet the minimum academic qualificaitons. So in effect, you only need to attend an interview for RGS/NYGH to secure a place at the schools.

My only comment about SOTA is that the academic programme there may not be that challenging for your dd. Perhaps someone with a child there whose academic abilities are similar to your dd’s might be able to advise you better.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261503https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261503Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:07:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:28:47 GMT]]>TREX8


Really much stress as only three schools.

For Nanyang Girls, she will need to sit for an entrance test, which includes chinese. Thereafter, an interview will be conducted for short-listed applicants. Each year, many pupils from Raffles Girls, are also vying for a place apart from many high ability pupils from all over the island.

As for Raffles Girls, she will need to submit an essay of approx 500 words apart from test/interview.

Both these top girls schools are so highly popular that competitions are really keen. Equally difficult to get into one of these schools.


Regarding SOTA, admission is purely based on talent in their respective art form. Selection test is conducted by industry practioners which also includes an individual audition. Duration is 2 days. Pupils admitted have PSLE scores ranging between 220-268. They are barred from participating in SYF competitions due to obvious reasons. The teachers for art forms are simply the best! The master classes also have world-renown practitioners. Training is geared towards performance. The aim is to provide the art community and creative industries with highly-trained personnel.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261449https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261449Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:28:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:35:16 GMT]]>I am aware that we can do a transfer at Year 5 to join ACS (I) IB’s programme. But it does not seem a good consideration as DD would have missed out on 4 yrs of the prog and might have difficulty fitting in as IB and ‘A’ levels preparation seems very different. Moreover, DD does not make friends easily- so switching schools will present a new set of problems, what more- a switch from an all-girls environment to mixed-gender.


Recently, a friend whose daughter’s in NYGH Yr 1 told me about the Humanities Programme at Yr 5&6 in HCI - that’s why we are now looking at NYGH (previously out of our radar zone) and hence my post on whether she qualifies without HCL.

Innovate, what you’ve wrote about SOTA expressed why we are considering SOTA for DD. However, whenever I mentioned that we are considering SOTA, we get a mixed bag of responses. Some have positive things to say (like my neighbour whose son is in the Music Programme and another friend whose daughter is in the Visual Arts Programme) but their kids do show a definite gift in their art form, unlike DD who is more a generalist (she plays piano but does not go for grading, she draws but does not take classes but she is definitely not talented in these areas.)

Some do not think it is suitable for DD without a specific art form, others think that DD might not find the environment challenging as SOTA accepts students as long as they qualify for Express stream (even DH thinks so…) and some thinks the programme is simply too recent without any proven records yet unless ACS(I)'s IB.

At this point in time, likely to consider DSA for SOTA, RGS and NYGH and see what happens. Just wondering whether will we be subjecting DD to too much stress with DSA to 3 schools?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261420https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261420Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:35:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:20:52 GMT]]>TREX8


From your postings, it seems your girl’s inclination is towards humanities.

My view in this instance is for your girl to try SOTA under theatre studies. Unlike visual art, she does not need to have a personal portfolio. Of all the art forms in SOTA, dance is the most regimental and phsically demanding follow by music. For all art disciplines, it like full day school. Her passion for eng lit, exporation and experimentation will provide her with solid encouragement to engage in the study of integrated humanities.

The way SOTA teaches eng lit is very different from mainstream schs. The school encourages independent thinking to the extend of being a critic, much like US high schs. Different opinios, outward expressions are very much sought after in this sch.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261383https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261383Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:20:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:00:26 GMT]]>

jtoh:
Hi TREX8,


Yes, do check out the Open Houses next year. There will be time for you to re-assess the schools and see which ones are more suited for your dd. I think SOTA's Open House might be earlier than RGS and NYGH so you might want to keep an eye out for it.

If your reason for selecting SOTA is because of the IB programme, you might want to re-consider because SOTA is a specialist school for art talents. If your dd isn't that passionate about her art form it might not be the right avenue for her. You might want to consider going to either RGS or NYGH from Year 1-4 then moving over to ACSI in Year 5 for the IB Programme. There have been students who move from RGS to ACSI in Year 5 and they do very well. Alternatively, HCI (Year 5&6) offers an excellent Humanities Programme too. Just alternatives for you to consider.
just to add : though GEP kid but without special talent in any art form, chances in DSA success could be slim......(I could be wrong?)

a transfer at year 5 could be a better alternative.....try DSA in year 4 then

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261357https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261357Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:00:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:38:17 GMT]]>Hi TREX8,


Yes, do check out the Open Houses next year. There will be time for you to re-assess the schools and see which ones are more suited for your dd. I think SOTA’s Open House might be earlier than RGS and NYGH so you might want to keep an eye out for it.

If your reason for selecting SOTA is because of the IB programme, you might want to re-consider because SOTA is a specialist school for art talents. If your dd isn’t that passionate about her art form it might not be the right avenue for her. You might want to consider going to either RGS or NYGH from Year 1-4 then moving over to ACSI in Year 5 for the IB Programme. There have been students who move from RGS to ACSI in Year 5 and they do very well. Alternatively, HCI (Year 5&6) offers an excellent Humanities Programme too. Just alternatives for you to consider.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261336https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261336Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:38:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:57:28 GMT]]>Hi jtoh,


we are considering SOTA because of the IB prog. Currently, IB prog is restricted to the boy's sch (ACS and SJI) and girls can only join in Year 5. IB prog suits DD as she is the 'humanities' type of person (good with Eng Lang, literature and exploring issues etc) but cannot appreciate the beauty of subjects like Math.

DD likes what she reads about SOTA and we are thinking of trying under theatre arts (she is good with writing, selected for P5 CAP, loves to read and enjoys literature) as she does not qualify for other areas. Since it admits students purely through DSA, we will just go and let the experts see if they see an unpolished gem in DD :lol:

DD is quite a perfectionist and wants to excel. This year, she has been feeling bad about not winning competitions (despite the fact that being selected to represent school is good enough) or not being selected. I suppose that is because her classmates were all talking about garnering accolades to put into their DSA portfolio! It didn't help that some of her friends are getting platinum and gold for the various math olympiads (and DD CANNOT even handle GEP math).

That resulted in DH and I rethinking about RGS, which will be a place where the top female brains will gather. We thought it will be a struggle for DD to go through 6 yrs (and the angst of teenage years) trying to either prove her worth and/or to accept that she is already amongst the best and be comfortable with it.

To qualify, the infor about the schs and prog we have thus far are only based on what we hear from fellow parents. We have not done any 'leg-work' yet. One friend said that I should have gone to the school's open house this year (when DD is in P5) but all the open house were over when she told me ... Still not too late to do open-house when she is in P6, right?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261236https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261236Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:57:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:27:24 GMT]]>Hi TREX8,


You're welcome. I'm curious to know why you are considering SOTA as an option. And also why you don't think RGS will be suitable for your dd. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261095https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261095Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:27:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:11:23 GMT]]>

TREX8:
Tks, jtoh, that is certainly very reassuring.


At least, DH and I need not consider coercing DD to take HCL in Pri 6 - which definitely will be an uphill task and also super stressful for everyone! Imagine trying to cope with the switch from CL to HCL over and above the preparation for psle ...
If you did not do HCL in Pri 5, it is near impossible to do it in Pri 6

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261085https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261085Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:11:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:21:48 GMT]]>Tks, jtoh, that is certainly very reassuring.


At least, DH and I need not consider coercing DD to take HCL in Pri 6 - which definitely will be an uphill task and also super stressful for everyone! Imagine trying to cope with the switch from CL to HCL over and above the preparation for psle …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261062https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261062Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:21:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chances for DSA at NYHS without HCL? on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:47:06 GMT]]>Hi. Don’t worry. NYGH does accept GEP students who do not do HCL through DSA. Of course you’ll have to meet their minimum DSA requirements which in your dd’s case doesn’t seem to be a problem. Good luck!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261042https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/261042Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:47:06 GMT