DSA 2017

[emoh]

ShevW:

Hi I am a 1st time PSLE mummy this year, am pondering whether should we DSA but wow with the new changes I totally don't know what to do now.


We wanted to try NJC but now they need talent...my DS has no talent but very good academically not GEP thou... Should we still give it a try? But if DSA via sports meaning my child have to commit to that particular sport for the entire 6 years? :nailbite:

I think the general idea is if the child is good academically already, there is no need to DSA ?

Anyway you can also consider NJC, Art or Music Excellence ?

[ShevW]

Hmmm in the 1st place I always think based on psle results to judge the kid capability is not really fair. DSA would actually let the kid and the school to get to know each other more to see whether they are compatible or not. But now the selection criteria is so vague make it very confusing IMO.

[fable]

emoh:

wishbone:

[quote=\"sean wife\"]Now that General academic domain for DSA has been removed, does it mean those in GEP who are just doing average and not particularly strong in any subject will not have a good chance to DSA?


Any recent update from the school or GE branch to the recent P6 batch on the changes in DSA criteria?

Thanks.

Actually, it is more correct to say that GAT will not be use as a criteria to admit students under the DSA scheme. General academic domain will still be there. Attached RGS website for easy reference http://www.rgs.edu.sg/admissions/admission-to-rgs/year-1-via-dsa/dsa-academic. However, officially, GAT is to be removed in 2018, there may be some schools which still require GAT this year. Have to check with the individual school.

2017 schools which require GAT seems to be only SJI and SST

http://www.gat.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=84[/quote]ACSI still requires the HAST test as well this year.

[fable]

ShevW:

Hmmm in the 1st place I always think based on psle results to judge the kid capability is not really fair. DSA would actually let the kid and the school to get to know each other more to see whether they are compatible or not. But now the selection criteria is so vague make it very confusing IMO.

I think MOE's move to open up DSA to more schools and have more places set aside for DSA aims to allow different pathways to Secondary school. It looks like the direction is to encourage students and schools to match interests and strengths, rather than simply aim to get into the usual \"best\" schools without thinking about fit. The selection criteria are actually more specific now than before, I think. Schools have to state what specific areas of talent they are focusing on. The confusion lies in the fact that we are in the midst of the change and therefore unsure of what we are supposed to do or how to apply, as well as whether the schools actually mean what they say or if they will go back to the way they have always done things anyway. But that will be clarified with each year.

If all secondary schools can offer up to 20% of their non-IP places, and a larger proportion of IP places, then approximately a quarter of all PSLE students will have the option to apply to a school via DSA. This is great for kids who are not so much exam performers. At the same time, if a child is generally strong academically, then its actually correct I think to use T-score for entry as they are likely to do well enough to have a range of choices. So even though my son is affected by this change, I do think its a positive move all in all.

For DSA via sports and CCA, I agree with some of the parents here who have cautioned against choosing this path unless the child really is interested and keen to represent the school and stay in the CCA for the next 4 to 6 years. My son actually has a very good chance to DSA via sport, but we are not keen to use this pathway because the sport he loves is not actually offered by any school, so we want to give him a little more freedom of choice in this area when he is in secondary school. Otherwise too much training in the school sport may mean not enough time for him to develop his ability in the other.

[fable]

jedamum:

mommyNg:

[quote=\"jedamum\"]I see Nj criteria as general academic domain with a specified CCA interest.

But they don't have any academic tests, and they only require submission of school results in Phase 2, after CCA trials?

Meaning for them sch results is the new benchmark. They probably already have an idea of how the kids need to fare in pri sch generally to gauge if they can cope with IP.
I wonder how they shortlist for phase 1 as no talent or experience required. But I have my own guesses. [/quote]It doesn't say no talent or experience required (tho that would be extremely enlightened) It says:
\"Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the first round which comprise trials and auditions. Past experience in the talent category of choice is not a requirement.\"

My interpretation is this: if you are applying for DSA, you need to know that since its an IP programme you should be academically strong enough to be able to deal with the rigours of IP. We're not asking you for evidence of this yet, but we should be able to tell from the grades you submit in the form. And if you get through to interviews, then we want to see the evidence please.

If you are applying under a sport then you do need to show us that you are good at the sport. But we'll say that past experience is not a requirement coz you might be an awesome guitarist but have never been in a guitar ensemble, or singer but never been in a choir. Or even a volleyball player but a faster runner than the track kids. We are open to looking at your other types of evidence that show your skill. But I don't think it means you have never sat in a canoe before but you want to try out for canoeing.

Anyway just my reading of it. I don't work for MOE or NJC so please take with the big pinch of salt it is meant to be taken with

[ShevW]

I guess me being a 1st time psle mummy coincide with the changes in DSA make it worst for me haiz…


But appreciate all the parents advise here. TQ

[Monkeysea]

Hi, would like to ask Parents who have experience in DSA to RGS via Chinese domain.

What are the key criteria in getting an edge? How many places are there via this route and is it very competitive?
:thankyou:

[brio.03034sara]

Hi,

Do they consider the past 5 year results and P6 SA1 results?any hope for those who get Bs?

[tsh0202]

Any experienced parents whose kids DSA successfully to RGS via Science or Math domain?

What are the areas that the girls will be tested?
TIA

[jedamum]

fable:

It doesn't say no talent or experience required (tho that would be extremely enlightened) It says:
\"Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the first round which comprise trials and auditions. Past experience in the talent category of choice is not a requirement.\"

--

If you are applying under a sport then you do need to show us that you are good at the sport. But we'll say that past experience is not a requirement coz you might be an awesome guitarist but have never been in a guitar ensemble, or singer but never been in a choir. Or even a volleyball player but a faster runner than the track kids. We are open to looking at your other types of evidence that show your skill. But I don't think it means you have never sat in a canoe before but you want to try out for canoeing.
:

Yes, must qualify that what we say here are wild speculations.

Fable,
Ah..see we interpret differently. That's the beauty of a miscommunication...lol. we read what we want to read

Past experience not required. Lol. Not no talent. But how we know we have talent if no experience? Means looking at inborn talent? I thought a better word for a\"experience\" could be \"achievement\". But hey, maybe they have their own reasons, I just being a kp.

How then to shortlist for trial based on an application form? Means more will be made know once the application opens, so don't need gan Cheong now.

Agree that basic requirements for sports CCA may hinge on napfa results/participation or member of a sports in current sch and music based CCA, on whether you have basic background or interest/current cca. Good guitarist not in an ensemble eg, I won't say is no experience. Knowing how to play guitar is experience, or have I misinterpreted again?. The past experience clause I feel only applies to certain ccas (not common pri sch ones) . My guesses again (so stressful to write nowadays).

Do note the DSA intake vacancies and divide by the number of ccas offered, one can see how ultra competitive it may actually be.