240 for IP : is considered low
240+ : child is safer, to go O level track
to go IP : better to have at least minimum 255 (T-score) and above[/quote]
Totally Agree.
JMHO.
DSA non academic (sports/arts/leadership etc) and GEP program are just different sides of the same coin.
Those that missed the GEP boat aim for DSA non academic boat to wear the badge of honor. To the DSA hopefuls, one word of caution, there is a 6 year commitment attached whereas GEPPERS are true blue smarties who can somehow sail through in all weather. They will always be in a league of their own.
The DSA kids are in IP to serve that school, full stop. A DSA sportsperson will always be a sportsperson. At the end of the IP journey; Grades don’t lie. Future employers will probably easily guess and know the reason behind the mismatch in grades (stellar achievements mentioned for CCAs etc) to that badge of honor; especially if the IP journey ends prematurely at year 4; the verdict is as clear as that, full stop.
Parent and non academic DSA child have to set realistic goals and expectations.
The profile of every DSA hopeful is unique; no one size fits all for any parent to relate to their own DC. IP is rigorous and with DSA commitments, there are instances whereby not all successful COs are truthful to their passion in their CCA DSA domain. It is an open secret as actions of CCA DSA DC will reveal over time. It’s reality on the ground. As no one will openly share their true journey or has there been but I’ve yet to come across.
Personally I pity the DC, if child can attain 255 and above and yet chose to undertake DSA CCA route coz all they need is that extra final push to 260 and be a free bird to wear that badge of honor. Such cases has happened. In my observations, 255 are attainable by geppers, top/best class. Therefore, these groups of children will have to face up to their DSA CCA commitments and deliver their medals wholeheartedly and dedicate themselves to CCA training dutifully throughout their 6 years since they are considered both smart and good at sports. It’s sad if they become master snake charmers at the end of the DSA journey. They are deprived of a lesson in grit and resilience; facing up to PSLE challenges is survival in its own kind.
It’s also been observed that cases whereby DSA CCA DC of 255 and below; somehow or the other, (due to monkey see monkey do), kids learn fast and they have a higher tendency to skip CCA traingins starting year 2 due to ailing grades; simply a lot of athletes go ‘MIA’ after mid year of their year 2 onwards… some fail one subject, some borderline, some trying to meet minimum for promotion to year 3 IP program; is it worth wearing that badge of honor? How much worth is the pride of DC wearing that school uniform and/or having that school decal plastered on family car to or being PSG or for whatever reason DC decide to sign up for… most of the time, DSA CCA are banded together; rarely are they mixed with the GEP peers. They are just different.
Schools take in DSA CCA DC to deliver CCA honor; thus Parents of DC of same frequency as schools are at peace with whatever their DC grades are at the end of their journey.
Above JMHO; just food for thought.