DSA 2017

[sean wife]

jedamum:

I feel that it is very risky to post any gep related queries regarding DSA. Non gep people will start to scrutinize whatever posted and make noise that geppers get preferential treatment n then moe pressured to plug any criteria

Thanks for the reminder:)

[jedamum]

fable:

jenao:

Would like to ask experienced parents here as this year dsa quite a fair bit of change. So, if a school is asking for Mathematics Talents ie Platinum or Gold Medallists in the Singapore Math Olympiad for Primary Schools, or other relevant achievements, would you try to apply if you are not Platinum or Gold medallist? Is it a waste of time to try? I am thinking the school is quite specific in terms of who they see as talent. This is in addition to another change which is the places available for dsa will be cut, no longer 50% like previous year, so chances of getting dsa places will be even less this year.

My son is in P6 this year as well, so I'm in a similar boat. If your child is talented in mathematics but does not gave platinum or gold, then I think unless there is some other means you have to illustrate his/her talent, it seems unlikely to be considered. I suspect the bar is set higher because there is no longer GAT to help with selection. Then again, if your child really wants to go to the school there is no harm trying, or thinking about any other specialisation that they can apply under.

I agree with fable.
But if you are concerned about dampening the kids spirit if the outcome is negative, maybe can set the expectations prior to application. Treat DSA as an experience, and also an avenue to check out how schools treat students during the selection. Assess the vibes the school give and if it fits what you want your kid to be in for the next 4-6yrs. Jmo.

From personal experience, the kid will also see how you treat this exercise. If the kid wants a go, we should support with discussion on expectations instead of pour cold water. Personally I feel this yr like any other, the selection of domain needs to be done carefully if one has more than a domain applicable.

[wishbone]

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.

[mommyNg]

wishbone:

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.

There is no more general academic domain. Any DSA applicant must specify and apply to ONE specific (subject) domain.

[jedamum]

I see Nj criteria as general academic domain with a specified CCA interest.

[mommyNg]

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?

[emoh]

wishbone:

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

[jedamum]

mommyNg:

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.

[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:

[jedamum]

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?

Njc DSA is via CCA this year if I read correctly. There is no specified prior achievement needed listed (if I read correctly) though they did not state what are the shortlist criteria. If keen just go for trial if you can afford that time. You should however first discuss with him if he mind doing that particular CCA for the full 6 yrs before deciding to go ahead. Who knows, the sch may have coaches/teachers who can recognise raw gem via trial.