Is it common for child already in a GEP school during P1-P3 to change to another GEP school in P4? And if we don’t select the original school as first choice, are we still guaranteed a place in it in case we don’t get our first choice?

Since last year, with the portal, MOE has already specifically mentioned that no testimonials will be required from the students for DSA application. This is good… reduce the teachers’ workload so they can focus on teaching.

concerned_father\" post_id=\"1962011\" time=\"1580823640\" user_id=\"47855:

waiyean\" post_id=\"1961653\" time=\"1580692287\" user_id=\"53639:

Grade 6 theory exam is not required, however the DSA selection written test is approximately that level, so it would be good if candidate is familiar with Grade 6-8 theory. The written test and audition is conducted on the same day, took about 3 hours in total for my daughter. There will be a break in between.

Realistically, just a Grade 8 distinction in the instrument is not sufficient. Nowadays that is quite common, and many achieve that very early in their primary school life. Candidate would need to have a passion for music, demonstrate excellent achievements in competitions, and have a good understanding of the role of music in society and how it impacts us. I think having a leadership role, ie. CCA leader, prefect, etc. will also be advantageous.

Thanks waiyean. You mentioned that having a good understanding of the role of music in society and how it impacts us....

Wonder how to demonstrate this point? Are there questions during the interview stage for the school to find out on this?

I gathered from previous answers that the candidate will progress to the interview stage only if they pass the audition/theory stage... and the interview stage is conducted on a different day after the audition/theory stage for shortlisted candidates... am I right?

Also, sounds like it is good to submit other non-music CCA records to demonstrate other quality.. (eg. leadership)?

Hi, sorry took so long to answer, I don't frequent this thread, PM me if have questions.
Yes, there are questions in the written test, as well as in the interview that is related to role of music in society and how it impacts us. Mostly are questions that has no right or wrong answers, but you first need to have an opinion. How you discuss those points/opinions, will demonstrate that understanding.

Candidate will progress to interview stage only if they pass the audition/theory stage. Yes, you are right it will be conducted on a different day.

You do not have to submit CCAs that is done in school, that will be automatically submitted together with the P5/6 results. Only need to submit CCAs and other achievements done outside of school. You need to be strategic on the submission though, last year they only allowed 10 achievements to be submitted in the portal, each has a character limit of 300.

concerned_father\" post_id=\"1961291\" time=\"1580391187\" user_id=\"47855:

Swc\" post_id=\"1961214\" time=\"1580353035\" user_id=\"178585:

Harmony is a key component tested. So yes, knowing grade 6 and above theory would definitely be important.

My mistake, it should be DD (not DS). Good to have the additional information - makes it clearer that the grade 6 theory standard is RGS specific requirements. Any idea the duration of the theory test?

Grade 6 theory exam is not required, however the DSA selection written test is approximately that level, so it would be good if candidate is familiar with Grade 6-8 theory. The written test and audition is conducted on the same day, took about 3 hours in total for my daughter. There will be a break in between.

Realistically, just a Grade 8 distinction in the instrument is not sufficient. Nowadays that is quite common, and many achieve that very early in their primary school life. Candidate would need to have a passion for music, demonstrate excellent achievements in competitions, and have a good understanding of the role of music in society and how it impacts us. I think having a leadership role, ie. CCA leader, prefect, etc. will also be advantageous.

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1944032\" time=\"1572506081\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1944032 time=1572506081 user_id=53606]
The theory exam is a separate exam. Only Theory Grade 5 is a pre-requisite for Practical Grade 8. [/quote]

Just to point out that grade 5 theory is a pre-requisite for practical grade 6, 7 and 8. Not just grade 8.
And because it takes some time for the theory grade 5 results to be available after the exam, add on the fact that you need to register for practical exams typically a number of months beforehand, it is better to plan the theory exam at least 1 year before the practical exam.

I feel it's better to be doing 1 to 1 lessons if you intend to do ABRSM exams. Group lessons are fun, but teacher's attention is spread over several students, and everyone learns at different pace.

You don't really need to take exams for all the grades, it's a waste of time and money to do so.
Most people progress at 1 grade per year. If the child learn fast, and is willing to put in significant time daily to practice, it is possible to do 2 grades per year.

Someone mentioned above that some parents push their kids to get grade 8 distinctions by P5 to apply for DSA. Yes, that can be done, but take note that grade 8 distinction doesn't really mean high chance in DSA. There are enough people who get grade 8 distinctions, some even in multiple instruments before P6, for DSA into the better schools to be very competitive.

KiasuMother3243\" post_id=\"1935859\" time=\"1568802578\" user_id=\"181142:

DD got CO for NYGH and RGS. MGS waitlisted her. Which school should she choose?

Which domain did your DD DSA in? These two schools are so different, I would have thought most will either like one or the other. My DD has got a couple of choices too, but nothing can persuade her not to choose RGS.

Hi, I have a full size German violin, which I can let go if someone is interested. DD used it for about 1.5 years, but not using it now because we upgraded to an antique violin. PM me if you want more details.

xueyan\" post_id=\"1933736\" time=\"1567650545\" user_id=\"6643:

Hi all

As Ds complete his ABRSM Grade 3 exam, i am seriously thinking of changing the current piano. The current one is a Cristofori, the bench is broken, This is my first and only piano that i purchased so far. I used it myself till Grade 4 and now Ds using it

I have spoken to his piano teacher and she suggests Yamaha. I browse in Carousell and see some Yamaha U3 selling at less than $4000. Is it a good buy? How to test the piano?

What's wrong with the current Cristofori? If the only problem is a broken bench, you can just buy another bench... cost much less. Can't really tell if the Yamaha U3 is a good buy unless we know what area of the current piano you are not happy with.

NJC sent invitation to welcome breakfast. Anyone going?

phtthp\" post_id=\"1933561\" time=\"1567568175\" user_id=\"35251:

In my kid school, some girls also applied for RGS, some applied under two different Academic domain concurrently (Maths and Science), while others applied under \"Leadership\" domain. They did go through RGS short-listed interview.
In the end, RGS rejected them

Any idea roughly how many COs they gave out for academic (per subject) and leadership?