While good results for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is seen as the main way for students to get into their secondary school of choice, some parents are also opting for Direct School Admission (Secondary) to offer them a better chance. DSA is especially useful in scenarios where a child has a particular talent (e.g. in sports, art, an academic subject, or leadership), and is eyeing a place in a school in which they can develop this talents. If successfully offered a place via DSA, parents can also have peace of mind as their child would not need to compete with their PSLE scores during the Sec 1 Posting Exercise.
If applying to DSA-Sec is on your mind this year, it’s important to take note of the process and timeline for application – as it is coming up quite soon! Most years, the application takes place in May. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, auditions, and placement tests (depending on the talent area) in the following months.
Understanding Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec)
DSA-Sec offers students an alternative route to enter secondary school, allowing them to showcase their strengths and talents in various domains such as sports, arts, leadership, and academic pursuits. This scheme aims to recognise the holistic capabilities of students, while also offering to develop the talents of these students.
Applying to secondary school through this route is not without conditions, however. If your child accepts the offer to a school under the DSA-Sec scheme, they will not be allowed to take part in the Sec 1 Posting Exercise or transfer to another school until they complete the course (4 year O Level or 6 year IP). In other words, they are expected to commit to the school that is chosen.
For certain talent areas, the school may also require the student to commit to a specific condition, such as to join a particular CCA or talent programme. For example, if you join via DSA Basketball, you would be expected to join the Basketball CCA.
Talent areas for DSA
Many people think that DSA is for students good in sports or performing arts. But did you know that being in a uniformed group can also give you a shot at DSA-Sec?
Having relevant leadership experiences (e.g. being a prefect or holding a leadership position in their CCA) can also be a talent area to be considered for DSA. According to the MOE website, the following areas can be considered for DSA:
- Sports and games
- Visual, literary and performing arts
- Debate and public speaking
- Science, mathematics and engineering
- Languages and humanities
- Uniformed groups
- Leadership
Not all schools accept DSA applicants from all the talent areas – it depends on factors like what kind of talents the school is looking for, and what type of development programmes they have to nurture students. Do check the school’s website or contact the school to find out which talent areas they accept for DSA!
Steps for Parents in the DSA-Sec Process
Research and Explore Options: Begin by researching different secondary schools offering DSA-Sec and identify those that align with your child’s interests, talents, and aspirations. Attend school open houses, gather information, and consider factors such as school culture, programs offered, and location.
Assess Your Child’s Strengths: Reflect on your child’s strengths, talents, and achievements across various domains, including academics, sports, arts, leadership, and community service. Encourage your child to pursue activities they are passionate about and excel in.
Prepare the DSA Portfolio: Work with your child to compile a comprehensive DSA portfolio showcasing their accomplishments, awards, certificates, testimonials, and relevant experiences. Ensure that the portfolio highlights their strengths and talents effectively.
Prepare for auditions, interviews, and tests: If you are fortunate enough to be shortlisted, you will be invited for follow-up interviews, auditions, and tests. Besides our regular PSLE Math Tuition classes, Future Academy offers DSA preparation courses for academic talent areas, familiarising students with common question types encountered during the DSA tests, as well as equipping them with interview skills.
Application timeline
Application window: 7 May to 3 June 2024
Auditions, interviews, and trials: June to August
Receive offers from schools: September
Select up to 3 choices of schools: October
Receive school allocation: November
Begin your DSA-Sec journey
If you are preparing to apply for DSA, we wish you all the best and hope that the above information has been useful to you! For P6 students applying this year, we provide support in the form of test preparation and interview coaching. For P4 and P5 students who intend to apply for DSA, our Math Olympiad classes can be a great way to boost your portfolio by providing training and opportunities to enter Math contests.
We are passionate about helping students get closer to their dream future and getting into your desired secondary school is one step in the right direction! So, let us give you a push on your DSA journey and empower your future today!