direct school admission exercise 2020...direct school admission exercise 2020 (for admission into...

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 1

DIRECT SCHOOL ADMISSION EXERCISE 2020

(For Admission into Secondary 1 in the year 2021)

A. INTRODUCTION

Singapore Chinese Girls’ School is a dual-track school that promotes a culture of excellence in the

holistic development of our students.

We offer the 4-year GCE O-Level Programme and the 6-year Integrated Programme leading to the GCE

A-Level Programme at Eunoia Junior College in Years 5 and 6.

The Direct School Admission Exercise allows students to seek admission to SCGS based on a range of

achievements and talents.

Timeline

Application 12 May, 9am - 5 June, 3pm

Selection Tests, Auditions, Trials and Interviews for

Shortlisted Applicants 7 July - 28 August

Notification of Outcome 14 September

We invite students with talents in the following areas to apply for DSA.

Areas of Talent Programme(s)

Leadership

Students who have excellent leadership skills and are

leaders in their Primary School

CCAs (Sports, Performing Arts, Clubs)

Students with talents in one of the fifteen DSA Co-Curricular

Activities:

- Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Gymnastics (Artistic or

Trampoline), Netball, Squash, Swimming (Artistic or

Competitive), Tennis

- Performing Arts: Band (Concert), Choir, Dance

(International), Drama (English or Chinese), Handbell

Ensemble, String Ensemble

- Clubs: Robotics

The 4-year GCE O-Level

Programme

and

The 6-year Joint Integrated

Programme leading to the GCE A-

Levels at Eunoia Junior College

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 2

Areas of Talent Programme(s)

Specific Academic Talents

Students who have specific academic talents in the

following areas may apply for DSA into the Integrated

Programme:

~ English Language

~ Mother Tongue Languages (Chinese, Malay and

Tamil)

~ Mathematics

~ Science

The 6-year Joint Integrated

Programme leading to the GCE A-

Levels at Eunoia Junior College

We offer many programmes to help develop the full potential of our students.

Students entering on DSA are expected to be proactive and sustain their interest to develop their

talents through the opportunities offered.

Areas of Talent Key Opportunities

Leadership

● Student leadership opportunities abound in SCGS, with positions such as

Peer Leaders, Docents, SC Ambassadors, Youth Science Educators and

National Education Champions. We seek to develop students to be leaders

in any area they are committed to and to lead by example in bringing any

group they are members of to a higher level of attainment.

● More outstanding students may be elected into positions such as the

Prefectorial Board, or at the executive levels in their CCAs. All such potential

nominees are subject to a stringent criteria and an electoral process.

● For IP students at the Upper Secondary level, enrolment in the Leadership

Academy is an option.

CCAs ● Sports and Performing Arts CCAs: students will work towards

representing the school at zonal and national level competitions and events

(e.g. National School Games, Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentations)

as well as public performances

● Infocomm Club (Robotics): students will work towards representing the

school at zonal and national level competitions (e.g. First Lego League (FLL),

National Robotics Programming Competition (NRPC))

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 3

Areas of Talent Key Opportunities

Specific Academic

Talents

● Students will work towards representing the school at local programmes

and competitions. Examples are as follows:

~ English Language

Programmes such as Future Problem Solving and the Creative Arts

Programme

~ Chinese Language

River Hongbao Docents Programme, Bicultural Studies Programme

and Language Skills Competitions

~ Malay Language

Rakan Bahasa Ambassadors, Poetry Writing and Recital Competitions,

National Malay Language Competitions

~ Tamil Language

National Elective Tamil Language Programme, Creative writing

~ Mathematics

Singapore Mathematical Olympiad Competitions

~ Science

Science mentorship programmes, Youth Science Ambassadors

programme, competitions and Olympiads

● There will be opportunities to enrol in one of the following Integrated

Programme Academies in Upper Secondary:

~ Business

~ Liberal Arts or

~ Mathematics and Science

In addition to the above, the school is constantly looking out for suitable platforms for students to

participate and showcase their talents.

Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes

and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements, and the

programmes available to develop the area of talent.

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 4

B. TALENT AREAS AND CRITERIA

In this section, we specify the information you should include in the online application form that will

be used in our shortlisting process. We also list the selection method that shortlisted applicants will be

invited for. As competition is strong and we have received many queries on students’ chances of being

selected, we are also outlining below the typical experiences and achievements of past shortlisted

candidates. Students who do not have the experiences and achievements specified may still apply, but

chances of being shortlisted may be lower.

LEADERSHIP

Please submit the following information as part of your online application:

● Leadership appointments (P5-P6)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for:

● Interview via video conferencing

In past DSA exercises, shortlisted candidates typically are role models in school and possess

excellent leadership skills exhibited as a student leader in Primary School and have held key

leadership positions in school such as in the Prefectorial Board Executive Committee (or equivalent,

President or Vice President of Council) or Captains/Chairperson of a CCA in the school.

SPORTS

Badminton Please submit the following information as part of your online

application:

● Past sports performance results (NSG or in other competitions –

in view of the suspension of NSG this year, your participation in

Pri 5 will be taken into consideration)

● NAPFA test results (P4)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for:

● Trial and interview via video conferencing

For the past DSA Exercises, shortlisted candidates typically are as follows:

1) Player of Top 4 Team in National School Games Championships or

2) Player of Top 2 Team at Zone National School Games Championships

or

3) Top 8 in Individual Placing or Quarter Finalist in National Age-Group

Championships or a major championships organised by the Singapore

Primary Schools Sports Council or the National Sports Association.

Basketball

Gymnastics

(Artistic &

Trampoline)

Netball

Squash

Swimming

(Artistic/

Competitive)

Tennis

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 5

CLUBS

Robotics Please submit the following as part of your online application:

● Relevant competitions participated in and awards attained if any


● Interview and hands-on exercise via video conferencing

In past DSA exercises, shortlisted candidates typically have:

1) Participated in national robotics competitions such as First Lego

League, National Junior Robotics Competition or National

Robopreneur Carnival.

2) Understanding and experience in Lego Mindstorm EV3

3) Construction and programming skills

PERFORMING ARTS

* # Please refer to the explanatory notes on page 9

Band (Concert)

[Not Chinese

Orchestra]

* #

Please submit the following as part of your online application:

● A video recording* of 2 - 4min solo performance on your band

instrument comprising 1 - 2 pieces

Applicants may perform pieces learnt in school (e.g. from Essential

Elements, extracts from school band repertoire, instrumental parts

from a school concert piece, music from previous examinations)

● Music certifications if any (these are not prerequisites but may be

an advantage)

● Other achievements or awards related to music performance# on

western woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments (not limited

to western percussion) may also be included


● Audition and interview via video conferencing

Besides showing technical and artistic potential in the instrument,

shortlisted candidates in previous years typically have:

at least two (2) years of musical training or involvement in musical

activity (e.g. school band, ensemble) on any western woodwind,

brass, or percussion instrument (not limited to western

percussion).

Grade 3 or higher certification from ABRSM or TRINITY, or

equivalent in any western woodwind, brass, or percussion

instrument (not limited to western percussion).

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 6

PERFORMING ARTS


Choir

* #


● A video recording* of 2 - 4min solo performance on the voice

comprising 1 - 2 pieces

Applicants may perform pieces previously learnt (e.g. songs learnt

in music lessons, voice parts from a concert piece, music from

previous examinations)


an advantage)


the voice may also be included



Besides showing technical and artistic potential in voice, shortlisted

candidates in previous years typically have:

at least three (3) years of musical training or involvement in

musical activity (e.g. choir) on the voice.

Grade 5 or higher certification in the ABRSM or Trinity Exam in

Singing (solo), or equivalent

Dance

(International)

* #


● A video recording* of a one-minute ballet solo that can be done

safely within a 3mx3m space. (This does not have to be in a studio

setting.)

Applicants may perform dance(s) learnt in school (e.g. CCA,

previous dance examinations) or self-choreographed pieces and

should be in suitable dance or PE attire.

● Dance certifications if any (these are not prerequisites but may be

an advantage)

● Other achievements or awards related to dance performance#

may also be included



Besides showing technical and artistic potential in dance, shortlisted


at least five (5) years of dance training or involvement in dance

activity (e.g. dance CCA).

Grade 5 or higher certification in RAD or CSTD Ballet, or

equivalent

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 7

PERFORMING ARTS


Drama (English or

Chinese)

* #


● A video recording* of 1-2min solo performance and the script, of

either:

▪ a piece meant for only 1 performer (i.e. a monologue) OR

▪ a piece meant for 2 or more performers but with only 1

character chosen for the performance OR

▪ a piece meant for 2 or more performers but with the same

student performing different characters.

Applicants may perform something scripted, devised, or

improvised, and can be something learnt in school (in class or

CCA) or from previous drama examinations. Students preparing

their own performance can search for scripts of fairy tale or folk

tale adaptations online or create these themselves.

● Drama certifications if any (these are not prerequisites but may be

an advantage)

● Other achievements or awards related to theatre performance#

may also be included. Please indicate role(s) played in the theatre

production (e.g. acting, back-stage).



Besides showing technical and artistic potential in drama, shortlisted


at least three (3) years of theatre training or involvement in

theatre activity (e.g. school Drama CCA, theatre school or theatre

productions) and a good command of the English / Chinese

language.

Grade 5 or higher certification in Speech and Drama and/or

Musical Theatre (individual) in the Trinity College London Exam, or

equivalent

Handbell Ensemble

* #


● A video recording* of 2 - 4 min solo performance comprising 1-2

pieces, either:

~ on handbells if available, OR

~ on another available instrument (e.g. solo voice, piano, violin,

guitar etc.)

Applicants may perform pieces learnt in school, extracts from

school handbell repertoire, instrumental parts from a school

concert piece, music from previous examinations)


an advantage)

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 8

● Other achievements or awards related to handbell performance#

may also be included



Besides showing technical and artistic potential in handbells, shortlisted


● at least two (2) years of musical involvement in handbell

ensemble

● Grade 5 or higher certification (Theory & Practical) from ABRSM

or TRINITY, or equivalent on their musical instrument.

String Ensemble

* #


● A video recording* of 2 - 4min solo performance on your string

instrument comprising:

▪ 1 - 2 pieces

Applicants may perform pieces previously learnt (e.g. pieces learnt

in music lessons, parts from a concert piece, music from previous

examinations)


an advantage)


violin, viola, cello or double bass instrument may also be included



Besides showing technical and artistic potential in the instrument,

shortlisted candidates in previous years typically have:

● Grade 6 (Merit) or higher certification in violin, in the ABRSM or

Trinity Exam or equivalent OR

● Grade 4 (Merit) or higher certification in cello in the ABRSM or

Trinity Exam or equivalent OR

● Grade 3 (Merit) or higher certification in viola or double bass,in

the ABRSM or Trinity Exam or equivalent.

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 9

Explanatory notes for Performing Arts:

* All video recordings should demonstrate the applicant’s performance abilities. For applicants who

plan to create a video recording for this application, please note that videos should be recorded in a

single take, without editing, and should not be professionally produced. For applicants using existing

videos of past performances, please indicate the date of the performance.

Please note the following when uploading the videos:

● Upload the video to any video uploading websites (e.g. Google Drive or YouTube).

● If using YouTube, please include the date of recording in the description.

● Ensure privacy setting is set to ‘Public’ or ‘Anyone with the Link’.

● If using Google Drive, Title the video: [Applicant’s Name_DSA_CCA-Name_DDMMYYYY].

DDMMYYYY refers to the date of recording.

● Share the video link in the online application form for DSA at Step 3 under Non School-based

Awards / Activities.

# Examples include:

- National competitions (e.g. Singapore Youth Festival, National Piano & Violin

Competition) or international competitions

- Solo masterclasses and/or workshops

- Solo/group concerts or performances

SPECIFIC ACADEMIC TALENTS (Integrated Programme ONLY)

English Language

Please submit the following as part of your online

application:

● Relevant competitions/activities participated in and

awards attained if any


● 30-minute online test

● Interview via video conferencing (if further shortlisted)

In past DSA exercises, shortlisted candidates typically attained

significant achievements in relevant activities/competitions at

national/international levels. Candidates should possess an

appreciation and good understanding of the English Language

and are competent communicators of both the written and

spoken forms.

Updated 11 May 2020

SCGS DSA-Sec 2020 10

SPECIFIC ACADEMIC TALENTS (Integrated Programme ONLY)

Mathematics


application:







significant achievements in Mathematics activities/competitions

at national/international levels. Candidates should be

independent learners with a keen sense of curiosity who display a

strong interest in Mathematics.

Mother Tongue Languages

(Chinese, Malay & Tamil)


application:







significant achievements in relevant activities/competitions at

national/international levels. Candidates should display originality

of ideas with good language command in their Mother Tongue

Language and are effective communicators of both the written

and spoken form.

Science


application:







significant achievements in projects/activities/competitions at

national/international levels in the area of science and

technology. Candidates should have an innate curiosity about

the natural world, keen interest and disposition in pursuit of

scientific disciplines.

Updated 11 May 2020


C. AUDITIONS, TRIALS, WRITTEN TESTS AND INTERVIEWS

Given the current health advisories, all auditions, trials, tests and interviews will be conducted online at

the applicant’s primary school and there will be NO in-person meetings at SCGS.

Details of these will be released to students at a later date, around two weeks prior to the online session.

Kindly note that information given here is subject to change pending developments in the COVID-19

advisories.

The school reserves the right NOT to release the reasons for non-selection of applicants and/or the results of the auditions, trials, written tests and interviews. We appreciate your understanding and respect for our policies.

D. ELIGIBILITY

1. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents should be born between 2 Jan 2004 and 1 Jan 2009.

2. International Students (ie: non-SC/SPR) should be born between 2 Jan 2006 and 1 Jan 2009.

E. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The DSA Exercise is centralised. Application for DSA-Sec can be submitted through the online DSA-

Sec Portal (www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec) The application is free-of-charge and will be open from 12 May

2020 9am to 5 June 2020 3pm. For more details, please refer to MOE website –

www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/direct-admissions/dsa-sec.

1. Submissions of Applications

a. Cost – No Fees are charged.

b. Application Period

12 May 9am - 5 June 3pm

c. Choices

An applicant can indicate up to three choices

Each choice consists of a secondary school and a talent area offered by that secondary

school.

d. Maximum choices for each DSA-Sec school

Of the three choices, an applicant may use a maximum of two choices to apply to the same

school, for two different talent areas of that school.

e. Dual track school

If a talent area is offered for both the O-Level and Integrated Programme (IP) in a dual-

track school, applicants must indicate a preference for the O-Level Programme, the

Integrated Programme or no preference (open to both).

http://www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec

http://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/direct-admissions/dsa-sec

Updated 11 May 2020


2. Who can apply?

a. Applicants studying in MOE mainstream primary schools

Only one parent’s SingPass is needed to log in. If parent/ guardian is unable to apply online,

they can approach the child’s primary school for assistance.

b. Applicants NOT studying in MOE mainstream primary schools

You need to obtain a Registration Number (RGxxxxxxx). Please refer to the MOE DSA website

to obtain the Registration Number. https://beta.moe.gov.sg/secondary/dsa/

Refer to the MOE website at:

https://va.ecitizen.gov.sg/cfp/customerPages/moe/displayresult.aspx?MesId=5509687

3. International Students

All International students are required to take part in the Admission Exercise for International Students

(AEIS) before they are considered for DSA-Sec allocation.

International students who fail AEIS will not be considered for DSA-Sec allocation.

International students who do not register will not be considered for DSA-Sec allocation even if they

are accepted by their schools of choice.

Please refer to the AEIS website for more information:

https://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/international-students/admissions-exercise

F. IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. Once an applicant is successfully allocated to Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, she will NOT

be allowed to participate in the annual Secondary One Posting Exercise to opt for secondary

schools. She will also NOT be allowed to transfer to another school after the release of the PSLE

results. She will be expected to honour the commitment to SCGS and to the talent area for 4

years. For example, if she is admitted based on a CCA, no change of CCA is allowed for 4 years

unless there are medical reasons.

2. Integrated Programme applicants successfully allocated into the Joint Integrated Programme

at SCGS, must commit to 6 years: 4 years in SCGS and 2 years in Eunoia Junior College. The

commitment to participate in activities related to the talent area is for Years 1-4.

3. No one deserving of a place in the school should be discouraged because of financial

considerations. Financial assistance schemes are in place to support talented students. All

students interested in an SCGS education and who can see their talents advanced at SCGS

should apply. Do not let fees deter you from applying to us for DSA

4. Please email queries to [email protected]

https://beta.moe.gov.sg/secondary/dsa/

https://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/international-students/admissions-exercise

mailto:[email protected]

direct school admission exercise 2020...direct school admission exercise 2020 (for admission into...

Documents