Dance x Academics (Part 2) ~ Outstanding Achievements in PSLE 2022

In an academically driven society as Singapore where every parent's primary concern with school-going children is their educational results, we are sometimes resigned to the fate of losing students whenever PSLE (Primary 6) is around the corner. In recent years, there has even been cases when students as young as 6 withdraw as they are going into Primary 1 and all available time must be devoted to tuition. And this is not just a phenomenon that is isolated to us as our peers in the dance fraternity are faced with the same challenges where PSLE means that a child's dance journey must grind to a halt.  


However, we are of the humble opinion that dance actually offers students an outlet to engage in an activity that betters their mental and physical wellbeing, leaving them recharged for their academic pursuits. In Part 1 of our 'Dance x Academics' blog post, we had already shown 2 of our students who definitely living proof that with proper time management, one can continue to pursue their passion in dance and still excel in their academic results.


After our article came out, we managed to uncover more 'gems' some of whom have 'stepped up' to share their stories. In this article, we will be celebrating the academic achievement of Ms Kylie Koay (SAFRA Punggol) who managed to do exceptionally well in both their PSLE and Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD) Jazz Exams. 

 

Read on to find out more about her inspiring and remarkable achievements in PSLE 2022. 


1. What was your PSLE score in 2022?

I scored AL5 in PSLE 2022. 


2. What was your average AL score from Primary 4 to your PSLE Preliminary Exam?

My average AL score from Primary 4 to my PSLE Preliminary Exam was around AL4-5.


3. Did you participate in the CSTD Jazz Exam in March 2022 which was just 7 months before the actual PSLE Exam?

Yes, I participated in the CSTD Jazz Exam in March 2022.
 

4. What was your CSTD Jazz Exam result?

I scored Honours for my Grade 4 Jazz Exam. 


5. Did your weekly dance class affect your school work and PSLE preparation in any way? Please share why it didn't and how you managed to achieve this? 

My weekly exam coaching and regular classes did not really affect my school work and PSLE preparation. Since the weekly exam coaching class was in the evenings, I was able to complete my schoolwork before and/or after the lesson. As for the regular classes, since I have already been managing my time to complete my school work over the weekends, I was able to continue doing so, taking time out for the regular class on Sunday.


6. In your opinion and experience, what is the best way to juggle both your school work and dance classes successfully in a student's PSLE year?

I think that the best way is to manage one's time well. While carrying many responsibilities and having to juggle school work and dance classes, we are prone to feeling burnt out and unable to excel or produce good quality performances. Hence, managing your time well is important. You can make a to-do list everyday and make a timetable as well. I think that another good way is to focus during class and actively participate in class activities. You can also revise by doing past-year papers. When you are feeling burnt out, it is important to take a step back and make some time for your hobbies or simply doing something that you like.


7. Did you consider withdrawing from your dance class before you entered into PSLE year or after you started your Primary 6 school year? Please share why you decided to continue on in your dance journey? 

My parents suggested that I withdraw from my dance class, as they were worried that I would not be able to juggle between the extra coaching classes for the Jazz exam, and my school work and other responsibilities. However, I assured them that I will try my best not to let these extra classes affect my school work and I also reasoned that dancing can act as a channel for me to relax, take a step back from all my school work and PSLE preparations and to de-stress. Hence, they agreed to let me continue with my dance classes. 


8. Can you share if your dance journey here actually helped in your PSLE pursuits? 

Yes, it did help with my PSLE academic pursuits. As I have mentioned earlier, my weekly dance classes, even if it was just an hour, allowed me to take some time out from studying. The dance class gave me some relaxation time, where I can de-stress, allowing me to be more focused when I return home to study afterwards. Therefore, I was able to be at a peace of mind when I was studying after the dance class, producing work of better quality.


We thank Kylie for sharing with us how she juggled both dance and academic in their PSLE year, and achieved excellent results in both. We trust her personal story will give insights for students and parents to ponder upon nearing their child's first important academic milestone (PSLE). If you have been with us till this point of the article, we thank you for your time, cheers!