Successful DSA-SEC Admissions In 2023 ~ Ms Gillian Sim

18 Dec 2022
All About Dance Dance Competitions Dance Examinations Dance Performances Direct-School Admissions (DSA-SEC)
DSA-SEC Admissions In 2022 - Our Student's Success Stories


In an academically driven society as Singapore where every parent's primary concern with school-going children is their educational results, we have encountered first-hand when dance is often sacrificed for extra tuition classes when a student's academic results need improvement. 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 recent years, our nation's leading education authority - Ministry Of Education has been pushing for a broad-based multifaceted learning approach as evidenced by the introduction of the new Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scoring system - Achievement Level (AL) since 2021 and the introduction of Subject-Based Banding (SBB) in Secondary Schools from 2024 onwards. Thus, pursuing dance while striving for academic excellence at the same time is now a very viable option through MOE's DSA-SEC admission programme that takes into account a student's talent in Dance when they are vying for a spot in their preferred Secondary School. For our full in-depth review of this topic, please visit this link: https://stepup.sg/blog/DSA-SEC-How-Dance-Can-Complement-Your-Child-s-Admission-Into-Their-Preferred-Secondary-School.
 
In this article, we will be celebrating the achievements of Ms Gillian Sim who managed to receive a confirmed offer from their preferred Secondary School through DSA-SEC via the talent area of Dance. Read on to find out more of her personal insights with regards to her successful DSA journey in 2022: 

 
 
1. What are the most important personal attributes in a student for success in DSA using dance?


A student should have perseverance, commitment and strong passion in dance, as he/she is expected to honour their commitment to the posted DSA school and participate actively in dance activities for the secondary school that they are admitted to. Otherwise, they may be required to transfer out to another school with vacancies by MOE.

In addition, the student should always remain positive throughout the dance learning journey. This way, they will have a growing mindset that allows them to improve continuously and strive for the best in all they do.

 

2. How have the DSA preparations at StepUp contributed to your success in DSA?


StepUp conducted a DSA-SEC Webinar for parents in March 2022, which had provided insightful and useful information for parents when making decisions and considerations in choosing schools that meet the student’s interest and ability when applying DSA using dance.

My parents and I would like to give special thanks to Ms Ada, she is a very good and experienced dance teacher in StepUp. She puts in effort to prepare and encourage me for both the DSA and dance competitions. She choreographed dance steps that can bring out my potential, including preparing me for interviews and taking video for the submission of the application.

 

3. How has the dance journey at StepUp contributed to your success in DSA?


Taking the RAD Ballet Exams and participating in local and international Dance Competitions help to build my confidence in performing in front of large audience. This helped me to show off my talent confidently during the DSA auditions.


4. Why did you decide to take up DSA-SEC?


DSA-SEC allows me to gain entry to my desired school based on my talents and achievements. It gives me an opportunity to connect with other students who have similar interests and different exposures to other genres of dance to prepare us for future success during our academic journey in secondary school. Most importantly, it lets me enjoy what I love to do.


5. Who would you recommend DSA-SEC to and why?


I would recommend students who have strong passion in dance and have determination to improve, and be able to endure the intensive classes and tight schedules, including time management and serious effort, to perform well in both academic results and dance activities in secondary school. 

My parent’s support and commitment is very important as they encourage and motivate me to continue to strive for success, especially when encountering obstacles and overcoming challenges.


6. What was the toughest part of the DSA-SEC submission?


I found that the interview segment was tougher than the dance routine, as the interview questions can be unpredictable and it covers areas like leadership skills, positive mindsets and problem-solving skills. (e.g., How do you manage your time during HBL to maintain good academic and dance results? What can you contribute to the school if you are accepted?). The questions asked during the interviews were different for all the 3 schools that I was shortlisted for auditions.                  

 

7. If you could redo the entire DSA-SEC submission again, what improvements would you undertake?


I could have been more proactive in asking questions when unsure of certain areas e.g., dance steps, showed more confidence and participated more actively during the auditions.


8. What was the differential between your average Achievement Level (AL) from Primary 4 to the actual PSLE results, and the AL cut-off score required by Chung Cheng High School (Yishun)?     
                                                             

My average AL was within a 36% differential from the requirements of Chung Cheng High School (Yishun).


Thanks to Ms Gillian Sim for sharing her DSA-SEC journey and inspiring her juniors at StepUp with her success story! 

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