Successful DSA-SEC Admissions In 2023 ~ Ms Sophie Ng

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 needs 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 Sophie Ng 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?


First and foremost, before one decides to participate in DSA-SEC exercise, he/she must think through carefully, identify and know their talent well before applying for schools based on the talent area. This is never a ‘shortcut’ or an easy path deemed to gain entry to the school of your choice.

To me, the critical attribute is passion, having deep admiration and interest in my talent. The attitude and drive to do better than your previous dance class, in terms of the steps and routines. How did I achieve that? By being humble and earnest, accepting feedback from my instructor and peers as a gift to improve my craft. For example, I will approach my dance instructor proactively during lessons for areas of improvements and this allow her to rectify my mistakes on the spot. During the process, I manage to become more graceful and improve ability in dance.

Another important attribute is resilience as we may face unforeseen adversities and disappointments throughout our journey in exams, performances and auditions.  Think positively, endure and press on, and see them as valuable opportunities to improve, innovate and perfect our craft. Subconsciously, you are building your confidence and experiences in your stage presence.

 

2. How have the DSA preparations and the dance journey in general at StepUp contributed to your success in DSA?


StepUp has qualified Instructors with vast experiences. More importantly, the teachers have the belief that every child is an individual and has the desire and potential to excel in dance according to their own abilities. The utmost commitment, dedication and continuous motivation is also needed by my parents to encourage me to always give my best in every dance class, dance routines and performances. 

It was never a chore to practise dance and they were rich learning experiences filled with exciting and encouraging moments. Through interactions with my instructors, I sensed the spark and passion in their teaching of this art craft which made huge contributions to me in pursuing further in this area of talent. I am also grateful that they did not give up during the difficult moments in this journey, but connected with me and tried other approaches to let me understand the dance steps. They are truly caring and inspiring teachers at heart.


3. Why did you decide to take up DSA-SEC, and who would you recommend DSA-SEC to and why?


There was much discussion and knowledge on DSA-SEC exercise with my parents since Primary 5. As I had participated actively in the annual RAD Ballet Exam, they asked me to think through carefully if I wish to extend this interest further during my Secondary education.

It was made known to me that DSA was never a ‘shortcut’ or an easy path deemed to gain entry into the school of my choice. I must be able to demonstrate my talent, potential, passion and character through my dance achievements and online DSA application.

My PSLE score still matters to qualify me for the course offered by the school, and it will be a 4 years’ journey which I must commit to the talent area in the chosen school for the duration of my Secondary school life. The environment and culture of schools offering Modern Dance were also considered when I explored the list of possible schools with my parents.

Last but not least, it is important to remind myself to have fun and enjoy this learning experience from DSA.

 

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


The toughest part of the DSA-SEC submission was waiting for news from the schools that I am shortlisted for interview or audition. After the in-person audition and interview, there was another anxious wait if I was offered a place in those schools. The form filling part of the submission was manageable as all academic records are within the MOE portal and parents only needed to include the Achievements or Certificates that are not provided by MOE, which for example were the RAD Ballet Exam and StepUp’s Recital performances.

Before narrowing down to the 3 schools in my DSA submission, my parents and I found out the expectations required for each school, where I knew that shortlisted students needed to perform a 1-2 minutes’ dance routine to the school’s panel which consisted of the HOD PE/CCA, CCA teachers and dance instructor.


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


If I could redo the entire DSA submission again, I will refine my flexibility by doing more stretching routines. I was fortunate that the school informed me early and I had 2 weeks to practise the dance routine. Most importantly, I enjoyed the process and have the confidence to carry on the dance routine even though I almost tripped during the audition.

It is also important to stay relaxed, calm and share with the panel during the interview segment why I am interested to pursue dance at their school and how I could juggle it with my academic achievements.

 

6. 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 25% differential from the requirements of Chung Cheng High School (Yishun).


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

CATEGORIES

LATEST ENTRIES