Successful DSA-SEC Admissions In 2025 ~ Ms Stasia Ng

31 Jan 2025
All About Dance Dance Competitions Dance Examinations Dance Performances Direct-School Admissions (DSA-SEC)
DSA-SEC Admissions In 2025 - 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 Stasia Ng who managed to receive a confirmed offer from her 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 2024: 


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

a. Passion and commitment: A genuine love for dance and a strong commitment to improving my skills. 

b. Discipline: The ability to consistently practice and refine my craft. 

c. Confident and resilience: Confidence to perform under pressure and resilience to handle setbacks, such as corrections or critiques with a positive mindset. 


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

a. The DSA Webinars provided insights into the application process and expectations during auditions/interviews. The online interview training has helped to pace me in preparing my answers for some of the interview questions. I am also allowed to learn together with and learn from other DSA students at these online training sessions. 

b. In-person mock auditions/interviews had prepared me to handle real-time pressure, answer questions confidently, and showcase my strengths effectively. 


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

a. The regular lessons which I attend at StepUp (RAD Ballet, Solo Competition as well as Dance Technique classes) has provided me with a strong foundation in dance. 

b. Achieving certifications and high distinctions in dance exams demonstrated technical competence and dedication. 

c. Participation in events and recitals showcased stage experience and the ability to adapt to different audiences. 

d. Winning and participating in competitions highlighted competitive spirit and resilience. 

e. The video taken by my dance instructor Ms Book for submission as well as the constructive feedback and corrections provided enabled me to perform my best and stand out among other applicants. 


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

a. To align my love for dance with my secondary school experience and to join a school that offers excellent dance programmes, coaches, and performance opportunities. 

b. To use my talent to gain entry into my preferred school before the PSLE written exams, hence it reduces the stress for me and my parents in the preparation for PSLE after I received the confirmed offer. 


5) Who would you recommend DSA-Sec to and why? 

a. Passionate students: Those who excel in a specific talent area like dance and are eager to develop it further.

b. Committed families: Families willing to support the child through the demanding DSA preparation and training process.

c. Holistic learners: Students looking to balance academic success with co-curricular excellence. 

d. Confident performers: Students who thrive in interviews/auditions and can articulate their aspirations. 


6) What was the toughest part of the DSA-SEC application?  

The interview was to me the toughest part of the DSA application. It was stressful to answer the questions thoughtfully under pressure. 

Solution: Attended mock interviews and practice answering the interview questions that Mr Ng listed down for us. 


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

Be more strategic and find out more information about the specific style of dance and preference of the instructors at the DSA school and prepare for it. Start preparations earlier to avoid last-minute stress. 


8) What was the differential between your average Achievement Level (AL) from Primary 4 to the acutal PSLE results, and the AL cut-off score required? 

My actual PSLE score was the same as my average AL scores from P4 to the PSLE prelims. 


Thanks to Stasia for sharing her DSA-SEC journey and inspiring our juniors at StepUp with her success story! 

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