MOE Direct School Admission (DSA)
- DPA KEC
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
The Direct School Admission (DSA) is a government initiative designed to promote a holistic education system that values more than just academic achievements. This scheme aims to provide a more flexible and comprehensive admission process, allowing schools to select students based on a wider range of abilities and talents that might not typically be highlighted in the standard curriculum. By doing so, the DSA recognises and celebrates diverse achievements, skills, and talents, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic educational environment.
Dancers (Left to Right): Lee Hao En (Nanyang Girls School), Charlene Quek Woo Nim (Singapore Chinese Girls School)
Through the DSA scheme, students preparing for their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and O Level examinations can secure early admission into their preferred schools based on their unique talents and strengths. This early admission is granted based on demonstrated excellence in areas such as sports, Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), and specific academic disciplines. The scheme thereby offers students the opportunity to showcase their capabilities beyond traditional academic measures, ensuring that schools can identify and nurture potential in various fields.
The DSA not only benefits students by acknowledging and rewarding their diverse talents but also enriches the school community by bringing in individuals with a broad spectrum of skills and interests. This diversity can enhance the learning environment, fostering collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect among students. Furthermore, by valuing different forms of excellence, the DSA encourages students to pursue their passions and develop their unique abilities, contributing to their overall personal growth and development.
Overall, the DSA scheme is a forward-thinking approach to education, promoting a more balanced and inclusive system that values all forms of talent and potential.
Dancers (Successful Applicants): Kayleen Lee Jing Xuan (Nanhua High School), Alexis Lee (Crescent Girls' School)
The selection process and requirements differ from school to school. Some schools may require a combination of an interview, selection camps and tests after the student has been shortlisted from their submitted portfolio, which may include:
Certifications
Achievements
Academic results
CCA records
Personal statements
Referrals
Short video of a dance item (Frequently around 1-1.5 min)
It is encouraged that applicants consult the schools and their websites for more information on their selection process.
At Dancepointe Academy, we ensure that our students are able to start to build on their portfolio along their dance journey, offering numerous opportunities such as:
Accredited and internationally recognised certifications
Royal Academy of Dance (U.K)
Commonwealth Society of Teachers’ Dancing (Australia)
Rock School London; Performance Arts Awards (U.K)
Rambert Grades (U.K)
International and Singapore Dance Competitions and Programmes
The Apprentice Team
The Apprentice Company
The Bridging Programme (now known as The Apprentice 2nd Company)
Performance Development Programme
Theatre Performances and Biennial Concerts
Dancers (Left to Right): Olivia Cheng Qin Yi (Singapore Chinese Girls School), Charlotte Chiang (Commonwealth Secondary School)
On top of the various activities and courses our students can partake in to build on their portfolio, Dancepointe Academy has a team of highly qualified and professional teachers who are ready to help our students every step of the way. From practice to choreography, rest assured that you can place your trust in us. To date, our DSA students have successfully applied to schools such as:
Anderson Serangoon JC
Clementi Town Secondary School
Dunman High School
Fairfield Methodist Secondary School
Hua Yi Secondary School
Nanhua High School
Nanyang Girls School
National Junior College
River Valley High School
School Of The Arts (SOTA)
Singapore Chinese Girls School
Swiss Cottage Secondary School
Tampines Meridian JC
Tanjong Katong Girls School
Dancer: Kate Chen Zhilin (Singapore Chinese Girls School), Heelori Rawat (School Of The Arts (SOTA))
Things to note:
Once students have accepted admission into a school, they cannot submit school choices during the Secondary 1 posting process/Joint Admission Exercise.
Neither are they allowed to transfer to a separate school at a later time.
Students must continue to ensure that they are able to maintain their grades above a certain level, even after being accepted into the school.
More information can be gleaned from the MOE Websites:
For more information on how Dancepointe Academy can help with your DSA Dance Portfolio, email apprentice@dancepointe.com.sg
References: