几位爱同小学的校友写下了他们参加DSA并成功被录取的经历,挺有意思的。
Deborah Fong Class of 2009 (6A) Academics, National Junior College (NJC)
I successfully got into National Junior College through DSA (Academics). I tried DSA because I wanted to have the assurance of a confirmed place in a school of my choice before the PSLE so that I would not be too stressed up prior to the exams.
The DSA procedure was quite straightforward. First, I had to sign up online. Then, I had to go to NJC for a trial test. This test was actually quite easy compared to the PSLE exam paper. After a period of time, I was shortlisted to go for an interview and day camp. The interview was kind of pressurising. The interviewers asked about me and how I felt most of the time. The day camp was also sort of a test to see if I had leadership qualities.
I would recommend my juniors to go for DSA as it made me feel more relaxed when I studied for the PSLE exams. I still had the motivation to do well and I knew I could do even better without the burden of worrying about my choices of secondary schools after that.
Lee Chyi Fang Class of 2009 (6D) Wushu, Nanyang Girls' High School
When I was in my Primary 6, my thoughts were, “DSA…should I apply for it? It may be difficult…with all the tests and auditions…I still have to face so many teachers! I rather go facebook-ing or play computer games…”
Why did I even apply for DSA then? Of course part of it came from my parents’ continuous ‘naggings’ - “It’s for your own good.” Although it may be frustrating to hear it being said repeatedly, but… it’s really for my own good. As the saying goes, “不听老人言,吃亏在眼前。”
Thinking hard, I came to a conclusion- there’s no harm in trying. It would increase the opportunity for me to get into a good school that I wanted. In addition, it decreased the stress I faced prior to taking my PSLE exams so that I would be able to complete the paper with the best of my ability. Of course, it did not mean that I would not have to study if I were selected (there is still a minimum requirement score).
How was the DSA process like? Firstly, I went for an audition so that the coach could decide if I met the required standard. Next, I was shortlisted so I had to sit for a test. Don’t worry. It’s not related to any of the examinable subjects (for Sports DSA). For those keen, DON’T cram your mind and do sleep early the day before. Cramming leaves you sleep-deprived, disoriented and delusional. Lastly, I had to go through the interview. Just show your passion in your CCA. Reminder: you will need to continue that particular CCA for the 4 years of your secondary school life.
Think about applying for DSA. Give yourself a chance! Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible. 加油!
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Ng Xue Qi Class of 2009 (6B) Table tennis, Raffles Girls' Secondary
Thanks to Ai Tong School, I reaffirmed my decision to go for the DSA exercise. ATS organised talks by secondary schools for the P6 pupils after hearing about Raffles Girls’ Secondary School, I was keen to enter it especially with its strong table tennis background. I love table tennis. I have been playing it for years and the DSA exercise allows me to continue pursuing my interest in the school of my choice.
After I applied for it online, I had to go for a Selection trial where the coach observed everyone’s skills. Subsequently, there was a General Ability Test I had to sit for. Selected applicants would then go for an interview. Basically, the school wanted to know more about me and how ready I was to continue the sport for 4 years.
Going through DSA was not as stressful as others may think. In fact, once you’re confirmed a place in the secondary school, you feel more at ease going for the PSLE. Of course, you still must study hard to get the minimum aggregate score but without the common stress and fear everyone faces. I encourage the current P6 batch to go for the DSA exercise. After all, there is no harm in trying and getting a confirmation is an added bonus.
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Chan Hong Kit Class of 2009 (6A) Volleyball, Hwa Chong Institution
When I knew about the Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise, I was ecstatic. It would be a bonus to get into the Secondary School I aimed for even before I took the PSLE. Hence, I applied for DSA to Hwa Chong Institution. Besides being an elite school, it also has a lot in common with Ai Tong. Both emphasise the Chinese culture and values, one of which I deeply bear in mind was that of “饮水思源”. I knew that the similar environment would make my transition into Secondary School life a lot smoother.
Applying DSA through volleyball, my CCA, was also a clear choice I made. I am very passionate about volleyball and I do not mind continuing the sport for the entire 4 years (out of 6 in the IP programme) in Hwa Chong. If I made it through the selection trials, I could continue pursuing my interest in volleyball in a school of my dream. Why not?
Before the trials, my team of volleyballers gathered to train hard with our seniors. The trials for volleyball were probably not a good gauge of our skills because we were very used to playing in indoor courts but the one in Hwa Chong was an outdoor court. Thus, we had a hard time getting accustomed to the strong wind. But we persevered and put in our best effort during the selection.
Besides the trials, we also had to take a few tests before sitting for an interview by the teachers from Hwa Chong Institution. It was not too difficult. I survived!
In my opinion, the DSA exercise is actually beneficial to students who are good in a certain area and want to continue his/her interest in that area in his/her “dream” school.
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Anthony Low Class of 2009 (6C) Volleyball, Hwa Chong Institution
I decided to go for the DSA exercise because I wanted to have a confirmation in the school I wanted to enter before the PSLE. I felt that it would reduce the stress that I faced when I prepared for the major examination. It did!
Ai Tong organised talks by prospective schools which gave us a clearer idea of what the schools were like. Information about the Open Houses also allowed us to visit the schools to hear more. The Secondary Schools Fair held in Ai Tong saw booths set up which gave us a chance to speak to the pupils to know more about their schools.
Eventually, I went to Hwa Chong Institution through DSA. There were 2 rounds in the whole process.
For round 1, it was the Skills Test. The coach of that particular CCA would see how good your skills were. If you were good enough, you could proceed to the next round which was the Academic Test. You would be given 4 quizzes and 1 interview. The quizzes were in the area of English, Chinese, Mathematics and a General Aptitude Test. For both the languages test, you were shown a short video and then you must write an essay based on that video. For the Mathematics test, you would be given a test that was quite similar to the Primary School Math test (just that there were no MCQ options). For the general aptitude test, you must answer 30 questions in 40 minutes. That test was set to test your IQ.
I chose to go to Hwa Chong because it is a good school with lots of facilities to support learning. I entered through volleyball (my passion) as I felt that the coach is very good and experienced. He was the National volleyball setter in the past. After months in the school, I also feel that the teachers in Hwa Chong are very supportive and encouraging. I was glad that I had made the right choice. Going through the DSA exercise has allowed me to enter the school of my dream and continue my passion in volleyball.
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