DSA Not a Back-Up Plan – It Must Be a Careful Choice

We thank Ms Lee Shin Huay for her suggestions regarding the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme (Let pupils accept DSA offers after receiving their PSLE results, Sept 8).

The DSA scheme was introduced in 2004 to promote holistic education by recognising a diverse range of talents beyond academic grades. It provides an alternative pathway for pupils to enter secondary schools and develop their potential in these talent areas – which can range across areas such as sports, arts and leadership.

Pupils who decide to apply to a school under the DSA scheme are expressing their interest and commitment to develop their talent in the DSA school.

Similarly, when a school extends a DSA offer to a pupil, it is committed to reserving a place for that pupil and developing him in that DSA talent area, as long as he meets the minimum PSLE requirements.

Hence, in fairness to other pupils, the majority of whom are participating only in the Secondary 1 posting exercise and not DSA, the pupil should not hold on to a reserved DSA place and yet be able to wait and see his PSLE results to decide whether to reject the DSA place and participate in the posting exercise.

Parents and pupils should consider carefully if the DSA scheme is a suitable pathway based on a holistic assessment of the pupil's strengths and interests, as well as the school's programmes and its ability to develop the pupil's talents.

The Ministry of Education remains committed to working closely with schools to enhance opportunities for pupils to discover and develop their talents throughout their education journey.

Lim Huay Chih
Divisional Director, Student Placement and Services
Ministry of Education