What is Direct School Admissions (DSA)?

If your child is studying in Singapore, one of the ways he or she can gain admission to the secondary school of their choice is via the direct school admission process. Under the DSA program, students can be admitted based on their non-academic talents in the following areas (source: Ministry of Education, Singapore): 

• Sports and games 
• Visual, literary and performing arts
• Debate and public speaking
• Science, mathematics and engineering
• Languages and humanities
• Uniformed groups
• Leadership

Each student is allowed to apply for 3 different schools, and specify 3 different talent areas, and he/she may indicate 2 talent areas per school. If a child is admitted via the DSA program, their PSLE score should also meet the posting criteria and commit to this program that they have accepted. Additionally, each school will have their own flexibility in the selection process, and parents and prospective students should also review the details carefully.  (Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore). 

When is Direct School Admissions (DSA) typically held?

The DSA program usually opens in the summer before the next intake, such as between May – June each year. The process kicks off with a Singpass-authenticated online form, which students must fill their schools and talent areas they are applying under. Once shortlisted, the schools will contact your child to advise them on the admission review process. 

How Taekwondo falls under DSA Admissions

Several schools offer taekwondo as one of the talent areas they accept via DSA. For example, taekwondo is one of the admission talent areas accepted by institutes such as Pei Hwa secondary school and Singapore Sports School.

How GK Taekwondo supports your child in DSA process 

In order to increase your child’s chances at being accepted under the taekwondo category for DSA, schools typically look at the following areas: track record of achievements (e.g awards won, Singapore Taekwondo federation certificate), physical abilities to excel in taekwondo, and if their character aligns with the taekwondo values. 

In order to support our students through the DSA process, GK Taekwondo offers the following areas aligned with the programme:

• Student preparation and enrolment in external competitions
• Official testimonial feedback from their instructors 
• STF Certification grading preparation 
• Competition participation (e.g National Poomsae, Daedo competition, Grandslam, Pesta Sukan, National School Games)

We typically recommend at least 2 months of preparation before your child’s DSA programme in primary 6. To find out if they are the next talented taekwondo applicant, please contact our dedicated team to explore the options with you. There is also a complimentary first trial for prospective students to experience a class before they embark on their journey. 

Nurture your child’s taekwondo journey today! 

Try a trial class at any of our 2 outlets – Hougang Midtown and Woodleigh Mall.