In the year 2020, students were introduced to a month of Home-Based Learning in the month of April. Fast forward to 19 May 2021, we will see students and teachers retreat back to using technology to learn and teach from the safety of their homes. Being thrust back into phase 2 of Covid-19 measures, many of us are very anxious about how our children will take to these new learning practices – once again.
However anxious we are, time cannot stand still, and the Direct School Admission interviews are around the corner. In a time when Covid-19 has instilled fear and uncertainty amongst all of us, some parents are hoping that the DSA interviews will provide a safety net for their Primary 6 children this year.
“Teach your children to work for the things they want in life”
Before you prepare your child for the DSA interview, recognize and appreciate your child’s talents apart from grades. This should be your first step in helping your child for the interview.
DSA allows students to apply for selected schools before taking the PSLE, based on their talent and aptitude in sports, CCAs, and selected academic fields. It can ensure that your children get early admission to the school of their choice.
DSA changes this year
The DSA interviews and auditions will be conducted online due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic situation.
The online sessions will take place from early July to mid-September, and have to be attended at the respective primary schools that your children attend*. All the facilities and equipment for the interview will be arranged there. Also, the selection period has been extended from 9 weeks to 11 weeks (between late June and mid-September) to avoid contact between students. *Do take note that these sessions may be subject to changes due to Covid-19.
The registration process started on May 5, 2021, and will go on till June 1, 2021. You can visit the DSA-Sec portal to apply.
How can you help your child prepare?
When your child is passionate about and committed to developing his/her talents, you need to encourage and teach them how to face the challenges lying ahead of them.
Understand what their goals and preferences are
Talk to your children and know what their dreams are. Make your child understand which areas are better suited for them and what options are available. Take into consideration their opinions and look for a school with programs that match your child’s strengths and interests before applying for the DSAs
Teach your children how to organize their thoughts
Most often, children fail to answer questions in interviews because they can’t organize their thoughts. They might know, but can’t properly put it into words or format it into a version that would satisfy the interviewers. Help them practice.
Engage in active conversations with them. Ask them to present their views on different topics to you every day. Tell them to write out lists if they are having a hard time organizing their thoughts. It can help them get used to it and eventually be good at it.
Tell them to answer questions honestly
Many times in interviews, people lie to impress the interviewers. But, interviewers are extremely experienced and they can easily see through the candidates. So, encourage your children to keep their answers honest. Honest responses leave a lasting impression than any achievements you might have.
Look up possible questions and help prepare for them
You can look up probable questions that the interviewers might ask. But, don’t overly rely on them. Prepare your child to face any kind of question.
The most probable questions might include:
“Why did you choose this particular school?”
“Have you applied anywhere else?”
“If you get accepted in both places, which one would you choose?”
“What are your goals in life, and how do you think this school will help you towards it?”
“What can you contribute to this school if you’re accepted?”
Acquire in-depth knowledge on your child’s interests
With the interviews and auditions being online, even for things like sports, singing, and dancing, the proceedings are not exactly clear. Students might be facing questions related to the core of their chosen fields rather than demonstrations. So, try to gain in-depth knowledge of your child’s interests and prepare them accordingly. The schools will accept you if they think you have potential, even if you have no notable achievements or awards to show for it.
Conduct mock interviews for them
Mock interviews will help your child to overcome anxiety during the actual interview. Someone other than the parents or immediate relatives should conduct it because the children will be comfortable with their parents and this process won’t be effective. You can ask your friends to help you out or even search online for educational sites that conduct mock interviews.
Don’t put too much pressure on them
It is natural for your child to be stressed at times with the interviews approaching. Don’t add any more to it. Encourage them to prepare and also make sure they understand that you will be proud of them for trying, even if they don’t end up succeeding. The effort is the important thing. Your reassurances can help them relax and perform well in interviews.
Interviews can be hard for adults, and young children will find it even harder. Support them throughout, and also teach them that it’s ok if they fail. Keep in mind your child’s mental and physical health is more important than admission to any prestigious school. Also, with the interviews being online this year, the selection process cannot be compared to the previous years’. You might find the results to be different. So ,keep calm and be ready to face any outcome. Help your children prepare well and do their best.
“Success is not final, Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts” 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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