Shortlist Criteria and Performance Tasks
Do note that meeting all the criteria does not guarantee that the applicant will be shortlisted.
Debating
Shortlist Criteria
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit any existing video recording of themselves doing a speech (During class/CCA sessions)
Video should not be longer than 3 minutes
Your speech should be about 3 minutes long with 2 well-articulated arguments. There should be a decent understanding of proper intonation, pace and volume displayed. You should also possess a confident demeanour while speaking. There should be a decent logical flow with clear examples and an attempt to use rhetoric to persuade.
Email the video to the following teachers:
Submission period: 18 to 28 June 2022.
Performance Task/Assessment Components
5-minute prepared speech and 3-minute impromptu speech on the day of trial. The topic and instructions will be sent to the email address listed in the DSA application. Please also check your spam/junk mail folder on 7 July 2022.
General knowledge test
10-minute interview with the teachers.
Shortlisted applicants will only need to attend the trials on one of the listed days in the schedule.
The schedule will be shared on 7 July.
Digital Media
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Submission of e-portfolio consisting of the following:
Experience/competency in using media software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro etc.
3 to 5 original works using presentation slides on PowerPoint/Google Slides (photo of 1 work per slide).
Works chosen:
Should be completed in the last 3 years and can include works done in school Digital Media lesson, Digital Media CCA- Can include time-based works (e.g. videos, animations, can be hosted online with link provided in slide)
Should reflect student's interests, experiences, abilities and qualities (e.g. in observing/perceiving/imagining, being curious/self-motivated, etc.)
E-portfolio can be in Google Slides/PowerPoint/PDF format with the following file-naming convention: (School Name)_(Student Name)_Digital Media
Email the file (<20MB) to the following teachers:
OR
Upload the file to Google Drive and share the link to the email addresses listed above (Privacy setting should be ‘Public’ or ‘Anyone with the Link’)
Submission period: 18 to 28 June 2022.
E-portfolios will be used for DSA only and will be deleted after the exercise
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Take a photograph using the school DSLR on the given theme
Students are given 20 minutes in the ACSBR school compound
For the photograph, students will be assessed based on control of basic photography techniques, composition, content and communication properties
Interview (5 to 10 minutes) which will assess student's passion and interest in new media, and a discussion on the overall portfolio.
Selection trial will be done in a small group setting with an estimated duration of 30 minutes.
Robotics
Shortlist Criteria
Proficient in programming using software such as Lego EV3 classroom, Spike Prime App or equivalent to control a basic competitive robot
Interest in robotics, programming and coding
Exposure in solving real world problems through coding and passion to make a difference to the world around them through the use of technology
Possess the creativity and ability to think on the spot to solve problems
Robotics CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in Robotics (represented school/enrichment programmes)
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Program a standard EV3/Spike Prime robot to solve a given robotics mission.
Program a robot to follow a line accurately.
Program a robot to demonstrate logical and efficient movement sequences by incorporation sensor inputs.
Demonstrate good programming practices and techniques, minimizing program length where possible.
Chinese Orchestra
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Prepare an excerpt from a solo piece not more than 3 mins for any instrument (e.g. Pipa, Guzheng, Cello, Ruan, etc.)
Prepare to play C, D, G, A, F and B flat major scales on your instrument. 2 octaves, lowest to highest note and highest note back to the lowest note.
Interview on self-introduction, how you can contribute to the school, your experience with Chinese music and how you intend to fulfil these commitments if you are accepted into the school.
Each audition should not exceed 20 minutes
Please bring along any documentation of your relevant achievements and experiences, if any.
Choir
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Strong musical experience/background (Performing Arts CCA or performance related activities or at least 3 years of continuous musical training)
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Perform two vocal pieces of varying styles. No musical accompaniment is required.
Total duration of both pieces should be between 1 minutes to 3 minutes long.
Provide a copy of the score for the interviewer to refer if possible.
Demonstrate proficiency in pitching and rhythmic memory
Demonstrate proficiency in reading basic musical notation.
Concert Band
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Strong experience/background in various Musical instruments
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Play a prepared piece on a wind/brass instrument
Play at least 2 major scales with good tone (up to 2 sharps and 2 flats)
Aural Test or Rhythm pitch
For percussion instruments: Demonstrate rhythmic and pulse precision on snare drum.
Demonstrate good sense of Rhythm / Tempo
Play expressively with good intonation
English Drama
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
REQUIRED: A set script will be provided in English prior to the audition. Candidates must memorise the script and perform it. (Please click here for the scripts)
OPTIONAL: To show his range, candidate may also perform an additional prepared piece of prose, play/scene or poem by delivering a dramatic performance and interpretation of it. The prepared piece can be in Mother Tongue, Multi-lingual or English. Candidates must memorise the script and perform it.
Voice projection, articulation, ability to interpret character, depiction of nuances of speech and emotion during the performances.
This will be followed by an improvisation segment, when applicants would be asked to perform an improvisation with the use of a prop or a supporting character from the senior Drama Cast from ACS Barker Road.
Interview with CCA teachers on the following:
Passion and interest in Drama
Discussion on the technical aspects of Drama production (e.g. script writing, lighting, sound and stage set design)
Personal development of their interest in the craft.
Modern Dance
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Prepare a 2 min solo performance using a choreography of their choice. (Hip Hop/Street Dance/B-boy)
Be able to demonstrate rhythm, flexibility, timing and expression in their performance
Showcase a few moves as demonstrated by the coach during the actual day interview.
Interview with CCA teachers on the following:
Past experience, passion and interest in Dance
Strengths of candidate (specific genre(s) that candidate is particularly good in)
How candidate could contribute to the Dance CCA if they are accepted into ACS(BR)
Badminton
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Shortlisted applicants will spar with one another
Ability to execute the basic shots Lob, Smash, Drop Shot, Lifting, Pushing etc
Physical Fitness
Suitability as a singles or doubles player
Basketball
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Ball Control and Handling
Dribbling (Zig-Zag Drills)
Shooting
Sprints
Game awareness/tactical sense (5 v 5)
Bowling
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Pre-shot routine
Five-step approach
Completion stance
Ability to spare
Interview on interest, motivation and prior experiences
Floorball
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Outfield players:
Ball control (wide and narrow ball passes)
Movement with the ball: Dribbling
Shooting
Game awareness/tactical sense: small-sided game (3 v 3)
Shuttle run
Goalkeepers:
Ball control and juggling (hand-eye coordination)
Ball throwing and accuracy
Body movement (coordination and return to recovery position)
Game awareness/tactical sense: small-sided game (3 v 3)
Shuttle run
Students are to report in PE attire with non-marking court shoes, and bring along your own floorball sticks.
For Goalkeepers, please come in your own goalkeeper gear, if you have one.
Football
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Technique/1 v 1 skills
Creativity
Game Awareness/Decision Making in a small-sided game
Mental Approach/Competitiveness
Physical Attributes
Hockey
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Agility and Speed
Moving the ball (Forehand Push Pass/Forehand Sweep Hit)
Moving with the ball
Game awareness/Tactical sense - Small-sided modified game (5 v 5)
Interview with CCA teachers
Rugby
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Leadership roles
Any other information downloaded from the DSA portal
Must have rugby experience (school/non-school based)
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Core skills (Run, Catch, Pass, Kick, Evasion)
Decision-making (Attack & Defence)
Tackling & Contact
Fitness (Speed, Agility, Endurance)
Small-sided game
Swimming
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Execution of 2 different strokes with personal best timing
50m per stroke
Interview with CCA teachers
Table Tennis
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area for a minimum of 2 years (represented school/external clubs or academies/STTA zonal training centres)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Singles game
Service skills
Forehand and backhand attack exchanges
Service and attack skills
Service receive skills
Students are required to report in sports attire and bring their own table-tennis bats
Tennis
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
STA Spex U12 National Ranking
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
Groundstrokes (Forehand & Backhand)
Volley & Smash
Serves, Flat & Spin
Fitness & Agility Runs
Game Play
Shortlisted applicants are required to report in sports attire with appropriate footwear and bring their own rackets
Track
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies/JSA)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
40m Sprint Test from a crouch start position
Standing Broad Jump Test
Standing Medicine Ball Throw
1.6km run Test
Interview with CCA teachers
Water Polo
Shortlist Criteria
CCA participation/achievements (school/non-school based)
Experience in the talent area (represented school/external clubs or academies)
Leadership roles
Any other information submitted on DSA portal
Performance Task/Assessment Components
25m, 50m and 100m Freestyle
25m Breastkick
25m Egg Beater
Ball handling/Passing
Shooting at goal (Stationary)
Game Play (Small-sided game)
For more information, you may visit the MOE DSA-Sec website: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/dsa
If you have any queries, you may contact the following personnel:
Mr Syed Faizal (Head of Department PE/Aesthetics) - syed_faizal_js_tamizzuddin@moe.edu.sg
Mr Alvin Lim (Subject Head PE/CCA) - lim_kar_keng_alvin@moe.edu.sg