Selection Criteria
Find out what it takes to apply through the Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise. Learn the key criteria and specific requirements for each talent area.
The generic criteria for selection are as follows:
•Interest and passion
Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in and passion for their respective talent areas. A clear and genuine aspiration in a field related to their talent area is an advantage.
•Talent and aptitude
Applicants should demonstrate evidence of talent and/or aptitude in their talent area.
•Conduct and attitude for learning
Applicants should demonstrate a positive attitude for learning and demeanour. Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of good conduct in school.
Over the course of the exercise, the following will be taken into consideration in the evaluation of the DSA applications:
•Evidence of participation and/or achievement in competitions, exhibitions, VIA projects, etc. relevant to applicant’s talent area
•Evidence of learning attitude and/or disposition
•Letters of recommendation / references (if any)
•Interview performance
•Aptitude test / audition performance
•For Art, portfolio of artworks
The detailed requirements and criteria for the respective areas of talent are given below:
DSA selection criteria and audition requirements by talent area
Visual Art | Applicants are required to attend an interview and an aptitude test at Naval Base Secondary School. During the aptitude test, applicants will create an artwork that best showcases their talents and abilities using their preferred medium Applicants will receive an email to submit their digital portfolio. The portfolio can be created using platforms such as Google Drive, Google Docs/Slides, or Canva. It should include no more than 5 pieces of work in any art form, comprising artworks or visual journals completed either during personal time or in school. Applicants will be evaluated based on their portfolio and their performance during the interview, including how confidently and clearly, they are able to share and communicate their ideas. |
Student Leadership (Uniformed Group) | Applicants are required to attend a group interview which includes a collaborative task. Applicants will be evaluated on their individual performance during the interview, their participation in the group task to assess leadership dispositions, as well as evidence of leadership capabilities through their supporting documents |
Performing Arts – Choir | Applicants are required to attend an interview and audition. During the audition, applicants will be asked to: · Sing a chosen song in any vocal genre (e.g. choral, pop, etc.). The duration of the performance should be no more than 2 minutes. · Solfege singing – singing along to melodies played on the piano. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their: |
Performing Arts – Dance | Applicants are required to attend an interview and audition. During the audition, applicants will be asked to: · Perform a solo dance routine in any dance genre (e.g. contemporary, hip hop, classical, etc.). The duration of the performance should be no longer than 2 minutes. · Follow a choreographer through a short dance piece. Applicants are required to be in appropriate dance attire and footwear during the audition. Long bottoms, e.g. tights or track pants, are recommended. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their: |
Performing Arts – Concert Band | Applicants are required to attend an interview and audition. During the audition, applicants are required to bring their own band instrument (except percussion instruments, which will be provided by NBSS) and will be asked to: · Play at least 1 major scale on their instrument. · Perform a piece of their choice. The duration of the performance should be between 2 and 3 minutes. · Sight-read a given piece. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their: |
Sports – Table Tennis | Applicants are required to attend an interview and aptitude test. During the aptitude test, applicants are required to bring their own table-tennis paddle and will be asked to: · Participate in one or more games of table-tennis. · Perform other physical exercises related to table-tennis. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as: |