V.

5
Updated on 5 May 22

Year 5 Direct School Admissions (DSA):

Criteria & Schedule

► The DSA-JC Exercise allows students with special talents and achievements to apply to RI
directly.

► Students who are successful are guaranteed a place provided they meet the eligibility
criteria for admission to a JC based on their GCE 'O' Level results.

► Applicants can only apply under one talent area. The switching of talent areas after
registration has closed is not allowed.

► RI offers direct admissions under the 3 domains listed below:

1. Sports Domain
2. Performing Arts Domain
3. Academic Domain

► This document contains two annexes for your reference:

Annex A: Minimum criteria for sports & performing arts domains
Annex B: Frequently asked questions for DSA (Year 5)

► For additional information on the Sports and Performing Arts Domains, you may refer to the
deck of slide ‘Additional Information for DSA Sports and Performing Arts Domains’ on the
Year 5 DSA Webpage.

1. Sports Domain

► You should be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of your peers
in one of the sports listed below.

Badminton Basketball Cricket Cross Country

Fencing Floorball Football Golf
Hockey Judo Netball Rugby (Boys)
Sailing Shooting Softball Squash
Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Tenpin Bowling
Track & Field Water Polo

► For your selected sport, you must have a history of accomplished performance at the
national level or international level. Criteria for each sport talent is stated in Annex A.
2. Performing Arts Domain

► You should be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of your peers
in one of the performing arts listed below.

Chamber Ensemble Chinese Orchestra Choir Symphonic Band

► You must have a history of accomplished performance in this area at the national or
international level.

► Criteria according to each performing art talent is stated in Annex A.

3. Academic Domain

► You should be able to demonstrate interest and talent beyond the abilities of your peers
in one of the academic sub-categories listed below.

Mathematics/Science Language Elective Programme

Science Research
Olympiad (Malay)

► For the Mathematics/Science Olympiad sub-category, you should have a history of

accomplished performance in the Science/Maths Olympiad at the national or
international arena.

► For the Science Research sub-category, you should have a history of accomplished
performance at the national level such as the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair or
at the international arena.

► For the Malay Language Elective Programme (MLEP), you should demonstrate a strong
talent and interest in the Malay Language and Literature as well as a passion for Malay
culture. Shortlisted applicants will be required to write an essay. Successful applicants
under this sub-category would be enrolled in the MLEP Programme.

To be eligible for the MLEP, students need to obtain at least:

o Grade B3 in Higher Malay (HML) or
o Grade B4 in HML and B3 in Literature in Malay (Full or Elective) or
o Grade A2 in Malay Language (ML)
2022 APPLICATION SCHEDULE & PROCESS

► Below is a summary of the Application Schedule:

RI Application period starts 6 May 2022 (Fri), 12pm

RI Application period ends 27 June 2022 (Mon), 9am

^ DSA Interview/Essay Tests/Audition / Trial Period 30 May 2022 (Mon) to

(For shortlisted students only) 29 July 2022 (Fri)

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 29 July 2022 By 29 July 2022, 6pm (Fri)

*Announcement of DSA Results By 11 August 2022 (Thu)

^ Announcement of the shortlisted applicants will be done within the DSA Interview Period. Our staff in
charge of the respective domains will contact you personally to inform you if you are shortlisted to come for
the Interview/Essay Tests/Audition /Sports Trial.
*Successful applicants will receive an official email from RI with a DSA Offer Letter by 11 August 2022.

► Interested students need to apply online at http://www.ri.edu.sg/admissions/year-5-

admissions.

► The online application link will be available only when application commences from 5 May
2022, 12pm onwards.

► No hard copy submission is required.

Notes

► Please check that your email address (as indicated in the online Application Form) is valid;
we will inform you the interview, audition, trial dates and outcome via email.

► Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the selection interviews, audition, sport
trials, and/or tests,

► Meeting all criteria does not guarantee the student will be shortlisted/ given an offer.

► We will notify all applicants of the outcome by 11 August 2022.

► Please note that

 We will not release detailed results of DSA selection test, interviews, trials, and auditions.
 We reserve the right not to discuss the results or reasons for non-selection.
 We will not provide information on application status or outcome over the phone.

► Successful DSA-JC candidates will not be allowed to participate in the Joint Admissions
Exercise. They will also not be allowed to transfer to another school after the release of the
GCE ‘O’ Level examination results. They are expected to honour their commitment to the
DSA-JC schools and to participate in activities related to the talent selected in, for the
duration of the programme admitted to. Students who do not fulfil their DSA commitment
without valid reason may be required to transfer out to another school.
ANNEX A: MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR SPORTS DOMAINS & PERFORMING ARTS

► To help you decide if you should apply for a particular sport/performing arts talent-area, we
have listed the minimum criteria which you should have attained in the talent area.

► If you have not met this minimum criteria, you may still apply but you will very likely not be
shortlisted unless there are other clear evidence of your skills as reflected in your DSA
application.

Sports Talent Areas

- Represented school in 2022 NSG (First Team, Top 4 in zone) or in MOE-
Badminton recognized individual competition 2022 (Top 4)
- Or National-Intermediate Squad player in 2022
- Represented school in 2022 NSG (Zonal)
Basketball
- Selected to represent school in 2021 NSG
- Represented school in 2022 NSG
Bowling - Boys : Obtained average score above 195 in 2022 NSG
- Girls : Obtained average score above 180 in 2022 NSG
- Represented school and starting 11 for 2022 NSG
Cricket
- Selected to represent school in 2021 NSG
- Represented school in 2022 NSG
Cross Country - Top 20 position in 2022 NSG individual race.
- Selected to represent school in 2021 NSG
- Represented school in 2022 NSG (Top 4 finish)
Fencing - Selected to represent school in 2020/2021 NSG
- Participated in FS endorsed competitions (Top 4 finish)
- Represented school in 2022 NSG (First Team)
Floorball
- Selected to represent school in 2021 NSG (First Team)
- Represented school in 2022 NSG
Football - Selected to represent school in 2020 / 2021 NSG (First Team)
- Selected to train or represent FAS COE clubs / NFA would be preferred

Golf - Represented school in 2021/2022 NSG

- Represented school in 2022 NSG

Hockey
- Selected to represent school in 2020/2021 NSG
- Represented school in 2022 NSG
Judo
- Singapore Judo Federation 4th Kyu (Orange Belt) certification (or higher)
- Represented school in 2022 NSG (top 8 zonal)
Netball
- Selected to represent U17 or U14 (2022, 2019)
- Represented school in 2022 NSG
Rugby
- Member of School’s Rugby CCA or External Rugby Clubs for the past 4 years
- Represented school in 2019 and 2022 NSG (Laser)
- Selected to represent school in 2020 / 2021 NSG
Sailing
- Competed in external regattas in any year(s) from 2019-2022
- Have at least an Opti-Racer or a Sailing Level 1 certification
- Represented school in 2021 and/or 2022 NSG
- Or participated in NUS/NTU Invitational Shoot
Shooting
- Or participated in other competitions organized by SSA (e.g. SG Cups)
- Top 10 (individual competition)
(Continued on next page)
 Sports Talent Areas (continued)
- Must have extended experience playing softball, e.g at CCA level, external
Softball
clubs, National Youth Team or National Team etc.

- Represented school in 2022 NSG

Squash
- Selected to represent school in 2020/2021 NSG

- Represented school in 2022 NSG

Swimming
- Finalist in 2022 NSG

Table Tennis - Represented school in 2022 NSG (First Team)

- Represented school in 2021/2022 NSG (National round)

Tennis
- Selected to represent school in 2020 NSG (First Team)
- Represented school in 2021/2022 NSG or represented club in 2021/2022 at
athletics competitions organized by Singapore Athletics (SA) NSA.
Track and Field - Semi-finalist for track, top 12 for field events in 2019/2022 NSG; or top 8 at
SA competitions in 2021/2022
- Selected to represent school in 2020/2021 NSG (which were not carried out)

Water Polo (Boys) - Represented school in 2022 NSG (First Team)

- Represented school in 2022 NSG Swimming

Water Polo (Girls)
- Represented school in 2022 NSG Synchronised Swimming

Performing Arts Talent Areas

- A minimum ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent in either Violin, Viola, Cello or
Chamber Double bass practical.
Ensemble - Participated in SYF in 2021/2022.

- Minimum Grade 6 and above from any major Grading Exam recognized in
Singapore, e.g.: CI-NTU grading exams, NAFA CCOM grading exams, etc.
- Participated in SYF in 2021
Chinese Orchestra
- All instruments will be considered
-

- Participated in SYF in 2021/2022.

- Students with experience playing in a concert band and/or orchestra
Symphonic Band preferred
- All band instruments will be considered (incl. double bass)

- Continual participation in Choir from Sec 1 to Sec 4

- Participated in SYF 2021
Choir
- Student Conductors, Section Leaders will be looked at favourably

► If you have specific questions related to any one of the sports or performing arts on the list,
you may direct them to these email addresses;
- For Sports : [email protected]
- For Performing Arts : [email protected]

► All other general enquiries on Admissions matters should be directed to us at

[email protected]
ANNEX B: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR DSA (YEAR 5)

Questions on the application and selection process

Q1: What kind of DSA talent is Raffles Institution looking for?

We are looking for students who have outstanding talent and achievements in the Academic,
Sports or Performing Arts domains. You can visit the `Admissions’ page on our website for the
detailed list of talent areas: http://www.ri.edu.sg/admissions/year-5-admissions.

Q2: What are the selection criteria for DSA?

Applicants will be evaluated on the following:
a) Quality of involvement and/or achievements in the specific domain. Do note that
applicants can only apply under one domain and will not be allowed to switch domains
after application.
b) Exemplary disciplinary record and personal qualities, e.g. integrity, discipline, resilience,
leadership, etc.
c) Good academic performance at the Secondary 3 and Secondary 4 School Examinations.
This ensures that students are able to manage the demands of the GCE A-Level curriculum,
in addition to their DSA commitments.

Q3: How many DSA applicants will RI be taking this year?

The number of students admitted varies from year to year, depending on the quality of the
applicant pool.

Q4: If I wish to apply for DSA through the Sports or Performing Arts domain, can I prepare and
submit videos of my performance?
We will not be considering video submissions in our selection of candidates. The DSA-JC exercise
will be an in-person selection for all DSA talent areas and we will not be considering video
submissions in our selection of candidates. This is to ensure the same mode is used for all
applicants to preserve fairness.

Q5: When will I know if I have been shortlisted for the interviews and/or auditions?
Announcement of the shortlisted/unsuccessful students will be done concurrently with the DSA
Interviews. Please wait for official email from us to find out if you are successful in your application.

Q6: When will I know if I have been offered a place through DSA, after the interviews and/or
auditions are completed?
Applicants will be informed of their DSA results by 11 August 2022. Successful applicants will
receive an e-letter of offer from RI. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email.

Q7: What are the safe-management practices that continues to take effect during the selection
process?
 Applicants are to carry along their TT token/application when visiting the DSA school.
 Applicants are to take note and adhere to the prevailing measures on safe distancing,
group size and mask wearing.
 Applicants are to use their personal equipment whenever possible.
 Applicants who are unwell (e.g. fever, flu-like symptoms, tested C+) should not attend the
in-person selection. Instead they should inform the DSA school’s contact liaison of their
condition/status (e.g. date first tested C+, period of MC) to be considered for a re-
scheduling of the in-person selection (where possible).
Questions on student life in RI

Q8: Will all DSA students be placed in the same classes?

No. The allocation of classes will be based on students’ subject combinations.

Q9: How many Academic Units will DSA students be allowed to offer?
All students admitted to RI will offer at least 10 academic units. Students who have obtained an
L1R5 score of 11 or better at the O-level Examinations will be allowed to offer 11 units, comprising
4 H2 content-based subjects, at Year 5.

Q10: Will DSA students be able to select their subject combinations or will RI allocate them to
prescribed subject combinations?
All students admitted to RI at Year 5 will be given an opportunity to select their subject
combinations. The proposed subject combination must also meet MOE’s compulsory
requirements. You can visit the ‘Learning at RI’ page on Raffles Institution’s website for the various
subject combinations we offer: (http://www.ri.edu.sg/learning-at-ri/year-5-6)

Q11: Will DSA students be given extra help if they miss lessons due to competitions? I am
concerned about falling behind in my studies.
At RI, we have a comprehensive learning management system that enables students to access
online recordings of past lectures. This enables students to catch up with the content taught in
their own time. If you need additional help to keep pace with missed lessons or to clarify concepts,
you can approach your subject tutors for one-to-one or small group consultations. However, you
will need to take ownership of your own learning by exercising discipline, managing your time
well, and pro-actively seeking help from your teachers.

Q12: Does RI have programmes to help DSA students assimilate into the school?
DSA students will be attending RI’s January Induction Programme (JIP) along with the Raffles
Programme intake, i.e. students from RI Year 1-4 and RGS. During the JIP, Y5 students will be
introduced to the various aspects of student life at RI, with talks on academic studies, CCAs, as
well as hands-on elective modules. The Year 5 Orientation programme is another valuable
opportunity for the whole cohort, comprising RP, DSA and JAE students, to build important
friendships.

Q13: As RI is an independent school, I am worried about the school fees. Is financial assistance
available to DSA students?
The school is committed to ensuring that an RI education remains accessible to all eligible
Singapore students, regardless of financial background. A range of bursaries and scholarships
offered by both RI and MOE is open to all RI students. You can visit the `Fees and Financial Aid’
page on our website for details: http://www.ri.edu.sg/admissions/fees-and-financial-aid

Questions on accepting RI’s DSA offer

Q14: If I receive a letter of offer from RI, must I accept the offer immediately?
Successful applicants will be given time to consider the offer(s) received from RI and other JCs. If
you wish to accept RI’s DSA offer, you will need to submit the acceptance letter before MOE’s
stipulated date of 16 August 2022. Late submissions will not be accepted. Hence, if you are
certain that you would like to accept the offer, we advise that you submit the acceptance letter as
soon as you can.
Q15: Can I appeal if my DSA application is unsuccessful?
The selection panel’s decision is final and we will not be entertaining any appeals. Unsuccessful
applicants are welcome to participate in the following year’s Joint Admission Exercise after the
release of the GCE O-Level results.

Q16: If I have accepted RI’s DSA offer, can I change my mind after the release of the ‘O’ Level
results and choose another Junior College instead?
Applicants who have accepted DSA offers will not be allowed to take part in the Joint Admission
Exercise, conducted after the release of the ‘O’ Level results. As long as you meet the criteria for
admission to Junior College, i.e. L1R5 less than or equal to 20 points and a Pass in English
Language, you will be posted to the school whose DSA offer you have accepted. As such, we
encourage applicants to consider their decision carefully before accepting the DSA offer.

Q17: I have accepted RI’s DSA offer through a particular CCA but do well enough in the ‘O’ Level
to meet the cut-off for entry into RI. Can I request to change my CCA?
Applicants who have accepted DSA offers through a particular CCA are required to honour their
commitment to that CCA for the duration of their JC education. This is regardless of their GCE ‘O’
Level results.