DSA Preparation (Secondary)

There are various schools allowing DSA with coding.

Some schools directly indicate a ‘Coding’ category that students may DSA into, but others may not so direct. There may be ‘STEM’ or ‘Innovation’ categories, where students can make use of their coding abilities to showcase their capabilities in those fields.

Some schools include Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Dunman High School, River Valley High School, etc. However, schools may make changes on their DSA categories each year. You can take a look at our blog and the MOE website where they will have the latest information!

We always ensure that we have the most updated information before your child’s DSA application process. However, the preparation for DSA requires students to be life-long learners and proactive leaders in their field of choice. Consult with us today to get a headstart on the most recent DSA updates and plan your child’s journey to success with our Coding Lab difference!

Please take note that the rate of acceptance can depend on the school choice of the students.

We help students from all walks of life get into the schools of their choice, which may widely vary between cohorts based on student preferences. We currently display a variety of inspiring DSA success stories of our students, and the common denominator of these stories is that our students are hardworking, resilient, and determined to get all the support they need to thrive during the DSA process. In fact, we welcome your child to take on the challenge and be the next success story in the future!

The DSA application process, based on MOE timelines, happens in your child’s P6 year. However, as with all areas of DSA, we highly encourage students to prepare much earlier to secure their fundamentals and gain global and local exposure to strengthen their portfolio. With the Coding Lab Difference, your child will be miles ahead of their fellow DSA competitors!

Our students begin coding as early as 7 years old. Even so, fret not as students that start late have shown great progress in their coding skills in a period of less than a year!

Overall, it would depend on your child to have prepared enough in terms of honing their coding abilities before starting the DSA application process in their P6 year. Therefore, it is best to start early so that your child is not rushed in their preparation.

Once they have mastered the relevant skillsets by their P6 year, they definitely have enough time to prepare their DSA portfolio and application!

Of course. Your child can DSA with coding to schools that offer that route.

However, it is important to take note that schools still look at academics even if they allow for DSA with coding. Your child’s DSA coding portfolio must be outstanding for consideration by the schools, which is where our coaching, courses and guidance can help your child to stand out.

That’s where we come in to guide and coach your child. Many of our students have started with zero knowledge in coding. With passion, dedication and hard work, they have managed to accelerate their skills and knowledge. It also helps if they started learning young.

A good showcase of your child’s coding skills would be beneficial as it will be a testament to their ability to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Schools will also factor in your child’s academics even if they allow for DSA with coding.

Some questions that you can discuss with your child would be:

• Does your child want to continue with coding in secondary school?

• Does your child have a school they are aiming for?

• Does your child want to supplement their academics by showcasing their coding abilities?

If your child has a positive response to any of the above-mentioned points, they are definitely suitable for the DSA route.

DSA is not the end. Students can still aim for their dream school using their PSLE scores, but opting for the DSA route will give them more opportunities to get into the school they want.

The DSA Process officially begins in the students’ P6 year. However, it is beneficial for students to begin their coding journey before then, so that they can make full use of their P6 year to focus on their application.

We will help them out with everything involved during DSA:

• Preparing their portfolio to fit each school’s criteria

• Helping them with the DSA application forms

• Ensuring our students are show in the best light when their applications are reviewed

• Preparing them for the interview rounds

• Being ready to always help out with any queries throughout the DSA process

Your child should begin their coding journey as early as possible. Our students start coding as early as 7 years old.

However, that does not mean that students that start their coding journey late cannot catch up in terms of coding skills. Every student’s progress depends on the individual.

That being said, it would be best to stary early. An early start will set them up to be in the best position in their P6 year where they can just focus on their DSA application.

Definitely! You can take a look at our DSA success stories above, where we have listed some of our students and the schools they got into.

Coding may seem like a male-dominated field, but we do have a lot of female students who are successful with their DSA coding applications, and they are just as (if not more!) capable as our male students. Regardless of gender, all students are highly encouraged to pursue their interest in coding, especially since it is the new form of literacy in the 21st century!