SINGAPORE – Education Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized that Direct School Admission (DSA) should be accessible to all students, not just those from affluent families with more resources. Speaking at a dialogue session with over 440 youth leaders at the National Camp’s opening ceremony at Maju Camp on August 22, Mr. Chan highlighted the need for continuous improvement in Singapore’s education system.
Mr. Chan acknowledged that many applicants for DSA tend to come from wealthier families, who often have access to additional resources such as private coaching. He stressed the importance of schools playing a proactive role in identifying talented students from less privileged backgrounds.
“Schools can do more to look out for students with potential, even if they lack the necessary resources,” said Mr. Chan. He added that teachers must be empowered to recognize talent in diverse fields, particularly among students from underprivileged families.
This call for greater inclusivity in DSA comes after reports of a basketball coach allegedly charging fees to help students gain entry to prestigious secondary schools, such as Anglo-Chinese Junior College and Dunman High School. The case raised concerns about fairness in the DSA system.
Introduced in 2004, the DSA scheme allows Primary 6 students to secure early admission to secondary schools based on non-academic talents like sports or the arts, rather than relying solely on the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scores. While the scheme is highly competitive, critics argue that it disproportionately benefits children from wealthier households who can afford private coaching.
Mr. Chan reiterated the importance of aptitude-based assessments like DSA, which offer a more holistic understanding of students’ strengths compared to standardized tests. He acknowledged, however, that assessing talents in areas like art, music, and leadership can be more subjective than measuring performance on standardized tests.
He also emphasized the importance of secondary schools adding value to students admitted through DSA, ensuring a smooth transition from primary school and fostering inclusivity in co-curricular activities (CCAs). “We don’t want a situation where only the very good ones participate in certain sports or CCAs, while the rest become discouraged,” he said.
During the event, Mr. Chan also addressed broader issues such as digital literacy and the evolving challenges of leadership in a tech-driven world. Students like Sankaran Shiva Aditya, 14, and Lyla Aurora Muhammad Yusof, 15, found Mr. Chan’s insights on adaptability and digital threats particularly relevant to their experiences as youth leaders.
Mr. Chan concluded by reiterating that DSA must continue to evolve to ensure it remains fair and accessible to all students, regardless of their background.