1

What are the minimum requirements for direct school admission to Swiss Cottage? 

Students admitted through DSA must fulfil the admission criteria, pass the interview and selection trial (where applicable), and qualify for the academic course in which they would be enrolled.

2

How do I apply?

All students will apply for DSA-Sec through a centralised DSA-Sec Portal to all DSA-Sec schools (except School of the Arts (SOTA) and Singapore Sports School (SSP)), instead of individually to each school. Application will take place from 4 May 2023 (Thursday), 11 am to 31 May 2023 (Wednesday), 3 pm.

3

When is the closing date for application?

31 May 2023 (Wednesday), 3 pm.

4

When will I know if I have been shortlisted for the selection trial and interview? 

We will inform you between 21 June 2023 (Wednesday) and 15 August 2023 (Tuesday). If you need to attend the interview and selection trial (where applicable), they will be conducted from 26 June 2023 (Monday) to 11 September 2023 (Monday).

5

When will I know if I have been offered a place?

All applicants will know the outcome of their applications by 11 September 2023 (Monday).

6

What should I do if my application has been successful and I receive a Confirmed Offer from the school?

Your parents will be required to login to the DSA-Sec Portal using their Singpass to submit up to 3 school preferences (maximum of 2 choices for the same school under 2 different talent areas) during the School Preference Stage of the DSA-Sec Exercise.

7

My child is not in a MOE primary school in Singapore. What is the application procedure?

Any child who are not studying in MOE mainstream primary schools include Returning Singaporeans, International Students studying overseas or in local international schools, students in Special Education Schools or religious schools (e.g. Pathlight, Madrasah, San Yu Adventist) and home-schoolers will need to obtain a Registration Number (RGxxxxxxx) before they can apply through the DSA-Sec Portal.

Please refer to MOE website below for more information:

https://go.gov.sg/nmsdsa-sec-application

8

If I enter via Leadership through DSA, must I join the Student Council?

Student Council is not considered a CCA in Swiss Cottage. You can choose any CCA if you pass the trials for the particular CCA you have chosen. Joining the Student Council is not automatic even if you had come into Swiss Cottage via Leadership. There is a selection process for one to become a Student Leader.

9

Is there athletics in Swiss Cottage?

Swiss Cottage does not offer athletics. For more information on the CCAs offered, please go to:

/swiss-experience/student-development-programme/co-curricular-activities/

10

Do academic results play a big part in the DSA selection process?

The school will assess the child holistically. Apart from academic results, we will also assess the child’s character, interview skills, child’s interest and passion in the CCA as well as the task he/she is asked to do during the interview. 

11

What are the selection criteria under Science DSA?

The school is looking for students who are scientifically literate and has strong fundamental in Science. Students must be able to work in groups and will be given a task to perform during the interview session.

12

What are the instruments used in Swiss Cottage Chinese Orchestra?

The Swiss Chinese Orchestra welcomes students who have a strong passion in Chinese Orchestra. We take in student who plays a wide variety of instruments, including the Erhu, Dizi, Liuqin and even Cello. If we do not offer your child’s instrument but your child is musically inclined and is willing to take up another instrument, we will consider your child’s application.

13

Do you offer Pure Literature at Upper Secondary?

Yes, the school offers Pure Literature at Upper Secondary. For more information on the list of subjects offered, please go to:

/swiss-experience/instructional-programme/

14

Can my child join 2 CCAs?

It is not advisable for your child to join 2 CCAs. The school has fixed CCA days for all CCAs. If your child has 2 CCAs, he/she will not be able to fulfil the attendance for either CCA.

15

Is the Overseas trip compulsory?

No, the overseas trip is not compulsory. All students will be given a chance to travel overseas for cultural immersion; parental consent needs to be given before the child can travel overseas.

16

 Can I switch CCA after I have entered to Swiss Cottage via DSA through the CCA?

The DSA process is a commitment between the student and the school. Once the child has been accepted by the school through a particular CCA, the child must commit to the CCA. There are exceptions, for example the child is injured and is not medically advisable for the child to continue with the sports or dance.  In these instances, we will have a discussion with the child and parents.

17

How are students selected for DSA Leadership?

Students are selected for DSA leadership based on their demonstrated leadership qualities and potential. This can include their involvement in leadership roles in school, community, or other organizations, as well as their character, communication skills, and ability to work with others. The selection process may involve an interview, group discussion, or other assessment methods.

18

Can a student apply for DSA in a CCA that is not offered in their primary school?

Yes, students can apply for DSA in a CCA that is not offered in their primary school. However, they may need to provide evidence of their interest and ability in the CCA, such as through participation in external competitions or training

19

What are the criteria for DSA in Science and Applied Science?

Generally, applicants need to demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude for science and sustainability, as well as relevant achievements, such as participating in science-related competitions or projects.    

20

How many DSA slots are available for each CCA/talent area?

The number of DSA slots available for each CCA/talent area vary depending on the applications we receive yearly.

21

What are the AL requirements if we go for DSA?

There is no AL requirement for admission under DSA. Students given a place in Swiss Cottage under DSA are admitted based on a holistic assessment, including the merits of the talent area they are selected for.