Tweaks to Direct School Admission will not mean raised bar for all: Heng

SINGAPORE — Changes to the selection process of the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme will apply to a “very small number of students who have displayed exceptional personal qualities”, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat yesterday.

Wrapping up Parliament’s debate on the ministry’s budget yesterday, Mr Heng said the DSA selection criteria has been broadened to keep secondary schools open to a diversity of talents, while allowing students to tap the variegated school landscape to bring out the best in every child.

“As part of the (DSA) selection, schools today already look out for good conduct and basic personal qualities, but we do not expect everyone to demonstrate exceptional personal qualities,” said Mr Heng, in response to a question from Member of Parliament (Jurong GRC) Ang Wei Neng.

“What we have done now is to provide an additional avenue for a very small number of students who have displayed exceptional personal qualities to be given a second look by the secondary schools.”

Mr Heng said the Ministry of Education (MOE) is not anticipating large numbers as it would be atypical for 12-years-olds to have such exceptional personal qualities. “But a few who had to face adversity in life early on and yet have thrived, we want to make sure they are supported … especially in their areas of potential and talent”, he added.

The minister also acknowledged that there is a need for continual engagement with educators and parents in the push towards a holistic schooling environment.

Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Intan Azura Mokhtar had asked about getting buy-in from stakeholders who might be sceptical about the MOE’s policies.

In response, Mr Heng said the ministry will be working with educators in the coming months to implement the various initiatives. “Although the changes will take time, (they) will happen,” he said. Ng Jing Yng