Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
New Town Secondary School

1: Eligibility Criteria

Check if you meet the DSA criteria for Leadership, Visual Art, Sports, or Performing Arts before applying.

Last updated 14 August 2026

1. Eligibility Criteria

DSA talent areas, criteria and selection methods

S/N

DSA Main Category

DSA Talent Area

Criteria

Selection (in-person)

1

Leadership

Leadership (Girls and Boys)

  • Student leadership involvement in primary school.

  • Leadership position held at school level, CCA or cohort-level projects.

  • Involvement in Values-in-Action or Community Services.

  • Displays interest and passion in service and community-related activities outside of school.

  • Demonstrates exemplary character and leadership.

Interview and Simulation Tasks

2

Visual Art

Visual Art (Girls and Boys)

  • Submission of student Art Portfolio of 3-5 original works prior to interview (applicants will be notified and provided more information via email).

  • Other relevant achievements or qualifications pertaining to Art.

  • On the spot Art talent demonstration via Art task (students will be required to complete the Art task within a set time limit).
    Note: Prospective students who are enrolled via DSA Visual Art will have Arts and Crafts as their CCA.

Submission of student Art portfolio, on the spot Art talent Demonstration and Interview

3

Sports

Basketball (Boys)

  • Evidence of passion/ talent/ interest and positive attitude. 

  • Past competition experience and achievements.

  • Performance during sports trial.

Sports trial & Interview

4

Sports

Fencing (Girls and Boys)

  • Evidence of passion/ talent/ interest and positive attitude. 

  • Past competition experience and achievements.

  • Performance during sports trial.

Sports trial & Interview

5

Performing Arts

Concert Band (Girls and Boys)

  • Evidence of passion/ talent/ interest and positive attitude. 

  • Relevant experience performing on wind, brass, percussion, or other musical instrument in school and/or external events.

  • Other achievements or accomplishments in music or instrumental performance.

  • Performance during audition.

Audition & Interview

6

Performing Arts

Guzheng Ensemble (Girls)

  • Evidence of passion/ talent/ interest and positive attitude. 

  • Relevant experiences in performing the Guzheng or other similar instruments at school and/or external events. 

  • Other achievements or accomplishments in Guzheng or music.

  • Performance during audition.

Audition & Interview

Note: 

  • Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements, and the programmes available to develop the area of talent.

  • Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.

  • Meeting all the criteria does not guarantee the DSA applicant will be shortlisted or given an offer.

  • Students who are successfully admitted to the school via DSA are required to honour their commitment to the school and participate in the activities related to the talent they are selected for from year 1-4.