Selection Criteria

The generic criteria for DSA selection are as follows:

Interest and passion
- Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in and passion for their respective talent areas. A clear and genuine aspiration in a field related to their talent area is an advantage.
Talent and aptitude
- Applicants should demonstrate evidence of talent and/or aptitude in their talent area.
Conduct and attitude for learning
- Applicants should demonstrate a positive attitude for learning and demeanour. Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of good conduct in school.

Over the course of the exercise, the following will be taken into consideration in the evaluation of the DSA applications:

Evidence of participation and/or achievement in competitions, exhibitions, VIA projects, etc. relevant to applicant’s talent area
Evidence of learning attitude and/or disposition
Letters of recommendation / references (if any)
Interview performance
Aptitude test / audition performance
For Visual Art, online portfolio of artworks

Please note that meeting all the criteria does not guarantee the student will be shortlisted or given an offer.

The detailed requirements and criteria for the respective areas of talent are given below:

Visual Arts	Applicants are required to attend an interview and aptitude test in Naval Base Secondary School. During the aptitude test, each applicant will be asked to create an artwork that best represents their talents/abilities in their preferred medium. Applicants are required to submit a link to an online portfolio of their artworks in the non-school based awards/activities section. Applicants may create an online portfolio using platforms such as Google Drive/Docs/Slides. The online portfolio should comprise a variety of artworks comprising both school assignments and artworks done in their personal time. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their portfolio.
Student Leadership	Applicants are required to attend an interview. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as evidence of leadership capabilities through their supporting documents.
Performing Arts – Choir	Applicants are required to attend an interview and audition. During the audition, applicants will be asked to: Sing a chosen song in any vocal genre (e.g. choral, pop, etc.). The duration of the performance should be no more than 2 minutes. Solfege singing – singing along to melodies played on the piano. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their: Vocal range Articulation Pitching
Performing Arts – Dance	Applicants are required to attend an interview and audition. During the audition, applicants will be asked to: Perform a solo dance routine in any dance genre (e.g. contemporary, hip hop, classical, etc.). The duration of the performance should be no longer than 2 minutes. Follow a choreographer through a short dance piece. Applicants are required to be in appropriate dance attire and footwear during the audition. Long bottoms, e.g. tights or track pants, are recommended. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their: Movement Balance and form Confidence and poise
Performing Arts – Concert Band	Applicants are required to attend an interview and audition. During the audition, applicants are required to bring their own band instrument (except percussion instruments, which will be provided by NBSS) and will be asked to: Play at least 1 major scale on their instrument. Perform a piece of their choice. The duration of the performance should be between 2 and 3 minutes. Sight-read a given piece. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as their: Proficiency in the chosen instrument
Sports – Table Tennis	Applicants are required to attend an interview and aptitude test. During the aptitude test, applicants are required to bring their own table-tennis paddle and will be asked to: Participate in one or more games of table-tennis. Perform other physical exercises related to table-tennis. Applicants will be evaluated on their performance during the interview as well as: General proficiency in table-tennis Fitness and agility