What is MGS School Code?

Integrated Programme: 9162 O-Level track: 7030 Note that these are 2 separate codes so students need to indicate what they want.

What is the indicative PSLE score range for Feeder School ie. MGS P6?

The indicative PSLE Score ranges of Methodist Girls' School (Sec) for the coming 2021 S1 Posting exercise are: * This is the range of highest to lowest scores of MGS(Pri) students who were posted to MGS(Sec) in Jan 2021. (i.e. 2020 PSLE Cohort)
# Admission into the IP course in MGS-Sec is based purely on merit. There is no affiliation requirement. For more information, you may refer to MOE SchoolFinder record for MGS.

How many Sec One Classes are there?

Integrated Programme: 4 classes O-Level track: 6 classes (includes 2-3 SBA classes*) All O-level track students with a minimum score of 250 points (equivalent PSLE score will be made availble at a later date) will be placed in a Sophia Blackmore Academy (SBA).
* No separate application or selection test is required for SBA.

How many students are there in Sec One Classes?

Integrated Programme: ~120 students O-Level track: ~190 students (includes 60-90 SBA students) All O-level track students with a minimum score of 250 points (equivalent PSLE score will be made availble at a later date) will be placed in a Sophia Blackmore Academy (SBA).
* No separate application or selection test is required for SBA.

What are the monthly school fees?

For 2021 Secondary, Integrated Programme:

• SG Citizens $320
• PR $750
• IS (ASEAN) $1410
• IS (non-ASEAN) $1900

What are the school hours like in MGS?

School starts at 7.50 am each morning from Tuesday to Friday, and 7.30 am on Mondays. We have a late day Wednesday which starts at 8.20am. Lessons usually end at about 2.30pm, depending on which level and the students’ subject combination.
On some afternoons, students may attend supplementary classes or enrichment programmes.

When will the next on-site open house be held?

An on-site open house is unlikely this year given the COVID-19 situation. However, there is usually an Information Session held after the release of PSLE results so that parents and students can make an informed choice.

What is the indicative PSLE score range for 2020?

Please refer to MOE Press Release on Supporting Students and Their Parents in Making Informed School Choices and MOE SchoolFinder.

What documents do I need to submit together with the application form?

Application will be online via MOE's DSA-Sec Portal. During this stage, there is no need to submit any documents yet.
Only shortlisted applicants need to submit them upon request by schools.

I am posted to another school through my DSA options but I am keen to appeal for a place in MGS. Am I allowed to appeal?

As a DSA student, you are not allowed to transfer to another school after the release of the PSLE results as you are expected to honour your commitment to your posted DSA school, for the duration of the programme that you are admitted into.
More info at https://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/direct-admissions/dsa-sec/overview

My child has been offered a place in DSA, does she still need to make an option for the Sec schools?

If your child has been confirmed a place in DSA or given a waitlist in DSA at the DSA Sec exercise, and is posted to MGS, she will not be given an option form to select secondary schools.
However, she needs to complete her registration to her posted secondary school. Please check school websites for registration details.

When will I know if I have been shortlisted for the test / audition / trial / interview?

All applicants will be informed if they have been shortlisted for e-conferencing and be provided with further details, at the end of June.

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

All shortlisted applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by end of August 2021.

I received more than one DSA offer. When must I decide which to accept?

You will have to indicate your preferences in ranked order for up to three schools during the Exercise School Preference Stage in late October after PSLE .

What is the minimum score needed to be shortlisted for DSA trial / audition?

The DSA scheme provides students to gain admission to a DSA school via talent area(s). All applicants will be assessed on their talents and ability to cope with the school curriculum.

Must my child’s PSLE Score fall within a specific range even if she receives a Confirmed Offer from your school?

For MGS, your child must qualify for the Express stream.

Where can I find the list of CCAs for DSA 2021? Is it the same as the 2020 list found in the website?

The new list of DSA Talent Areas for DSA 2021 will be put up after MOE’s release of DSA information.

Is there a DSA quota for each CCA or on the whole?

There is no fixed quota. The objective of DSA is to identify talent, taking into consideration the student’s interest and long term development potential.

Are there CCAs which are more popular and see a higher number of DSA applicants?

No, there is no discernible trend.

If my child gets in through DSA, must my child join the CCA for 4 years? What if her interest changes?

Yes, your child is obliged to contribute in that DSA CCA and hence must remain in the same CCA so that we can develop her full potential over four years.
If choice of CCA is important, then your child should avoid applying for entry via DSA Sports or Music as the above conditions apply.

Would my daughter be at a disadvantage during the DSA exercise if she is not a Singaporean?

Your child’s nationality does not matter in the DSA exercise. Our assessment is based on talents and ability to cope with the rigour of the school curriculum.

What are the criteria for entry into the the MGS IP? Does my child need to take any selection Test?

The shortlisting criteria comprises strong academic results and a basket of holistic inidcators.

Shortlisted candidates will have to undergo a selection process which includes a domain assessment task, an individual interview and an essay writing component.

Must I take Higher Mother Tongue in the MGS IP?

All MGS students who are offered HMT are strongly encouraged to take up this opportunity to learn MT at a first language level.

Is it compulsory to take HMT in IP?

It is not compulsory to take HMT.

Can I switch from HMT to MT at the end of Year 1?

The switch from HMT to MT is possible at the end of Year 1. You can discuss with your parents and teachers to make a decision.

Does Third Language replace any subject in the final computation of grades?

Third language is taken as an additional subject and L3 marks are computed for the overall year end results.

Does the school provide any transport to the Third Language Centres?

We do not provide any transport to the Third Language Centres.

How many vacancies are there? What other opportunities do I have if I am unsuccessful for the IP?

There will be 4 IP classes in Year One. Those are not successful in getting an IP place can apply for a place at Y3 IP when she is in Sec 2.

MGS has a scholastic programme in the O-level track called the Sophia Blackmore Academy (SBA). If you attained a PSLE T-score of 250 and above (AL equivalent will be made known at a later date), you will be automatically placed in an SBA class in Sec 1.

Generally, those with:

• Achievement Level 1 in Maths and Science will be placed in a Maths & Science enriched SBA class;
• Achievement Level 1 in English will be placed in a Language Arts enriched SBA class.
  

Can IP students do MEP?

Yes, IP students can apply to do MEP. IP students will sit for the Higher Music paper in the GCE 'O' level examinations.

If my child is not able to cope with the MGS IP after the 1st year, what other options are there for my child? What is the drop-out rate?

As a school, we provide our fullest support to our students. This environment comprises the form teachers, subject teachers and Year Heads, and they monitor students' progress and decide on a remediation programme to help students when necessary. Coupled with strong home-school partnership, we are confident of helping our students to do well in the MGS IP and thereafter in the IBDP.

All students who experience difficulties will have support. The school will discuss support and options with parents.

Will my child be left with only a PSLE certificate if she is unable to finish the 6-year programme?

All students will receive 4 termly reports in each academic year in MGS & ACSI. She can look forward to being awarded her IB Diploma when she completes her IB exams at the end of Year 6.

Is there any promotion criteria from Sec 1 to Y5?

Yes, promotion criteria applies for students to be considered for promotion to the next level.

What are the criteria for entry into the SBA (Sec)? Does my child need to take any qualifying test?

All Students with a PSLE aggregate of 250 and above (AL equivalent will be made known at a later date) will automatically placed in an SBA class. There is no test administered for SBA.

Must I take Higher Mother Tongue in the SBA?

All MGS students who are offered HMT are strongly encouraged to take up this opportunity to learn MT at a first language level. Students who take Higher Mother Tongue in GCE “O” Level examination and attains a pass in both EL and HMT will enjoy 2 bonus points in the L1R5 aggregate when applying for a JC.

How many vacancies are there? What other opportunities do I have if I am unsuccessful for the SBA?

There will be 2-3 SBA classes in Secondary One. Generally, those with:

• Achievement Level 1 in Maths and Science will be placed in a Maths & Science enriched SBA class;
• Achievement Level 1 in English will be placed in a Language Arts enriched SBA class.

May I know the entry criteria for MEP in the Sec school?

Pupils who wish to take up MEP must first meet the entry requirement of the Express courses in the selected school.
All interested applicants (apart from DSA-MEP students) will sit for a Selection exercise on 27 Dec 2021 (Monday).

The Selection exercise comprises: 1. A listening test
2. An aural test
3. An interview
4. A performance audition

What are the fees for MEP?

The Music Elective Programme (MEP) aims to nurture the academically able students who are musically inclined. It is a 4-year programme leading to O-level Higher Music. MEP students studying in MGS, enjoy a MOE subsidy of $200 per month for Independent School fees.

What is expected of a MEP student?

MEP Music replaces the Home Economics subject in lower sec. At Upper Sec, MEP Music is taken as an exam subject (at O-levels).

Beyond MEP lessons, MEP students will be involved in concert attendance, workshops, masterclasses, and MOE-MEP events.

Students are strongly encouraged to join a Music CCA (choir, handbell choir, string ensemble, guitar ensemble) and take up a second instrument eg double bass. Although a 2nd instrument is not compulsory, this can be a performing option in the Higher Music exam at 'O' level.

Double Bass: To encourage more double bassists in the String Ensemble, there is a subsidy of 18 (1 hour) lessons for new double bassists in Sec 1 (not subsequent years). Only lessons for the double bass are conducted with private tutors after school.

Can my child drop out of the MEP programme if she finds that she cannot cope with it later?

ALL MEP STUDENTS MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THE COMMITMENT IS FOR FOUR YEARS.

Withdrawal is only allowed with valid reasons e.g., consistently failing MEP or weak in all subjects, including MEP, on case by case basis.

Will my child be guaranteed a place in the school team if she comes in via DSA?

The school team is selected only prior to the team registration for the National School Games. The CCA teachers and the coach will access the players and choose those who are ready to represent the school.

Generally, most DSA students qualify for the school team due to their good attitude, talent, ability and sustained commitment to training.

​My child does not have any achievements. Will she still be selected? She was supposed to go for a competition last year/this year but due to the Circuit Breaker/ safe distancing measures, the competition was postponed.

We are aware that students are unable to produce proof of their achievements last year due to measures implemented during the Circuit Breaker. The selection process will be adjusted to accommodate that. Please refer to our website for updates after MOE commences the 2021 DSA Application Exercise.

Can my child take up more than one CCA other than her DSA sport?

DSA students are obliged to commit and perform well in their DSA sport. In addition to the school's CCA training (three times per week), most DSA students also train with their private coaches or with the national youth team. They are strongly advised to focus on one CCA so that they have sufficient time to cope with the demands of their DSA CCA and the rigour of the academics.

How many training sessions are there per week and how long is each session?

School Team Sports CCAs have three training sessions per week. Generally, training sessions are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each training session is 3 hours long, from 3pm to 6pm.

Performing Arts CCAs are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday. More practices are arranged only when there is a need to prepare for nation-wide events (e.g. SYF Arts Presentation) or a performance/concert. In such instances, parents and students will be notified at least two weeks in advance. Each training session is about 2 to 3 hours long, starting from 3pm.

Students’ well-being is our priority. Hence during post-season and end-of-year examination period, CCA Sessions will be scaled down.

What opportunities are given to students in the performing arts CCAs?

Besides the biennial SYF Arts Presentation, students in the Performing Arts CCA have many platforms where they are involved in different ways, besides performance. For example, students may be involved in production, choreography and leading sections in practices and rehearsals. Platforms are internal and external school events such as Founder's Day, MGS Sunday at CCMC, Student Leaders' Investiture, public performances with VIA partners to reach out to the community.

Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, they also get to take part in competitions and when they are at their peak , they may be sent for external MOE courses such as the conductor’s course, to hone their skills.