Question 1

What is MGS School Code?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What is the indicative AL score range for 2021?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The indicative AL Score ranges of Methodist Girls' School (Sec) for the coming 2022 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 2022. (i.e. 2021 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.

Question 4

How many Sec One Classes are there?

Accepted Answer

Integrated Programme: 4 classes   O-Level track: 6 classes (includes 2-3 SBA classes*) 
* No separate application or selection test is required for SBA.

Question 5

How many students are there in Sec One Classes?

Accepted Answer

Integrated Programme: ~120 students   O-Level track: ~190 students (includes 60-90 SBA students) 
* No separate application or selection test is required for SBA.

Question 6

What are the monthly school fees?

Accepted Answer

For 2021 Secondary, Integrated Programme: SG Citizens $320 PR $750 IS (ASEAN) $1410 IS (non-ASEAN) $1900  For 2021 Secondary, O-Level track:  SG Citizens $300 PR $710 IS (ASEAN) $1260 IS (non-ASEAN) $1695   There is also a monthly miscellaneous fees of $55 (for all categories of students). The school has various financial assistance schemes to assist families in need.

Question 7

What are the school hours like in MGS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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 .

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

No, there is no discernible trend.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Must I take Higher Mother Tongue in the MGS IP?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

Is it compulsory to take HMT in IP?

Accepted Answer

It is not compulsory to take HMT.

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

Can IP students do MEP?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 29

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?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 31

Is there any promotion criteria from Sec 1 to Y5?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

All Students with a PSLE score of 4 to 8 will automatically placed in an SBA class. There is no test administered for SBA.

Question 33

Must I take Higher Mother Tongue in the SBA?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

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. Placement of students in SBA classes for upper levels is based on the performance of the previous level, which makes the SBA programme accessible to all our high achieving O-level track students.

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 36

What are the fees for MEP?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 37

What is expected of a MEP student?

Accepted Answer

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 cello or double bass. Although a 2nd instrument is not compulsory, this can be a performing option in the Higher Music exam at 'O' level. 
Lower Strings: To encourage more cellists and double bassists in the String Ensemble, there is a subsidy of 18 (1 hour) lessons for new cellists and double bassists in Sec / Year 1 (this does not apply to Sec /Year 2 to 4).

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 39

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 40

​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."

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 43

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

Accepted Answer

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.