4 English Competitions to take part in to boost your DSA English portfolio

Hi, everyone! I am Teacher Kavitha, an English Teacher at Lil’ but Mighty. The Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise allows Primary 6 students to apply for secondary schools based on their talents beyond academics. For students passionate about the English language, DSA-English provides an opportunity to showcase writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

As we step into April, a number of secondary schools will be holding their open house this month and the next. Now is also the time when students may begin finding out more about Direct School Admission for secondary school.

Responding to queries from students and parents about crafting compelling DSA English portfolios, let’s explore how non-school based activities are valued in the application process. To stand out in the DSA selection process, students should build a strong portfolio demonstrating their English proficiency. One of the best ways to do this is by participating in prestigious English competitions. These competitions offer students the chance to develop their abilities, gain recognition, and prove their passion for English.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight some enriching English-related competitions that primary school students can participate in independently. Through their participation, not only will they be able to challenge themselves but also strengthen their DSA English portfolios.

1. Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC)

It is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, which has been proudly delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. This annual essay competition is open to students aged 18 and under. Registration will usually be in mid-March.

Each year, the theme is drawn from Commonwealth values and principles. It encourages young people to engage with pressing issues of the day, such as the environment, equality, and youth leadership, to foster an open-minded and empathetic worldview.

Under the long-time patronage of Queen Camilla, The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition has reached over 200,000 young people, involved some 5,000 volunteer judges, and encouraged hundreds of schools to enter just in the past decade.

The winners and their families are rewarded with a week of cultural and literary activities in the UK arranged by the Royal Commonwealth Society. The week culminates with an Award Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, kindly hosted by The Queen. Her Majesty also includes The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition into her overseas visits, where she meets entrants and presents local winners with their certificates.

Although only one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events, participating in this competition offers an enriching English language experience for all entrants, with all individuals and schools receiving a Certificate of Participation. Furthermore, both winning an award and receiving a Certificate of Participation add significant credibility to an English DSA application, showcasing your engagement and achievement in the language.

For more information about the competition and registration, please click on the link below.

ENTER THE QCEC 2025 | Royal Commonwealth Society

2. SOTA Creative Writing Competition

The SOTA Creative Writing Competition is a national-level contest that encourages storytelling and originality. The competition is ONLY open to students and homeschoolers who will be in Primary 6 (or its equivalent) in 2025. Participants from international schools in Singapore who will turn 12 in 2025 are also encouraged to apply. Registration will usually be in January.

For more information about the competition and registration, please click on the link below.

https://sotalava.com/sota-primary-6-creative-writing-competition

3. Copyright School Challenge Creative Writing Competition

Another local creative writing competition to consider will be the Copyright School Challenge 2024/25: Creative Writing Competition which provide a platform for students to showcase their writing skills. Registration happens from January to March.

The Creative Writing Competition was conceptualised with the aim of instilling in primary school students a willingness to embrace creativity, empowering them to articulate their thoughts and ideas through poetry or as an essay.

– The Essay Writing category is open to Primary 3 & Primary 4 students.

– The Poetry Writing category is open to Primary 5 & Primary 6 students.
For more information about the competition and registration, please click on the link below.

https://class-singapore.com/copyright-school-challenge-2024-25-creative-writing-competition/

4. YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA)

The DSA English portfolio can definitely showcase your passion in other aspects of English apart from writing!

The YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA) focuses on developing confidence in public speaking and persuasion. It is an annual national speech contest organised by the YMCA of Singapore, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Speak Good English Movement. Students from preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions can participate. Keep a lookout for the schedule which is slated to be released at the end of April with registration usually happening from late April to late May.

For more information about the competition and registration, please visit their Facebook page here.

In essence, participating actively in English language competitions offers a wonderful way to strengthen your application for DSA English. Your achievements in these events provide clear proof of just how strong your English skills are. Moreover, including certificates, awards, and records of your involvement will help with portfolio enhancement, showcasing your dedication and abilities. The experiences you gain in public speaking and debate are also excellent for interview preparation, helping you feel more confident and articulate when you meet the DSA panel. Most importantly, your consistent participation shows a genuine commitment to English, highlighting your passion for the language beyond the classroom.

We truly believe that by embracing these opportunities, you can build a compelling English portfolio and significantly boost your chances of gaining admission to your desired secondary school through the English DSA. So, take that leap, explore your talents, and let your passion for English shine! We are cheering you on every step of the way.