Direct School Admission through Applied Learning Programme

Talent Area: STEM - AEROSPACE AND AVIATION

Introduction

In 2015, Changkat Changi Secondary School started our Applied Learning Programme titled Student-centered Opportunities for AeRospace industry (SOAR).

SOAR aims to develop Changkateers by connecting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge across subject disciplines and developing thinking skills by providing a safe environment for Changkateers to stretch their imagination. It also aims to prepare Changkateers for the future by appreciating the relevance of their learning beyond the classroom, provide authentic situations for Changkateers to apply STEM knowledge to address real world problems, and explore STEM-related post-secondary and career opportunities.

All lower secondary Changkateers undergo weekly ALP lessons based on the context of Aviation where they learn about Principles of Flight, build gliders and practise drone programming. Students who show interest and aptitude will receive opportunities to participate in competitions such as Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition (SAFMC), attend workshops conducted by our tertiary partners or industry partners such as Singapore Polytechnic and Rolls Royce, as well as participate in aviation exchange programme and visit the aviation hub in Toulouse, France.

Photo 1: Our Sec 1 Changkateers launching a glider that they have just made.

Photo 2: Changkateers learning to fly the Flight Simulator.

Photo 3: Changkateers attending Airshow 2024 taken with Minister Desmond Tan and CEO of SAESL.

Photo 4: Collaboration with Victoria School to extend the learning of aviation related learning activities to the primary school participants.

Photo 5: Changkateers participating in an overseas exchange with French students in May 2024.

Photo 6: Changkateers participating in an Overseas exchange in Shanghai and Hong Kong in Nov 2025.

Admission Criteria

Changkat Changi Secondary School is looking for Primary 6 students who possess or display at least one of the following:

• Passion for Aerospace or Aviation Industries 

• Aptitude and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths 

• Participated or attained any levels of achievements in STEM related competitions and/or workshops

• Student member in STEM-related clubs or societies (e.g. Science club, ICT club etc)

• Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply, and will be assessed on the basis of their potential.

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

Application Procedure

Application for DSA-Sec can be submitted through the online DSA-Sec Portal. The application is free-of-charge and will be open from 6 May 2026, 11am to 2 Jun 2026, 4.30pm. For more details, please refer to the MOE website at  https://www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec

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 from MOE mainstream primary schools: Parent may log in directly to DSA-Sec Portal at www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec.

Only one parent’s SingPass is required. Parents/ guardians who are unable to apply online can approach their child’s primary school for assistance.

Other applicants not studying in MOE mainstream primary schools: They need to apply for a Registration Number (RGxxxxxxx) before they can apply through the DSA-Sec Portal. Schools may refer them to MOE website at:  https://go.gov.sg/nmsdsa-sec-application

Students can indicate up to three choices (maximum of two choices for the same school under two different talent areas).

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.

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

The application timeline for 2026 is as follows:

Why Join Us?

SOAR exposes and equips Changkateers with the foundational knowledge and skills for STEM industries. Our strong partnership with tertiary institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic and aerospace companies such as SIA Engineering Company and Rolls-Royce means more authentic learning opportunities for our Changkateers.

For those are passionate and seeking to venture further, our school offers the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) as a CCA and a SOAR ALP scholarship to help Changkateers pursue their dreams.

FAQ

1. How many places can CCSS offer in DSA Exercise?
   All secondary schools can admit up to 20% of their 2026 S1 non-Integrated Programme (non-IP) intake via the DSA-Sec. This allows students to better access school programmes to grow their talents and interests through DSA.

2. How does it value-add to my child?
   Your child will grow in their STEM knowledge and thinking skills. The exposure to authentic industry experiences and real-world applications will ensure that your child is better prepared for the new Industry 4.0.

3. My child is an international student / Home-schooled / returning Singapore Citizen / SPR not studying in a local school. Can he/she apply for DSA?
   Other applicants not studying in MOE mainstream primary schools need to apply for a Registration Number (RGxxxxxxx) before they can apply through the DSA-Sec Portal. Schools may refer them to MOE website at: https://go.gov.sg/nmsdsa-sec-application

   • Applicants who are not studying in MOE mainstream primary schools include Returning Singaporeans, International Students studying overseas or in local international schools, students in Special Education Schools (e.g. Pathlight) and home-schoolers. For all shortlisted International Students, schools should remind them that they are required to take and fulfil the requirements of the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) test to be successful in DSA. 

4. Do my child/ward have to take the PSLE?
   Students who take up Confirmed Offers or Waiting List Offers by schools during the DSA-Sec Exercise are still required to take the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Those who take up Confirmed Offers are guaranteed a place in the school that has extended them an offer, provided that their PSLE results meet the minimum requirement for a course [Express/ Normal (Academic)/ Normal (Technical)] offered by the school. Should the child obtain a PSLE score that lies between 2 streams, he/she will be able to opt for the preferred stream.

5. Can my child/ward apply for transfer after getting a confirmed place?
   Students are also NOT allowed to transfer to another school after the release of the PSLE results. They are expected to honour the commitment to the posted DSA schools for the duration of the programme they are admitted to.