Class size
Maximum 4 students
Students are grouped by learning pace, not just by level — if no existing session matches your child’s pace, we open a new one.
English tuition for School of the Arts, Singapore students
Live online English tuition for School of the Arts, Singapore students in secondary 1–4. Bring recent schoolwork and teacher feedback so our tutors can see where your child needs help and plan the lessons.
Secondary 1–4
Courses and years
School-based English before the IB Diploma
Years 1–4
Bring recent schoolwork and the current topic list so we can choose a suitable class.
Study guide · 01
English and Language Arts in the first four years
Schools organise their own English courses in the years leading towards IB. For example, ACS (Independent) publishes a Years 1–4 Language Arts curriculum that brings together literary reading, writing and communication. SJI’s Years 1–4 Integrated Programme develops subject foundations and inquiry. HCIS teaches English Language in its Years 1–2 Foundation and Years 3–4 Pre-IB programmes.
Bring a recent comprehension answer, analytical paragraph, essay or presentation. The tutor uses it to see where your child needs help and plans lessons around the school’s current work.
Study guide · 02
Close reading: explain what the detail contributes
Begin with a precise observation about a passage. A character may say one thing while an action suggests another; a narrator may withhold information; a repeated image may change as the story develops. Select the words that support your reading and explain the connection. Naming a technique becomes useful when it helps answer the question.
We start with a short paragraph. The student gives an interpretation, chooses a detail and explains why it supports their reading. They then try another extract. For poetry and drama, we also discuss images, pauses and stage directions.
The task
“Mira said she was pleased, then folded the invitation into a square so small it disappeared in her hand.” How does the action develop the reader’s understanding?
Worked response
Mira’s words suggest approval, but concealing the invitation hints that her feelings are less straightforward. The contrast invites the reader to question whether she is as pleased as she claims.
The answer connects the action to an interpretation. A fuller passage would be needed to explain the reason for her reaction.
Study guide · 03
Writing: give each paragraph a job
Start with an answer to the essay question, then choose the points and evidence that support it. An analytical essay explains the writer’s choices. An argumentative essay develops reasons and considers another view. Plan the paragraphs before drafting.
Before editing sentences, read the draft as a whole. Does each paragraph add a point? Does its evidence support that point? Can the reader follow the order? We help students revise one part, then use what they learned in their next piece of writing.
Study guide · 04
Speaking: practise explaining and responding
In a discussion or presentation, explain an idea and give an example. Listen carefully to follow-up questions: you might be asked for another reason, a different interpretation or more detail.
Students rehearse short responses, and the tutor asks follow-up questions. Talking through an answer often shows where an essay needs more explanation. We use the school’s presentation brief to decide what to prepare.
Your class
Lessons and practice, every week
Class registration for the 2027 school year is open.
Trial
$30 subsidised trial rate
A dedicated trial session at a different timeslot is offered at a subsidised rate of $30. We’ll help you explore the available options.
Class format
Live online
Weekly duration
1.5 hours
Levels
Secondary 1–4
Between lessons
Subject practice on the DeepThink platform
Practice is included as part of the classes.
Registration
2027 school year
Open now. Request a trial class and we will message you to confirm the level and schedule.
Meet your tutor
Try a English class
Class registration for the 2027 school year is open. Bring recent schoolwork to help us plan a useful first lesson.
About School of the Arts, Singapore
About School of the Arts, Singapore
School of the Arts (SOTA) is a specialised independent school in Singapore, offering a six-year integrated arts and academic curriculum leading to an International Baccalaureate diploma or career-related programme.
School Overview
The School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) was established in 2008 and welcomed its first cohort in 2010. It is Singapore's only pre-tertiary specialised independent school dedicated to the arts, serving co-educational students from ages 13 to 18 across a six-year programme. As a specialised independent school under the Ministry of Education, SOTA operates on a single-session model and does not participate in the Secondary 1 posting exercise.
The school's mission centres on developing creative individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society through the arts. Its educational approach integrates academic study with sustained artistic training across six disciplines: Dance, Film, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Students choose one art form as their specialisation while gaining exposure to others through integrated modules in the earlier years.
SOTA does not have affiliations with any primary schools and is not part of the Special Assistance Plan. It occupies a purpose-built campus on the edge of Singapore's arts and heritage district at 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968.
Admission Process
SOTA admits students exclusively through the Direct School Admission for Secondary Schools (DSA-Sec) process. There is no PSLE cut-off point for entry, though applicants must pass PSLE to confirm their place. Selection is based primarily on artistic aptitude and potential rather than academic scores alone.
DSA applications are accepted across a range of arts talent areas. Performing arts categories include ballet, various dance forms (Chinese, Indian, Malay, modern, jazz, tap), choir, concert band, marching band, Chinese orchestra, and instrumental ensembles covering guitar, guzheng, harp, percussion, and strings. Visual and media arts categories cover Chinese calligraphy and painting, media arts, film, photography, and visual arts. Literary and communication categories include debating and public speaking, English drama and language arts, journalism, and theatre.
The application period typically opens between April and May through the MOE DSA portal. Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend the Talent Academy in June, where they participate in auditions, portfolio presentations, group activities, interviews, and questionnaires. Applicants who are not enrolled in local mainstream schools are required to sit for entrance tests. The school usually holds open house events during the May to June period for prospective families.
Students admitted to SOTA follow an Integrated Programme-style track leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB), bypassing the GCE O-Level examinations entirely.
Curriculum and Academic Programme
SOTA delivers a six-year integrated curriculum that combines rigorous academic study with specialised arts training, culminating in either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). There is no O-Level track at the school.
During Years 1 and 2, students take English Language and Critical Thinking, Literature in English, Mother Tongue Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences, Coordinated Science, Mathematics, their chosen Specialised Art, Integrated Arts, Media Education, Experiential Education, and Character and Citizenship Education. In Years 3 and 4, the curriculum expands to include Geography or History, individual sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), an optional Accelerated Mathematics track in Year 4, Service Learning, and an optional Arts Plus component. Years 5 and 6 follow the IB framework, with IBDP students completing Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), while IBCP students undertake a Reflective Project, Personal and Professional Skills, and Community Engagement. Subjects at the IB level are offered at Higher and Standard Level across language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and arts groups.
Academically, SOTA has maintained a 100% pass rate in the IBDP and IBCP for over ten consecutive years. The 2022 IBDP cohort of 164 students achieved an average score above 36 points, exceeding the global average. Graduates have gone on to universities, conservatories, and arts institutions worldwide, with alumni pursuing careers in film, music, visual arts, and design.
Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities
SOTA's purpose-built campus is situated on the fringe of Singapore's arts and heritage district. The facility includes black-box theatres, dance studios, film editing suites, music practice rooms, visual arts studios, science and computer laboratories, a library, and sports facilities including a gymnasium and outdoor spaces. The campus was designed to encourage interaction between the school community and the broader arts scene.
Rather than running a conventional Co-Curricular Activity programme, SOTA integrates its enrichment offerings through the IB's Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) framework, which applies to all students in the upper years.
Performing arts opportunities include participation in ensembles such as bands and orchestras, dance troupes, and theatre productions. Visual and media arts activities encompass film projects, photography, and exhibitions. Community and leadership involvement takes the form of service projects, debate, and journalism. Sports and wellness options such as yoga and team activities help students maintain a balanced lifestyle alongside their creative work.
As part of the Year 4 curriculum, students participate in local or overseas service learning trips that allow them to apply their skills in community engagement contexts.
Student Life and School Culture
SOTA fosters a school culture built around creative expression, collaboration, and mutual respect. Class sizes are kept small, typically between 20 and 25 students, with a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:15. This structure allows for more individualised attention and pastoral care.
The school supports student well-being through peer support networks, counselling services, and wellness programmes. Student development initiatives focus on 21st Century Competencies, character education, and building resilience through experiential learning. Leadership development is encouraged through student-led projects, interdisciplinary festivals, and other school-wide events.
The broader educational philosophy at SOTA aims to develop students not only as artists but also as community builders and heritage stewards who can contribute to society through both their creative practice and their civic engagement. Education and career guidance programmes help students explore pathways in the arts and related fields, with flexibility for students to adjust their academic load to pursue deeper artistic development where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions about School of the Arts, Singapore
Is School of the Arts, Singapore a good school?
SOTA is Singapore's only pre-tertiary specialised independent school for the arts, offering a six-year integrated programme that leads to the IB Diploma or IB Career-related Programme. It has maintained a 100% IB pass rate for over a decade and provides a purpose-built campus with dedicated arts facilities. Whether it is a good fit depends on whether a child has a strong interest in both the arts and academics, as the curriculum requires sustained commitment to both.
Is School of the Arts, Singapore a co-educational school?
Yes, SOTA is a co-educational school that admits both boys and girls.
Does Singapore rank secondary schools officially?
The Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings for secondary schools in Singapore, including specialised independent schools like SOTA. This policy is intended to encourage holistic development rather than competition based on a single metric.
What is the PSLE cut-off point for School of the Arts, Singapore?
SOTA does not have a PSLE cut-off point because it does not participate in the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise. All admissions are conducted through the Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec) process, which assesses students based on their arts talent and potential.
What is the mission of School of the Arts, Singapore?
SOTA's mission is to foster creative experimentation, self-expression, and artistic discovery, preparing students to navigate future challenges with deeper understanding and empathy. The school is committed to integrity and excellence in serving its students and the broader community, with responsible stewardship of resources.
How does School of the Arts, Singapore support holistic development?
SOTA integrates arts training with academic study across all six years of its programme. Student development initiatives build 21st Century Competencies, character, and resilience. The school aims to develop students as artistic learners, community builders, and heritage stewards who can bridge creative excellence with real-world needs.
What academic programmes are available at School of the Arts, Singapore?
SOTA runs a six-year integrated programme grounded in the IB educational philosophy. Years 1 to 4 reference MOE syllabuses, while Years 5 and 6 lead to the IBDP or IBCP. Core subjects include languages, mathematics, sciences, and humanities, all integrated with specialised arts training in the student's chosen discipline.
What arts disciplines are offered at School of the Arts, Singapore?
Students can specialise in Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, or Visual Arts from Year 1. Film is available as a specialisation from Year 5 onwards. In Years 1 and 2, all students also take Integrated Arts modules that provide exposure to art forms beyond their chosen specialisation.
How do I apply to School of the Arts, Singapore via DSA?
Applications are submitted through the MOE DSA portal during the April to May window. Shortlisted applicants attend the Talent Academy in June, which involves auditions, portfolio presentations, group activities, interviews, and questionnaires. Preparation guidance is available on the school's website.
What are the admission requirements for School of the Arts, Singapore?
Applicants need to demonstrate genuine passion and talent in the arts, along with the academic potential to complete the IB curriculum. Those not currently enrolled in local mainstream schools must sit for entrance tests. Selection is based on performance at the Talent Academy, including auditions and interviews.
What subjects are offered in the lower secondary years at SOTA?
In Years 1 and 2, subjects include English Language and Critical Thinking, Literature in English, Mother Tongue Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences, Coordinated Science, Mathematics, Specialised Arts, Integrated Arts, Media Education, Experiential Education, and Character and Citizenship Education. Years 3 and 4 add Geography or History, individual sciences, an optional Accelerated Mathematics track in Year 4, Service Learning, and optional Arts Plus.
What is the upper years curriculum like at SOTA?
In Years 5 and 6, students pursue either the IBDP or IBCP. IBDP students complete Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service alongside their chosen subjects at Higher and Standard Levels. IBCP students undertake a Reflective Project, Personal and Professional Skills, and Community Engagement, with a focus on arts career pathways.
What facilities does School of the Arts, Singapore have?
The campus is purpose-built and situated near Singapore's arts and heritage district. It includes black-box theatres, dance studios, film editing suites, music practice rooms, visual arts studios, science and computer laboratories, a library, and sports facilities. The design encourages interaction between the school community and the wider arts sector.
Are there scholarships or financial assistance at SOTA?
SOTA awards scholarships annually to students with outstanding achievements across artistic, academic, and personal development domains. Eligible students are shortlisted without needing to apply separately. Financial assistance is also available through tiered fee subsidies and supplementary support funded by The Ngee Ann Kongsi and the SOTA Student Assistance Fund.
What student development programmes exist at SOTA?
Programmes cover education and career guidance, experiential education, character and citizenship education, and service learning. The school also provides pathways that allow students to adjust their academic load to pursue deeper artistic development when appropriate.
Does SOTA offer overseas trips?
Yes. As part of the Year 4 curriculum, students take part in local or overseas service learning trips where they apply their skills in community settings and gain broader perspectives.
What are the post-secondary pathways for SOTA graduates?
Graduates are prepared for higher education at universities, conservatories, and arts institutions around the world. The IBDP and IBCP provide internationally recognised qualifications. Alumni have gone on to build careers in film, music, visual arts, design, and other creative fields.
What is the contact information for School of the Arts, Singapore?
SOTA is located at 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968. The school can be reached by phone at 6338 9663 or by email at [email protected].
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