Outdoor Adventure
Apply for DSA-Outdoor Adventure at Greendale Secondary School and develop skills in kayaking, rock climbing, and orienteering through hands-on learning.
Introduction
In Greendale Secondary School, Outdoor Adventure Education is an integrated approach to learning and development in which abstract character attributes and specific Outdoor Education (OE) related skillsets are nurtured through concrete experiences. ‘Learning by Doing’ is the hallmark of outdoor & adventure education.
Outdoor Education, both at school and on residential courses, enable students to enjoy challenging and unfamiliar experiences that test and develop their physical, social and personal skills.
Adventure Education, in offering students new and exciting challenges, helps them learn about assessing and managing risk. In the process and conduct of the activities, students’ personal qualities and leadership skills are strengthened.
Selection
DSA selection is a rigorous process.
Candidates who would like to apply for DSA-Outdoor Education should ideally possess the following:
Good conduct and character (at least a VERY GOOD for conduct grade)
Outdoor experience (e.g. participation in school-based outdoor activities such as Primary 5 Outdoor Camp, cycling, non-school based rock-climbing / canoeing enrichment activities)
Positive attitude towards adventure
Personal confidence and self-esteem through taking on real-life challenges
Keen on acquiring and developing a range of skills in outdoor activities, expeditions and exploration.
Passion for conservation and sustainable development
Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Note that meeting all the criteria does not guarantee that a student will be shortlisted / given an offer.
Parents will receive notification from Greendale Secondary School by 31 July 2026 if students have been shortlisted to undergo Direct School Admission (DSA) interview.
Shortlisted candidates will attend an interview session and take part in a scenario-based activity as part of the selection process.
All interviewed applicants will receive their interview outcomes between 17 August 2026 to 28 August 2026.
Highlights
General
Students accepted under DSA-Outdoor Adventure will be developed through a comprehensive and rigorous talent development programme that involves national certification programmes and Inter-School competitions so that they will have the ability and confidence to perform outdoor education advocacy roles at various platforms in Greendale Secondary School. These students will be closely guided and mentored so that they will be able to achieve a well-rounded education here at Greendale Secondary School:
Selected for National Certification programmes: SCF 1 star kayaking (with the option to pursue 2 star kayaking), SMF Rock climbing level 1 (with the option to pursue level 2 Rock Climbing)
Selected to participate in our Annual Sea Expedition.
Opportunity to represent school in GARanG competition, National Orienteering Race and other Rock Climbing competitions
Involvement in the planning and implementation of GARanG competition and Sea Expedition
Possible work attachment to organisations that promotes Environment Awareness.
Outdoor Adventure Club or Canoeing CCA Membership
All DSA-OA selected applicants are channelled into the School’s ODAC or Canoeing CCA. Members in ODAC will undergo a 4-year training and development programme that hone students in 19 Outdoor Education skills areas while members in Canoeing will be trained to represent Greendale Secondary in National School Games Canoeing.
SCF 1 Star Kayaking Certification (with the option to pursue 2 Star Kayaking)
Students accepted under DSA-Outdoor Adventure will have the opportunity to participate in the 12-hour certification programme, which is officially certified under the Singapore Canoeing Federation (SCF), which aims to introduce beginners to the activity and provide students with water confidence to partake in a safe and enjoyable way. Interested students can opt to develop the range of basic strokes and maneuvers by undergoing the 2-Star Kayaking Certification and participate in a sea expedition of at least 6 km.
SNCS Sport Climbing Level 1 (with the option to pursue Level 2)
Singapore National Climbing Standards (SNCS) Sports Climbing Level 1 is the beginner’s introduction to climbing. This is a one full day top rope certification course (7 hours). This course is designed for people with little or no prior knowledge of Sport climbing and wish to pick up the sport for leisure or more serious climbing. Interested students can opt to upgrade to SNCS Sport Climbing Level 2 (14 hours) certification course to learn how to lead climb and lead belay. This course builds on the top-rope skills acquired from SNCS Sport Climbing Level 1 and teaches a progression into lead climbing on sport climbing walls.
Project GARanG Representation
DSA-OA candidates will also have the opportunity to assist in the conduct (Secondary 1 and 2) and planning (Secondary 3) or participation in the actual Event, a school based adventure race against competitors from other schools.
Project GARanG is a platform where Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) skills can be showcased in a competitive manner. Adventure Race, is open to all Secondary Schools island wide. It is a foot race which competitors need to combine adventure skills such as navigation, cycling and camp craft.
National Orienteering Race (Schools) Representation
DSA-OA candidates will also have the opportunity to participate in NORS against competitors from other schools. The competition will test the participants’ skills such as map reading, pacing and usage of compass bearings. To keep the competition exciting, the venue of the competition changes from place to place every year.
How to Apply
For more information on how to apply for DSA, click here
Other DSA areas @Greendale Secondary School
Click on each DSA area below to find out more.
