NAFA Foundation Programme

Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

Overview Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

Introduction

The NAFA Foundation Programme (NFP) is a bridging course that prepares students for a successful enrolment and completion of a diploma course at NAFA. In this course, a wide range of subjects will be taught, which aims to equip students with broad skillsets as well as to develop their technical, artistic and literacy skills.

The course focuses on:

Preparing students with subject knowledge in the arts
Exposing students to a practice-based learning environment, and
Developing students’ academic and study skills for tertiary-level studies

If you have missed the NFP Info Day, please do watch the recorded sessions here!

Modules

The NAFA Foundation Programme provides the fundamentals in five key areas of learning that are essential in a student’s preparation for tertiary education in the arts.

Core modules

Language and Communication
Mathematical Literacy
Understanding the Arts
Learning and Technology
Research and Enquiry

In addition, students will need to complete two of the following elective modules that are related to their selected diploma course.

Pathway Elective modules
School of Art & Design

Design Essentials
Drawing essentials

School of Arts Management, Dance & Theatre

Acting Techniques Foundation
Dance Techniques Foundation

School of Music

Music Appreciation
Faculty Studies

The course will culminate with a Studio Practice module whereby students will have the opportunity to practice what they have learnt in the form of a final project.

Studio Practice module

Arts in Practice

Course structure

Module Title	Credits	Teaching Hrs per week	Trimester Offered
Core Modules
Language and Communication 1	4	4	1
Mathematical Literacy 1	4	4	1
Understanding the Arts 1	4	4	1
Learning and Technology 1	4	4	1
Research and Enquiry	4	4	1
Language and Communication 2	4	4	2
Mathematical Literacy 2	4	4	2
Understanding the Arts 2	4	4	2
Learning and Technology 2	4	4	2
Elective Modules
Drawing Essentials	4	4	2
Design Essentials	4	4	2
Acting Techniques Foundation	4	4	2
Dance Techniques Foundation 1	4	4	2
Dance Techniques Foundation 2	4	4	2
Music Appreciation	4	4	2
Faculty Studies	4	4	2
Studio Practice Module
Arts in Practice	16	16	3

Module Synopsis

Core Modules

Language and Communication
This module aims to build the foundation of communication skillsets. In the first trimester, emphasis is placed on the development and expansion of reading, listening, and speaking skills. In the second trimester, students will learn to develop their writing and oral communication skills required in classroom settings.

Mathematical Literacy
This module helps students develop skills required to apply mathematics in everyday situations. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and appreciation of mathematics within the arts. Students are expected to apply numeracy skills to sharpen their logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Understanding the Arts
This module introduces students to the key concepts and elements in visual and performing arts. It aims to develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the similarities and differences in various arts disciplines. Students will acquire the competencies required in preparation for their chosen areas of specialisation.

Learning and Technology
This module introduces students to the academic strategies and skills to support their studies. It aims to enhance the student’s learning ability through individual, group and exploratory assignments. Topics include self and group management; learning strategies; problem solving; communication and collaboration; and information and technology.

Research and Enquiry
This module introduces students to the foundational principles of arts research through the study and identification of social issues pertaining to the arts industry and its practitioners. It aims to introduce primary concepts in research methods, interpretation and analytical skills necessary in an academic research process.

Elective Modules

Drawing Essentials
This module introduces students to the basic skills of drawing. They will be encouraged to work with a range of drawing materials and techniques.

Design Essentials
This module introduces students to the basic concepts and elements of the visual language. They will explore the use of techniques and materials to articulate concepts through visualisation.

Acting Techniques Foundation
This module offers students an opportunity to explore the range of skills required for acting. Through practice-based sessions, they will learn foundation techniques in improvisation, character analysis, voice and movement.

Dance Techniques Foundation
This module aims to develop the foundation skills required for Ballet or Contemporary Dance. Areas of emphasis include technique, aesthetics, fitness, kinaesthetic awareness, movement efficiency, and safe practices.

Music Appreciation
This module aims to help students reinforce their theoretical knowledge; foundations in aural perception; and contextual information of the Western classical music. Students will be given opportunities to demonstrate their understanding in musical interpretation and instrumental techniques in performance classes.

Faculty Studies
This module provides students with the opportunity to participate in large ensemble rehearsals and performances. It aims to develop their aural and music reading skills, and awareness in ensemble skills.

Studio Practice Module

Arts in Practice
This module aims to introduce a methodical work process that will guide students through an extended project. It provides the opportunity for students to reflect on their acquired skills/experiences and apply them in a final project.

Academic Calendar

The NFP is a 35-week course which runs from March to February of the following year, and is divided into three trimesters. More than half of the curriculum and contact time is dedicated to arts theory and studio/practical components.

AY2022/2023
Term / Trimester	Week	From (Monday)	To (Sunday)
Orientation		4 Mar 2022 (Friday)
Trimester 1	Week 1 - 15	7 March 2022	19 June 2022
Mid-Trimester Week^	Week 8	25 April 2022	1 May 2022
Assessment Week	Week 16	20 June 2022	26 June 2022
Vacation*		27 June 2022	7 August 2022

Trimester 2	Week 1 - 15	08 August 2022**	20 November 2022
Mid-Trimester Week*	Week 8	26 September 2022	2 October 2022
Assessment Week	Week 16	21 November 2022	27 November 2022
Vacation*		28 November 2022	8 January 2023

Trimester 3	Week 1 - 7	9 January 2023	26 February 2023
Assessment Week	Week 8	27 February 2023	5 March 2023

Note:
Students may be required to take part in projects, activities and events during Mid-Trimester Week and/or vacation period.

^ Programme may conduct academic-related activities such as make-up classes during the Mid-Trimester Week.

entry requirements

Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students who attained an ELMAB3 (English Language, Mathematics, Best 3 other subjects) aggregate score of 15 points or better, excluding CCA Bonus Points, will be eligible to apply for the course. Applicants who score 4 and above in English Language will be required to attend an interview.

Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) Students who have sat for GCE ‘O’ Level Exams in a few subjects

The NFP is also available to Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students who have sat for GCE ‘O’-Level subjects. These students are allowed to combine their ‘N’- and ‘O’-Level examination results to compute their eligibility. If a student takes the same subject at both ‘N’ and ‘O’ Levels, only the better grade will be computed into his or her aggregate.

The following GCE ‘O’-Level Grade conversion matrix will be adopted during the computation of aggregates.

‘O’ Level Grade	Aggregate Point for NFP
A1 - B3	1
B4 - C6	2
D7	3

Note:

O-Level grades of E8 and F9 do not count towards your ELMAB3 aggregate score. If you have taken the same subject at both the N-Level and O-Level examinations, the better grade will be used to compute your ELMAB3 aggregate score to determine eligibility.

In addition to meeting the educational qualification requirements, applicants must pass an admission test or audition, depending on their selected course of study. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer of admission to the diploma courses. Upon the successful completion of the NFP, students will be offered a place in their chosen diploma course.

Admission Test/Audition Dates for AY2023 Intake

Dates	Programme
10 January 2023	School of Art & Design
9 – 13 January 2023	Music, Dance, Theatre Programme

For Dance, Music and Theatre auditions, the audition date or further instructions will be sent to you after you have applied and verified your documents with us.

For courses under School of Art & Design

Admission Test Advisory

The duration of the admission test is 2 hours 15 minutes.

Part 1: Drawing from Observation (90 minutes) Part 2: Written Ability (45 minutes)

Materials for the Admission Test:

Any type of drawing/colouring materials, e.g. 2B pencils, colour pencils, water colour, poster colour, markers, etc.
Blue/black pens, pencils and eraser
Set Square
Drawing Board (Optional)

For Diploma in Arts Management

Personal Statement and Testimonial
You are required to submit a 500-word personal statement and a testimonial through https://pss.nafa.edu.sg/

Personal Statement
Your personal statement should articulate your interest for the arts and future career goals. Through your personal statement, you will be evaluated based on your:

Past experiences in artistic practice, arts management and/or attending arts events
Aspiration to work in the arts and cultural industries
Written communication skills

Testimonial
The testimonial should be written by an official (e.g. teacher, principal, advisor, etc.) of an educational institution you have attended. Through the testimonial, you will be evaluated based on your:

Personality traits
Participation in co-curricular activities
Leadership ability or potential
(Allowed document file type: .pdf. Maximum document file size: 10 MB)

For Diploma in Dance

Audition
You are required to attend an audition. The audition consists of two sections - Practical Assessment and Interview.

You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register, warm up and change into appropriate attire for dancing. You must bring your own attire.
The audition may take up to 3 hours

Practical Assessment
You are expected to prepare and perform two contrasting solos of any dance genre/style (e.g. Ballet and Cultural Dance; Chinese classical dance and Chinese folk dance). Each dance should not exceed 90 seconds. The solo dance can be choreographed by yourself or by someone else (e.g. your dance teacher). You are required to bring your own music which can played from a CD or from your own media device (e.g. phone, tablet, MP3 player with a 3.5mm audio output jack. A costume (e.g. tutu for female ballet classical solo) may be worn. Through your performance, assessors will evaluate your:

Technique - coordination, control and alignment
Artistry - spatial awareness, musicality, dynamic range and performance quality
Fitness - strength, control, flexibility, coordination, speed, stamina and stretch

Interview
You are expected to discuss why you want to study dance during the interview. You will be evaluated based on your:

Existing knowledge of and experience in dance performance
Dance-related interests and career aspirations
Dance proclivity and learning attitude

Applicants who are unable to attend a live audition may request for an online audition. For the Practical Assessment, applicants can choose to perform the two solos through the Internet or submit a current pre-recorded performance. Both options will be followed by an online interview.

For Diploma in Theatre

You are required to attend an audition. The audition consists of three sections — Workshop, Audition Monologue and Interview.

You will be given three audition monologues at least one week prior to the audition and you will need to choose one. You are expected to memorise or be very prepared with your chosen piece
You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register
The audition may take up to three hours
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement

Workshop
You are expected to participate enthusiastically in the improvisation exercises and theatre games during the workshop. Through your participation in the workshop, you will be evaluated based on your:

Openness to improvisation and willingness to work with others
Vocal response in an improvisation – projection, range, tone and clarity
Physical response in an improvisation – expressiveness, spontaneity and range

Audition Monologue
During the audition, you will be asked to perform one of the three pieces of dramatic texts. You are expected to arrive with your chosen monologue memorised. Through your performance of the monologue, assessors will evaluate your:

Ability to perform a dramatic text – comprehension, characterisation and creativity
Physical skills – presence on stage, spatial awareness, physical range, movement vocabulary and physical portrayal of character
Vocal skills – projection, clarity, range and tone

Interview
You are expected to discuss why you want to study theatre during the interview. You will be reviewed based on your:

Existing knowledge of and experience in theatre and/or performance
Personality traits
Innovation and creativity

For Diploma in Music

Audition
You are required to attend an entrance audition of approximately 15 minutes on your intended principal study. Non-pianists are advised to bring along their own accompanist for the audition. If necessary, please contact the Student Admissions Office for a list of accompanists. The accompanist fee is S$100, for a 45-minute rehearsal and the audition. Applicants are required to make arrangements with the accompanists directly for practice sessions and payment.

The audition consists of the following:

Performance of two contrasting works of your choice. Pieces selected from popular music repertoire would not be considered for the
purposes of this audition.
Sight-reading
Aural awareness
Music theory*
Short interview with the audition panel about your musical experiences, interests and your ambitions for future studies and career

*The music theory paper (approximately 60 minutes) will test applicants in various areas at a level similar to ABRSM Grade V.

Applicants who present documentary evidence of ABRSM Grade V Music Theory or its equivalent will be exempted from the test. Further information about the requirements of ABRSM Grade V Theory can be found at www.abrsm.org

Composition Portfolio Interview
Composers should submit a portfolio of at least two, but not more than five, contrasting examples of your compositions. Do submit your portfolio one week in advance of your scheduled audition. You may submit your work as written scores, recordings or a combination of the two.

Please ensure that your written music is clear and legible, and that you include full details, where necessary, of instrumentation, scoring, and performance details. Do not send Sibelius files unless they are accompanied by PDF files of the same material. Recordings should either be on a CD or DVD, or in a file format that can be read in VLC or Windows Media Player.

Individual works should be clearly indexed on both the CD and accompanying documentation. All recordings should be clearly labelled with your name and the title of the piece on both the CD and its cover. Portfolios will be returned to you immediately at the end of the audition or mailed back to you after the audition period upon request.

Online Audition
Though live auditions are preferred, applicants who are unable to attend a live audition may submit a video recording for their audition. If they pass the video screening round, an interview via Zoom or MS Teams with applicants will be arranged by the Student Admissions Office. Applicants will be tested on their sight-reading and aural awareness during the interview.

Guidelines for Video Recording:

The recording should be a clear and accurate representation of your playing. Do not edit the audio/video of your recording
The camera should be stationary for the performance of each work
The video should show the performer in full body if possible