Singapore is renowned for its exemplary education system, consistently ranking high in international assessments.
One of the highlight features of this system is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), a specialised initiative designed to cater to the unique needs of exceptionally talented students.
The GEP offers a stimulating environment for these young minds to flourish, providing opportunities to develop their potential fully.
But is it necessary for your child?
This article will delve into the GEP, how it works, and how it can benefit your child’s educational journey.
What is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP)?
The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) was introduced in 1984 to identify and nurture intellectually gifted students, specifically those who exhibit exceptional abilities in various domains, such as:
- critical thinking
- creativity
- problem-solving
- leadership
The GEP is implemented in primary schools, targeting students in Primary 3 (typically aged 8-9) who show the potential above.
Admission Process
The GEP admission process involves two rounds of rigorous tests and assessments designed to identify students with high intellectual capabilities.
Round 1: Screening Test
All Primary 3 students from mainstream schools in Singapore are eligible to take the GEP Screening Test.
This test aims to identify students with high potential in areas like critical thinking, language proficiency and logical reasoning. The two subjects tested in this round are English and Mathematics.
Round 2: Selection Test
Students who perform well in the screening process are shortlisted for the selection test.
This test is more comprehensive and includes a wider range of cognitive skills, including abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking. The subjects tested in this round are Mathematics, English and General Ability.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
The GEP curriculum is specially designed to challenge and engage gifted students beyond the standard curriculum. It aims to foster
- critical thinking,
- independent learning, and
- a deep understanding of crucial concepts.
GEP students are placed in special classes within their primary schools, allowing them to interact with peers who share their level of intellectual curiosity.
The curriculum allows students to explore topics in greater detail and encourage them to think beyond conventional boundaries, incorporating enrichment activities, research projects, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Currently, nine primary schools are offering GEP in Singapore:
- Nanyang Primary School
- Nanyang Primary School (Junior School)
- Anglo-Chinese School (Primary)
- Raffles Girls’ Primary School
- Rosyth School
- Henry Park Primary School
- Nan Hua Primary School
- Tao Nan School
- Catholic High School (Primary Section)
What Are the Benefits of the GEP?
1. Tailored Learning
With smaller class sizes and teachers trained in gifted education, GEP primary schools offer a more personalised and advanced learning experience, catering to the unique needs of gifted students while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
The enriched curriculum prevents these students from feeling unchallenged or disinterested in regular classroom settings.
Moreover, the unique curriculum of the GEP could potentially enhance their ability to approach the questions in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) with greater insight and analytical skills.
2. Holistic Development
GEP classes not only focus on academic enrichment but also aim to help students develop personal and social skills.
Students will engage in various enrichment activities, promoting the development of leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Furthermore, while the GEP does not directly prepare students for the Integrated Programme (IP) in secondary schools, the interpersonal and academic skills nurtured in the GEP could make the transition to IP schools smoother for them.
3. Intellectual Stimulation
Gifted students thrive on intellectual challenges. The GEP provides an environment where they can explore complex subjects, engage in critical discussions, and develop a deeper understanding of their areas of interest.
Additionally, being among peers with similar intellectual abilities and interests can lead to a more engaging and stimulating learning environment, as community and collaboration can motivate students.
4. Potential for Lifelong Benefits
The program equips students with skills that are highly valued in various professional fields, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and leadership
The ability to tackle complex problems, think critically, and adapt to new information or perspectives can be particularly beneficial in a rapidly changing world, helping individuals to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Help Your Child Grasp the GEP with Joyous Learning!
In a world where every child’s unique talents deserve to be nurtured and celebrated, the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) stands as a beacon of opportunity.
For parents looking to unlock their child’s potential and offer them a pathway filled with intellectual and lifelong benefits, the GEP might be the golden key.
But how do you prepare your child for such an extraordinary journey?
Joyous Learning’s GEP preparation course is designed to light the way.
Our programme will bring out the full intellectual potential in students by exposing them to specially designed English, Mathematics and General Ability (Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) curricula for the GEP Screening & GEP Selection Tests.
This programme is taught by a team of nurturing and passionate teachers with in-depth domain knowledge and teaching experience. Our GEP specialist teachers are adept at creating a positive classroom environment that encourages students to open up, discuss ideas and absorb knowledge like a sponge.
Furthermore, we create a conducive learning environment by limiting the number of students to 9 per class to ensure that your child receives the necessary attention to develop and flourish, similar to the values of the GEP.
So, what are you waiting for?
Sign up for our free trial class today and see the magic happen yourself!