Is Your Child Gifted? What You Need To Know About GEP In Singapore

GEP may be a familiar term to those in Singapore, but do you actually know what the programme is about? Most people will know that GEP stands for the Gifted Education Programme, which are where some of the ‘brightest and smartest’ Singaporean students get streamed to as early as primary 4.

However, there are many details about the GEP that most people don’t know. For example, do you know what percentage of each cohort is in the GEP? Do you know what curriculum GEP students study? Well, if you’re a parent of a child who may be sitting for the GEP screening or selection test soon, you may want to know these details to make a better informed choice for your child.

GEP in Singapore

The history of GEP in Singapore dates back to 1984 when it was first set up. Initially, only those who scored amongst the top 0.25% in the selection tests were considered for the programme. Over the years, this percentage of eligible students has been expanded to allow the top 1% of students to join the GEP today.

This select group of students are sifted out using two rounds of tests, dubbed the Screening Test and Selection Test, which are based on verbal (English language) skills, mathematical skills, and spatial abilities.

Students who join the GEP will then be transferred to GEP schools, if their current school does not have the programme. GEP students in GEP schools will be sorted into GEP classes.

During the programme, GEP students will undergo a curriculum that is more rigorous and in-depth than the mainstream syllabus. Instead of textbooks, they make use of notes prepared by GEP teachers. Students also get the opportunity to embark on research projects, such as the Individualised Research Studies (IRS), Innovation Programme (IvP), or Future Problem-Solving (FPS).

Selection process

What most parents want to know is how the selection process for GEP goes. Basically, there are two rounds of tests, starting with the Screening Test, then followed by the Selection Test.

Round 1 Screening Test: All primary 3 students, except those who opt out, will take the GEP Screening Test, which includes an English and Math paper. The top 10% will be invited to the 2^nd round.

Round 2 Selection Test: The Selection Test comprises 2 General Ability papers. From here, the top 1% will be invited to join the GEP.

GEP schools in Singapore

Not all schools in Singapore have the GEP. Those from non-GEP schools will have to transfer to one of the GEP schools in Singapore if they want to join the programme.

Below are the primary schools in Singapore running the GEP:

• Anglo-Chinese School (Primary)
• Catholic High School (Primary)
• Henry Park Primary School
• Nan Hua Primary School
• Nanyang Primary School
• Raffles Girls’ Primary School
• Rosyth School
• Saint Hilda’s Primary School
• Tao Nan School

From 2008, GEP in secondary schools have been phased out. These GEP schools mostly became IP schools, with their own programmes for higher-ability students, which has since been named School-Based Gifted Education (SBGE).

What is the purpose of GEP?

Since its beginnings way back in 1984, the GEP has attracted its fair share of controversy. Initially, the programme was in line with a vision to provide every student with the opportunity to learn at their own pace. For these ‘intellectually gifted’ students, the GEP was a platform to let them expand their potential with more a more challenging syllabus.

However, the GEP also led to concerns about elitism and lack of integration with other peers. In response to this, MOE in 2007 stipulated that GEP students would spend half their curriculum time with non-GEP students, especially in non-core subjects like music, art, and physical education (PE).

What are the benefits of the GEP?

Despite mixed feelings about the GEP, many parents and students still see it as a great privilege and honour to be eligible for the GEP. The programme allows academically-able students to learn ahead of their peers, and explore more challenging research projects.

While the workload is more taxing, students will be able to hone their critical thinking skills and explore varied interests, while also broadening their world view. For bright students, this mental stimulation may even be necessary to keep them sufficiently interested and challenged while in school.

How can I increase my child’s chances of getting into GEP?

GEP is not easy to get into, as only the top 1% in the screening and selection tests can join the programme. However, contrary to popular belief that GEP is all about innate intelligence and talent, it is actually possible to prepare for the GEP and increase your chances of entering the programme.

Studying by familiarising your child with the type of questions asked at the screening and selection test can help them perform better at the tests. Instead of content knowledge, the questions mostly require logical reasoning, for example, recognising patterns. Thus, it is beneficial to expose your child to similar IQ tests before sitting for the screening test.

At Future Academy, we do offer GEP preparation classes for students who want to up their chances of entering the programme. In the class, we guide students on how to approach the General Ability questions typically presented in the tests.

Where can I find support for my child in GEP?

One big concern that many parents have is: How to support their child in GEP? While there are many learning centres and tuition centres for the general population, there are few that cater to GEP students.

Well, you’re in luck! Our tutors at Future Academy welcome GEP students and other high-ability learners to our classes. Apart from GEP students, we also have many IP students from secondary school and JC with us, which shows our ability to cater to academically-inclined students who would like some extra support.

We conduct regular GEP tuition classes for students in GEP, in a conducive small group setting. With tutors who are experienced with the GEP and SBGE in secondary schools, we can provide adequate support for students who are going through the gifted education pathway.

For gifted students in the IP track in secondary school, we also offer tuition subjects such as IP Math Tuition. Depending on the student’s confidence level, we also cater to accelerated learners by placing them in classes ahead of their grade.

Simply enquire with us to know more about the possible arrangements for your child!