Each year, many parents and students eagerly await the results of the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) Screening Test. With the GEP Selection Test (Round 2) approaching in October, parents may wonder how best to support their child in preparing for this assessment.
As a tuition centre in Singapore offering GEP preparation classes, we are here to share insights into how our programme helps students aiming to succeed in the GEP selection process.
Who is suitable for GEP Preparation Classes?
Our GEP preparation classes are ideal for students who already show a strong inclination and aptitude for learning. These are usually students who already perform decently well in their studies, have a natural curiosity for learning, and are quick at making connections across what they learn.
In addition, we encourage parents to only sign their kid up if their child is interested and willing to do so. We do not recommend pressuring a child who does not show interest or potential to join a GEP preparation class. Even if they manage to do well for the selection test, they are likely to struggle later on in GEP.
What happens in GEP Preparation Classes?
Our GEP preparation programme focuses on two key areas: familiarisation with the test format and skills development to enhance critical thinking.
Familiarisation
Many students will not have encountered the types of questions that appear in the GEP Selection Test. We dedicate a significant portion of class time to working through various question types, helping students get comfortable with what they might encounter during the GEP Selection Test.
These practice sessions include English, Maths, and general reasoning questions. While there are no official past GEP test papers available, we curate similar question types from IQ and general ability tests to help students prepare.
Skills Development
The GEP Selection Test evaluates a student’s thinking abilities rather than their content knowledge. Our experienced GEP tutors guide students through the problem-solving thought process, helping them develop quicker and more reliable strategies to approach unfamiliar questions.
Key thinking skills tested in the GEP include spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and deductive reasoning. By honing these abilities, students can significantly improve their chances of performing well in the test.
Benefits of GEP Preparation Classes
We believe that students who show potential as high-ability learners benefit greatly when given access to the right resources and support. A challenging curriculum not only stimulates their intellectual development but also reduces boredom by engaging their minds in meaningful ways.
And for those who don’t get into GEP even with GEP preparation classes, not all is lost. The skills our students pick up in GEP preparation classes are applicable and useful far beyond GEP. For example, many students apply the problem-solving skills they’ve learned in our GEP classes to Math Olympiads and other competitions, continuing to stretch their capabilities.
Will Future Academy continue to offer GEP preparation classes?
For students entering Primary 1 in 2024 or later, please note that the GEP system will undergo changes from 2026, shifting to a more school-based approach. As part of the changes, the GEP admissions tests will be streamlined to just one screening test.
Future Academy will continue to offer GEP preparation classes until the GEP revamp takes place, and we will continue to offer support to GEP and high-ability students according to the demand.
Conclusion
GEP preparation classes are not suitable for everyone, but they can provide significant benefits for the right student. If you’re interested in learning more about GEP preparation or need support for students already in the GEP, feel free to contact us for more information. As a tuition centre specialising in IP Tuition and other high-ability programmes, we are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential, whether through the GEP or other academic programmes.