We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our Principal Tutor, Ms Chen, was recently invited by Channel News Asia to provide her expert insights on high-ability classes in enrichment centres! In an interview at our tuition centre in Bugis, Ms Chen provided valuable comments on the trends for high-ability learning and our centre’s philosophy towards enrichment classes for young children.
We are honoured to be able to represent some of the views of enrichment centres in Singapore, and highlight our centre’s dedication to nurturing high-ability students through tailored programmes while emphasising a balanced approach to education. A big thank-you to CNA for reaching out and featuring our tutor’s insights in both a TV news broadcast and a follow-up CNA article!
Our High-Ability Classes
As part of our Primary school tuition programmes, we offer specialised classes designed for high-ability learners, including GEP preparation for Primary 2 and Primary 3 students. We start our GEP prep classes at Primary 2, as we believe it’s crucial for students to first adapt to primary school life rather than be overly fixated on academics from an early age. For P4 to P6 students who are already in the GEP, we provide ongoing support to help them excel within the programme.
Our high-ability offerings extend beyond GEP prep; we also run DSA (Direct School Admission) preparation and Math Olympiad classes. We offer these as a form of support and enrichment to students who have set their eyes on specific goals, or those who want to pursue a curriculum beyond the mainstream programme in school. Most students come to us with pre-existing interest and strong abilities, and our trained coaches help them gain exposure and explore their abilities.
Trends in Demand for High-Ability Classes
Since 2021, we have observed an increase of about 10% to 15% in enquiries for our GEP preparation classes. We sometimes even receive requests for students as young as in kindergarten or Primary 1. This surge appears to be driven by changes in the PSLE scoring system, which have left some parents feeling anxious about their children’s prospects of entering a ‘good’ secondary school. As a result, many parents are exploring alternative routes, such as GEP or DSA, to enhance their child’s chances of admission to reputable schools.
While we understand these concerns, we strongly urge parents to carefully consider whether the GEP is truly suitable for their child. The GEP curriculum is highly demanding and may not be appropriate for every student. Children who do not have a natural inclination towards the programme’s rigorous academic challenges may struggle to keep up. Parents must also understand that the GEP curriculum takes up time from the actual PSLE preparation, so students who are already finding it tough to prepare for PSLE will struggle even more in the GEP.
The Future of High-Ability Classes
In the face of recent announcements about the GEP overhaul, we are looking to make adjustments to our GEP and high-ability programmes at Future Academy. For current P2 and P3 students, we will continue to offer GEP preparation classes for those who display interest and potential in benefitting from these more-demanding classes.
We will also be watching out for more updates from MOE about the future high-ability programmes in primary schools to refresh our programmes accordingly for future batches of primary school students. Even as the programme changes in primary schools, our mission remains: to provide top-quality academic support for high-ability students to thrive!
Conclusion
At our tuition centre in Singapore, we take pride in supporting high-ability students through carefully designed classes that cater to their unique needs. As trends shift and new challenges arise, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional education that empowers students to reach their fullest potential. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conversation about high-ability education, and we look forward to helping more students excel in their academic journeys.
For parents considering high-ability classes for their children, we encourage you to focus on your child’s individual interests and capabilities. To assess whether your child is suitable, we welcome you to contact us for a chat. With the right guidance and support, students can not only achieve academic success but also develop a lasting passion for learning!