The New GEP In Singapore: What Parents Need To Know

For nearly four decades, the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s approach to nurturing high-ability learners. However, this familiar landscape is set to change with recent announcements from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who revealed plans to overhaul how high-ability students are supported in schools. At this year’s National Day Rally, PM Wong outlined a vision where every school will offer its own specialised programmes for high-ability students, effectively phasing out the traditional GEP.

You might also be interested to read about our tutor’s recent sharing on CNA about her insights on high-ability and GEP.

Understanding the Current GEP System

Introduced in 1984, the GEP identifies high-ability students through a two-round selection process in Primary 3. The top 1% of each cohort is invited to join the GEP from Primary 4, with the programme currently available at only nine primary schools across Singapore. Students in the GEP follow a specialised curriculum designed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), alongside the standard curriculum, to prepare them for the PSLE.

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What’s Changing for High-Ability Students?

The upcoming changes reflect MOE’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for students of all abilities, including expanding access to high-ability programmes across all schools. Below, we outline key aspects of the new system:

Student Identification

Schools will adopt a more holistic approach in identifying students suitable for high-ability programmes. While the initial GEP screening test for English and Math will remain, the second-round selection test will be discontinued. Teachers will also have the flexibility to recommend students based on their day-to-day classroom performance, allowing late bloomers to join high-ability programmes from Primary 4 to 6. This change aims to increase participation from 7% to about 10% of each cohort.

No More School Transfers

Under the new system, high-ability students will no longer need to transfer to one of the nine designated GEP schools. This change is intended to reduce disruptions in students’ social and academic lives, allowing them to remain in familiar environments with their peers and teachers. It also eases the administrative burden on parents, who previously had to navigate school transfers.

Diverse Programmes Across Schools

With each school developing its own high-ability programmes, the curriculum will vary, potentially allowing schools to create unique niches. However, this also means that there may be less consistency in the quality and focus of high-ability education across the country. Some students may be invited to participate in after-school programmes at nearby schools, designed to foster curiosity and a love for learning beyond the regular academic curriculum.

Timeline for the New System

The revised approach to high-ability education will take effect starting with the 2024 Primary 1 cohort. This means that the first group of students to experience the new system will be those in Primary 3 in 2026 and Primary 4 in 2027. The final cohort to undergo the current GEP selection tests will be in Primary 3 in 2025 and enter GEP in Primary 4 in 2026.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

While the new system promises greater inclusivity, it also introduces some challenges. With high-ability students competing within their own schools, those in institutions with a larger pool of academically able students may face stiffer competition. Additionally, the increased subjectivity in student selection, based on teachers’ holistic assessments, could lead to variations in access and experiences across schools. Concerns have been raised about the consistency of high-ability education without a national curriculum, as well as how effectively new programmes will nurture creative and critical thinking skills.

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Our Commitment at Future Academy

As the GEP evolves, Future Academy is dedicated to supporting high-ability students through this transition. Our GEP Preparation classes will continue for this year’s Primary 2 and Primary 3 students, and we are prepared to adapt our high-ability classes to align with the new system. With years of experience in guiding GEP students, we are uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities that these changes bring.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to the Gifted Education Programme mark a significant shift in Singapore’s educational landscape. While the future of high-ability education will look different, it also presents new opportunities for more students to realise their potential. At Future Academy, we remain committed to nurturing the talents of high-ability learners through not only GEP tuition but also Math Olympiad training and IP tuition, providing tailored support to help them thrive in this evolving environment.