Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme Gets a Revamp: What You Need to Know
Starting with the 2024 Primary 1 cohort, Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme (GEP) will undergo significant changes aimed at broadening opportunities for high-ability learners. The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on August 19 that the traditional model, which required students to transfer to nine specific schools, will be replaced with a new, more inclusive approach.
New Structure and Goals
Under the revised system, students identified as high-ability learners will no longer be required to move to centralised GEP schools. Instead, they will participate in high-ability programmes within their own primary schools. This change aims to integrate these programmes into the regular school environment, allowing pupils to explore their strengths in various subjects without the need for relocation.
The new approach will expand the reach of these programmes to include 10% of all primary school pupils—approximately 3,000 students each year—up from the current 7%. This shift is designed to accommodate a broader range of abilities and provide more tailored educational opportunities.
Additionally, the MOE will offer after-school modules at designated schools nearby, allowing pupils to engage in specialised subjects outside their regular school curriculum. This initiative further supports the development of high-ability students while keeping them integrated within their local communities.
Key Changes and Benefits
- Broader Access: The updated system moves away from the current GEP model, which serves the top 1% of primary school pupils. Instead of a single standardized test, the new process will use a more holistic approach. Pupils will be evaluated through a combination of teacher observations, daily work, and initial testing.
- Flexible Entry and Exit: Students can join or leave high-ability programmes at multiple points between Primary 4 and Primary 6, rather than being assessed at a single point in Primary 4. This flexibility allows students to demonstrate their abilities over time and adapt their participation based on their development and interests.
- Holistic Development: The new system focuses on holistic development, not just academic prowess. It recognizes the importance of social and emotional growth and aims to maintain students’ friendships and social bonds by keeping them within their own schools.
- Enhanced Capacity and Resources: With improved research on giftedness and greater capacity in schools, MOE is now able to implement high-ability programmes across all primary schools. Teachers have been better trained and equipped to support these learners, ensuring that they receive the necessary attention and resources.
Current GEP Schools and Transition
The nine schools that currently run the GEP are Raffles Girls’ Primary School, Rosyth School, Anglo-Chinese School, Nanyang Primary School, Tao Nan School, Henry Park Primary School, Catholic High School (Primary), St Hilda’s Primary School, and Nan Hua Primary School. These schools will continue to operate under the new system, with some teachers potentially supporting the new after-school modules or assisting other schools in their clusters.
The final selection for the current GEP will occur in 2025 for Primary 3 pupils, after which the new system will fully take effect. This transition will ensure that all students have ample opportunity to benefit from the revised approach to gifted education.
Conclusion
The overhaul of Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and flexible educational environment. By integrating high-ability programmes into primary schools and adopting a more holistic assessment approach, MOE aims to nurture students’ diverse talents and abilities. This change reflects a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who can excel academically while maintaining their social and emotional well-being.
For more information on the new GEP structure and how it will impact your child, visit the Ministry of Education’s official website or contact your child’s primary school.
Keywords: Gifted Education Programme, PSLE, MOE, Singapore education reform, high-ability learners, Primary 1 cohort, GEP updates