GEP 2012 - Screening & Selection

[Mum101]

Fairyprincess:

Thank you parents for your inputs- I understand where you are coming from...


Since GEP is about exposure and broadening perspectives, then if my gal can get the exposure through intermingling class in NYPS- then there is no need to be in GEP, that is my opinion...

As GEP seems very time consuming, to the extent of limited time to prepare for PSLE, and since PSLE is the key deciding factor to enter sec 1, then I feel I have to pace my gal to strive towards achievable goals, rather than over-stretch her...

Yes, it is ultimately her decision, and we have to support and be there for her throughout the journey...I fully agree too...

Do keep your views coming, I do appreciate it...

I have a son in GEP (he is in GEP P6 now) and a daughter in P4 META (intermingling class with the GEP for Chinese and other class activities).

For my son, I know GEP is the right track for him to keep him motivated in learning.

As for my daughter, she got thru GEP Round 1 and she was really disappointed when she was not selected after Round 2 because she wants to be in GEP like her brother. We have to give her assurance that she is as capable as her brother and not getting into GEP does not mean she is not smart.

When she was given a place in META (NYPS identifies 30 children who are btw top 1.5% to 5% in the selection test to be in META class), we feel that it is a blessing in disguise. She is hardworking and always good in her work (above 95% in her P1 to P3 mainstream exams) but she may not be suitable for GEP because she is not the multi-tasking type of pupil where GEP is required, especially in P5 where there are many project works and deadlines one after another besides tests and assignments. Now, she has a chance to work and learn with the GEP pupils as well as focusing on mainstream work required for PSLE.

In GEP, my son did not get to do any PSLE revision or work until P6 SA1 in May, term 1 and term 2 have been madness to complete GEP curriculum. I guess if your child is doing well in GEP, taking PSLE should not be a problem. The only thing is making sure the child is exam savvy and knowing the PSLE answering techniques because GEP children (esp. boys I think) love to challenge questions. E.g. my son will challenge the question and/or model answer is wrong or vague, wasting time trying to debate and write his theory...

Then, we have some theory that those GEP kids will be at an advantage when they enter Secondary 1 because they are exposed to Secondary type of learning. This is true only for term 1 and 2. The GEP kids will be able to adapt in term 1 and 2 when they enter Secondary 1. For the mainstream pupils, they will need term 1 and 2 to adjust but after that, it should level up....at least this is what I am hearing from my neighbours. Her son entered RI via PSLE and was a mainstream pupil, it was abit tough in term 1 and 2 for him as he needed to adjust, after that, he is doing fine now.

Hence, whether GEP or not, the child must work hard and be focus.

[polkadot]

Received some wind: General office of some schools just received the envelopes!

[Fairyprincess]

Thank you all parents for your useful posts…I do see where you are coming from…one option could be I let my gal try GEP, with her full understanding that she has to work hard and smart to keep up, and see how it goes…


Mum101- it is so great to hear from someone with kids from the same school…I tend to think my gal is more like your P4 gal, rather than like your P6 boy- although my gal somehow made it through 2 rounds of GEP tests on her own and she is strong in Sci/ Maths type, I still think she is the hardworking type, not necessary the brillant brain type…that is why I am so hesitant for her to join GEP…

Do continue to give your 2 cents worth- it is great to her various views…

[ng4145]

Received call from teacher, said that son was selected for GEP. What to do next, any advise? Thks

[Trapwithin]

Sun_2010:

fairy princess,

I generally do not believe in giving specific advice, as you are the best person to understand your situation and your DD's'.
But reading your input , I make an exception and say - GO FOR IT.
Why?
Besides the fact she got thru the selection tests the most important factor is Your daughter is super keen .
Your mum as one who interacts with her school work regularly also believes she has it in her ( second opinion)

Fairyprincess:

But my gal is already in NYPS- is there a need to further stretch her in GEP???

Yes , most definitely.

Please dont deprive her of an opportunity she has rightfully earned and she desires to persue.

I perfectly understand the protectiveness. Its a very maternal thing. But protectiveness can be stifling at times. And honestly, the best thing you can do for her is not protect her but support her. If you feel your DD is always looking at the rosy side, or you worry she cannot cope, lay out to her how there are chances that it may not work out , but please, please dont paint a bleak picture. And if that happens what will be options out.

Oh, please please go for it.

:goodpost:

[kgaihc]

my ds son said his classmate got a brown envelope… ds didnt get anything…

[JJ1111]

kgaihc:

my ds son said his classmate got a brown envelope.. ds didnt get anything..

My son said his class only 1 get in. Total cohort 4 get in. He is not the one.

[kgaihc]

JJ1111:

kgaihc:

my ds son said his classmate got a brown envelope.. ds didnt get anything..

My son said his class only 1 get in. Total cohort 4 get in. He is not the one.

will there be a thanks for participating slip for my ds?
i thot is a yellow envelope?

[polkadot]

kgaihc:

JJ1111:

[quote=\"kgaihc\"]my ds son said his classmate got a brown envelope.. ds didnt get anything..

My son said his class only 1 get in. Total cohort 4 get in. He is not the one.

will there be a thanks for participating slip for my ds?
i thot is a yellow envelope?[/quote]Yellow envelopes are for those who are offered.

[Fairyprincess]

The yellow envelope is the typical "manila envelope" with MOE stated on the top…my gal’s teacher even told the GEP-selected kids- if any of them makes any of their classmates cry cos their classmate did not get into GEP- the teacher will take away the envelope from them…actually- it is very bad of the teacher to make such a statement- at the same time, one of my gal’s classmate told my gal "she will cry in the schoolbus on the way home cos she did not get into GEP"- so was it the girl or her parents who expected her to make it to GEP???..this is such an unhealthy psycological env for the kids…shame on those parents who push their child towards GEP, and also shame on the teachers who make a big deal out of GEP (or maybe the teachers have seen students boasting about getting in to GEP, so she wanted to caution everyone)… so this is the env our kids go through…