<![CDATA[Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP)]]>Singapore need to scrap Gifted Education Programme - NCMP


by NCMP Yee Jenn Jong


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Gifted education programme was implemented in 1984. Primary school GEP starts a child at primary 4 in one of 9 designated schools. Students are identified after nation-wide tests at primary 3.

Centralised secondary school GEP was scrapped in 2008 following low take-up, after the introduction of secondary schools’ IP.

I like MOE to consider scrapping centralised primary school GEP too. Currently, a nation-wide effort is required to identify just 1% of the cohort. With centralised GEP for secondary school scrapped, much resources are now spent on a small group of students in a programme that lasts only three years. Based on figures provided by MOE in a PQ last month, past 10 years’ performance of GEP students did not suggest that centralised GEP had generated better exam results at PSLE and at A levels.

We can continue differentiated learning to develop students with stronger learning abilities. In place of the current GEP, we can implement the following:

Encourage all schools to do their own subject-based accelerated learning.

Giftedness is often specific to subjects, as a child may be strong in one subject but average in others. Schools can have their own methods to identify students who are stronger in specific subjects and run accelerated learning for these students.

Further support can be given through the cluster system. Learning camps, workshops or talks involving special lecturers to challenge higher ability students can be organised by the cluster.

Schools can be supported by the GE Branch with learning resources distributed to them for use, or schools may prepare their own content. Selected teachers in all schools can be trained on how to guide students with stronger learning abilities.

We can spread accelerated learning across many schools. Parents not need transfer their child out to a gifted school at 9 years old. MOE wants to convince parents that every school is a good school. Separating gifted students into special schools undermines this message.

Retaining good students in their current schools provides better integration of children, so that students of all abilities can learn from one another in a natural and authentic environment. I hope MOE can consider this proposal.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/33017/opinions-on-gifted-education-programme-gepRSS for NodeFri, 24 Apr 2026 12:36:49 GMTFri, 09 Mar 2012 14:31:21 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:29:54 GMT]]>Tee Hee

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1674474https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1674474Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:29:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:09:11 GMT]]>We cannot ignore the fact that gep gives a good head start in life; whether u can use that ability in your stages of life later to secure better job is no one guess; character building is still most important.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1105622https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1105622Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:09:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:08:28 GMT]]>We cannot ignore the fact that gep gives a good head start in life; whether u can use that ability in your stages of life later to secure better job is no one guess; character building is still most important.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1105621https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1105621Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:08:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:26:57 GMT]]>

Nebbermind:
That's why I always maintained that the selected kids are privileged and not necessary more gifted. The cake is only that big so not everyone will get to eat it, just like there's only that many who can get into R 字头. Getting higher t score for psle only shows that you have done well for psle...not necessarily you are more intelligent or more suited for the ip although the possibility is higher.

Agree Perfectly!!!
It is important that we are able to recognise that it is a \"privilege\" accorded (whether rightly or by accident) and not mistake it for a right of entitlement whether GEP or PSLE T-score. Ultimately you still have to prove yourself worthy of it at every stage later, be it A Levels, University and later in Life.

The misconception of getting into R school is that once in, you're made for life. I can assure you that it is only the first step and the only way to make it count is to be in the top 20 -30% of the cohort if you are trying to go the scholarship path like sim ann or chan shun sing. But do you really want to go that path? What if the future has changed and the civil service is no longer so lucrative?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095520https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095520Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:26:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:31:31 GMT]]>Honestly, I feel the obsession for these two schools is unmatched…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095473https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095473Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:31:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:21:36 GMT]]>

Nebbermind:
That's why I always maintained that the selected kids are privileged and not necessary more gifted. The cake is only that big so not everyone will get to eat it, just like there's only that many who can get into R 字头. Getting higher t score for psle only shows that you have done well for psle...not necessarily you are more intelligent or more suited for the ip although the possibility is higher.

Don't always use R 字头 as your example lei.. How about H 字头 and N 字头 (have at least 2) ? :please:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095462https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095462Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:21:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:11:08 GMT]]>That’s why I always maintained that the selected kids are privileged and not necessary more gifted. The cake is only that big so not everyone will get to eat it, just like there’s only that many who can get into R 字头. Getting higher t score for psle only shows that you have done well for psle…not necessarily you are more intelligent or more suited for the ip although the possibility is higher.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095455https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1095455Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:11:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Thu, 12 Sep 2013 05:07:15 GMT]]>

Nebbermind:
pm123:

[quote=\"3ofthem\"]Firefly38, XYZ actually sounds good, like plotting graphs. Better than ABC, like stout haha!


How abt 123? Just like my name.. Easy to remember.
Don't worry abt sour grapes.. Noticed that those who have complained are those who who do not have kids in GEP .. I do not hv any but my nephew is in it so I can understand the advantages and challenges he faces.

not just kids not in GEP...also they are R字头 school fanatics who believe the GEPpers have undeserved right of entry into this school.[/quote] :goodpost:
I don't think we can argue along a line that discount some perspectives as sour grapes.
But I could not get used to the line of thought that says: The program is tough and good. Even if someone now struggles a little more in it. It helps him and he likes it and he improves in the program. This then => other children are not suitable; they will fail in it. That conclusion is flawed. It just goes to show that there is merit in the programme curriculum.
The only way to draw the \"flawed\" conclusion is that we have to believe the above because the others did not meet the cut off bell curve in P3 aka GEP screening.
Which as a matter of fact, from reading the posts from the \"sour grapes\", there is a significant amount of evidence which I will at this point unfortunately classify as anecdotal as there is no rigorous statistical analysis done. Only MOE has the data points to do such an analysis to prove or disprove the point whether the GEP screening is indeed good.
However having said that, I do believe that GEP kids should have some priorities in DSA given that they indeed have to spend more time on social studies project etc and have better portfolios than the mainstream kids. However, I also note that there are also mainstream kids whose preparation for PSLE only starts in July or August because the teachers have to cater to the weaker students in a class of 40 students. So 🤷

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094314https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094314Thu, 12 Sep 2013 05:07:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Thu, 12 Sep 2013 03:19:36 GMT]]>

pm123:
3ofthem:

Firefly38, XYZ actually sounds good, like plotting graphs. Better than ABC, like stout haha!


How abt 123? Just like my name.. Easy to remember.
Don't worry abt sour grapes.. Noticed that those who have complained are those who who do not have kids in GEP .. I do not hv any but my nephew is in it so I can understand the advantages and challenges he faces.

not just kids not in GEP...also they are R字头 school fanatics who believe the GEPpers have undeserved right of entry into this school.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094207https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094207Thu, 12 Sep 2013 03:19:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 22:53:27 GMT]]>

3ofthem:
Firefly38, XYZ actually sounds good, like plotting graphs. Better than ABC, like stout haha!

How abt 123? Just like my name.. Easy to remember.
Don't worry abt sour grapes.. Noticed that those who have complained are those who who do not have kids in GEP .. I do not hv any but my nephew is in it so I can understand the advantages and challenges he faces.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094096https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094096Wed, 11 Sep 2013 22:53:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:40:38 GMT]]>Firefly38, XYZ actually sounds good, like plotting graphs. Better than ABC, like stout haha!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094059https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094059Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:40:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:35:26 GMT]]>

3ofthem:
firefly38:

[quote=\"wonderm\"]3ofthem, thanks for sharing and I am happy for your child who is enjoying her learning.


Don't feel disheartened, I believe there are many silent readers out there who do not call for the stop of the GEP prog just because our own kids are not in GEP.

I don't think it makes any difference if the name of GEP is changed. Even if you change it to \"Accelerated Learning Programme\", people who are against it can say \"why only your kids get to attend accelerated learning programme, not mine?\" 😆

Agree with wonderm..

GEP.. ALP.. Whatever.. If people are sour of your 'haves', and bitter of their 'have-nots', they will still be against the program, whatever name you call it.. :sad:

Thank you wonderm and firefly. Sorry if my post was not too polite but my DD had been called names behind her back and I really don't understand why. They are just kids with a different learning style.

But u both are right about changing name. Even if changed to ABC also people not happy[/quote]Changed to XYZ, they also not happy.. :rotflmao:

No, I don't find you impolite.. You were just speaking from your heart.. :hugs:

Like you, my DS1 was from GEP (now Sec-2), while my DS2 is from mainstream (now P5).. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094057https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094057Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:35:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:30:25 GMT]]>

firefly38:
wonderm:

3ofthem, thanks for sharing and I am happy for your child who is enjoying her learning.


Don't feel disheartened, I believe there are many silent readers out there who do not call for the stop of the GEP prog just because our own kids are not in GEP.

I don't think it makes any difference if the name of GEP is changed. Even if you change it to \"Accelerated Learning Programme\", people who are against it can say \"why only your kids get to attend accelerated learning programme, not mine?\" 😆

Agree with wonderm..

GEP.. ALP.. Whatever.. If people are sour of your 'haves', and bitter of their 'have-nots', they will still be against the program, whatever name you call it.. :sad:

Thank you wonderm and firefly. Sorry if my post was not too polite but my DD had been called names behind her back and I really don't understand why. They are just kids with a different learning style.

But u both are right about changing name. Even if changed to ABC also people not happy

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094054https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094054Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:30:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:22:11 GMT]]>

firefly38:
wonderm:

3ofthem, thanks for sharing and I am happy for your child who is enjoying her learning.


Don't feel disheartened, I believe there are many silent readers out there who do not call for the stop of the GEP prog just because our own kids are not in GEP.

I don't think it makes any difference if the name of GEP is changed. Even if you change it to \"Accelerated Learning Programme\", people who are against it can say \"why only your kids get to attend accelerated learning programme, not mine?\" 😆

Agree with wonderm..

GEP.. ALP.. Whatever.. If people are sour of your 'haves', and bitter of their 'have-nots', they will still be against the program, whatever name you call it.. :sad:

Thank you wonderm and firefly. Sorry if my post was not too polite but my DD had been called names behind her back and I really don't understand why. They are just kids with a different learning style.

But u both are right about changing name. Even if changed to ABC also people not happy

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094051https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094051Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:22:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:17:52 GMT]]>

wonderm:
3ofthem, thanks for sharing and I am happy for your child who is enjoying her learning.


Don't feel disheartened, I believe there are many silent readers out there who do not call for the stop of the GEP prog just because our own kids are not in GEP.

I don't think it makes any difference if the name of GEP is changed. Even if you change it to \"Accelerated Learning Programme\", people who are against it can say \"why only your kids get to attend accelerated learning programme, not mine?\" 😆
Agree with wonderm..

GEP.. ALP.. Whatever.. If people are sour of your 'haves', and bitter of their 'have-nots', they will still be against the program, whatever name you call it.. :sad:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094045https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094045Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:17:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:46:12 GMT]]>3ofthem, thanks for sharing and I am happy for your child who is enjoying her learning.


Don't feel disheartened, I believe there are many silent readers out there who do not call for the stop of the GEP prog just because our own kids are not in GEP.

I don't think it makes any difference if the name of GEP is changed. Even if you change it to \"Accelerated Learning Programme\", people who are against it can say \"why only your kids get to attend accelerated learning programme, not mine?\" 😆

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094020https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094020Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:46:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:34:16 GMT]]>

Lock:
I am one of the silent majority who has decided to speak up after going through this thread.

.
I have been reading this thread with amusement the last 2 hours. Wow! So many views! But the best post is probably from Lock. Thanks for sharing Lock. I am in your shoes, so I can relate. The last 9 months with a GEP kid was totally not smooth sailing, homework was not too much but at a higher level, she did not even understand the meaning of projects in the beginning :slapshead:

But what's so different about her is her ability to grasp and learn fast. She is much happier in the program and truly enjoys the challenging work. I believe we should not call a stop to a program that can help kids stretch their potential. It does not matter to me which sch she will end up in, but she is clearly happy now.

What's amusing to me is if I do not have a child in GEP I will not have too much to say since I don't get to experience it. But apparently there are many people out there who do not know much about GEP but are still very against it and will voice their opinions and vent their anger at our poor kids. I really can't comprehend. Make cookies also have different cookie cutters. How can one size fit all? But I have gotten used to it anyway. Another group more cute....they were all for the prog when their kids in P3 but when the result was released and their DCs did not make it they suddenly turn hostile. Alamak! :yikes:

I have a GEP kid and a MS kid so I know not everyone is cut out for the GE program. But perhaps GE branch shd consider renaming the program into something like 'Accelerated Learning Program\" and take away the word gifted, then people won't get so sour grapes. Because honestly, they are just kids and not really that 'gifted' sometimes. And it is hurtful to tell a kid that her learning environment is all wrong and it has to be stopped even when she's very happy. Try doing that to your child.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094011https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1094011Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:34:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 05:17:23 GMT]]>

jtoh:

Of course not. Why would there be?
Then maybe moe should print it out clearly on Psle cert, for Gep pupils.
So that Con man like aristocare cannot go around bluff parents that he himself ever studied Gep before. Parents can double check his credential, original cert.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1092363https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1092363Mon, 09 Sep 2013 05:17:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 04:40:00 GMT]]>

phtthp:
curious ...


for GEP pupils, on the PSLE certificate -
did it state / print out clearly that the child had ever studied in a GEP programme, or not ?


ask because that Aristocare con guy said his mum ever told him before he studied in GEP, so if got printed on the PSLE cert, should have evidence ...
Of course not. Why would there be?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1092351https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1092351Mon, 09 Sep 2013 04:40:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 04:33:01 GMT]]>curious …


for GEP pupils, on the PSLE certificate -
did it state / print out clearly that the child had ever studied in a GEP programme, or not ?


ask because that Aristocare con guy said his mum ever told him before he studied in GEP, so if got printed on the PSLE cert, should have evidence …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1092348https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1092348Mon, 09 Sep 2013 04:33:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 02:12:43 GMT]]>

BeContented:
concern2:

[quote=\"Nebbermind\"]It's always the same few having issues with the programme...perhaps the stakes they placed were very high.


No lah, just more out-spoken, that's all. Most people have no issues with GEP since it isn't relevant to them. \"Talk so much also make no difference what\" 🤷

Like that arh. I also voice out then. 😉
I dun have much issues, it's not relevant to me,and neither do i have much to say. But i have seen how it works for a few that i know, so I support the GEP programme.[/quote]OK, lets make peace. I don't have any issues too, for me GEP should be there but I think MOE could do better to dispel some of the myths and refocus its resources in it. Maybe the high stakes are not there but are just myths. But DSA priorities is a reality on the ground. And Kiasuparents are going for that big Carrot.
Its a good intellectual discussion. But my kids are already in well past the PSLE stage.
Peace to everyone.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088512https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088512Tue, 03 Sep 2013 02:12:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 01:54:14 GMT]]>

concern2:
Nebbermind:

It's always the same few having issues with the programme...perhaps the stakes they placed were very high.


No lah, just more out-spoken, that's all. Most people have no issues with GEP since it isn't relevant to them. \"Talk so much also make no difference what\" 🤷

Like that arh. I also voice out then. 😉
I dun have much issues, it's not relevant to me,and neither do i have much to say. But i have seen how it works for a few that i know, so I support the GEP programme.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088486https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088486Tue, 03 Sep 2013 01:54:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 01:44:18 GMT]]>

Nebbermind:
It's always the same few having issues with the programme...perhaps the stakes they placed were very high.

No lah, just more out-spoken, that's all. Most people have no issues with GEP since it isn't relevant to them. \"Talk so much also make no difference what\" 🤷

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088477https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088477Tue, 03 Sep 2013 01:44:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Opinions on Gifted Education Programme (GEP) on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 01:32:00 GMT]]>It’s always the same few having issues with the programme…perhaps the stakes they placed were very high.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088456https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1088456Tue, 03 Sep 2013 01:32:00 GMT