fission\" post_id=\"2093293\" time=\"1671799305\" user_id=\"138824:

Hi all. I saw that alternate Fridays will be HBL. But I also noticed that the most of the CCAs have practices on Fridays. Was wondering from the experienced parents here, what actually happens on HBL days with CCA?

My son will go to school for his CCA around 2 plus.

phtthp\" post_id=\"2093234\" time=\"1671765839\" user_id=\"35251:

At Sec 3 level in Victoria school,

how many 2022 Sec 3 (IP and O-level) classes, are there ?

Still 5:5

Hi all!

I graduate this year as a GEP mummy so thought I will leave my thoughts on the program here.

When my older boy brought back the ‘brown envelope’ in November 2016, we were in shock as we had never expected him to be the 1-2% of kids to be selected. He was doing well in school, best class, above 90%, but never top 3 in his class. He finished the first round screening in 30min saying it was super easy so I knew he could make it to the selection round. During the selection round, he found the questions challenging and only managed to finish the tests with mere minutes to spare. His older cousins went for GEP Prep classes and didn’t make it so we had zero expectations of him since the only class attended was Berries.

The talk by GE branch was reassuring for uncertain parents like me. So, with the assurance (that children without prior GEP prep classes should find the course manageable and refreshing), we handed in the form. As his school is a GE centre, we had lesser considerations.

At P4, his eyes were opened to deeper learning in Mathematics. The way English was taught was very engaging and interesting. He was blessed with a good Chinese teacher that after his first day of P4, he said “mum, I think I may like Chinese after all “. P4 year was pretty much honeymoon year where they build close friendships and adapt to a different way of learning/teaching. P5 year was fast paced and learning curve was steep. P6 year went in a flash and most part of it was similar to mainstream as they are being prepped for PSLE.

My son met many many kids who are smarter, learn faster, speak better than him. It humbled him as he learnt alongside those he called ‘geniuses’. He found out he has ‘a little bit of Math talent’ as he won some medals/certs along the way without any additional/external coaching. My son also met classmates with special needs and learnt to respond/manage their interactions. (Yup, GE also has a share of kids who are classified with special learning needs)

My son was never at the top of his GE class, think he is probably somewhere in the middle lot. He has classmates who struggled in the GE journey. Some broke down in Math as the concepts are too advanced for their understanding. Some couldn’t cope with HCL. Nonetheless, we are very thankful for this opportunity for him to be stretched and that he managed to stay afloat.

My younger child did not make it to the selection round. I was in fact relieved (no need to go through the wait for letter) as I know where my child stands. Ironically, my younger child had been top in class and doing reasonably well. But as a parent, I see the difference in their learning. Younger one works harder, needs more explanation on concepts whereas older one can grasp concepts faster and apply effectively. Seeing what my older boy went through the past 3 years, I know GEP will not be suitable for the younger one as the learning pace is too fast.

Think my post is too long. Anyway, whether your child is selected for GEP or not, congratulations to our children for making it through another year of primary school in one of the most challenging education systems in the world!
(To the new GEP parents, tighten your seatbelts!)

Hi Ktsboy, can check out SHPS booklist at the website. Need to create account I think.


https://www.pacificbookstores.com

If my memory serves me right, it was mentioned snail mail 30 Nov.

My daughter is in k2 this year. She totally loves school. Both my kids had problems adjusting to school first few months but they had patient teachers who walked with them through.

My son graduated few years back too. He is doing very well in primary school.

Anyone wants extra sets of girls uniform? I have 3 sets to give away. Please PM.

Is there an option to drop to standard Chinese instead of HCL?

Hquek, the decision is easier as his current school offers GEP. Means no logistics to think of, no need to decide which school to go etc. really appreciate your sharing. Really helpful. Just need to be sure of his decision when we submit the form at the briefing.

Hquek, thanks so much for your sharing. My son is keen to take the offer as he heard from friends that there’s many excursions and that means no lessons in class. His motivation is wrong isnt it?


It’s reassuring to hear your son enjoying he program. Will share with my son your sharing if you don’t mind. I worry about his coping and my own inadequacy to guide him.
Like Em, I went online to look for so called questions for round2 the night before. Let him do 5 questions for prep cos I don’t want him to be demoralized seeing foreign looking questions.

Will double and triple confirm his commitment before submitting the form.

Son brought home the brown envelope yesterday. Was surprised as he said round 2 was tough and the last few questions he had to tikam due to lack of time. Told him just take it as a learning experience. Knowing that this week will be the release of GEP results, I did talk to him about handling disappointment and being happy for his friends who made it. He was happy to go through though sad his good friends didn’t. He was surprised that some of his classmates whom he considered very smart didn’t get in. I’m worried that he may tikam the last few questions correctly and won’t be able to cope in the program. He is in the ‘best’ class but not near the top end of his class. Anyone having similar concerns?