Frequently Asked Questions: Enrichment Opportunities
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Do GEP pupils have to do project work?
Project work is an integral part of the GEP curriculum and is referred to as Individualised Research Study (IRS).
The aim of the IRS is to teach pupils research skills so that they can be active and independent learners. IRS helps nurture creativity as well.
At Primary 4, pupils are taught basic research skills. They are given mini-assignments where they apply the skills that they have learnt. Each pupil is required to do only one IRS per year in Primary 4 and 5, and in Secondary 2 and 3.
Alternatively pupils may choose to complete an Individualised Study Option (ISO) project which differs from IRS projects in that the ISO projects may place less emphasis on research skills and greater emphasis on problem solving, innovation, entrepreneurial skills, for instance. Each GEP pupil must complete at least one IRS project during his/her stay in the Programme.
Pupils are given about 6 months to complete their IRS projects.
They work under close supervision by a teacher on a topic of their choice.
There are no grades awarded for IRS. The pupils’ products are evaluated to reflect their attitude and the extent of their effort and involvement.
Parents can help by providing support and encouragement or by having discussions with their child about his / her project, by getting contacts for the child to conduct interviews and surveys. Parents should not do the project for the child.
Find out more about Individualised Study Options.
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What out-of-school enrichment programmes are organised for GEP pupils?
In the Primary GEP, numerous camps are organised for the pupils for all subject areas, ranging from Creative Writing to Chinese Language camps. Educational trips to relevant organisations are also organised for GEP pupils.
In the Secondary GEP, there are mentorship programmes in creative writing, the humanities and the sciences.
Pupils are chosen for these programmes on the basis of their talents and interests in the various areas. These selected pupils work with mentors from tertiary institutions such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and the Polytechnics as well as with professionals who are specialists in the various fields.
Find out about the various enrichment activities and special programmes that the GEP offers.
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How does the GEP help the pupils develop into well-adjusted individuals with a commitment to society?
Although gifted pupils are intellectually able, their social and emotional needs are essentially similar to those of other children. While it is recognised that the home and family have the main influence on an individual’s moral, social and emotional development, the GEP seeks to help its pupils become well-adjusted individuals through the following:
- Exploration of issues and responsibilities facing gifted pupils
- Experiential learning activities on personal, moral and ethical issues
- Inculcation of wholesome values and attitudes
- Service to others such as raising funds for the less fortunate and caring for the school and the environment.
- Inclusion of moral, social and ethical issues in the curriculum of the various subjects
- Infusion of National Education in the curriculum
- Counselling of pupils by in-house counsellers and by counsellors attached to the Gifted Education Branch
Pupils are provided with opportunities in class and in co-curricular activities to develop their social skills and their leadership abilities.