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Frequently Asked Questions: Post Primary GEP Provisions

  1. Is there a Secondary GEP?

    Since most of our pupils are enrolled in the Integrated Programmes (IP) from Secondary 1, the centrally run Secondary GEP will be phased out by end of 2008.

    Primary 6 GEP pupils who opt for a 4-year O-Level programme can enrol in schools with school-based special programmes at Secondary 1. In 2008, these schools are Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Catholic High School (Secondary), Methodist Girls’ School and St Joseph’s Institution. Singapore Chinese Girls’ School will also offer a school-based special programme starting 2009.

    Gifted Education Branch will continue to provide consultancy services to the IP schools and advise them on curriculum design and programmes for gifted learners. The Branch also plays a crucial role in teacher training.

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  2. How do GEP pupils select Secondary Schools after the release of PSLE results?

    • For those who have been offered places through DSA:

      There is no need to take any action when the PSLE results are realeased if they have already secured places in schools with an Integrated Programme through the DSA.

    • For those who opt for the 4-year O-Level programme in secondary schools:

      These pupils will have to apply to the schools in the same manner as pupils from the mainstream, that is, by indicating their choices in the application forms given with the release of the PSLE results.

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  3. What are the provisions available to GEP pupils after Primary 6?

    They can choose from these programmes:

    1. School-Based Gifted Education (SBGE) Programmes

      School-based gifted education (SBGE) programmes are offered in 7 IP schools. The SBGE programmes are designed and implemented by the schools with specialist advice from the Ministry of Education. The schools that offer SBGE are:

      • Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) [ACS(I)]
      • Dunman High School [DHS]
      • Hwa Chong Institution [HCI],
      • Nanyang Girls’ High School [NYGH]
      • NUS High School of Mathematics and Science [NUSHS]
      • Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) [RGS(S)]
      • Raffles Institution [RI]

      These programmes start at Secondary 1 and culminate either in the A-Level Examination for DHS, HCI, NYGH, RGS(S) and RI, or the International Baccalaureate for ACS(I) or the NUS High School Diploma for NUSHS.

      Pupils in HCI and NYGH will study in their respective campuses in the first 4 years of the programme and continue at HCI (College Section) in the final 2 years. Pupils in RGS(S) and RI will also study in their respective campuses in the first 4 years of the programme and continue at RJC in the final 2 years.

      Pupils in ACS(I), DHS and NUSHS will complete the 6-year programmes in their respective campuses.

    2. Integrated Programmes

      For more information, please visit the Integrated Programmes website.

    3. Special Programmes

      The Gifted Education Branch organises Special Programmes with the intention of identifying and reaching out to motivated and high-ability pupils in a specific domain. The various programmes offer pupils the opportunities to deepen their interest in the field and to learn from practising professionals and academics. There is usually a mentorship component to the Special Programmes. Gifted Education Branch works closely with organisational partners in tertiary education, the industry or the community to provide mentors.

      View the list of Special Programmes for more details.

    4. Other Programmes in Secondary Schools

      Besides the above programmes, there are also other programmes available in the secondary levels. These programmes are:

      • Bicultural Studies Programme (Chinese) (BSP/C) & Special Assistance Plan (SAP) Scholarship
      • Elective Programme in Malay Language (EMAs)
      • Malay (Special Programme) [M(SP)]/Chinese (Special Programme) [C(SP)]
      • Art Elective Programme (AEP)
      • Music Elective Programme (MEP)
      • See the list of other programmes in Secondary Schools for brief descriptions of the respective programmes
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  4. Will GEP pupils be given priority for admission into IP schools?

    No, entry into IP schools is based on merit and the criteria specified by the schools.

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  5. How do IP schools’ School-based Gifted Education (SBGE) cater to the learning needs of GEP pupils?

    The core curriculum is rigorous and differentiated for advanced learners. Schools also offer additional subjects such as Philosophy, Research Education, Infocomm Studies, Integrated Humanities and other electives to enrich the learning of the pupils. Most of the programmes include enrichment and extensions of learning beyond the set syllabus. Schools offering SBGE also receive training and consultancy services from the Gifted Education Branch.

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  6. In the SBGE, will my child be in a class with other GEP pupils? What is the average class size?

    In the IP’s SBGE classes, GEP pupils are usually grouped together in a class of about 25 to 30 pupils. Usually, the classes will include a small number of IP pupils and scholars, who were not from the primary GEP. These pupils would have been assessed to be able to benefit from the differentiated teaching and learning, and add to the diversity of the class.

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  7. Do GEP pupils receive any scholarships or subsidies for Secondary education?

    GEP pupils are eligible for the scholarship / subsidy as long as they meet the standard eligibility requirements or the criteria for retaining the GEP status. Application is not needed. They would be informed of their award in the aggregated letter (issued by School Planning and Placement Division, (SPPD) when they receive their PSLE results.

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  8. What are the provisions available to gifted and highly able students at the pre-university levels?

    There are several programmes that cater for able students with special interests and aptitudes when they are at the pre-university levels. Four programmes are jointly organised by Gifted Education Branch and National University of Singapore:

    1. Creative Arts Programme (CAP)

      First-year JC students who have a flair for creative writing are offered an opportunity to work under the guidance of established writers and to share their works with other young writers. The CAP, which caters for 30-40 students per year, is jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch and the Centre for the Arts, National University of Singapore (NUS).

    2. NUS-MOE Humanities and Social Sciences Research (MOE-NUS HSSR)

      The NUS-MOE HSSR, which caters for 20-30 participants each year, is jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS. It is an H3 option for first-year Junior College (JC) students who demonstrate outstanding aptitude and ability in one of the following subjects: Chinese Language and Literature, Economics, Geography, History, Literature in English, and Malay Language and Literature. Students will carry out the research under the guidance of professionals.

    3. Science Research Programme (SRP)

      The SRP caters for about 100 students per year. This programme is jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch and the Faculty of Science of NUS. First-year JC Science students who join the SRP have the opportunity to work on research projects under the guidance of NUS scientists and engineers. Interested students may offer their SRP projects for H3 assessment.

    4. Science Focus (SF)

      This 4-day programme seeks to widen the students’ perspective by providing them with fresh insights into the theories and practices of Science. It features a number of electives in the biological, physical and engineering sciences. Each elective comprises lectures, tutorials and hands-on laboratory sessions. Gifted Education Branch and the Faculty of Science, NUS, are the organisers of this programme.

    Besides the above programmes, there are also other programmes available in various Junior Colleges.

    In addition, Ministry of Education also offers various scholarships to outstanding students at the pre-university levels. These include the following:

    1. Art Elective Scholarships
    2. Humanities Scholarships
    3. Language Elective Scholarships
      • Chinese
      • Malay
      • French
      • German
      • Japanese
    4. MOE Pre-University Scholarships
    5. Music Elective Scholarships

    Visit the MOE Pre-University Scholarships webpage for more details.

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