Support for Gifted Children Attending Classes at Local Universities Ahead of Age Cohort

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Lee Hong Chuang, Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education whether the Ministry of Education has any existing schemes or plans to support exceptionally gifted children who may attend classes at local autonomous universities in terms of academic progression, social emotional development and access to appropriate educational resources.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Choo Pei Ling, Chua Chu Kang GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) what support and programmes are available for children who are higher-ability learners to learn specific subjects in institutions beyond their age groups; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider subject-based learning across schools and institutes of higher learning, to enable gifted children to learn at their own pace.

Combined Response

1. For students in our mainstream schools who have been identified as exceptionally gifted in specific subjects, MOE works with schools to develop a personalised education plan with appropriate provisions and resources tailored to their abilities and needs.

2. If assessed to be ready both academically and socio-emotionally, exceptionally gifted students may attend classes or after-school programmes at higher grade levels to help them develop their talent in the specific area. In some cases, they receive guidance from expert mentors who provide advanced learning opportunities, such as specialised research in our autonomous universities (AUs).

3. For exceptionally gifted students who apply for admission to AUs at a younger age, their applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, whether they are academically and social-emotionally ready to go to university.