Review of Gifted Education Programme on Its Relevance

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) extends into Secondary school; and (b) whether there will be a review of the GEP to consider if it is still relevant and useful in schools today.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) is a three-year programme that is offered at the Primary level, for identified Primary 4 to Primary 6 students. At the Secondary level, MOE continues to stretch our high ability students through diverse programmes that cater to different interests and needs. These include the School-based Gifted Education Programme, which replaced the GEP, as well as centrally-organised programmes such as the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme and the Science Research Programme.

The GEP, like other MOE programmes, is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that we continue to meet the developmental needs of our students and prepare them well for the future. For example, as part of a recent review, MOE introduced mixed form classes to all primary GEP centres so that GEP students have common educational experiences with other peers in the school.