GIFTED EDUCATION PROGRAMME (Progress)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Chew Heng Ching -

Mr Chew Heng Ching: To ask the Minister for Education if he is satisfied with the progress made by the gifted education programme since its introduction in 1984.

Dr Koh Lip Lin (Nee Soon South): Question No. 1, Sir.

The Senior Minister of State for Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry is satisfied with the progress made by the gifted education programme since its introduction in 1984. The programme has helped pupils to broaden their knowledge and to develop leadership qualities and thinking skills. The pupils in the programme have performed well in the Primary School Leaving Examination and the GCE 'O' and 'A' level examinations. The assessment by the Ministry indicates that the pupils have benefitted from the programme.

Mr S. Chandra Das (Cheng San GRC): Sir, may I ask the Minister whether the Ministry has any plans to continue the gifted education programme in the junior colleges?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Sir, we have considered that possibility at some stage during this programme and we have come to the conclusion that for children who are gifted in certain areas there are existing very good programmes at junior college which will cater for them. For example, there is already in place a humanities scholarship programme which will cater for those who have a flair for the humanities. There is also a science research programme every year where students who have a flair for science and R&D work can take part. So there are adequate provisions.