Singapore’s Gifted Education Program (GEP) has been nurturing exceptional young minds since 1984. Designed for students with top academic potential, the GEP offers a challenging and enriching curriculum that goes beyond the mainstream. But with its competitive selection process, many parents wonder: is the GEP right for my child?
Here’s a quick guide to the GEP for Singaporean parents.
What is Giftedness?
Studies show that gifted learners demonstrate exceptional natural abilities in a specific area, such as:
- Exceptional intellectual abilities: Gifted children demonstrate intellectual abilities significantly above average.
- Natural curiosity: They have a strong thirst for knowledge and a natural inquisitiveness;
- Creative problem-solvers: They approach challenges from unique angles and find creative solutions;
- Task commitment: They are often self-motivated and persistent when tackling challenging tasks.
Giftedness isn’t a psychological diagnosis, but a descriptive term for students with exceptional intellectual abilities. Educational systems use this term to address and support these students’ strengths and help them reach their full potential.
What is the Gifted Education Program (GEP)?
The Gifted Education Program (GEP) in Singapore is designed for intellectually gifted students. Identification by the Ministry of Education involves a two-stage exercise in Primary 3. Selected students are invited to join the GEP, which starts in Primary 4 and continues through Primary 6.
The hallmark of GEP is its enriched curriculum, covering the same content areas as the mainstream curriculum but with greater breadth and depth. While GEP students have their own program, they also have ample opportunities to participate in regular school activities, co-curricular activities (CCAs), and Values-in-Action (VIA) programs, to stay connected with their classmates.
What primary schools are offering Gifted Education Program?
Currently, only 9 selected primary schools in Singapore are offering the Gifted Education Program (GEP) curriculum.
| School name | Gender | Area/Town | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) | Boys School | Novena | 50 Barker Road, S309918 |
| Catholic High School (Primary) | Boys School | Bishan | 9 Bishan Street 22, S579767 |
| Henry Park Primary School | Co-Ed School | Bukit Timah | 1 Holland Grove Road, S278790 |
| Nan Hua Primary School | Co-Ed School | Clementi | 30 Jalan Lempeng, S128806 |
| Nanyang Primary School | Co-Ed School | Bukit Timah | 52 King’s Road, S268097 |
| Raffles Girls’ Primary School | Girls School | Bukit Timah | 21 Hillcrest Road, S289072 |
| Rosyth School | Co-Ed School | Serangoon | 21 Serangoon North Avenue 4, S555855 |
| St. Hilda’s Primary School | Co-Ed School | Tampines | 2 Tampines Ave 3, S529706 |
| Tao Nan School | Co-Ed School | Marine Parade | 49 Marine Crescent, S449761 |
How Are Students Identified for the Gifted Education Program?
The identification process for the MOE Gifted Education Program (GEP) begins in Primary 3 for students enrolled in a MOE primary school. The GEP identification exercise is highly competitive, with only about 10% passing the first round and just 1% ultimately selected for the GEP program.
The GEP identification involves a two-stage exercise focusing on skills in Mathematics, English, and problem-solving through the General Ability papers.
Stage 1: GEP Screening Round
- Who: All MOE Primary 3 Students
- When: August 15, 2024
- What: English Language (1 h 15 min) & Mathematics (1 h 15 min)
- Result Release: Early October 2024
Stage 2: GEP Selection Exercise
- Who: Shortlisted Students from Stage 1
- When: October 15 & 16, 2024
- What: English (1 h 30 min), English General Ability (1 h 20 min), Mathematics (1 h 50 min), & Mathematics General Ability (55 min)
- Result Release: Early November 2024
Successful students will receive email notification of their school posting by end November, and secure a place in the MOE Gifted Education Program (GEP) starting from Primary 4.
What are the 5 Common Question Types for the Gifted Education (GEP) Math Paper?
The Gifted Education Program (GEP) Screening Math Paper assesses your child’s problem-solving abilities and mathematical understanding across various areas. Here’re five of the commonly tested question types, solution, and the mathematical thinking skills involved.
1. Geometry
| Li Mei cuts a rectangular piece of paper into 6 identical squares. If the perimeter of each square is 12 cm, what is the perimeter of the original rectangular paper? |
Mathematical Thinking: This question tests spatial reasoning and the ability to visualize how a whole shape (rectangle) can be made up of smaller parts (squares).
Solution:
1. Since all squares are identical, the perimeter of each square is the same: 12 cm.
2. The perimeter is the total length of all sides added together.
3. Imagine each square as a side of the rectangle. Since there are 6 squares, the total length will be 6 times the side length of a single square: 6 × 12 = 72 cm.
Answer: The perimeter of the original rectangular paper is 72 cm.
2. Logical Reasoning
| 100 days after this day is Saturday, what day is today? (A) Saturday (B) Thursday (C) Wednesday (D) Monday |
Mathematical Thinking: This question tests the application of calendar logic and reasoning skills. That is every 7 days (a week) you’ll be at the same day of the week.
Solution:
1. We know 100 days after this day is Saturday.
2. There are 7 days in a week: 100 ÷ 7 = 14 R 2. Therefore, 100 days equals to 14 weeks and 2 days.
3. In other words, 2 days after this day is Saturday, so today is a Thursday.
Answer: Today is a Thursday (C).
3. Measurement
| What is the man’s height? (unit: cm) |
Mathematical Thinking: This question requires analyzing relationships between quantities (the height difference and the number of extra bricks) and using proportional reasoning to solve for an unknown value.
Solution:
1. Finding the brick height: We compare the left and center figures to see that 3 extra bricks correspond to a 90 cm height difference. So, the height of each brick: 90 ÷ (4 – 1) = 30 cm.
2. Finding man’s height: In the right figure, we subtract the total brick height (2 bricks) from the total height (240 cm): 240 – (2×30) = 180 cm.
Answer: The height of the man is 180 cm.
4. Calculations
| There are 24 cupcakes shared equally among 6 friends. How many cupcakes does each friend receive? (This may include fractions for advanced students) |
Mathematical Thinking: This question tests basic division skills and the concept of sharing equally.
Solution:
Divide the total number of cupcakes by the number of friends: 24 ÷ 6 = 4.
Answer: Each friend receives 4 cupcakes.
5. Word Problems
| In the Botanic Garden, there are 5 ponds with 3 swans in each. If 2 swans leave the garden, how many swans are left altogether? |
Mathematical Thinking: This question tests basic multiplication and subtraction skills. It also assesses the ability to translate a word problem involving a group (ponds) and a quantity within that group (swans) into mathematical operations.
Solution:
1. To find the total number of swans, multiply the number of ponds by the number of swans per pond: 5 × 3 = 15 swans.
2. After 2 swans leave, we need to subtract the number of leavers from the total number of swans: 15 – 2 = 13 swans.
Answer: There are 13 swans left at the garden.
Bonus Challenging Questions
Ready to test your Math skills? Here are some challenging questions to get your brain working! Follow our Instagram @sparkedu.sg for more GEP prep questions, answers, and tips!
How to prepare for the GEP Mathematic Screening and Selection?
The Gifted Education Program (GEP) Screening and Selection process may feel like a high hurdle. However, with the right resources and preparation, your child can approach it with confidence!
Building a Strong Foundation
Look for targeted practice resources that mirror the GEP Math format, emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, and advanced mathematical concepts. Sample questions can familiarize your child with the types they might encounter.
Confidence Boosters
Consider small-group GEP prep programs. This allows for personalized attention and a supportive environment where your child can ask questions without hesitation.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
Simulate the GEP experience with practice exams to pinpoint areas needing improvement. For example, Spark Math GEP Boot Camp’s offers personalized feedback from experienced teachers to tailor a study plan for maximized results.
Test-Taking Strategies
Equip your child with effective techniques, such as reading questions carefully, planning solutions before jumping in, and checking answers for accuracy. Practice solving problems within the GEP Math test time limits to hone time and stress management.
Seeking a structured GEP prep program? Spark Math GEP Boot Camp offers targeted practice, expert guidance, and focuses on both academic and personal development. Let Spark Math GEP Boot Camp equip your child with the confidence they need to excel in the Gifted Education Program (GEP) Screening and Selection.
What Does the Spark Math GEP Boot Camp Offer?
The Spark Math GEP Boot Camp goes beyond academics, fostering your child’s confidence and academic skills. We boast a proven success rate, targeted preparation, and expert guidance and support for our students in the Singapore MOE Gifted Education Program (GEP).
Exceptional Track Record
The Spark Math GEP Boot Camp boast a proven success rate, with students consistently exceeding national averages in the Gifted Education Program (GEP) identification exercise for the past 3 years:
- Stage 1 (Screening): Over 85% pass rate
- Stage 2 – Selection: Over 80% pass rate
Targeted GEP Preparation
- Aligned Curriculum: The boot camp curriculum mirrors the GEP format, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced mathematical concepts.
- Diagnostic Testing: We assess your child’s current level and identify knowledge gaps for a personalized learning experience.
Expert Guidance and Support
- Experienced Instructors: Our Spark Math teachers with a proven track record provide valuable strategies for test-taking, answer techniques, time management, and stress reduction.
- Personalized Feedback: Your child will receive ongoing feedback to ensure they’re on the right track.
Intensive Practice
- Live Online Classes: 10 sessions in small, interactive online classes provide focused learning and ample opportunity for questions.
- Mock Exams: Simulated exams expose your child to the real exam format and build test-taking confidence.
- Real Question Practice: Gain an edge with exclusive access to past GEP Math questions (2022 and 2023).
Ready to Help Your Child Excel at the Gifted Education Program (GEP)?
Spark Math GEP Boot Camp offers comprehensive preparation and support to excel in the GEP selection process. Sign up today and invest in your child’s journey towards GEP success!
Follow our Facebook or Instagram accounts and message “GEP Early Bird” before 15 August to enjoy an exclusive discount for the Spark Math Boot Camp 2024! Limited slots available!
