List of GEP Schools in Singapore

Singapore’s education system is known for its high standards and innovative programs. One such program is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), which aims to nurture academically talented students.

The GEP is offered in select primary schools across Singapore. This list is not exhaustive.

These schools include but are not limited to providing specialized classes and curricula for intellectually gifted students who have been identified through nationwide screening tests. The program helps these students develop their potential and excel in their academic pursuits.

1) Raffles Girls’ Primary School

Raffles Girls’ Primary School is a well-known institution in Singapore. It began offering the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in 1984, making it one of the first schools to do so.

The school caters to intellectually gifted students through an enriched curriculum. This curriculum builds on regular studies and focuses on content enrichment rather than acceleration.

Raffles Girls’ Primary School is located in the Bukit Timah area. It stands out as the only all-girls GEP primary school in Singapore.

The GEP at Raffles Girls’ Primary School starts from Primary 4. The program has grown significantly since its inception and now serves about 150 pupils across Primary 4 to 6.

The school aims to meet the needs of gifted students through specialized teaching methods. These methods help nurture their talents and abilities in various subjects.

2) Nanyang Primary School

Nanyang Primary School is a highly regarded institution in Singapore’s education system. It offers the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) for academically talented students.

The school is known for its excellence and bicultural education. Many notable national leaders have chosen to send their children to Nanyang Primary School.

Nanyang Primary School has a rich history and is widely respected in Singapore. Its educational approach emphasizes both academic achievement and cultural understanding.

Students at Nanyang Primary School benefit from a challenging curriculum designed to nurture their intellectual abilities. The GEP classes provide advanced learning opportunities for gifted students.

The school’s commitment to bilingual education sets it apart. Students develop strong language skills in both English and Chinese, preparing them for a globalized world.

3) Rosyth School

Rosyth School is a highly sought-after primary school in Singapore’s Northeast region. It stands out as one of the earliest institutions to offer the Gifted Education Programme (GEP).

The school boasts a well-structured curriculum designed to challenge and nurture gifted students. Its experienced teaching team is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth.

Rosyth School provides top-notch facilities to support the diverse learning needs of its gifted students. These resources help create an engaging and stimulating educational environment.

As a co-educational and non-SAP school, Rosyth welcomes students of all genders and mother tongue backgrounds. This inclusive approach promotes a diverse and enriching learning community.

The school places strong emphasis on character and citizenship education. Through its Values-in-Action program, Rosyth aims to instill essential life skills and values in its students.

4) Henry Park Primary School

Henry Park Primary School is one of the nine schools in Singapore that offer the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). Founded in 1977, it has grown into a well-respected institution in the Buona Vista and Holland estate area.

The school aims to provide a nurturing environment for intellectually gifted students. It offers a challenging and enriched curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of gifted learners.

Henry Park Primary School has built a strong reputation for its holistic approach to education. It focuses on developing not only academic excellence but also character and leadership skills in its students.

The school’s GEP strives to nurture gifted individuals to their full potential. Its goal is to help students achieve personal fulfillment and contribute positively to society.

While it may not have as long a history as some other GEP schools, Henry Park Primary has steadily gained popularity among parents and students. Its commitment to providing quality education for gifted children has made it a sought-after choice in Singapore’s education landscape.

5) Nan Hua Primary School

Nan Hua Primary School is one of the nine schools in Singapore that offers the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). It is located in the Clementi area and has a rich history spanning over a century.

The school started as Nan Hua Girls’ School in 1917. Today, it has evolved into a co-educational institution that maintains its strong Chinese cultural roots.

Nan Hua Primary School is known for its focus on Chinese language and culture. As a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school, it provides a bilingual learning environment for students.

The school is highly sought after by parents. Its popularity is evident from its high subscription rates, making it one of the most competitive primary schools in Singapore.

Students in Nan Hua’s GEP benefit from a curriculum tailored to challenge and nurture gifted learners. The program aims to develop their intellectual abilities and foster creativity.

6) Ai Tong School

Ai Tong School is a primary school located in Bishan, Singapore. It stands out as one of the schools that offer the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) for intellectually gifted students.

The school is known for its strong emphasis on Chinese language and culture. As one of the five affiliated primary schools under the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, Ai Tong maintains a rich cultural heritage.

Ai Tong School provides a nurturing environment for gifted students. The GEP curriculum at Ai Tong aims to challenge and develop the abilities of high-potential learners.

Students in the GEP at Ai Tong benefit from an enriched learning experience. This includes advanced coursework and opportunities for creative and critical thinking.

The school’s commitment to excellence extends beyond academics. Ai Tong also focuses on character development and holistic education for its gifted students.

Parents and students interested in the GEP at Ai Tong School should note the nationwide screening test conducted by the Ministry of Education for Primary Three students.

7) Catholic High School (Primary)

Catholic High School (Primary) is a well-known boys’ school in Singapore. It offers the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) to nurture academically talented students.

The school is located in the Bishan area. It has a strong focus on bilingualism, promoting both English and Chinese language skills.

Catholic High School (Primary) is recognized as a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school. This means it places emphasis on Chinese language and culture alongside the standard curriculum.

The GEP at Catholic High School began in 1998. It aims to provide an accelerated and enriched academic program for gifted students.

The school’s curriculum combines rigorous academics with character development. Students are encouraged to excel in both studies and personal growth.

Catholic High School (Primary) is part of a larger Catholic education system in Singapore. It shares values and traditions with other Catholic schools in the country.

8) St. Hilda’s Primary School

St. Hilda’s Primary School is one of the nine primary schools in Singapore that offers the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). It is located in the eastern part of the island.

The school provides a nurturing environment for gifted students to develop their talents and abilities. St. Hilda’s Primary School focuses on holistic education, balancing academic excellence with character development.

Applied Learning Programmes are an important part of the curriculum at St. Hilda’s. These programs help students apply their knowledge to real-world situations, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The school also emphasizes character education through its Learning for Life Programme called “Imprints Alive!” This initiative aims to develop students’ social-emotional skills and leadership abilities.

St. Hilda’s Primary School maintains high academic standards while encouraging creativity and innovation. The GEP curriculum is designed to challenge gifted students and expand their intellectual horizons.

The school’s facilities support a wide range of activities, including sports, arts, and technology-based learning. This ensures that gifted students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents.

9) Tao Nan School

Tao Nan School is one of the nine primary schools in Singapore that offer the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). Located in Marine Parade, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence.

In 2021, Tao Nan School introduced new focus areas to its GEP. The school now emphasizes bilingualism and biculturalism, social responsibility, and technology as part of its Holistic Enrichment Programme.

These changes aim to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. The school strives to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically gifted but also socially conscious and technologically savvy.

Tao Nan School’s GEP curriculum goes beyond standard academic subjects. It encourages students to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage in creative pursuits.

The school provides a supportive environment for gifted students to explore their potential. Teachers are trained to work with high-ability learners and provide challenging coursework that stimulates intellectual growth.

10) Hwa Chong Institution (Junior School)

Hwa Chong Institution (Junior School) is a prestigious school in Singapore that offers the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). It is part of the larger Hwa Chong Institution, which has a rich history dating back to 1919.

The school provides a challenging curriculum for gifted students in Primary 4 to 6. Its GEP aims to nurture intellectual curiosity and develop critical thinking skills.

Hwa Chong Institution (Junior School) is known for its strong academic performance. Many of its students go on to excel in national examinations and international competitions.

The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities. These help students develop leadership skills and explore their interests outside of academics.

Hwa Chong Institution (Junior School) has modern facilities to support learning. These include well-equipped science labs, computer rooms, and a large library.

The school hosts International Olympiads, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence on a global scale. This exposure helps broaden students’ perspectives and prepares them for future challenges.

Understanding the GEP : List of GEP Schools in Singapore

The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in Singapore aims to nurture exceptional students. It provides a unique learning environment tailored for high-ability learners.

Purpose of GEP

The GEP seeks to develop intellectually gifted students to their fullest potential. It offers a more challenging curriculum than regular classes.

The program focuses on fostering critical thinking and creativity. Students engage in complex problem-solving activities and in-depth research projects.

GEP also promotes leadership skills and social responsibility. It encourages students to use their talents for the greater good of society.

The curriculum is enriched, not accelerated. This means students explore topics in greater depth rather than simply moving faster through the material.

History of GEP in Singapore

Singapore introduced the GEP in 1984. It started as a response to the need for specialized education for highly capable students.

Initially, the program began in two primary schools. Over time, it expanded to more schools across the country.

By 1996, the GEP was offered in nine primary schools. This number has remained constant since then.

The program has evolved over the years. It now includes more diverse learning experiences and a stronger focus on character development.

GEP continues to play a key role in Singapore’s education system. It helps nurture future leaders and innovators for the nation.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in Singapore offers a unique curriculum designed to challenge and inspire intellectually gifted students. It combines core subjects with enrichment activities and project-based learning opportunities.

Core Subjects and Enrichment

GEP students study core subjects like English, Math, and Science at an advanced level. These subjects are taught in greater depth and breadth compared to the standard curriculum.

The program also includes enrichment activities to stimulate critical thinking and creativity. For example, students might explore topics in philosophy, robotics, or creative writing.

Language learning is emphasized, with many GEP schools offering additional languages like Chinese, Malay, or Tamil at higher levels.

Critical thinking skills are developed through activities like debates, problem-solving challenges, and analytical writing exercises.

Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a key component of the GEP curriculum. Students work on long-term projects that allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

These projects often involve interdisciplinary approaches, combining elements from multiple subjects. For instance, a project might blend scientific research with artistic presentation.

Students are encouraged to pursue Individualised Study Options (ISO). These self-directed projects let them explore topics of personal interest in great depth.

Collaboration is emphasized, with many projects involving teamwork. This helps students develop important social and leadership skills.

Presentation skills are honed as students regularly share their project findings with peers and teachers.

Singapore’s revamped Gifted Education Programme in 2024

Singapore is updating its Gifted Education Programme (GEP) to make it more inclusive and accessible. The changes will affect primary schools across the country.

The revamped GEP will start with the 2024 Primary 1 cohort. It aims to reach about 10% of primary school students, which is around 3,000 children.

All primary schools will now offer high-ability programs. This is a big shift from the previous system, where only selected schools had GEP classes.

The new approach focuses on developing students’ strengths in specific areas. It moves away from the old model of labeling children as “gifted” overall.

Schools will use various methods to identify high-ability learners. These may include classroom observations and special tasks, not just standardized tests.

The Ministry of Education wants to nurture talent while promoting inclusivity. They believe this change will benefit more students and give them better opportunities to excel.

Teachers will receive special training to support high-ability learners. This ensures that students get the right guidance to develop their potential.

Frequently Asked Questions : List of GEP Schools in Singapore

The Gifted Education Programme in Singapore is a specialized program for intellectually gifted students. It involves a selective process and is offered in specific primary schools across the country.

How are students selected for the GEP in Singapore?

Students are chosen for the GEP through a two-stage identification exercise at Primary 3. The first stage is a screening test given to all Primary 3 students.

Top performers move on to the second stage, which includes more in-depth tests. These tests check for high intellectual ability and potential.

What is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in Singapore?

The GEP is an enrichment program designed to nurture intellectually gifted students. It was introduced in 1984 by Singapore’s Ministry of Education.

The program offers a more challenging curriculum to help gifted students reach their full potential. It includes subjects like English, Math, and Science at a higher level.

Is there a ranking system for GEP primary schools in Singapore?

There is no official ranking system for GEP primary schools in Singapore. All schools offering the program follow the same curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.

Each school may have its own strengths and unique features. Parents and students often consider factors like location and school culture when choosing a GEP school.

What are the differences between SAP and GEP schools?

SAP (Special Assistance Plan) and GEP schools serve different purposes. SAP schools focus on promoting Chinese language and culture.

GEP schools, on the other hand, offer the Gifted Education Programme for intellectually gifted students. Some schools may offer both SAP and GEP programs.

How many primary schools offer the GEP in Singapore?

There are nine primary schools in Singapore that offer the Gifted Education Programme. These include Raffles Girls’ Primary School, Nanyang Primary School, and Rosyth School.

Other schools on the list are Henry Park Primary School and Nan Hua Primary School. Each school has its own unique features and strengths.

What percentage of students qualify for the GEP in Singapore?

The GEP is highly selective. Only about 1% of each cohort qualifies for the program each year. This small percentage reflects the program’s aim to cater to students with exceptional intellectual abilities.

The selection process ensures that only the most gifted students are admitted.