Hi,

Don't know where to put this thread.

I need to find out more about the Gifted Education Program in Primary School. If you have a child in the program, can you please share some information with me.

I'd like to know how well the program takes care of the child's giftedness. It seems to me that it only nurtures them in the intellectual aspect so a lot of emphasis is on Math, Science and English.

There are some kids who got into the program because their parents pay a lot of money to prepare them for the test. I'd like to find out only from parents whose kids are genuinely gifted and as parents, you know. Gifted kids are usually high achievers but high achiever kids may not be gifted. A gifted child has a lot of insight and not just getting 100 for their school subjects.

If your child is in GEP, do you feel that he/she has benefited from the GEP?

If there are GEP teachers out there, can you please comment. I've heard that some GEP schools give the kids so many challenging things to learn that their school syllabi for the subjects are neglected. Ultimately, they have to take the PSLE and the subjects syllabi should be properly covered. I think the teachers think that the kids are fast learners and should learn fast but concepts still need time to be re-enforced. I heard that the GEP kids also end up like the main-stream going for tonnes of tuition. What in the world is happening... why is it that to us, our kids are never good enough? Whether they're smart or slow, they need to bear with so much tuition and enrichment classes.

hi,
I don't have the experience with GEP but have heard differing views with regards to the programme from my network of friends with kids in GEP. And judging from the varied responses, in my opinion, experiences appeared fairly child-specific as well. I have friends who thumb up for GEP because the child enjoys it and is exposed to a supposedly more interesting curriculum programme that serves to optimise the potential. Children in this programme is also more confident and assured. Others however complained that child is not quite main-stream anymore and has developed quirky personality ie aloof, arrogance, etc.

Specific to the programme background and rationale, you might want to visit the MOE site at www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gift...elopment-and-growth/

On the 'EXTRA' tuition lessons, unfortunately I have heard many as well. Reasons given has been fairly consistent - to main-stream the child in order to prepare for the PSLE. It is a sadden situation that most of our children are put into tuition classes yet, I am also aware of some who are motivated sufficiently to manage on their own.

About the quirky behaviour you mentioned that the GEP kids may develop. I thought putting these kids together was suppose to help them not to think too highly of themselves because being with kids of their kind can sometime humble them. If they stay in the mainstream and is always top in class, that'll make them even more arrogant, wouldn't it?

Thanks for the MOE web-link.

My 2 kids do not have tuition except for Chinese but I wouldn't say they manage their studies themselves, at least not for my boy. He's like a square wheel that needs to be turned after every 90 degrees. Fortunately, he's now P6 and has matured to become quite responsible and motivated. I don't think it's easy for a primary kid to manage by himself these days. The curriculum content is heavy and preparing for exam needs planning. They do need help. Even though I tutor them myself with the help of Good'Ol Popular, I should say I do have jitters seeing parents send their kids for all sort of expert help. I'm after all, not a trained teacher. Thank God, they are okay in their studies and my help is sufficient for them. This has saved us alot of $$ and family time. I feel sorry for those children who are already so bright and yet have to do so much more for that little bit more, if you know what I mean.

I really like your article on the 5-more-mark disorder syndrome. It's so real. I protect myself by not chatting with over-anxious parents. I think it's best to help our kids by listening to them and their needs and not listen to all the fear-mongering outside.