Gifted Education Program (GEP)

I don't know much yet about GEP. Below is a brief of our experience, in case it can help other parents.

In a nutshell, it's a program in Singapore, aimed to develop academically gifted children. Children are screened first time at P3, top 1% (about 500 kids) will be selected to join in. Nine, top, schools in Singapore are running this program.

I got to know about this program from a colleague. He gave a sparkling recommendation to jump in if our kids are good enough. Another colleague on the other hand, commented that it's indeed a tough program. Worst case scenario being driving the kid to the brink. I do bear in mind that others opinion might be generously spiced based on their take in life and their values.

Anyway, based on these two advices, hubby and I decided not to prep our kid at all. Literally we just let her take round one without any tips nor tricks whatsoever. Why the logic? We hope that if she's selected, this will be her true potential. Not amplified by a myriad of preparation. In this way, she may have the chance to enjoy the program. We're worried that if we prep her, she'll be very much depending on classes or our guidance in the end.

On the other hand, if you're really aiming for top school transfer, there are a lot of enrichment offered to boost screening success. Or, kiasuparents forum listed IQ books to practice on too. Some parents start at P1 or P2 :) IQ is born with, but practice may improve one's chance to score at IQ test.

Then, our firstborn passed round one. Haha... Typical of us, then we started to think. Our family rarely made a long term plan. We take life as it unfolds.

I started reading through forums, to get as much inputs as possible:

[+] most of the program will support the child to explore learning independently. Most will be project based. One Mom wrote that it's indeed transform her girl to be confident as a great presenter

[+] schools are pretty much aware of the accusation that GEP is an elitist program. They do include some mix around session with other non GEPers in the school.

[-] most of the teaching will be beyond normal, so parent better be prepared to ensure the kid can take PSLE well (common of GEP kid score lesser than non GEPer)

[-] as this is such a sensitive program, a lot of strong public opinion surrounding it. One of which that I do consider is that the kid's feeling if after a year or two on, she got burnt out (or the parents... ;P)

[-] practicality of school arrangement will be a headache for me as the GEP schools are mostly far from our flat. And our young one is starting P1 in 2015.

With that, the stake became neutral. Equally enticing whether we're in or out.

Mind Stretcher is one of the GEP coach available. Other than those regular weekly class, it has intensive round 2 preparation  workshops. For 4 days the passed-round-1 kids were drilled. Our kiddo is interested to join, curious that she is, so we let her. Was it good? First, it gave a good mental preparation of what's coming. However, due to the 'cramming-ness', she went back with one or two concepts neither here nor there (and, oh, yes the questions are difficult for me). Was it effective? It fulfilled dear daughter curiosity. But I guess regular weekly class may win last minute coaching hands down. Well... If you want to judge based on the passing rates, it boast about 70% passing rate. Which I do believe.

Unfortunately and fortunately, our girl didn't pass round 2. A tad sad, a tad relieved. My baby got another three years being a carefree kid. Oh yeah!

PS: I do not advertise for Mind Stretcher. Pure practical, we stayed nearby and they are one of the best, objectively.