Debated in Parliament on 6 Nov 2017.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how many students have undergone the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) each year in the past five years; (b) whether any study has been done to track the career path of those who underwent GEP since its inception in 1984 and, if so, what has been the outcome; and (c) whether GEP has been tweaked to meet the changing needs of education.
Over the past five years, about 1% of the age cohort were admitted into the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) at Primary 4 each year.
Based on longitudinal data collected from several batches of GEP graduates, they have done well. As a group, they have not only excelled academically but also performed strongly in non-academic areas.
Our first few cohorts are now in their forties. They hold diverse portfolios in both the public and private sectors. Among those in the private sector, some were founders, managing partners or chief executive officers of their organisations. Others have also become established leaders in their respective fields, such as senior consultants in the medical field, senior partners in law firms or senior Directors in the Public Service.
GEP is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to meet the developmental needs of our students and prepare them well for the future.
PAPERCUTS