A gift of a programme

The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) was first implemented in Singapore in 1984. It was initiated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in line with its policy under the New Education System to allow each pupil to learn at his/her own pace. The Ministry of Education has a commitment to recognize, nurture and develop the potential of each pupil. This means that it must provide an education of quality and relevance which stimulates individual growth and helps pupils realise their full potential. The GEP's mission is to provide leadership in the education of the intellectually gifted. It is committed to nurturing gifted individuals to their full potential for the fulfilment of self and the betterment of society.

The Ministry of Education had two main reasons for implementing such a programme. The two reasons are :

The Educational Factor

It has been recognised that children have varying abilities and it is not a sound practice to give every child the same education and expect him/her to move at the same pace as his/her peers. The intellectually gifted need a high degree of mental stimulation. This need may not be met in the mainstream classroom and the gifted child may become mediocre, indifferent or disruptive in class.

The Socio-Political Factor

Singapore is a small nation with only human resources to rely on for its progress and prosperity. It is to the advantage of the nation that the gifted are helped and nurtured.

However, despite all this information on the Gifted Education Programme, the fact is that this programme is not as ideal as it seems to be. The GEP might aim to nurture the most talented people in our nation, however, can it be ensured that these people are willing to return the favour to the country by contributing back into society? Even if we produce the best people in the world, what would happen if all of them decide to forget about their nation and instead fend for themselves? Therefore, no matter how useful or ideal this Gifted Education Programme might seem, as long as we cannot ensure that our talented students will repay the nation, then it will remain a failure.

That is why I find GEP ineffective for our country.