My child is in GEP P6. They got in without enrichment.
I would say that GEP is not only challenging in terms of the curriculum, but also needs a strong sense of ownership and independence from the kids. It is more difficult for parents to keep track of their work (many in loose worksheets) and catch them in time if they miss deadlines (so many of them). They also need to make sure the very nitty gritty stuff, like filing being done timely and neatly (necessary for revising). More challenging for kids who are not naturally tidy and organized.
- Is my boy spaced out because he couldn’t understand what the teacher was teaching? Are the topics too advanced? But he told me he does understand, and his school worksheets were mostly correct.
Science is being taught more inquisitively rather than prescriptively. So sometimes it would not be straightforward to grasp the exact concepts being taught and have a satisfying direct answer to the questions. What might help is that after he learns certain topics, go back to some mainstream material to ensure those must-know concepts went across and those good to know materials are there for them to enhance their understanding and knowledge.
- Did I make a wrong choice to put him into GE? Maybe he is only interested in Science but now for whatever reason, his teacher hints that he is not doing well.
GE parents need to face the reality of looking beyond academic rigor for a great score in PSLE, but an avenue to pick up useful skills as a lifelong learner. My child enjoys the camaraderie with a bunch of like-minded students, like they went ahead to memorize the first 100 decimals of pi or the entire periodic table just for fun, but these have absolutely nothing to do with tests, not to mention PSLE. On the other hand, the test scores that come back time to time could be shockingly low (like 2/10). It is more important to understand whether the child is learning what needs to be learnt (again, referencing mainstream material), and able to rebound from setbacks (when they are being stretched) and continue trying. Those are way more precious lessons for their future.
- Is GE selection really foolproof? I think half or more than half of the kids in GE class went for GE enrichment since P2 onwards (kids talk in school).
- Is my boy at a disadvantage because he didn’t attend any rigorous enrichment that prepare them for GE? Since other kids have attended the outside GE enrichment, they would’ve probably expect what will happen when they are in GE?
3 and 4 are effectively the same question. It is the mindset of the kid and their parents that would enable them to thrive in GE. No enrichment would actually prepare enough for this.
- Should I pull my boy out from GE? He didn’t show signs of stress and he isn’t the kind to get stressed easily but I’m afraid with more comments from the teacher, he’ll start to feel stressed.
A lot of resources are dedicated to these kids, and teachers would keep a close eye on whether they can cope or not, and be given timely intervention if needed. I think it is very important for you not to freak out. Try to demonstrate to your child about positive thinking and growth mindset. Scaffold your child via patience and kindness to their setbacks.I have always wanted to make study fun for my kids. But now, seemed like fun is not the word to associate with studies anymore.
Growth always involves discomfort, but the satisfaction of overcoming challenges with a bunch of like-minded buddies at this age sets them up for life.