High-Ability Learners in Every School: What This Means for GEP Math Preparation

Singapore’s Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme and the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) have traditionally supported students with exceptional academic potential, often through placement in selected schools with enriched learning environments. In recent years, however, there has been a clear shift. Elements of the GEP have been introduced into mainstream schools, recognising that high-ability learners are not limited to any one type of school.

This change reflects a broader move towards equity. It ensures that more students can benefit from differentiated instruction, regardless of where they study. Yet it also presents a challenge: how can gifted learners continue to thrive if their schools are not able to consistently provide the same level of stretch and stimulation once found in GEP-specific classrooms?

For many families, the answer lies in targeted external enrichment, particularly through Math Olympiad (MO) programmes that offer the depth, structure, and challenge needed to support high-ability learners.

Understanding the Shift in Gifted Education

What Decentralisation Means for Parents and Learners

Gifted children often pick up concepts quickly and may begin to outpace their peers early in primary school. In a mixed-ability classroom, it can be difficult for teachers to provide ongoing stretch for the top few per cent while also supporting students who need more time. While schools make a genuine effort to differentiate, it is not always possible to do so in a way that meets the full range of learning needs every day.

As a result, some children may feel under-challenged, which can affect their motivation or lead to disengagement. For parents of high-ability maths students, finding opportunities outside of the classroom can help ensure continued growth and interest in learning.

The decentralisation of GEP does not mean that the core principles—such as deep understanding, independent learning, and higher-order thinking—are no longer valued. Instead, families are now more involved in seeking out environments that align with these goals.

Why Math Olympiad Enrichment?

Unlike standard tuition that focuses on syllabus mastery and exam preparation, MO enrichment challenges students with non-routine problems that require logical reasoning, creative thinking, and perseverance. Students are encouraged to explore different approaches, question assumptions, and explain their solutions in detail.

The focus is not just on arriving at the correct answer but on understanding why a solution works and how else it could be approached. This develops flexibility and confidence, qualities that are especially important for learners who already enjoy and excel in maths.

Olympiad-style learning supports many of the same goals as the GEP—promoting depth over speed, quality over quantity, and understanding over memorisation. It is also well-suited to students who enjoy tackling unfamiliar problems and want to go beyond what is covered in the school curriculum.

When to Begin and What to Consider

While many students begin Math Olympiad enrichment around Primary 3 or 4 once they have a solid grasp of foundational concepts, some may be ready to start even earlier. An early start allows more time to build key habits such as clear communication, reflective thinking, and strategic problem-solving, which are central to success in MO.

Students in Primary 5 or 6 can still benefit greatly, especially if they are preparing for DSA applications or advanced learning programmes. What matters most is readiness and interest, not just age.

When selecting an enrichment programme, parents should look for structured progression, clear focus on reasoning, and opportunities for students to explain their thinking. A good MO programme encourages curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning—not just faster performance.

Nurturing Talent Beyond GEP Schools

The decentralisation of the GEP reflects a growing recognition that gifted learners are found across all schools. While this broadens access, it also means families play a more active role in ensuring their children’s needs are met.

The good news is that enrichment is no longer limited to those formally in the GEP. With the right guidance and exposure, high-ability learners in mainstream schools can still experience the intellectual challenge and personal growth that define a strong gifted education.

MO enrichment offers a reliable and effective path forward. It complements school learning while opening the door to deeper understanding and more advanced thinking—giving students the tools to go further, regardless of their school placement.

How Terry Chew Academy Supports High-Ability Learners

At Terry Chew Academy, we specialise in helping high-performing maths students grow through structured, Olympiad-focused programmes and GEP math tuition. Our lessons are designed to develop strong reasoning skills, mathematical creativity, and confidence in solving unfamiliar problems.

We believe that every high-ability learner should have access to the kind of enrichment that challenges and inspires. Whether your child is in a GEP school or not, we provide the depth, structure, and support to help them thrive.