Gifted Education Programme

Introduction

The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in Catholic High School was established in 1998. The programme aims to provide our pupils with an accelerated and enriched academic programme in an environment steeped in the traditions of bilingualism. We also strive to provide an educational experience conducive for the moral and character development of our pupils.

Catholic High School received its first batch of 33 GEP boys in January of 1998 under the care of 5 teachers. Since those early days, the programme has grown to its present size of 116 pupils in the three levels (P4-P6), and a teaching staff of 16.

Vision

The Catholic High GEP gentleman is a morally upright and effectively bilingual individual, who constantly strives for continuous improvement as a servant leader and critical thinker.

Mission

The Gifted Education department in Catholic High School strives to provide a holistic educational experience that prepares our Catholic High Gentlemen for success in both academic and affective domains. We are committed to fostering morally upright and effective bilingual individuals, who are dedicated to continuous self-improvement as servant leaders and critical thinkers.

Philosophy

As educators of young gentlemen, we passionately believe in harnessing positive education to cultivate intrinsically motivated individuals with life-long learning habits. We endeavour to inculcate values and impart knowledge through the enriched curriculum to develop our pupils, equip them with the necessary skill-set to navigate the changing landscape of the future and to become responsible leaders who have a strong social conscience and commitment to serve others.

Nurturing High-Ability Learners: Our Refreshed Approach

In line with the Ministry of Education’s shift towards a school-based model for high-ability learners, Catholic High School (Primary) will transit from the traditional Gifted Education Programme (GEP) to the refreshed talent development approach. 

Starting from 2027, high-ability provisions will expand to benefit approximately 10% of our student cohort. This model moves away from the previous single-entry selection to feature a streamlined one-stage Primary 3 identification exercise alongside multiple entry points across Primary 4 and 5 based on holistic school-based assessments. 

While our current GEP classes will continue smoothly until the final batch graduates in 2028, this new framework ensures that future generations of Catholic High students remain rooted in their familiar school environment. Our students will access customised high-ability programmes within the school, complemented by specialised after-school Advanced Modules hosted at a designated regional centre, fully developing their potential without the need for school transfers.

For more information, please visit https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20260303-learning-together-with-different-strengths-and-needs ↗ (opens in new tab)

The eHCL Programme @ CHS

This 3-year enriched Higher Chinese (eHCL) Programme runs from Primary 4 to Primary 6 and is based on MOE’s Higher Chinese curriculum which incorporates greater emphasis on higher order thinking. It is designed to stretch and deepen pupils’ proficiency in Higher Chinese. Lessons will be enriched with differentiated learning experiences to engage our pupils. These activities include designing language games, exploring language use through different forms of media and participating in the Reading Carnival organised by the Gifted Education Branch.

The eHCL Programme is conducted during curriculum time, together with pupils in the Gifted Education Programme. This allows for more diverse interactions and engaging discussions for all our pupils. The class size for this programme is about 30 pupils and movement between teaching venues is to be expected. Pupils in the eHCL programme continue to sit for the same set of school-based assessment as their Primary 4 peers who are taking Higher Chinese.