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The 15 centres will offer two types of advanced modules: weekly two-hour after-school sessions during term time in English, mathematics or science, as well as interdisciplinary modules held during school holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n Classes will be taught by specially trained teachers experienced in working with high-ability students in specific domains. These teachers will not be drawn from the primary school hosting the centre.<\/span><\/p>\n Since these modules cater to students with strengths in specific domains, more students will be eligible to take them \u2013 slightly more than double the current GEP cohort, MOE said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The modules are not compulsory, given that students may have other commitments or interests, and students can exit and re-enter the programme. Schools will also be encouraged to nominate students strong in multiple areas for only one subject each semester.<\/span><\/p>\n The modules are not intended to give students a leg up in examinations, said Minister for Education Desmond Lee in parliament on Tuesday, while laying out his ministry’s spending plans for the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n “Rather, they are designed to further cultivate curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The new approach marks a departure from the current GEP selection process, which requires students to perform well across English, mathematics and science in a two-stage process.<\/span><\/p>\n Under the new system, students do not need to excel in all areas to participate. A student talented in English but average in mathematics, for example, could still be accepted into a high-ability English programme at their school.<\/span><\/p>\n Primary 3 students this year will be the first batch assessed under a new standardised one-stage identification exercise in August, which will be complemented by school-based observations \u2013 such as a student’s attitude towards learning and potential \u2013 using guidelines and checklists provided by MOE.<\/span><\/p>\n