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Q: What does Stretch vs GEP vs SBGE: What IP-Bound Math & Physics Students Need to Know cover? A: How school-based enrichment (“Stretch”), the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), and school-based gifted provisions (SBGE) differ - and what that means for IP-bound Math/Physics students.
TL;DR “Stretch” is a common label for school-based enrichment for high-ability learners (how it looks varies by school). GEP is a national programme with a 2-stage identification exercise in Primary 3 and entry in Primary 4. SBGE refers to school-based gifted provisions that some secondary schools run (example: ACS(I) SBGE for Years 1–4).
1 Key terms at a glance
Tier
What it is
Where it happens
How to confirm
Stretch
A school’s enrichment provisions for high-ability learners
School-based (varies by school)
Ask your school what it offers and how students are selected
GEP
A national programme for intellectually gifted students
Primary school (entry in Primary 4)
See MOE’s GEP overview and identification pages
SBGE
School-based gifted education provisions in secondary schools
Secondary schools (varies by school)
Check the school’s programme page (example: ACS(I) SBGE)
2 How the Stretch track works
2.1 Identification
“Stretch” is not a single national programme with one published selection rule. Different schools use different ways to identify and support high-ability learners (e.g., school-based assessments, teacher observations, and enrichment screening where applicable).
2.2 Typical Stretch menu
Programmes differ by school, but commonly include:
Enrichment lessons or pull-out programmes in English/Math/Science.
Inquiry or project-based learning options.
Opportunities to try competitions and research-style tasks.
2.3 Why physics-minded kids benefit
Stretch lessons emphasise modelling: deriving v2=u2+2as from a (v)-(t) trapezium, not memorising it.
3 Inside the Gifted Education Programme (GEP)
3.1 Selection facts
MOE states that students are identified for the GEP through a 2-stage exercise in Primary 3, and selected students are invited to join the programme in Primary 4.
MOE also publishes key dates for the identification exercise. For example, for the 2025 cycle MOE listed:
Screening: Thursday, 21 August 2025
Selection (shortlisted students): Tuesday, 14 October 2025 and Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Results: by early November (through the student’s school)
School posting: by end November (via email)
Always check the official page for the latest year’s dates and details.
3.2 Curriculum vibe
MOE describes the GEP curriculum as an enriched curriculum that covers the same content areas as mainstream, but is extended in breadth and depth. Students learn skills for independent inquiry and are encouraged to explore self-selected areas of interest.
4 SBGE in secondary IP schools
4.1 Where SBGE lives
SBGE is school-based, so the best way to verify what SBGE looks like is to read your target school’s published programme page.
Example (ACS(I)): ACS (Independent) states that its School Based Gifted Programme (SBGE) for Years 1–4 allows differentiation and enrichment of the curriculum, with enrichment options and greater breadth/depth. It also states SBGE is embedded within the Integrated Programme and SBGE students are placed in classes with students of similar academic abilities.
4.2 Maths & Physics acceleration
What you actually see depends on the school’s SBGE design. If you want to assess fit, check whether the programme emphasises:
Deeper reasoning (proof, modelling, multi-step problem solving), not just more worksheets.
Gifted/talent programmes can evolve over time. Use MOE’s programme pages (and your school’s updates) as the primary source of truth rather than relying on hearsay or outdated figures.
6 Choosing the right tuition strategy
6.1 For Stretch pupils
Focus on heuristics - ratio tables, free-body diagrams.
Mix Math & Physics practice: alternate dxd(e2x) and projectile questions.
Experimental Physics: spreadsheet graph-fit, about one percent uncertainty propagation.
6.3 Why specialist IP tuition helps
High-ability programmes can move at a deeper (and sometimes faster) pace. A small IP-only class can help tutors:
Detect algebra slips ("unit mismatch: N vs Nm").
Provide Olympiad-level extension without derailing school grades.
7 Quick FAQ
"Is Stretch a pre-GEP track?" Not necessarily. “Stretch” is often used as a label for school-based enrichment; GEP is a separate national programme with its own identification exercise. "Can a non-GEP student access SBGE-style learning?" It depends on the school. Check your school’s programme structure and admission pathways. "Will GEP change over time?" Policies can evolve. Check MOE’s pages for the latest framing and timelines.
Compare With Other IP Routes
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