Stretch vs GEP vs SBGE — What IP-Bound Maths & Physics Students Need to Know

TL;DR "Stretch" selects for the top 5 -10 % in each school; GEP selects for the top 1 % nation-wide selected in Primary 3 and starts in Primary 4; GEP pupils continue in SBGE classes inside seven IP schools.
If your child loves \(F = ma\) and \(y = mx + c\), Stretch is the warm-up, SBGE is the marathon.

1 Key terms at a glance

2 How the Stretch track works

2.1 Identification

Schools use year-end results, teacher check-lists and MOE's HAL screening. A pupil scoring, say, \(\ge 90\%\) in Y1 Science might receive an invitation letter.

2.2 Typical Stretch menu

• Curricular add-ons — advanced Maths problem sets & chemistry questions
• 8-week masterclasses — kinematics datalogger lab, \(\pu{1.5 h}\) a week
• Competition squads — SMO, Singapore Physics Olympiad, debating

2.3 Why physics-minded kids benefit

Stretch lessons emphasise modelling: deriving \(v^2 = u^2 + 2as\) from a (v)-(t) trapezium, not memorising it.

3 Inside the Gifted Education Programme (GEP)

3.1 Selection facts

1. Screening Test in P3 August
2. Selection Test in October
3. Invitation to join P4 GEP if total score ≥ national top \(1\%\)

Inline maths: \(\approx 2,000\) pupils sit Selection; \(\approx 500\) are offered seats.

3.2 Curriculum vibe

• Math dives into proof by induction, e.g. show \(1 + 3 + 5 + … + (2n-1) = n^2\)
• Science attempts micro-bit sensor projects with readings logged in \(\pu{mV}\)

4 SBGE in secondary IP schools

4.1 Where SBGE lives

\(*\) NUS High runs an accelerated STEM diploma rather than O-/A-Levels.

4.2 Maths & Physics acceleration

• Gears shift from factorising quadratics to proving the Binomial Theorem by Sec 2.
• Physics classes hit Newton's 2nd Law derivations with vector calculus notation by Sec 3.
• Assessment often requires line-fit of \(\ln I\) vs \(\ln V\) to confirm \(I \propto V^{1.7}\).

5 2024 - 2026 reforms: Stretch everywhere, GEP evolves

• PM Wong's NDR 2024 speech: every primary school will "stretch high-ability pupils" instead of bussing them to nine GEP centres.
• By 2026: Stretch provisions planned for \(\ge 7\%\) of all pupils; optional joint modules among neighbouring schools.
• Secondary GEP (SBGE) unaffected for now, but MOE signals broader talent pipelines.

6 Choosing the right tuition strategy

6.1 For Stretch pupils

• Focus on heuristics — ratio tables, free-body diagrams.
• Mix Math & Physics practice: alternate \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^{2x})\) and projectile questions.

6.2 For GEP ↠ SBGE pupils

• Proof-based Maths: introduce invariants & Olympiad style.
• Experimental Physics: spreadsheet graph-fit, \(\pu{1 \%}\) uncertainty propagation.

6.3 Why specialist IP tuition helps

Stretch → SBGE students often face a two-year content leap (calculus, electromagnetism) before peers. A small IP-only class lets tutors:

1. Detect algebra slips ("unit mismatch: \(\pu{N}\) vs \(\pu{N m}\)").
2. Provide Olympiad-level extension without derailing school grades.

7 Quick FAQ

"Is Stretch a pre-GEP track?" No. Stretch is school-based enrichment; GEP remains centrally selected.
"Can non-GEP pupils enter SBGE?" Yes, via DSA portfolios (Math Olympiad, research).
"Will GEP disappear?" It is being embedded in every school, not scrapped.

Further reading

• MOE High-Ability Learners portal
• MOE GEP overview
• GEP identification exercise 2025
• ACS (I) SBGE page
• Straits Times — GEP revamp 2024
• Today Online — "GEP to be updated"
• NLB infographic on GEP history