the thing about GEP

figured i'll put this here as well... since our time in nanyang is drawing to a close soon. and so is our time in GEP, as GEPers.

I think the whole problem about GEP in nanyang is that they kind of segregate us from the rest and label us GEP (although most secondary schools dont keep GEPers together) and yet we aren't doing anything different from the rest of the classes. Granted, there are instances that we might get priority in certain matters. But the point is that academic wise (which we're supposed to be good or better at) there's practically nothing done.

If we're supposed to be in a special program then at the very least there must be something different about us. Else, there's no point keeping us as one GEPer class anyway. its's juz like how the math and science class has a different math syllabus is sec 3 and how the hp classes have to take one more subject that the rest of us in sec 3. Not that i really wanted to be treated differently as a GEper, just that if they want to brand us in that way, they have to do something about it. And not just leave us with a name and let things be.

Of course like the rest of the GEPers, im quite sure we all enjoyed the supposed treatment we get and of course are proud to be called GEpers. But the flaw in this system is that they have put all of us into this mold since primary 4, since we were 10. Other GEPers not in nanyang have probably crawled out of that mold and gone on. But here in nanyang, this mold has just become more distinct and its like a hole that's got deeper and deeper. Having spent 7 years in a system whereby you have the privilege of a small class and being surrounded by practically the same people each year, we're going to find it very hard to adapt to life in JC where we all get thrown back into the 'normal way of school life'. Im sure we get along quite well with many people in the mainstream, but the thing is that we often dont interact with them on a academic basis. Granted that you study with them for eoys or anything, it doesnt change the fact that you have not been in the classroom environment with them for a whole 7 years, and that is something really different.

When the time comes in less than half a year for us to climb out of this deep hole, I believe most of us will struggle to get out of it. For it has already become our way of life, the circle that we are so used to and so comfortable with. But that is not the way society works and we'll be forced to get used to that fact. And here is the whole crux of the problem of GEP.

Whatever it is, I have to say that I really enjoyed all these and am really very glad to have been given a chance to experience all these. Ultimately, even though we might not have been given what we wished, we still have to thank the MOE for coming up with this, for giving us such an awesome chance to feel special, to experience these 7 years as a GEPer.

GEP FTW!