Programmes

Academic Programmes

The curriculum for SBGE is essentially similar to that of the past GEP. However, with the exclusion of the O-Level examinations, content can be augmented, and differentiated instruction can be carried out. The syllabus planned for each subject aims to prepare students for the knowledge-based economy besides laying the foundation for pursuing higher education. The various PC/SC/EC will help to plan the differentiation in the various subjects and help to supervise and monitor the teaching of the various subjects.

Teachers are expected to be well versed in a variety of pedagogical approaches to ensure that curriculum is effectively delivered to students. These approaches include:

• Curriculum differentiation and acceleration

• Integrated thematic approach

• Concept-based learning

• Inquiry-based learning

• Inter-disciplinary learning

• Constructivist approach

• Coaching and Mentoring

• Multiple intelligences

• Service-Learning

• Individualized Education Plans

In addition to the formal curriculum, students are further enriched through the additional programs held during the various sabbatical weeks. School based special programs are tailored for students from Secondary 3. From 2010, the consortiums [mainly iSpark & Ortus] will run the special programmes. These special programmes are optional and students would make their choices at the end of S2 academic year. These special programs include:

• Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP)

• Science & Math Talent Programme (SMTP)

• Humanities Programme (HP)

• Language Elective Programme (LEP

Enrichment

All existing GEP programmes and some of the existing subject enrichment activities will continue to be integral parts of SBGE. These include:

• Individualised Research Studies (IRS)

• Inter-disciplinary Studies (IDS)

• Service Learning (SL)

• Moot Parliament Project (MPP)

• Leadership Development Programme (LDP)

• Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme (HSSRP)

• Creative Arts Programme (CAP)

• Innovation Programme (IvP)

• Science Mentorship Programme (SMP)

• Computer Mentorship Programme (CMP)

• Chinese Language Camp (Secondary 1 students)

• Chinese Language Creative Writing Camp (Sec 1 to 3 students)

• History Drama Competition (Secondary 2)

• Literature Seminar (Sec 2 to 3)

• CHAOS

To complement the existing GEB enrichment special programs and activities, special consortium-based and/or school-based enrichment activities are also planned to meet the various needs of students. Students are also provided with opportunities to participate in some local/international competitions. These include:

• Exchange Programs

• Future Problem Solving

• Industrial Attachment

• Odyssey of the Mind

• Mind Olympiad

• Mathematics Olympiad Training

• Science Quiz training

Affective Education

The iSpark Affective Education & Character Development Programme is aligned with school's affective curriculum. However the affective curriculum is differentiated for iSpark students due to the heightened expectations that come with students' inherent asynchronous development. The increased intensity of experience and awareness bring gifted students to a depth of sensitivity beyond that of their peers.

The following programs held within the school contribute to the overall enhancement of the Affective Education Program in iSpark.

1. Camps

   1. S1 iSpark Orientation (Consortium-based)

   2. S1 School-based Annual Camp

   3. S2 Outdoor Education Modules

   4. S3 Annual Adventure Camp (OBS)

   5. S3 China Experience

   6. S4 Overseas Camps

2. Personal Enhancement Programmes

   1. Student-Led Conferencing

   2. Pastoral Care and Moral Education

3. Societal Awareness Enhancement Programmes Each student is to be involved with an S-L element in a project anytime within the four years in iSpark.

   1. Community Involvement Programmes

   2. Service-Learning

Leadership Education

Leadership training and development is mainly achieved through providing opportunities for students to serve in iCouncil (Consortium Council) and iCMG (i.e. Class Committee Guild) within The iSpark Consortium.

The goals of the iCouncil are:

• To encourage students to explore student-led initiatives

• To encourage students to take charge of the immediate needs of the student population

• To promote caring among students through welfare initiatives

• To infuse responsibility and accountability amongst students by allowing them to take charge of the planning and execution of events

• To enable students to take up ownership of their social environment through the events they plan and initiatives they propose

The goals of iCMG are:

• To enable students to manage routine class duties effectively

• To enable students to play a larger role in fostering the class spirit

• To develop a sense of justice in students

• To enable students to speak up to support their stand without the fear of being criticised

• To enable students to resolve conflicts amongst peers and build stronger relationships

• To promote caring thinking among students through shared responsibilities

• To develop students sense of responsibility for their own actions / behaviour

• To enable students to take responsibility for their personal

The following programs held within the school contribute to the overall enhancement of the Leadership Education Program in SBGE.

• OTC LP : the Ong Teng Cheong Leadership Programme

• SLC : Student Leaders Convention

• Class Management Committees

• iSpark Consortium Council

• Hwa Chong Students' Council

• Theoretical understanding and reflection in leadership development during sabbatical weeks

• Leadership opportunities provided for students to conduct courses to their juniors during sabbatical week