P1 Seminar Recap: Understanding Changes, Building Habits, and Preparing for GEP

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P1 Readiness Seminar Recap — Understanding Changes, Building Habits, and Preparing for GEP


Last Saturday (3 Jan), Kangaroo Study organised a parent seminar led by Tr. Smith, focusing on what truly changes when children enter Primary 1, how parents can support their learning journey, and how to prepare effectively for future challenges, including the evolving GEP structure.
This insightful session helped parents better understand the new educational landscape and how to set the right pace, mindset, and preparation approach for their children.


Seminar Recap

What Really Changes from P1?
Tr. Smith began by helping parents understand what fundamentally changes when children move from preschool into primary school. Beyond learning content, school becomes increasingly about selection and comparison — through milestones such as GEP, SASMO, NMOS, APMOPS, PSLE, RMO and eventually DSA.
He described schooling like entering a race: some students start earlier, some run faster, and some sustain better because they have the right learning mindset.

The Real Differentiator: Habits & Mindset
Rather than drilling endless worksheets, Tr. Smith emphasised the importance of building strong learning habits and mental resilience. For P1 children, foundational abilities such as vocabulary understanding, reading fluency, and strong number sense matter greatly. Students progress best when they listen and think first, can explain concepts clearly, practise meaningfully, correct mistakes systematically, and develop the courage to face challenging questions.
Most importantly, parents were reminded that mindset plays a big role: children should not fear comparison or difficulties. With achievable successes, patient guidance, and a supportive learning environment, they can gradually build confidence and grow steadily in their learning journey.

Future Planning: Understanding GEP Changes
Next part Tr Smith help parents to understand the GEP reforms. Previously the programme followed a two-stage selection process with only about 1% finally admitted. The new direction shifts away from focusing only on early bloomers and moves toward a broader, more holistic way of identifying high-ability learners. Parents gained clearer insights into what GEP truly tests, which children benefit most, and the mindset and readiness needed.

Many parents shared that the seminar was highly informative and helpful. Several stayed back after the session to speak with Tr. Smith and seek further guidance.




  
2. About the Teacher
   
Tr. Smith is the Head of the Primary 1 Department and the lead teacher for the P1–P3 Math Olympiad program. Recognized for excellence in teaching, he was awarded the "Best Young Teacher" in Singapore by Fang Tian Education in 2024.     
   
His students have consistently achieved remarkable results. In 2024, during the P5 NMOS, out of eight students, two ranked within the Top 30, and five achieved Gold awards. In 2025, his P6 students excelled in multiple competitions: out of ten students in the RMO, two obtained High Distinctions and four achieved Distinctions. In the SASMO competition, five students earned Gold awards, with one student ranking among the Top 3 in Singapore.  
   


Over time, parents have developed great trust and confidence in Tr. Smith’s teaching. They often praise his seminars and classes for being highly insightful, practical, and impactful, and many of them have expressed their sincere appreciation for his outstanding guidance and support.
     
Before course registration, students are required to take an entrance test for our teachers to evaluate students' current level and the most suitable class.
To schedule the entrance test, please contact Tr. Smith via WhatsApp:


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