Capstone Programme

Capstone@GESS

At GESS, we seek to develop Gessians of Excellence, Standing and Significance. Capstone@GESS is a Talent Development Programme customised for selected students who show strong aptitude, interest and motivation in the cognitive domain. Curated programmes are tailored to provide opportunities for students to learn beyond their classrooms, and to strengthen some of the 21st Century Competencies. Capstone@GESS comprises two tiers.

Capstone Tier 1 caters to students identified for specific department-based stretch programmes anchored on their interests and aptitude. Opportunities are provided for them to participate in a wide array of competitions and seminars to deepen their learning in various academic disciplines. Some opportunities include:

·        English Language: Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition; National Schools Literature Festival

·        Humanities: Model United Nations, History Challenge, Geography Challenge

·        Mathematics: Singapore Mathematics Olympiad

·        Mother Tongue Languages: Bilingual Youth Model United Nations

·        Science: International Competition and Assessment for Science; Singapore Junior Olympiad for Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Capstone Tier 2, also known as Capstone+, targets the overall top 10% of each cohort at the school level. These selected students go through a specially curated, broad-based programme over their four years at GESS. Our collaboration with various institutions and organisations provides opportunities for these students to attend workshops and learning journeys, such as on AI and design thinking. Teacher-designed workshops on elevator pitches and the use of generative AI help equip students with the necessary skills for project management and presentation. Students work collaboratively in groups and apply the design thinking process to propose solutions for authentic issues across different domains, including sustainability, an ageing population, public health, mental health, and cybersecurity. Students then present their learning at the school assembly.

Anchored on the theme of sustainability, the Capstone+ Framework follows a progressive four-stage model: Enrich, Enthuse, Engage, and Empower. Through this programme, students develop 21st Century Competencies, specifically Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy; Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking; and Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills.