The main focus of the Special Programmes (SPs) is talent development. The intent of the SPs is to identify and reach out to motivated and high-ability pupils in a specific domain, and offer them opportunities to deepen their interest in the field & learn from practising professionals and academics. The philosophy underlying SPs is that strong interest in a specific area provides unequalled internal motivation and acts as a powerful driving force towards self-directed and independent learning.

In all, the SPs provide enrichment opportunities in a variety of disciplines ranging from branches of science, the humanities and language arts, to non-academic areas like leadership and innovation. Many of the SPs are unique programmes conceptualised to cater to youth who exhibit interest and aptitude in specialised areas.

Currently, there are 20 SPs that the Gifted Education Branch organises in partnership with tertiary institutions and other organisations. Of the 20 programmes, 15 cater to pupils' interest in the Sciences, 3 in the Humanities and Language Arts, one in innovation and one in leadership. There are 12 programmes organised under the umbrella of Science Mentorship Programmes.

Common to many of the SPs is a mentorship attachment component in which participants are mentored for a period of time under the guidance of experts in relevant fields. These experts are either lecturers from tertiary education or research institutes, or specialists in the private sector. After the period of mentorship, which can vary from 4 months to a year for the different SPs, participants are given the platform to showcase their products.

Science Programmes

• Creative & Heuristic Applications of Science (CHAOS)
• Science Mentorship Programmes (SMP)
• Science Research Programme (SRP)
• Science Focus (SF)

Humanities and Language Arts Programmes

• Creative Arts Programme (CAP)
• Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme (HSSRP)
• Moot Parliament Programme (MPP)

Innovation Programmes

• Innovation Programme (IvP)

Leadership Programmes

• Leadership Development Programme (LDP)