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Over recent years more and more schools have begun to see the provision of education for gifted children as important and have set up programs to help these children to learn and achieve their potential. This is a great thing for gifted children but even though a wider range of programs for the gifted now exist and many schools make provision for these children, finding out about these programs has often been difficult.
It is the purpose of this page to, hopefully, make that task easier for parents by providing them with a list of some schools who have stated they make provision for gifted students. It will certainly not replace proper research - the schools provisions must be examined in detail to ensure they will be right for your child - but, it should, at least give you a place to start looking.
It must be noted that the omission of a school from this list does not mean that that school is not a good school for your gifted child, and it certainly does not indicate that a school is not a good school. Many schools may make special provision for gifted children and this simply is not known to me - either because they do not make such information public knowledge, or because it did not appear in my sources. Other schools may make no special provision, but instead successfully educate and cater for gifted children within their normal classroom programs.
Many schools omitted from this list stated in documents that I have read that they seek to 'cater for individual differences' or that they 'treat all children individually' or that they 'successfully educate all children with special needs'. I considered very carefully whether or not these schools should be included in the listing because those statements can mean that gifted children are catered for at such schools. In the end, I elected not to include such schools in the absence of other information because my experience has shown me that such statements can sometimes be inclusive of all children - except gifted children. I make no judgement of whether or not this applies in the cases of these schools - in many cases, perhaps all cases, such schools do not exclude gifted children from their definitions. But I consider it to be the lesser of two evils to risk excluding some schools that cater for gifted children from this list if it avoids the risk of including a school in this list that does not make provision for the gifted.
For the same reason, schools that say they provide 'enrichment' for students have also been excluded in the absence of any other information. This is because enrichment can have a great many meanings - it can include provision for gifted children, it can also mean that a school provides swimming lessons. Again, I make no judgement on whether or not such schools do make provision for gifted children as part of their enrichment programs - I simply do not know the answer and once again I have decided it is better to risk the exclusion of a school from this list that does provide enrichment for the gifted, than to risk including a school that does not and so risk parents sending their child to a school that does not meet the needs of their child based on the information on this page.
As a further clarification about the two paragraphs above, let me make it clear that statements that a school 'cater to all needs' or 'have enrichment programs' do not mean that a school will not appear in this listing. Rather, such information simply does not comprise a reason for a school's inclusion by itself. For example, if I have seen other information that confirms a school's enrichment programs do include provisions for gifted children, I will include that school in the listing but I must have clear and unambiguous information.
If any ACT schools not included in this list would like to provide me with information on any provisions they make for the education of gifted children, I will be happy to include an entry for that school. By the same token, if any school that is included would like to provide me with more information, I am happy to add that to this page. In these cases, please e-mail me at drednort@alphalink.com.au
Finally, let me make clear that this page is for information purposes only - it is not intended to replace detailed investigation of a school by parents for their child, merely to provide them with some possible places to start. Always remember that what is said and what is actually done can differ, and even a good gifted program may not be appropriate for any individual gifted child. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy with regards to the information on this page, I accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may have occurred (beyond a responsibility to correct such inaccuracies if they are brought to my attention) and I accept no responsibility for the use or misuse of the information on this page. Except where prior Copyrights exist, this page is © 2001 Shaun Hately. Linking to this page is permitted (indeed encouraged), but please do not reproduce any of the information contained here without obtaining permission from me - such permission will virtually always be given.
But many people do not know the name of a school they are interested in and so I have provided a series of menus. These menus will list schools by:
The following information is provided for each school where I have been able to find it.
You will notice when you view the list of schools that it is quite colourful. These colours exist for a reason and conform to the following key:
| Belconnen High School | Cook Primary School | Giralang Primary School | Higgins Primary School |
| Kaleen Primary School | Latham Primary School | Radford College |
Canberra (North)
| Ainslie Primary School | Campbell Primary School | Daramalan College | Merici College |
Canberra (South)
| Alfred Deakin High School | Canberra Church of England Girl's Grammar School | Canberra Grammar School | St Edmund's College |
| Telopea Park School |
Tuggeranong
| Lanyon High School | MacKillop Catholic College | St Anthony's Primary School | Wanniassa Primary School |
Woden Valley
| Curtin Primary School | Lyons Primary School | Marist College | Mawson Primary School |
If the school is a private school (not government run) it will be classified by its religious affiliation (including a category of non-denominational). Bear in mind that some schools affiliated with a particular religion do accept students from other faiths.
Anglican
| Canberra Church of England Girl's Grammar School | Canberra Grammar School | Radford College |
Catholic
| Daramalan College | MacKillop Catholic College | Marist College | Merici College |
| St Anthony's Primary School | St Edmund's College |
While the menu system as described above will not provide full details on which years a school teaches, that information is provided in the main alphabetical listing.
Secondary
Kindergarten to Grade 12
| Canberra Church of England Girl's Grammar School | Canberra Grammar School |
Ainslie is committed to assisting every student to achieve his or her individual best. There is a commitment to ensuring the learning program is adapted to meet the needs of children who need extension to maximise their education potential.
Classroom organisation and learning activities are designed to cater for various ability levels. Individualised projects, open-ended tasks, cooperative learning group work, critical thinking, creative problem solving and De Bono's Thinking Hats activities are some of the strategies teachers use to meet the needs and varying ability and interest levels of children.
Some of the additional opportunities available to our students include our special Music Education Program, the Peer Tutor and Cross-Age tutoring program, participation in numerous outside Competitions and activities, the Trivia Challenge, Tournament of the Minds, Twit Writing Club, visits to CSIRO and Science & Technology Centre, Rostrum Public Speaking and the Leadership and Conflict Resolution training linked with the Year 6 Playground Peer Support Program.
Ainslie has achieved a high level of success in participating in outside activities. One such instance is Tournament of Minds. Our teams have won the ACT division on three separate occasions and gone through to compete in the National Finals. In 2000 our team won the National Final Competition in their division (Primary Schools), held in Sydney.
The Ainslie Chess Club is run through the voluntary assistance of Mr Keith Robertson, who has played a significant role in the world of Chess in the ACT. Students from Year 3 to Year 6 can participate in weekly Chess classes and a lunchtime Chess Club is open to all students. Ainslie teams compete in ACT Chess Tournaments at various times and students participate in friendly class time competition ladders throughout the school year. Chess has become an important part of life at Ainslie, thanks to the dedication of Mr Robertson and his desire to enhance the strategic and problem solving skills of students through training and the game of Chess.
Ainslie has adopted and adapted the Western Australian Gifted and Talented program to establish Ainslie's TalentED Program. In 1998 we began systemic student identification processes by standardised testing, input from parents, teachers and peers in order to implement special programs to meet the educational needs of our students. Identification is a continuous process. Special programs for students are incorporated into the classroom setting, as part of small group work and by way of withdrawal groups working across year levels.
Acceleration in Mathematics has been implemented for a number of students within the school. Examples of some of the other special programs include withdrawal groups of students from Year 2 to Year 6 to work together on high-order mathematical problem solving, across-year groups concentrating on Critical Thinking skills and groups of children who have tested as high achievers but who are not achieving in one of the basic skills.
Ainslie is continually looking for ways to challenge and stimulate student thinking and learning. The school is committed to providing opportunities for staff to attend professional development in the area of Gifted and Talented education, as well as providing whole-school workshops and training in this area of teaching." (http://www.ainslieps.act.edu.au/specialprograms/gt.html)
Background
The program creates opportunities for students to excel across a range of areas in the school. This is achieved by:
Our school philosophy supports enterprising students which means we want to structure an environment where students feel they can take calculated risks with their education so as to fully benefit from the available opportunities.
Other Extension Activities
Accelerated / extension classes for highly motivated and able learners in Mathematics, Science and English are offered. There are also challenging electives within specific Key Learning Areas (KLAs) eg. Y9 Sports Science.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING PROGRAM
Highly able students can participate in the Independent Learning Program. This enables students to study topics under the guidance of an outside mentor and to access community resources. The program is designed to meet a specific need not already provided for through mainstream courses and to develop student initiative and self-directed learning skills. Entry is at the discretion of the Principal." (http://www.belconnenhs.act.edu.au/newpage1.htm)
Students with special talents are able to attend a Gifted and Talented program called TRACKS. Children are identified by their class teachers to participate in various extension activities organised by the Deputy Principal. Class teachers are also able to refer students to Mobile Extension and Active Learning Stands [otherwise known as Meals on Wheels] which are located for easy access by children who finish class work quickly and need extension." (http://www.campbellps.act.edu.au/activities.htm)
A programme of Extension Activities is provided in scheduled timetabled classes for both the Infants and Primary sections of the school. The purpose of these activities is partly to provide our more gifted and talented students with additional challenges and partly to make all of our students more aware of how the skills and attitudes which they are developing in the main stream can be utilised and extended. Some examples of Extension Activities are: Extension Science; Computer Programming; Extension French; Mathematical Patterning; Technic Lego; Philosophy; Public Speaking; Chess; Drama; Jazz Ballet; Cross Stitch; Touch Football; Cooking; Craft; Applique." (http://www.cceggs.act.edu.au/extact.htm)
"Gifted/talented programs: Extension work offered to gifted and talented children within the education program."
Gardner suggested that each individual possesses a unique blend of seven intelligences. While the intelligences are discrete in terms of their existence in the brain, "real world" activities inevitably involve a blend of intelligences. It is unlikely that the intelligences can operate in pure form in everyday functioning.
Gardner says there could be more intelligences, eg the Naturalist, which Gardner identified in 1997.
This theory is seen at Cook School to be an ideal framework to use in ensuring good teaching practices and improved outcomes (results) for students. Multiple Intelligences theory is seen to be the best answer to Social Justice issues. It provides a framework to extend children who are talented and gifted and also for children requiring assistance.
At Cook School, the agreed aim is to develop each child to his or her greatest potential. Multiple Intelligences provides the framework for being able to ensure this is done and underpins curriculum implementation at Cook." (http://www.cookps.act.edu.au/mi.htm)
The Pathways for Accelerated Learners (PALS) Program provides a range of opportunities for gifted and talented students. Curtin Primary School continues to develop flexible pathways through an array of services, experiences and opportunites, which nurture gifted and talented learners in discovering and fully developing their unique talents.
Program Goals
Students will access curriculum challenges
and opportunities which foster
The Program
The PALS Program has a school wide focus with
a range of activities and events accessible to students irrespective of
class groupings. In 1997 special classes were established to increase options
for gifted and talented students.
Extension Activities
The school offers a range of opportunities
for students to develop their gifts and demonstrate their talent. These
activities support quality outcomes for all involved. Some of these activities
include participation in the ACT Science Fair, Rostrum, Tournament of Minds,
Future Problem Solving, English and Maths Competitions, Maths Oympiad,
Instrumental Band Program and performances, ACT and District Sporting Events
and Community Resource Programs.
Identification
A multifaceted approach is used to develop
a student profile. This process can include parent nomination, teacher
nomination, peer nomination, IQ tests, English and Mathematics assessment,
specific ability tests, school reports and work samples.
Early entry is supported in consultation with the Department."
By implementing a number of different teaching and learning strategies we endeavour to meet our students needs. Some of the strategies we implement at Giralang School are:
Through flexibile and monitored grouping children can be given the extra breathing space they may need to master a skill or concept or be extended beyond their age or year level.
There is crossover between the Junior and Middle school to further cater for those children who are gifted and talented or who are not quite ready for a particular level of learning.
Children experience positive, challenging and supportive learning environments at all times.
The strict behaviour management policy ensures quality teaching and learning at all times. For those students who have special requirements or need support outside of the immediate learning environment we have a Learning Resource/ESL teacher and Special Teaching Assistant who supplement the classroom programme or offer programmmes specific to the individual needs of the student. This may be through integrated in class assistance or by withdrawal so as to work on a one-to-one basis or in a small group. These children are continually monitored and there is constant feedback between the classroom teachers and the Specialist staff. Some students may have special learning needs and these children also have access to specialist staff and are monitored regularly through a special needs committee that comprises the Principal, Specialist teachers, the school counsellor and the classroom teacher/s. A broad range of approaches to delivery of instruction caters for the needs of all our students. Outcomes may differ according to skill level, learning needs, age, ability and talents.
We endeavour to meet all the needs of our students where ever possible and help them to achieve to their potential." (http://www.giralangps.act.edu.au/meeting.htm)
The needs of individual students at Kaleen Primary School are recognized and addressed. All students are given opportunities for growth and enrichment. In order to nurture these gifts and talents additional appropriate experiences are offered to challenge learners requiring further extension.
It has been recognized at this school that gifted students tend to select friends and working partners who are of their own mental age and shared interests. These are not always compatible with those of their chronological or grade level peers.
To enable gifted students to interact with others of similar abilities and interests Kaleen Primary School has established specialized classes for students identified as requiring a full time program." (http://www.kaleenps.act.edu.au/Special.htm)
Students come to school with a diverse range of abilities. The Lanyon High School FOCUS Program is specifically designed for students who:
THINKING SKILLS AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Students will gain insights into how learning and memory interact and influence their achievements. Through gaining an understanding of their own learning styles, students will develop increased demonstrable outcomes in:
Learners in Disguise!
The Latham Primary School TAGS enrichment program is based on the TAGS (Talented and Gifted Students) program from Western Australia.
It supports the concept of a challenging and inclusive curriculum to enable the gifts and talents of students to emerge, be recognised and developed.
Activities in TAGS employ strategies and skills to develop creativity, logical thinking, critical thinking and problem solving." (http://www.lathamps.act.edu.au/specialprograms/tags.htm)
Multi-age groupings provide a natural learning
environment in which people of different ages learn from one another. Our
programs take
account of individual differences in learning
styles, abilities and interests. They provide students with opportunities
to :
Learning Support
A skilled team of teachers and teacher assistants
provide specialist support for students requiring help with basic skills
as well as gifted
students who need to be challenged beyond
the normal requirements of classroom activities.
Students with special needs are identified
through a process that involves students, parents and teachers. Various
diagnostic tools may also
be used to identify specific student needs.
Various approaches have been used at the College, in recent years, to address the needs of students with learning difficulties and/or talents. The approach taken depends on the student and the course being undertaken. This may include personalised programs, additional in-class support, small group work and discretely identified classes." (http://www.mackillop.act.edu.au/lsp.htm)
We are committed to assisting each student to achieve his or her potential. Individualised projects, self-directed learning, open-ended tasks and cooperative learning activities are some of the strategies used to meet the needs and varying ability levels of students.
The school participates in numerous activities throughout the year which stimulates the mind and provides an extra challenge and extension for many students. Some of these are: Rostrum public speaking competition, NSW University Mathematics, English and Science Competitions, Tournament of Minds, competitions in Writing, Art and Science, Chess club, signing club and outdoor education.
Challenge Program. The Challenge (or Gifted and Talented) program is designed to give some students the opportunity to be extended academically and to use their higher thinking skills. Gardener’s Multiple Intelligence principle underpins this learning enrichment program that covers all the Key Learning Areas depending on the talent of students involved at a specific time. Students involved in the program are selected for their aptitudes, skills and talents." (http://www.mawsonps.act.edu.au/information/students.htm#lee)
This program provides academic support for students whose need for increased depth and complexity are not being met within the mainstream classroom. Meeting the needs of these students also improves and maintains high motivation levels and enthusiasm for learning. The teacher and student work together to provide more opportunities to engage in challenging work. Other strategies involve providing a support network for students, encouraging participation in co-curricular opportunities, and working individually or with groups of students on specific challenges." (http://www.merici.act.edu.au/curriculum/educational_services.htm)
As stated in our School Vision Statement, children at St Anthony's are considered to be special. As such, each is given the very best opportunities to develop their God given gifts and talents. The school acknowledges that all children have been given unique talents and all children possess areas of weakness that require special nurturing.
Our school endeavours to cater for this broad spectrum of strengths and weaknesses in all children by good, solid, contemporary teaching practice. As well, the school focuses on giving all children the opportunity to discover that there are many different ways of thinking about any given problem or situation." (http://www.stanthonys.act.edu.au/Curriculum.html)
The College caters for the special needs of students giving particular attention to those students who are either slow learners, underachievers or have some learning disability. The policy preferred for these students is that of integration with the mainstream though from time to time pupils are withdrawn in special groups for brief periods of time for intensive work. The Special Needs section also provides programs for gifted and talented students." (http://www.stedmunds.act.edu.au/curric.htm)
"Gifted/talented programs: The College has a Special Needs section."
The Challenge Program in the primary section and the Quantum Science, Challenge English and Challenge Mathematics provide extension for highly able students in the secondary section." (http://www.telopea.act.edu.au/information/sprog.htm)
"Gifted students are those students possessing to an outstanding degree, demonstrated competence or potential in intellectual, creative and/or other abilities." (ACT Department of Education and Training).
Children identified as being gifted and talented may participate in the school and districts Gifted and Talented Program, which is pursued as part of the regular curriculum.
This can include one or more of the following:
Class programs provide enrichment opportunities
for more able students. In addition to this Wanniassa students are extended
by representing the school in: University of NSW English, Maths, IT and
Science Competitions; Creative Writing Competitions; Art and Design Competitions
and Curriculum Workshops in Key Learning Areas." (http://www.wanniassaps.act.edu.au/Specialfeatures.htm)