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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 Tasmanian 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:
| Marist Regional College |
Bowen
| Orford Primary School | Rose Bay High School |
Derwent
| Dominic College | Guildford Young College | Ouse District High School |
Esk
| Brooks High School | Launceston Church Grammar School | Rocherlea Primary School | Scotch Oakburn College |
| Scottsdale Primary School | St Patrick's College |
Hartz
| Elizabeth College | The Friends' School Hobart | The Hutchins School | Mount Carmel College |
| Ogilvie High School | Sacred Heart College | St Mary's College | St Michael's Collegiate |
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.
| Brooks High School | Elizabeth College | Ogilvie High School | Orford Primary School |
| Ouse District High School | Rocherlea Primary School | Rose Bay High School | Scottsdale Primary School |
Anglican
| The Hutchins School | Launceston Church Grammar School | St Michael's Collegiate |
Catholic
| Dominic College | Guilford Young College | Marist Regional College | Mount Carmel College |
| Sacred Heart College | St Mary's College | St Patrick's College |
Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
| The Friends' School Hobart |
Uniting Church
| Scotch Oakburn 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
Grade 11/12 College
| Elizabeth College | Guilford Young College |
Kindergarten to Grade 12
At Brooks our emphasis is on meeting the individual needs of the students, a task made easier because of the organisation of major classes which enables a teacher to get to know each child very well. Students who are identified as requiring assistance in literacy and numeracy have outstanding special education programs available to them. Those who have difficulty with social interaction in normal classrooms are able to spend time in Birribi, an off campus unit at which one to one interaction with adults helps with the development of social skills.
All children have particular talents, and one of our tasks is to identify what they are and to develop them. We have a rich, diverse curriculum which is designed to extend the most able of children. For example, in each Grade from 7 to 10 we have offered extension programs in Mathematics and English. An outstanding array of extra curricula activities is offered by staff, one notable example being our participation in performance drama. Those talented in sport are helped and encouraged. Specific purpose excursions are conducted annually such as the week long Grade 10 Science camp to Woodbridge and the Grade 9 Social Science trip to Canberra.
It is recognised that there are many gifted young people at our school, a fact which is obvious when one looks at the excellence with which many of our ex students have achieved in tertiary studies recently." (http://www.tased.edu.au/schools/brooksh/Other_Programs/other_programs.htm)
"Gifted
At Brooks High School we recognise that all children have particular talents, and one of our tasks is to identify what they are and to develop them. We have a rich, diverse curriculum that is designed to extend the most able of children. For example, in each Grade from 7 to 10 we have offered extension programs in Mathematics and English. An outstanding array of extra curricula activities is offered by staff, one notable example being our participation in Performing Arts. Those talented in sport are helped and encouraged. Specific purpose excursions are conducted annually such as the weeklong Grade Nine-Science camp to Woodbridge and the Tasmanian Young Readers and Writers Festival.
It is recognised that there are many gifted young people at our school, a fact that is obvious when one looks at the excellence with which many of our ex students have achieved in tertiary studies recently.
In 2001 the school will have in place a specific program for students who are gifted. The program will incorporate individual study, study time with other gifted students and mainstream class time.
The school recognises that the recognition of gifted students is a very complex process. In 2001 we will have in place a formal process for recognition that includes negotiation with parents, discussion with the student concerned and some recognised IQ testing. This and ongoing support will allow Brooks High School to best assist the gifted student throughout their compulsory school years and beyond." (http://www.tased.edu.au/schools/brooksh/Gifted/gifted.htm)
In some subjects, particularly in the senior years, classes may be loosely streamed i.e. students with identified higher-level skills may be grouped together as are those with lesser ability. In other subjects, the students are randomly grouped together.
In all matters to do with delivering the curriculum, the College strives to ensure that each student will be placed in the most effective environment to suit the individual's needs and abilities." (http://www.dominic.tas.edu.au/secondary-curriculum/)
"It is vital to the College that what is taught and the ways in which it is taught, should inspire the students to value themselves, to recognise, accept and develop their individual gifts and talents and to encourage others to do the same...
Students participate in the Australian and Tasmanian Mathematics Competitions and external Maths Relays. Students from the Engineering Department of the University of Hobart visit the school with challenges and competitions. Maths Extended and Maths Stage 1 are offered as Electives for students who wish to participate in extended and enrichment work in Mathematics...
MATHEMATICS EXTENDED Year 9/10 MT 236B
This course is available to very able students studying 9MT122B as an enrichment and extension subject. Through a variety of intellectually challenging situations, students will gain insight into mathematical structures and techniques."
If you are academically gifted and interested in pursuing a balanced programme of excellence, then ECAAD (Elizabeth College Advanced Academic Diploma) is for you.
In addition to your academic studies, which include English and at least four of the other National Curriculum learning areas of Mathematics, LOTE, Science, HPOR, Technology, SOSE and the Arts, studied over two years, you participate in a Contemporary Issues and Culture programme, attend at least one camp per year and undertake some adventure activities.
To gain the diploma, successful ECAAD students must obtain a TE score of 85 or greater, and actively participate in college sport, drama, music, service or be a member of a representative team. A significant presentation of an aspect of ECAAD is to be made to a college class and/or group also. Any student who shows aptitude and ability will be able to join ECAAD by expression of interest and interview." (http://www.eliz.tased.edu.au/handbook/programs/default.htm)
For the exceptional boy
The School’s Centre for Excellence offers programs for boys whose academic needs lie outside the regular classroom program. Extension and enrichment as well as specific remediation are provided by a team of specialist staff to many Middle School boys. Boys can nominate themselves to enter these programs, or parents and teachers can identify their needs as steer them towards the Centre." (http://www.hutchins.tas.edu.au/f_curric.htm)
"Gifted/talented programs: All extension programs coordinated and managed by the Hutchins Centre for Excellence."
The School has a very strong record of academic achievement in preparation of students for tertiary studies. The School strives to meet the need of a full range of ability levels with specialist staff assisting the less able and providing for the gifted. There is a strong emphasis on disciplined thinking, academic rigour and traditional learning while creativity is promoted and cherished." (http://www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/Curriculum/curricul.htm)
"Programmes for gifted students and for those needing special support with learning operate at all levels of the School.
This department really 'came of age' this year with the introduction of two new facets to our programme, and the consolidation of programmes already effectively in place. Another contributing factor to a successful year, was the allocation of a well-equipped base in C4 which is available for most of the day and ideal for self-structured study or group discussions. Centrally positioned and with computer access, this room has become the heart of the programme.
New in 2000 was the use of the Structured Study Line for Grade 9 students, which facilitated the study, by individual students, of such diverse subjects as Spanish and Music Composition. The second new aspect of the programme was in the area of accelerated learning. In consultation with the University of New South Wales, the School has initiated a programme of radical acceleration for one student which may open further possibilities for others in the future.
While Philosophy for Children continued its popularity across the grades, the major drawcard to emerge was "Issues". One group quickly grew to two and then three as student-driven groups researched in depth, discussed and debated such topics as developments in the Middle East and the separation of the Maltese Siamese twins. These groups, some of which meet in class time, and some during lunchtime, are enhancing the political and social awareness of our students." (http://www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/news%20and%20publications/HMReport2000/report.htm)
"Gifted/talented programs: Full program from Years 7 - 12."
A special education programme provides for both the child with learning difficulties and the child requiring extention work." (http://www.ice.net.au/MTC/Primaryandsecndry.html)
The school provides a broad general education covering all eight learning areas. Grade 7 students undertake a common course including a taster program of two LOTE subjects. In grades 8 - 10 students choose from the optional subjects but are encouraged to continue study over the eight learning areas. In 1997 a program of Independent Learning was introduced which aims at developing independent, responsible learners. In 1998 a Centre of Student Learning will be established to cater for students with individual needs in remediation and extension." (http://www.ogilvie.tased.edu.au/info.htm)
The school believes that the following priorities reflect our educational intentions. Their alphabetical coding is to allow easy reference. Letters do not represent any hierarchical order...
G. To assist under-achieving and gifted and talented students..." (http://www.tased.edu.au/schools/ousedh/plan1998.htm)
In the tradition of the Sisters of St Joseph, Sacred Heart College exists to provide, in a Catholic educational environment, a lived experience of the gospel value of all-embracing love symbolized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Animated by this life-giving ideal we:
"Gifted/talented programs: Program of extension work in all subjects; gifted students; computers-based program in Junior School."
Background Information:
In 1998, there was a clear belief from our school community that there was a definite need to provide more learning opportunities for our gifted students. Prior to this year, the school was offering a successful Maths Enrichment Group for grade 5 and 6 students. Our aim was to provide in 1999 a much more extensive gifted programme that would cater for students K -6 and cover a wide range of learning areas.
Underpinning Guidelines:
There is equal opportunity for all students to participate.
Gifted programmes should be offered in a range of learning areas.
All grade levels K-6 should have opportunities to be included in the various programmes.
All teachers would have the opportunity to lead a gifted programme.
What programmes will be offered in 2000?
Visual Art, Science, Philosophy for Children, Drama, Mathematics- Maths Olympiad, Australian Maths Competition, Computers, Technology, Examiner Newspaper Challenge." (http://www.tased.edu.au/schools/scottsdp/enrich.htm)