Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented
Gifted and talented students need to be challenged in order to maximise their educational outcomes. While St Andrew’s aims to provide a stimulating and enriched curriculum for all students, gifted students require appropriate curriculum modification and provisions that take their particular characteristics into account.
Below are some of examples of the activities St Andrew’s gifted students have been involved in to develop their talents:
CHAOS (Chaotic, Amazing and Outrageous Science)
This Science extension withdrawal programme has been a great stimulus to Year 7, 8 and 9 students as it goes way beyond the syllabus and allows students hands on experience. Once the students reach Year 10 it enables them to work on the syllabus one week, alternating with extension work the next.
Introduction to Astronomy
Two of the CHAOS science extension students participated in an evening of astronomy and stargazing at the Tara School for girls and were able to make use of the impressive astronomy technology in the school which is part of the Global Jet Watch research program to observe a black hole around the clock, under the direction of Oxford University and in collaboration with schools and observatories around the globe.
Young Writers
Students showing talents for writing are encouraged to enter the Young Writers Award, sponsored by the Sydney Morning Herald. This year, St Andrew’s student, Ruby Baird won the Year 8 section of the competition and a spokesman for the Writer’s Guild said “it was the best story he’d read in years.” Other promising St Andrew’s student writers attended a Young Writer’s Workshop to develop their talents.
First Australasian Philosothon
St Andrew’s has an elective in Philosophy for Years 9 and 10. This is proving to be a wonderful training ground for real discussion and inquiry. A number of St Andrew’s students competed in the first Australian Philosothon, mixing with like-minded students from around the country to discuss a range of philosophical topics. Many of the students came home with medals for their contributions.
GATSTA Cluster Days
The Gifted and Talented Secondary Teachers Association (GATSTA) holds Gifted & Talented Cluster Days at a variety of schools in the Metropolitan area. Students are selected to attend according to their interests. The value in these days is that like-minded students are stimulated and possible areas of learning are opened up.
Research Projects
In 2012 two special groups will be formed for independent research projects. The first group will consist of four students from each of Years 7, 8 and 9. The students will be encouraged to pursue something they are especially interested in, whether it is biological weapons, sensitive translations, the works and influence of a particular writer or the impact of addictive drugs. In most cases mentors will be sought to assist the students in their search for understanding. At end of the year the students will present their findings.
A similar group of about 6 Year 10 students will form a group to be held in the academic tutorial and lunchtime of the Senior College.