|
A Gifted and Talented Programme exists at St John Bosco College to enable
students with a special interest or ability the opportunity to attain
their full potential. We believe that as part of our commitment to the
development of the whole person, we have a responsibility to cater for
individual differences and to actively encourage all student to achieve
their potential. We therefore acknowledge that our gifted and talented
students should be both recognised and catered for appropriately.
When using the terms ‘giftedness’ and ‘talent’
we have adopted Professor Francois Gagness’ definitions as:-
Giftedness - a potential that is distinctly above average in one
or more domains of ability;
Talent - a performance that is distinctly above average in one
or more fields of human performance.
The Extension Programme developed to cater for these students is designed
to offer a challenging curriculum that stimulates
the interests and abilities of students selected. Whenever possible this
Programme is offered not only to gifted and talented students but also
to those students who show considerable interest and application within
a particular subject. The aim of the Programme is to create a learning
environment that encourages students to engage their abilities to the
greatest possible extent, promote creativity
and higher cognitive skills and prevent student under-achievement.
|
| Guidelines |
|
|
Identification of gifted and talented students is carried out within
each subject area as soon as possible and regularly updated. This
identification should involve a range of people and may include
subject coordinators, teachers, parents and students (peer or self).
A wide variety of methods are used including the Checklist of Learning
and Behavioural Characteristics from Secondary Teaching TAGS, primary
school recommendations, ELLA Test and results of other tests, Subject
specific competitions etc.
|
|
|
Participation in the Extension Programme is voluntary and by invitation,
but is encouraged among those who have been identified. The Programme
is open-ended with emphasis being on self-directed learning within
a small group (generally 6-12 students). The group may have a variety
of structures eg students working on a group project with each student
approaching it from a different aspect; each student working on
a contract system based upon the students specific interest/ability;
each student working on an individual competition entry. Regardless
of the group structure, the aim is to develop problem solving, independent
learning, creative thought and higher order thinking skills.
|
|
|
The College promotes participation of gifted and talented student
in activities with outside organisations such as national competitions,
the Future Problem Solving Group, Spectra Awards and the Scientia
Programme. To encourage participation in the University of NSW Scientia
Challenge Programme and to foster scientific interest and ability,
the College offers three scholarships which pay for entry to the
Scientia Programme. Candidates would be expected to meet a
number of criteria, write a letter of application and also write
an evaluation of their experiences for the College newsletter.
|
|
|
Students are withdrawn one period per week and work on an individual/group
project under the guidance of the Gifted and Talented Facilitator.
The following list gives an indication of the type of group which
student may be invited to in; Year 7 maths Extension; Year 8 (sometimes
Years 8-10) English Extension; Future Problem Solving; SunSprint
Model Solar Car Challenge; Science Spectra Awards; years 9-10 Philosophy;
students from various years working on competition entries for a
number of different Key Learning Areas.
|
|
|
There is an annual Gifted and talented Excursion for students who
have been part of the Programme. The aim of this day is to provide
an opportunity to participate in activities that widen the students
horizons and challenge their pre-conceptions, knowledge and skills.
|
| |
|
|
