At Robertson State School, we have engaged in a whole school approach to the education of gifted students for over twenty years. Our goals for gifted students are that they are not only recognised and valued but also that their self-esteem is nurtured so they can become independent, self-directed, life-long learners.
We use a screener in Prep to assist us in identifying fast learners. We cluster our fast learners in both straight and multi-age classes.
Teachers differentiate within their own class. For gifted and talented students teachers deliver the curriculum beyond learning expectations for their age peers. Curriculum provision for gifted and talented students addresses their specific learning needs and can include; a faster pace, a degree of abstraction, and the use of critical and creative thinking while processing more complex information. These all challenge the students to develop strategies for persevering with difficult problems.
Through the provision of a differentiated curriculum, gifted learners are stretched beyond their "comfort zones". Our in-class provision builds self-esteem and self-understanding with opportunities for differentiation, enrichment, extension and acceleration.
We source off campus enrichment events and activities for our fast learners to be involved in, for example ICAS, Writing competitions, STEM Competitions, Olympiad, Kidpreneur, Lego Robotics, science clubs and competitions at various universities and high schools.
The Teacher Librarian, STEM HOC and Gifted Coordinator work collaboratively to hold a STEAM club in the library once a week with activities that include chess, logic games and problems, arts and crafts and digitial activities like Osmos or Spheros, or design creation using the 3D printer.
We conduct enrichment maths and science groups with our fast learners across the year levels.
As a learning community, Robertson values the diverse gifts of its members. Our aim is to provide a supportive learning environment where gifts can be recognised and nurtured so that talent is developed.