Curriculum Differentiation -- Gifted and Talented programme

Emanuel recognises that there are children of high academic ability whose needs are not entirely met by the regular curriculum. It is important to encourage such students to enjoy school and to love learning, as well as to achieve their potential for themselves and for society generally. The School’s Gifted Programme addresses the needs of intellectually advanced students from Pre-school to Year 12.

Identification: “Intelligence” is best analysed by a diverse range of measures, the more the better. Emanuel uses various tools to identify gifted learners, such as:

• parent nomination;
• teacher nomination;
• diagnostic testing – both group and individually administered tests;
• peer nomination;
• standardised achievement testing;
• interview;
• records of achievements.

Why enrol your gifted child at Emanuel School?

• A relatively small school;
• A beautiful, heritage-listed, superbly-resourced campus with wide subject selection;
• A Principal with vast experience of running gifted education programmes to HSC;
• GERRIC trained Director of Studies;
• Several GERRIC trained teachers;
• Superb teachers for whom “enrichment” is the right of any student in any class;
• Ability grouped classes in High School;
• Commitment to individual and group acceleration, when relevant;
• Commitment to specialised teacher-training funded by School;
• Years 5 and 6 Opportunity Classes with automatic scholarships for those continuing to High School;
• A gifted education that is at the heart of the curriculum - not all education jargon and “bolt-on” competitions;
• Student notebook computer programme.

Grade skipping: For some students, whose abilities are superior across all academic areas, this intervention is the most appropriate. Emanuel takes great care to ensure student readiness – both emotional and social.

Mentors: Emanuel is keen to meet the needs of individual students whose skill and motivation mean they can benefit from working with a professional in their field of interest. An “apprenticeship” of this nature allows for a rich learning experience.

Independent study: Some students are ready to undertake a major learning assignment for which they take full responsibility. In these cases, the study is an alternative to regular classes, and the product is expected to be of near-professional quality. Such studies are co-ordinated and monitored by a Gifted Education specialist who helps provide resources and assists in making contact with professionals and facilities outside the School.

Competitions: The School enters students in academic competitions within areas such as writing, art, languages, Mathematics and Science. Individuals with special interest in public speaking, debating, drama, music, art and chess have many and varied outlets for these skills, including competitions.

Staff: There are specialist gifted education teachers throughout Emanuel – mostly trained by the University of New South Wales’ Gifted Education research unit – GERRIC. Our teachers attend national and international conferences, occasionally delivering papers. The school co-ordinators provide advice and training to staff as well as networking with professionals outside the school.

Outside Emanuel: Emanuel provides liaison between our students and other bodies who run gifted courses. For example, Emanuel students attend UNSW Scientia holiday programmes. Similarly, the School disseminates information about seminars and courses of particular interest to parents of gifted children.

Parent involvement: Emanuel values parent input and encourages communication. The School advises parents of seminars and courses of relevance.