Gifted and Talented Education at Marist North Shore

2010 hosts the first year of a formalised Gifted and Talented Education Program at Marist College North Shore.  Until now we have not had a formal program, but we have touched off several elements of Gifted and Talented Education for many years.  There are the accelerated and extension classes, for example in Mathematics and English.  Co curricular subjects include debating, public speaking, drama and music productions, chess and the photographic and video editing club.  All of the above are important elements of a Gifted and Talented Education Program in a school.

What do we mean by gifted and talented?  It is the potential to perform and achieve at a level significantly beyond what might be expected from one’s age peers in any area of human ability.  This program is a very exciting initiative for not only the students and parents but also for the teachers at Marist College North Shore.  It will allow us to empower academically gifted students to perform at their highest level.  The program will allow us to maximize and enrich the potential of all our students.

An example of one of the many initiatives that may come into play this year would be the CREST awards in Science and Technology offered by CSIRO. Initiatives like this allow students to experience the exciting world of scientific research and technological development through a structured program that supports them in choosing, organising and undertaking their own open-ended experimental science or technology project.  Students undertake, in consultation with a supervising teacher, a creative and original project that involves experimentation (for science projects) or design, construction and appraisal (for technology projects).  Their project must have an application to the everyday world.  The students will also get the chance to take part in the many initiatives offered by the University of New South Wales. 

At the moment we are drawing up the long term goals for the program.  The students are participating in the identification procedure using a balance of objectives and subjective approaches and both teachers and parents will become involved as this further develops.  If there are parents who feel their son may be suitable to enter into this Program, could they please contact me and I will forward the appropriate forms to you.  The Program is sure to enhance the students’ academic, practical and social domains at the College.

Nicola Freyne

Gifted and Talented Coordinator