All students require educational experiences that take into account their specific learning characteristics. Gifted and talented students need differentiated educational opportunities geared specifically to allow them to realise their potential. Within Quakers Hill we have the capacity to provide opportunities to students across the curriculum in order to engage them in learning at many levels.
For more details download the Gifted and Talented Parent Nomination Form (PDF 308KB).
Meeting the need
In order to meet the needs of gifted and talented students at QHHS our program is deliberately designed to be multifaceted and comprehensive.
- Potential gifted and talented students are identified from feeder primary schools from the incoming year 6 cohort. Two extension and enrichment GAT classes are formed in year 7 and kept together for the year in a bid to cast the net as widely as possible. Each KLA is then responsible for differentiating teaching and learning programs to meet the needs of these students.
- In Year 8 to 10 banded classes in English, Maths, Science and HSIE allow the continuation of differentiated teaching and learning programs for these students within each KLA
- Differentiation of curriculum for GAT students is further reinforced and integrated into Stage 4 learning through our Literacy and Numeracy program. In Years 7 and 8 periods have been set aside to address literacy and numeracy development of all students. For identified GAT students the emphasis of their program is on problem solving and divergent thinking skill development as well as higher order text types for example: explanation, discussion and exposition.
- Our elective subject options augment the differentiation of curriculum provided in the mandatory subjects. Established rigorous elective subject options, called 40 level courses, promote independent learning skill development and research methodology at HSC and university levels of difficulty. Students this year are writing papers comparing the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism as well as torture during the Spanish Inquisition.
- Identified GAT students are also included in whole school and KLA based extension and enrichment activities such as Tournament of Minds, Mock Trial, the National History Challenge, State and National Geography competitions, public speaking, chess and debating as well as in a variety of subject specific competitions such as the NSW university Writing, Language, Science and Mathematics competitions. For more details please visit competitons.
- Students also compete in multiple sporting events including GALA day and collegiate cup.
QHHS's Accelerated HSIE Class - The Theory
QHHS's accelerated HSIE program has been designed to accelerate an identified group of year 9 students to complete the Year 10 mandatory History and Geography subject areas by compacting and differentiating the curriculum within those subjects. According to the DEC and BOS GAT policies, "Accelerated progression is one of many strategies that schools may employ to respond to the academic and social needs of gifted students … which as an intervention tool … has long been supported by research literature."
Expected outcomes for graduants
Improved academic results in ROSA.
- Experience in Year 10 subject areas leading into the completion of one HSC subject in Year 11.
- Development of greater ‘academic maturity' and responsibility for their learning.
- Increased skill development which will flow across to other subjects.
- Freeing up of the year ten curriculum pathway to allow movement into a preliminary History or Geography HSC course or an increased number of elective courses.
- Increased subject opportunities at Wyndham college.
- Opportunities to study courses at WSU, like courses in Business Studies and Economics.
Outline of the program
In Term 4, Year 8 students are identified for possible inclusion within the program using a variety of data sources including:
- NAPLAN
- school based reading comprehension tests
- subject results
- teacher nominations.
A short list is prepared and parents and students attend an information night to explain the aims and obligations of the program. Students, after consultation with their parents, then nominate themselves for inclusion within the program.
During the following year the group studies both subjects for the whole year completing three timetabled 60 minute periods of History and two before or after school classes during one week and the same in geography the alternate week.
At the end of Terms 1-3 a focus day is held to cement skill development. The group then sits for end of year examination. In the following year they are offered admission into a preliminary HSIE HSC course or to complete additional elective courses at Year 10 level.
Parents interested in this program are encouraged to contact Mrs Critchley at the school to discuss your child's inclusion in the program.