Did you know?
All students need to have learning where they can experience success. Schools have a wide variety of opportunities available for gifted and talented students. Learning that extends skills and knowledge must be available daily. Development in areas of student passion and strength is very important. Looking after the wellbeing of gifted and talented students helps them reach their full potential.
What do we mean by gifted and talented students?
Gifted students have ability that is in the top 10% of students of a similar age. This would be in at least one domain:
- intellectual
- physical
- creative
- social
Talented or Highly Able students show performance that is in the top 10% of students of a similar age. This would be in at least one domain:
- intellectual
- physical
- creative
- social
Levels of giftedness can range from moderate to profound. Being profoundly gifted is quite rare.
Some gifted students are very capable just in one area, for example mathematics or music, while others are exceptional across a range of areas.
It is possible to have a physical or learning disability at the same time as being gifted.
Gifted students often learn faster and in more complex ways than their peers.
Changes to the learning and daily programs of highly gifted students is necessary.
Research shows some gifted students are at risk of becoming bored with grade level learning activities.
Principals and teachers work with school psychologists, and in some cases, tertiary education providers to ensure a gifted student is supported.
Extended learning and enrichment opportunities available
Gifted students learn at a faster pace and don’t need as much repetition. Teachers need to change the pace and amount of practice required for gifted students.
Gifted students need to be included in extension groups at school and enrolled in Gifted Online courses.
Highly gifted students can learn at a higher year level in one or more areas of the curriculum. This is made possible through a process of acceleration.
Some students engage with external mentors through opportunities such as the CSIRO Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools program.
Students can attend school holiday camps to connect with like-minded peers through Brainways Education.
There are a variety of competitions and programs that recognise and celebrate excellence in students of all ages, for example:
- The Young Archies portrait painting competition
- Robocup robotics
- The Tasmanian Science Talent Search
- MyState Film Festival
- The What Matters? Writing Competition
- Australian Maths Trust competitions and
- Tournament of Minds.
Early entry to school
Applying for early entry to school is available for young children who have been formally identified as being highly gifted.
If you want early entry to school for your child, talk to the principal of your local school. It is important to apply for early entry well before the end of August in the year prior to enrolment.
Gifted Online – courses for gifted and talented students
Support for Gifted and Highly Able Students Online courses are designed to challenge and extend students. Courses are free for students in Department for Education, Children and Young People schools. Students do their course at school. Teachers at school can also see the course to help students. Courses have teachers with experience and professional learning in gifted education. There are courses in most areas of the curriculum from Prep – Year 10.
Where can I get more information?
- Talk to your child’s teacher or principal.
- Supporting Gifted Learners
- Extended Learning for Gifted Students Procedures (PDF 1042 KB)
- Acceleration of Gifted Students Procedures (PDF 556 KB)
- Support for Gifted and Highly Able Students Online courses
- Early Entry to School Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 207 KB)
- The Tasmanian Association for the Gifted(TAG) is a non-profit, parent-based organisation.
- Australian Association for the Education of Gifted and Talented (AAEGT