www.sacs.nsw.edu.auSydney Square, Sydney

Gifted and talented education programAt St Andrew’s we seek to ensure every learner is engaged and growing every day. This forms the basis of our learning model which challenges and develops all learners.

St Andrew’s recognises the need to cater for gifted and talented students within an inclusive cohort. We aim to provide specialised educational programs and opportunities.

From our core values, we believe it is important to develop the talents of academically gifted students, just as we do any other student who may possess sporting, musical or other talents.

Definition of Giftedness and Talent

Gagnè’s definition states that:

“Giftedness is the potential to perform at a level considerably superior to one’s age peers in one or more domains of ability.

Talent, by contrast, is defined as significantly superior achievement or performance in one or more fields of human performance.

Comprehensive research supports providing high ability students with advanced curricula in core learning areas or domains at an accelerated rate.” (Van Tassel Baska 2007).

Gifted and talented students’ needs are met through:

1. The development of appropriate content, processes and learning environments

2. The delivery of academically rigorous curricula that challenges and enhances talent development in core learning areas

3. The fostering of a caring and compassionate approach to the affective development of high ability and exceptional students.

Identification of GiftednessTeachers, parents and educational advisors are all involved in the process of identification. Multiple criteria are used to identify students who display potential giftedness with specific attention given to high aptitude in domain specific areas. IQ tests are important indicators of potential as they are standardised and have demonstrated evidence of reliability and validity. When considering a grade skip (acceleration process) or early entry, a recent IQ assessment is requested. Acceptance into the Middle School program (Years 7 – 10) will be determined by a student’s performance in a range of assessments and standardised achievements. High performance standards are required, as the number of places in the program is limited.

ScholarshipsAcademic Scholarships and Music Scholarships are offered at a number of entry points across the school. Information about these scholarships is available on the school website.

Talent development and networking opportunities• Individual talent recognition and advancement

• Subject acceleration

• Inter-school, state and national representation, eg. music, Theatresports, debating, philosophy, problem-solving

• Entrepreneurial opportunities, eg. StartUp program

• Access to niche businesses, professionals, institutions, organisations, scholarships and grants, eg. networking events for students, staff and parents with specialists.

Gifted education staff contacts

Below are the key contacts at St Andrew’s for information on our Gifted Education program, as well as those staff with post-graduate qualifications (Masters or Certificate) in Gifted Education.

Junior School

Mrs Rhonda RobsonDeputy Head of School (Primary)(Previously a Coordinator of Gifted Education)Certificate of Gifted Education (UNSW)

Mrs Lucy BirtsCoordinator of Gifted Education (K-6)Masters of Gifted Education (UNSW)

Mrs Kate RobertsonLeader of Learning – Music (K-6)

Dr Kaye ChalwellMathematics Coordinator (K-6)

Miss Emily SzeJunior School teacher

Secondary School

Ms Esteé StephensonHead of Gifted Education (7-12)Master of Gifted Education (UNSW)Master of Education (UOW) – Major in Special Education Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders (UOW)

Mrs Kate LayheDirector of Learning (Middle School)

Mrs Eleni TatsisDirector of Learning (Senior College)

Mrs Sharon MunroDirector of Learning (IB Diploma)

Gifted and talented students given every chance to thrive

How we cater for gifted and talented studentsAt St Andrew’s, we ensure all students are challenged at their ability level. School-wide assessment and screening processes occur regularly, tracking the progress of all students to identify those students who may need individualised assistance or benefit from extension programs or provisions beyond the core curriculum.

The delivery of programs for gifted and talented students at St Andrew’s considers evidenced-based practices and student need. The Head of Gifted Education (7-12) or Coordinator of Gifted Education (K – 6) work in consultation with key stakeholders in the school to support gifted education and talent development.

Junior School program

Junior School class structures include several strategies which address the needs of gifted learners.

Students assessed as being in the gifted category can be considered for inclusion in the school’s accelerated classes (opportunity classes), from Year 3 to Year 6. These classes focus on creating momentum in learning, meaning the curriculum is compacted and students learn at a faster pace, with less repetition, alongside like-minded students.

Key features of the Junior School program: accelerated classes, curriculum compacting, advanced placement, above-level testing, gifted and talented profiles.

Secondary School program

Through differentiated academic programs, gifted and talented students may participate in enriched, extended or accelerated learning experiences at St Andrew’s. Teachers are trained to develop subject specific, academic curricula that challenges students and supports talent development. Programs are differentiated in several ways: enrichment and extension; compacting the curriculum; curriculum telescoping and acceleration where needed.

Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Extension classes in Years 7-10 Middle School (subject specific)

• Clustering of gifted and talented/high potential students

• Acceleration options (early entry, subject specific or grade skip)

• Support for Twice Exceptional students where required

• Support for underachieving gifted and talented students where required

• Support for Indigenous or EAL/D students where required

In addition, enrichment and extension opportunities and events both within the school and outside the school are offered to gifted and talented students as they arise. These events and programs are considered

based on the main school calendar and curriculum links. These support the development of critical and creative thinking, as well as student interest and ability.

AccelerationSt Andrew’s has established clear guidelines in our acceleration policy, facilitating grade skipping for exceptional all-rounders and single subject acceleration for those who excel in one or more areas. Student acceleration from Kindergarten through to Year 12 is governed by the SACS Gifted Education policy which complies with NESA acceleration guidelines.

St Andrew’s believes the social and psychological benefits of placing like- minded students together in a classroom is just as important as the academic outcomes for these students.

Development of psychosocial skillsThe literature surrounding talent development models confirms that although a child might have a natural ability, it will not necessarily lead to academic or sporting success. There is compelling evidence that advanced psychosocial skills can be a strong predictor of academic achievement. Hence, considering psychosocial skills and its impact on talent development is an important factor when delivering gifted education programs and provisions. At St Andrew’s, these skills are embedded within the curriculum across K – 12, with our school character strengths forming a foundation of conversations and application of psychosocial skills that supports the talent development and wellbeing of students.

Gifted education in the IB MYP and Diploma programmesThe International Baccalaureate Diploma (Years 11 – 12) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Years 7 – 10) is a major feature of our talent development process in the secondary school as the program emphasises intellectual challenge.

The IB curriculum encourages students to make practical connections between their peers and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life.

Research shows that students participating in the MYP:

• Build confidence in managing their own learning

• Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world

• Outperform non-IB students in critical thinking and academic skills

• Consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Program examinations

• Thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel

• Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.

Junior School • ICAS Examinations – full suite

• IPSHA and ISDA Debating

• Harbourside Network

• Future Problem Solving

• Da Vinci Decathlon

• Project Catalyst (mentorship)

• Gateway 8

• HICES G&T Camp

• Interschool Chess Competition

• Mathematical Olympiad

• Maths Challenge Camp

• Philosophy

• Writers festival

• Write-a-Book-in-a-Day

Secondary School• Academic competitions across all subject areas

• Robotics Club

• Girls in Tech Club

• Mock Trail

• Philosophy Club

• Science Club

• StartUp entrepreneurial program

• Model United Nations

• Professional Author led Writing Workshops

• Inter-school Debating

• Ethics Olympiad

• Australasian Philosothon

• Da Vinci Decathlon

• Gateway 8

• Project Catalyst (mentorship)

• Academic coaching (as required)

Challenging extra-curricular academic opportunities offered to students

St Andrew’s Cathedral School:

St Andrew’s is a coeducational K-12 Anglican school, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

St Andrew’s Cathedral School Sydney Square, Sydney NSW 2000 ABN 34 429 367 893

phone +61 2 9286 9500 email info@sacs.nsw.edu.au

CRICOS Registration: The Council of St Andrew’s Cathedral School 02276M

www.sacs.nsw.edu.au 20210

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