We aim to educate all students to their potential and to achieve high-quality educational outcomes for all GAT students. Our school strives to develop independent, reflective and self-directed learners who are decisive, creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers.
We recognise that GAT students can be found in all communities, regardless of their ethnic, cultural or socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, we recognise that gifted students may be underachieving or may have physical, emotional or learning disabilities. At CHS we provide a range of learning opportunities both within and outside the existing curriculum structure to develop students in the achievement of learning outcomes.
Teachers employ a variety of teaching and learning strategies proven to support GAT students in their learning:
- grouping strategies
- extension activities
- enrichment
- open-ended activities and assignments
- individual research and investigation
- opportunities for peer tutoring and assessment
Personalised Coaching for GAT Students
The Head Teacher Differentiation is the coach for those students identified as GAT. Each student works with her to write an Action Plan at the start of the academic year, which is then shared with all staff. She meets with them individually on a regular basis to review their goals, monitor their progress and ensure that their wellbeing needs are being met. She uses data from external testing, reports from teachers and academic achievement profiles to help GAT students identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Visible Learning research guides our work as it shows a strong correlation between knowing exactly what skills you have/need to develop are and your ability to make rapid progress.
Our coaching philosophy is also shaped by the research by Carol Dweck and others into how students can improve their capacities through developing a growth mindset: we encourage students to move away from thinking that ‘I am good/not good at Maths' to ‘I can improve at Maths if I…'.
Leadership, Enrichment and Extension Opportunities
CHS is very proud of the extensive range of activities we offer to provide awe and wonder for our GAT students. From STEAM to Chess to Debating, GAT students are active participants in a wide range of extra-curricula clubs.
As a new school we have afforded our Year 7 and 8 students many leadership opportunities often reserved for senior years elsewhere. GAT students are well represented in our SRC, Social Justice group, Environment Committee and House Captains.
Effective provision for GAT students is about enriching their passions and broadening their experiences. Access to high quality workshops and events enable the most able to investigate different pathways for their future.
Below are some of the activities we provide to facilitate that process:
- Enrichment program from MCYA (Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians)
- Challenge program from MCYA (Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians)
- Small group tuition for School Band
- Introduction to Robotics at Macquarie University
- Attendance at the IQ2 Debates hosted by The Ethics Society
- Da Vinci Decathlon
- 3D Printing in the Classroom
- ICAS Competitions
- Dorothy McKellar poetry competition
- STEM bridge building challenge
- Unity Gaming roadshow
- Art Club workshops with Indigenous and other artists
- Ideation Multicultural Youth conference