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Opportunities in mainstream educationSpecialised courses and programsIgnite program - accelerated learning at high schoolSupport for gifted and talented learnersIndividual Education PlansOpportunities in mainstream education
Government schools and preschools have programs for gifted and talented children as part of the standard curriculum.
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Specialised courses and programs
A number of schools offer
specialised courses and programs for students:
- with a special interest
- who are well ahead of their peers
- demonstrating talent in a particular area.
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Ignite program - accelerated learning at high school
Three public high schools in Adelaide provide accelerated learning through the Ignite program. They are:
- The Heights School
- Glenunga International High School
- Aberfoyle Park High School
The Ignite program is fast paced and contains less review and repetition than the normal curriculum because gifted students usually understand concepts quickly.
Students can accelerate through school to complete years 8, 9 and 10 in two years or opt for a program that focuses on moving faster through subjects or expanding on them, rather than skipping grades.
Features of the Ignite program include:
- selective entry for students into year 8 based on a four-part test
- students working with intellectual peers
- focus on critical, creative and caring thinking
- special technology and resources
- flexible timetabling.
For more information phone the education department's gifted education officer on 8226 4393.
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Support for gifted and talented learners
Gifted and talented learners may need additional support from parents to feel accepted, valued and have opportunities to interact with peers.
Parents may wish to speak to the school about:
- referral to a psychologist, school counsellor or expert in gifted development
- help with subject and career choice, especially where students are accelerated into SACE, vocational training or university
- Individual Education Plans.
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Individual Education Plans for gifted and talented students
Some gifted and talented students may require an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help guide their learning and ensure their overall wellbeing.
Individual Education Plans might be required by students who:
- need significant social or emotional support
- have requirements that cannot be met in their classroom or at the school
- have uneven development between areas such as verbal and non-verbal performance
- have learning difficulties or disabilities that require support
- enroll early in kindergarten or school
- are to be accelerated through a year level
- are assessed by psychologists as being in the 98th percentile or above of the intellectually gifted range and are capable of working at a significantly higher level than classmates of the same age.
Aboriginal children have an
individual learning plan that incorporates the curriculum needs of gifted Aboriginal children and students.
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More information
On this site
Curriculum and learning
Other websites
Gifted and Talented Children's Association of South Australia
Parenting and child health
The Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre
Downloads
Gifted and talented children and students policy (2010) (PDF 313KB)