At Pialba State School, we have engaged in a whole school approach to the
education of gifted students for over 140 years. Our goals for gifted students are
that they are not only recognised and valued but also that their self-esteem is nurtured so they can become independent, self-directed, life-long learners.
We use a screener in Prep to assist us in identifying fast learners. We cluster our
fast learners in both straight and multi-age classes.
Teachers differentiate within their own class. For gifted and talented students teachers deliver the curriculum beyond learning expectations for their age peers.
This is provided in a focused or intensive support model. Curriculum provision
for gifted and talented students addresses their specific learning needs and can include; a faster pace, a degree of abstraction, and the use of critical and creative thinking while processing more complex information. These all challenge the students to develop strategies for persevering with difficult problems.
Through the provision of a differentiated, focused and intensive supported curriculum, gifted learners are stretched beyond their "comfort zones". Our in-class provision builds self-esteem and self-understanding with opportunities for differentiation, enrichment, extension and acceleration.
We source off campus enrichment events and activities for our fast learners to be involved in, for example ICAS, Writing competitions, STEM Competitions, Lego Robotics, MIE USC Partnership Digital classes, STEM, Global Leadership and Performing Arts in Years 5 and 6 through our partnership and transition programs to Hervey Bay State School and competitions at various universities and high schools.
The Head of Inclusion - Mrs Nicole Poulton works with the Specialist Technologies teacher (Design & Digital), Head of Department (Curriculum) and Gifted Coordinator (Deputy Principal - Mr Peter Genrich working collaboratively to provide students with various activities that include chess, logic games and problems, arts and crafts and digital activities like Ozebots or Spheros, or design creation.
Our classroom teachers provide enrichment English, Mathematics, HASS (History and Geography) and science activities with our fast learners across the year levels.
As a learning community, Pialba values the diverse gifts of its members. Our aim is
to provide a supportive learning environment where gifts can be recognised and nurtured so that talent is developed.