Key information
- How we support gifted and highly able students in Tasmanian government schools.
- About gifted online courses for students in Tasmanian government schools.
- Further supports from external groups that support gifted and highly able students.
- How to begin the early entry to school process for your child.
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 highly able 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 highly able students helps them reach their full potential.
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 may 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
- The What Matters? Writing Competition
- Australian Maths Trust competitions
- Tournament of Minds.
- The Frank McDonald Memorial Prize
Gifted online courses
There are online courses for gifted and highly able students. These courses are free for students. Teachers in schools can also see the courses. Courses are available in most curriculum areas for students in Prep to Year 10.
Courses have activities designed to challenge and inspire gifted students. Students can learn independently or talk to other students from across Tasmania about their learning. There are activities which allow students to learn together.
Gifted Online courses are taught by experienced teachers in Canvas. Canvas is a learning management system and is password protected.
What do students learn in Gifted Online courses?
- Courses provide significant extension in one or more areas of the curriculum.
- There are chances for students to think deeply about issues and share their thoughts and learning.
- Activities help students develop skills in the General Capabilities of the Australian Curriculum. These include Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.
- Courses allow students to learn in their area of interest with like-minded peers.
How do the courses work?
- Teachers in your child’s school can request a place for them in a Gifted Online course.
- Students are selected based on data and reasons identified by their school.
- Gifted Online teachers design the activities and give students feedback.
- Each student’s class teacher is also part of the course. A teacher at your child’s school supports them with their learning.
- Your school will have a teacher who co-ordinates course enrolments and equipment.
- Students require at least 1 hour per week of class time to do their course.
- Most courses are for a school year. Some courses run for one term only and then some students may be selected to continue for the rest of the year.
- At the end of the year a certificate is emailed to your child’s school
How can parents and carers help their child learn online?
- The most important thing you can do is talk with your child about what is happening in the course.
- Your child will be able to log on and show you what they have been doing.
- Encourage your child to be creative! Help them to think deeply before posting in discussions or submitting their learning.
- Remember that mistakes are part of learning. Support your child to do their own thinking.
- Talk to your child’s class teacher if you have questions.
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.
Where can I get more information?
- Talk to your child’s teacher or principal.
- Support for gifted and highly able students
- Extended Learning for Gifted Students Procedures (PDF 1042 KB)
- Acceleration of Gifted Students Procedures (PDF 556 KB)
- 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)