Gifted & High Potential Learners

Extending students with strong aptitude

At BTAC, we want all children to have the opportunity to achieve beyond their expectations. This includes students who demonstrate strong aptitude and ability beyond that of their peers. These students are identified as being high potential learners.

We understand that all learners are unique, and there are myriad ways for students to demonstrate excellence. We offer our high potential learners a differentiated curriculum and enrichment opportunities that extend them in ways that are most meaningful to them.

Identifying high Potential learners

We identify highly able learners using a range of data collected both internally and externally and through communication with other stakeholders in a student’s education.

  • Ability Testing – Students complete standardised testing across different areas, including literacy and numeracy, science and general ability. We use tools such as NAPLAN, ACER Progressive Achievement Testing, ICAS and VALID Science to triangulate data and identify students that are potentially working beyond stage expectations.

 

  • Assessment and referral – Teachers and our specialist staff, including our Learning Enrichment team, work collaboratively on classroom observations and assessment data to identify highly able learners.

 

  • Parent and specialist information – If your child has participated in any external assessment, such as Psychometric testing (IQ), or you have any other relevant information regarding their development, please share it with our staff so that we can take it under consideration when planning for your child.

High potential learners are students whose ability is more advanced than similar-aged peers across different areas. This includes intellectual ability, speed of learning and the ability to manipulate complex thinking patterns.

Enrichment Opportunities

We offer a range of opportunities for students to extend and excel.

Junior School

  • HICES Gifted and Talented Camp
  • Da Vinci Decathlon
  • Gifted and Talented Music Program
  • Tournament of Minds
  • Representative Sports

Senior School

  • Da Vinci Decathlon
  • Tournament of Minds
  • Debating
  • Gifted and Talented Music Program
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • College Bands
  • ICAS Competitions
  • Representative Sports
  • Law Society of NSW Mock Trial

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

The internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme creates opportunities for young people to ‘develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure’ and can play a critical role in development.