3.8.7 Realising potential: Practical programming for the highly able in the 21st century
This symposium sets out to demonstrate, through best practice, how a multi-faceted program model for highly able students, based on researched theory and built around the specific needs of its participants, can enhance learning opportunities for students, enabling excellent achievement outcomes. The focuses on development of skills, knowledge, creative ideas, and the benefits of collaboration between like-minded peers will be explored as a varied STEM course is shared. The impacts of questioning, research, and self-discovery will be analysed as students, past and present, share what engaged best with their learning style, providing launching pads for future growth and direction.
Author(s):
Mark Smith
mas@mentonegrammar.net
Mentone Grammar School
Australia
Mark Smith holds a M.Ed., Gifted and Talented, Monash University. Over 15 years directing programs for highly able students from Foundation to Year 12 in some of Melbourne’s leading schools, Mark is currently Head of Learning Enhancement (LE) at Mentone Grammar, where he leads a team of 15 LE staff and 25 mentors to assist students for best educational and personal outcomes. Though working with students across the school, a key focus is supporting 60 Year 12 students through Year 12 using a targeted mentoring approach. His outstanding results with these students, heavily endorse the benefits of well-established mentoring programs.
Hayley Lewkowicz
hxl@mentonegrammar.net
Hayley Lewkowicz began her career in education teaching music at one of Victoria, Australia’s most renowned Select-Entry-Accelerated-Learning state schools. Here she coined an interest in the education of gifted and talented students, and subsequently completed a Masters of Gifted Education at Monash University. Since 2016 Hayley has been working alongside Mark Smith at Mentone Grammar School in Melbourne running the 'Dare 2 Dream' Program. Hayley is passionate about all areas in this field, however has a particular interest in philosophy based programs as well as incorporating ICT into dynamic programming options for gifted students.