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4.7.2 Cluster grouping at OLGC: Meeting the needs of gifted learners in a mainstream setting

The cluster-grouping model was introduced to a mainstream Catholic primary school in a 2012 pilot project designed to address the needs of identified gifted learners. The program was successively expanded through the Diverse Learners team and the school currently (2017) has cluster groups in Years 1-6. The cluster grouping strategy was selected due to strong research evidence reporting to “deliver a full-time cost-effective programme for gifted and talented students” (Biddock, 2009). This model represents best practice in a mainstream setting and has relevance for school educators interested in meeting the needs of high-achieving gifted students.

Author(s):

Janet Agostino
janet.agostino@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
Australia

Janet Agostino is an educator with over three decades of teaching experience across a range of settings, including special schools and mainstream primary and high schools. Ms Agostino holds a Bachelor of Education (Macquarie University), Graduate Diploma in Primary/Infants teaching (UNE), Graduate Diploma in Special Education (UTS), and a Master of Gifted Education from UNSW as well as a Fellowship in Classical Guitar performance. Ms Agostino currently leads the ‘Diverse Learners’ team at Our Lady of Good Counsel School . She also directs the UNSW Guitar Ensemble in the School of Arts and Media.