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4.7.10 Gifted Learners in the Mainstream School
As educators at a K-12 mixed ability school in a middle-income community in a growing town in Australia, we wanted to seek a solution to providing adequate complexity and depth for our highly able/gifted students. We needed to cater to the varying behavioral, emotional, and social needs of these students while also catering to their academic needs. This presentation will share the journey upon which we embarked to provide a positive, dual stream, learning environment for our highly able/gifted students and our non-gifted students alike.
Author(s):
Claire Ball
claire.ball@flinders.vic.edu.au
Flinders Christian Community College
Australia
Claire Ball began her teaching career over 20 years ago in Victoria, Australia. Claire has always had a passion for gifted education and completed her Masters of Education (Gifted Education) in 2010. Claire has held the role of Gifted and Talented coordinator for 5 years and has helped lead significant changes in the College to better support and encourage the gifted and highly able students. Claire works with staff across the college from Year 3 to Year 6 to develop strategies for engaging the highly able students before they reach the dual stream program.
Emma Brice
Emma.Brice@flinders.vic.edu.au
Flinders Christian Community College
Australia
Emma Brice began her teaching career over 10 years ago. She has worked within the education field for over 15 years. Emma graduated with her Masters of Inclusive Education in 2017 and has been an integral part of setting up many educational programs within the School. In her role as Head of Teaching and Learning, Emma has lead staff to gain a greater understanding of the needs of Gifted and Talented students as well as those underachieving students. Emma is a wonderful advocate for the Highly able students and encourages all students to meet their full potential.
Andrew Watts*
Andrew.Watts@flinders.vic.edu.au
Flinders Christian Community College
Australia
Andrew has been in the business of schools for 23 years. As a young man pondering his vocation he read a quote which stated, “It is better to build boys than mend men.” From that moment Andrew has utilized his training in theology, psychology and education to invest in the lives of young people. As Andrew’s career progressed he has worked as a Head of Department, Head of Middle School and Campus Principal. The heart of education for Andrew is relationships. The authenticity and enthusiasm the teacher brings to the learning experience is what makes the difference.