The Extent, Nature and Effectiveness of Planned Approaches in ...

intelligences, inquiry learning, and higher-level thinking. Ability groups operate within classes andthere is cross-age grouping for specific areas such as mathematics and reading. Students are alsoencouraged to enter competitions and to share their expertise (such as computer skills) with teachersand peers. Opportunities are presented for students to take the initiative and to develop social andleadership skills. Students who weren’t initially recognised as gifted are “really taking it on board andflying.”The students in Years 7 and 8 learn a second language and other newer initiatives include establishinglinks with a local secondary school with the older students acting as mentors. There is a growinginterest from local secondary schools in the identification of gifted and talented students and betterliaison so that they are “building some of those bridges.”The school is proud of the school environment that recognises students’ diverse needs and is making aconcerted effort to identify the gifted and talented students. Through the cluster initiative and schoolprovisions students are involved in learning experiences that enable them to pursue their own interestand passions. “Gifted children have a real opportunity to take something further down the path,” the“kids who achieve are accepted and recognised.” As the coordinator stated at the end of the interview:I know we’ve got a long journey still but I feel we’re doing something to offer [gifted andtalented education].205