GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAMS

 
PINNANCLE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (PEP)
 
Belconnen High School adopts a multidimensional definition of giftedness that recognises and develops diverse abilities and talents of advanced level learners within our school community in the following domains:

ACADEMIC    Mathematics, English, Science, SOSE, LOTE, Information Technology
CREATIVE     Performing and Visual Arts, Technology and Design
LEADERSHIP S.R.C, Mentoring, Peer Mediation, Peer Support
PHYSICAL     Outdoor Education, Dance, Sports Coaching, Physical Education.

As a performance based program, Year 7 students will be chosen to participate in the PINNACLE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM at the end of Term 1. All Year 7 students who demonstrate advanced performance are
eligible for entry into their particular demonstrated or identified area of giftedness in Term 2. Student performance is assessed at the end of each semester. This allows students to move in and out of the program based on individual performance assessed throughout the semester program.

Year 8, 9 and 10 students will be identified according to their results from the previous semester.

Throughout the year, these students will have the opportunity to participate in
challenging and engaging learning opportunities, gain support with time
management, and develop individualised curriculum structures.

The expectation for these students is that they must involve themselves in extension or co-curricular activities or events relevant to their area of advancement. For example, in Mathematics, students will participate in the Australia wide Mathematics Competition.

Curriculum differentiation will provide a variety of effective instructional and grouping strategies that enable students to strive to reach their highest potential.

In Years 9 & 10 specific electives within Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE), The Arts, Design Technology, Mathematics and Science, Information Technology (IT), PE and Languages other than English (LOTE) cater for students who have talents in these areas.  In some circumstances exceptionally gifted students can be fast tracked through the high school years.
 
 
INDEPENDENT LEARNING PROGRAM
 

In addition to courses offered by subject faculties, highly motivated Year 10 students may apply to the Principal for admission to the Independent Learning Program.  The aims of the program are to –
• enable students to study an area of particular interest, not offered in the school's curriculum
• train students in taking responsibility for their own learning, through organising their own study program,  negotiating with a mentor and working under minimal supervision
• engender student initiative and self-direction as learners
• widen the student’s learning community beyond the school, with outside mentors.