At our school, we offer a range of programs and initiatives designed to meet the needs of high potential and gifted students across all four domains of potential: creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional. Our Tournament of Minds program fosters creativity and critical thinking, while collaboration days across our five small schools enhance teamwork and collective problem-solving skills. Additionally, we provide peer support leadership opportunities that empower students to develop their social-emotional skills and leadership qualities. Students can also participate in the Student Representative Council, which encourages active engagement and representation within the school community. Through these offerings, we aim to provide evidence-informed talent development that optimises growth and achievement for all our students.
High Potential and Gifted Education at Cudal Public School
Signs of high potential
High potential and gifted children tend to:
- be intensely curious
- learn new ideas or skills quickly and easily
- display a good memory
- ask complex questions
- be creative
- enjoy thinking in complex ways
- require fewer repetitions when learning new things
- become intensely focused in their area of interest or passion.
Children with high potential like to be challenged. If you observe your child is more advanced than their peers, in any area or domain, it is recommended that you discuss this with your child's teacher or other professional.
A rapid rate of learning means these children may enjoy opportunities beyond the typical level of other children their age.
Resources are available to support your child at school and at home.
Sharing your child’s strengths
Communicate with your child’s teachers:
- share information about extra-curricular activities or interests
- provide samples of what your child is producing at home
- share results of any formal external assessments
- encourage your child to speak with their teacher/s about their strengths
- become involved with your child’s school so you are in a position to share information not only formally but informally
- share information about awards, competitions or special achievements.
If you believe your child is underachieving
High potential and gifted children are generally considered to be motivated learners, particularly in their area of interest, but we know this is not always the case. Some children underachieve and are not achieving their potential. There can be a variety of causes of underachievement, including:
- a lack of challenge
- poor motivation or disengagement
- inadequate access to opportunities
- incongruous values, beliefs or expectations
- disability
- educational or social disadvantage
- lack of English language proficiency
- geographical isolation
- health or wellbeing issues.
Strategies to support achievement include:
- understanding the causes of underachievement
- working in a positive partnership with your school and other community or external providers to identify and address your child’s needs
- discovering and supporting your child in their areas of interest or strength
- collaborating with your child and setting realistic goals together
- ensuring activities are scaffolded adequately so your child experiences success
- being patient – experience and celebrate success in small achievable steps
- using authentic role models admired by your child to motivate and provide aspiration
- encouraging relationships with other interested peers so your child feels they can share their interests with others
- targeted remediation which addresses any disability or barrier to participating on the same basis as other high potential and gifted students.
We encourage parents to reach out to the school if they believe their child is not reaching their full potential or if they have questions about available support and enrichment opportunities. Our dedicated staff are always available to provide guidance, discuss strategies, and explore additional resources that can assist in nurturing their child's development. By working together, we aim to create an optimal learning environment that empowers every student to thrive.