Gifted & Talented
Cranbrook recognises that there are students with high academic and creative ability whose talents require particular nurture. Cranbrook's gifted program addresses the needs of highly advanced students in order both to encourage these students to achieve their potential, and to foster their love of learning and enjoyment of school from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Identification
The School uses various ways to identify gifted learners, which may include:
- parent nomination
- teacher nomination
- diagnostic/entry testing
- subject specific tests and tasks
- standardised achievement testing
- student/teacher interviews
- records of achievement, effort, interest, work ethic.
Provision of support
The needs of gifted and talented students are addressed in different ways and include:
- gifted education specialists
- acceleration
- competitions
- programs and seminars provided by external bodies.
The needs of gifted and talented students are catered for in different ways.
Enrichment
Enrichment opportunities are provided for students who display high levels of ability, interest and motivation. A special enrichment program operates in English. Classroom teachers also provide enrichment for individuals in their classes.
Acceleration
Acceleration is the process whereby students work at a level advanced beyond their age or cohort. Repetition of concepts is avoided and the curriculum is re-sequenced to provide stimulation for minds capable of grasping concepts more quickly than others. Whole classes follow this path in Mathematics and Science, enabling students to complete Year 10 work and the School Certificate by the end of Year 9, allowing them to sit for the Higher School Certificate examination in one or two subjects in Year 11.
Competitions
The School enters students into many academic competitions that involve creative writing, art, languages, mathematics and the sciences. In addition, it enters teams in cross-disciplinary events such as the Da Vinci Program and Tournament of Minds. Individuals with a special interest in public speaking, debating, drama, music, art and chess have opportunities to compete in these fields.
Teaching staff
There are specialists in gifted education with post-graduate qualifications in the Senior School. These teachers provide advice to other members of staff and network informally with professionals outside the School.