Challenging STUDENTS ACADEMICALLY

Building a Culture of Excellence

The Centre for Excellence supports a range of programs designed to meet the needs of the most academically able students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Guided by Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent, the approach distinguishes between giftedness (natural abilities) and talent (developed skills). The focus is on identifying and nurturing both, with targeted programs that support students in the top 10% of their age group. These evidence-based programs are designed to stretch and support students academically, while also fostering their social and emotional development.

Student ruling lines on a whiteboard in a classroom

Identification of Giftedness and Talent

The identification process is comprehensive and ongoing, using a combination of objective and subjective measures to understand each student’s learning needs and potential. Methods used include:

• Standardised testing (AAS, PAT)
• IOWA Scales (for acceleration and early entry)
• NAPLAN results
• ICAS competitions
• School-based assessments (formative and summative)
• Pre-testing and off-level testing
• Teacher observations
• Parent input

This data helps determine the most appropriate learning pathways for each student.

At the Centre for Excellence, we aim to challenge all students to achieve their potential across all the domains. Whether it's Academic, Sport, Art, Music, Drama, or anywhere else in the School. We work closely with all boys to help them reach their individual potential.

Brodie Reid

Head of the Centre for Excellence

Our Approach

Inclusive (All students)
Students are engaged in lessons and motivated to achieve their best. Lessons and programs are differentiated catering to the learning needs of each student.

Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular opportunities in their area of interest, for example:
- Debating/Speakers Challenge
- Robotics club
- Aviation
- Coding
- Public speaking
- Chess
- Music ensembles
- Sporting teams
Challenging (Top 10% of students)
Students may be grouped together in extension classes, following a program tailored to their needs. This can involve:
- Curriculum compacting
- Advanced subject matter
- Greater depth and breadth of content
Outside the classroom, students are selected for co-curricular programs or external competitions, including:
- Enigma (Christ Church program)
- Have Sum Fun competition
- Da Vinci Decathlon
- Olympiads
- Chess
Targeted (Top 1% of students)
Students follow a personalised plan and may be accelerated, either in one or more subject areas or by a year level.

Outside the classroom, students follow a personalised plan, based on their area of talent. This can involve:
- Case-management
- Mentoring
- Accessing university level courses
- National and International competitions