Six profiles of the Gifted & Talented

In our continuous effort to support the holistic development of our gifted students, we’re thrilled to delve into the insightful framework developed by George Betts and Maureen Neihart, outlining the six different profiles of giftedness. Parents play a crucial role in understanding and nurturing their child’s unique abilities.

These profiles shed light on the diverse ways in which giftedness can manifest: 

1. The Successful
   These students typically excel academically and socially, and are the most common profile (90%). They are high achievers who thrive in traditional educational settings and often receive recognition for their accomplishments.
2. The Creative
   Creative gifted students may struggle with authority or resist conforming to traditional educational norms. They possess strong opinions and may challenge rules or expectations, requiring a supportive and understanding environment to thrive.
3. The Underground
   Underground gifted students may hide their abilities to fit in with their peers or avoid standing out. They may downplay their intelligence or interests to avoid attention, leading to underachievement despite their potential.
4. The At-Risk
   These students may become disengaged from school due to various factors, including boredom, frustration, or feeling misunderstood. They may withdraw from academic pursuits and may benefit from alternative educational approaches that cater to their unique needs and interests.
5. The Twice Exceptional
   Gifted students who also have another exceptional need, such as a learning disability. These students may face unique challenges in both academic and social settings, requiring tailored support to address their dual exceptionalities effectively.
6. The Autonomous
   Autonomous gifted students are self-directed learners who prefer to pursue their interests independently. They may resist traditional structures and thrive when given freedom and flexibility to explore topics of interest at their own pace and in their own way.

We encourage you to explore these profiles and reflect on how they resonate with their child’s experiences. By recognising and embracing these profiles, parents can better advocate for their child’s educational needs, collaborate effectively with teachers, and create a supportive environment where their gifted child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of giftedness within our school community, empowering our children to reach their full potential.

What’s coming up next term?

Primary School
Term 2 events/competitions 

There are a range of offerings available text term in the Primary School. Please visit the Gifted & Talented space on the parent portal for more information.

• NSW Junior Inter School Chess Tournament – Every Friday Afternoon on Term 2
• da Vinci Decathlon – Tuesday 16 April 2024 (Years 5-6) 
• Australian Maths Trust – Maths Olympiad (Years 3-6) 
• Australian Maths Trust – Maths Challenge (Years 3-6) 
• Australian Maths Trust – Bebras Challenge (Years 3-6) 
• What Matters? Writing Competition (Years K-6) – Due Friday 17 May 2024
• WriteOn Writing Competition (Years 1-6) – Due Friday 28 June 2024
• Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition (Years K-6) – Due Sunday 30 June 2024

Term 2 lunchtime clubs

Please see below the timetable for lunchtime clubs available from the Gifted & Talented Department in Term 2. Visit the Gifted & Talented space on the parent portal for more information.

High School
Term 2 events/competitions 

Future Entrepreneurs of Australia – sign up 

If students are interested in taking part in the Future Entrepreneurs of Australia, please contact Craig Moss

Term 2 events

Week 1 

• Future Entrepreneurs of Australia

Week 2

• Debating Round 2
• UN Youth Evatt Competition
• Chess Round 1
• What Matters? Writing Competition submission
• Future Entrepreneurs of Australia 

Week 3

• Critical and Creative Thinking Sessions T2S1
  
• Da Vinci Decathlon 7-11
  
• Chess Round 2
  
• Future Entrepreneurs of Australia 

Week 4

• Future Problem Solving – Community Problem Solving Proposal Submission
  
• Mock Trial Round 2
  
• Mock Mediation Round 2 
  
• Chess Round 3
• Future Entrepreneurs of Australia 

Week 5

• Critical and Creative Thinking Sessions T2S2
  
• Debating Round 3
  
• FPS – Scenario Writing submission (1st draft)
  
• Chess Round 4
• Future Entrepreneurs of Australia 

Week 6

•  FPS – Global Issues Problem Solving
• Chess Round 5

Week 7

• Meet the Experts (Australian Museum) – Online
• Chess Round 6

Week 8

• Ethical Exploration Day – Rosebank College
• Chess Round 7

Week 9

• Mock Trial Round 3
• Mock Mediation Round 2
• Chess Round 8

Week 10

• FPS – Scenario Performance submission

Term 2 lunchtime sessions

Please see below the timetable for lunchtime sessions available from the Gifted & Talented Department in Term 2. Visit the Gifted & Talented space on the parent portal for more information.