Craig Moss – Co-ordinator of Gifted & Talented 7-12

Stretch and challenge study days

Two groups of students visited Ascham School in Week 2 for study days run by Academy Learning. Students spent the day with like-minded youngsters, all keen to reach the ceiling of their ability and share ideas.

Experienced gifted educator Julie Arliss took the students through a variety of big ideas that stretched and challenged them.

The students enjoyed the university style of learning and the opportunity to engage in ideas they haven’t been exposed to before.

Able and Ambitious study day (Years 10-12)

Session 1: The Philosophy and Politics of the Embryo
Session 2: Oxbridge Interview Questions
Session 3: ‘I count therefore I am.’ Is Mathematics Discovery or Invention?
Session 4: Eating Meat and Eating People
The BIG Debate: This House believes that Science has replaced God

It was great to see how the topics engaged the students in high level thinking and sparked fruitful discussions between them. Well done to Jesse Carpenter who volunteered to speak on stage during the Big Debate, making a telling contribution.

As you can see from the reflections of some of the students below, they valued the opportunity of being treated as a university student and got them thinking about future studies and career options:

“I really enjoyed this study day. The lecturers were incredibly knowledgeable, and the chance to participate in university-style learning while still being at school is invaluable. I had a great time, and learnt many high level concepts and schools of thought that will help me in my education while at Emanuel, and after I graduate.”  Jesse Carpenter

“The day was an amazing experience as we learnt about controversial, philosophical and ethical topics that are very relevant in today’s world. The lectures were extremely engaging and informative and went into depth about issues we wouldn’t learn about at school. All the lectures were super interesting and provided varying perspectives and analyses from several philosophers”. Elise Kitchener

Stretch and Challenge study day (Years 7-9)

This was another study day that offered a unique provision for high potential and gifted students in Years 7-9.

Session 1: An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Session 2: Guided Community of Inquiry. Celery Munchers vs Steak Stokers. Is Diet a free choice?
Session 3: Justice Truth and Beauty
Session 4: The BIG Debate – This house believes that Freewill is an illusion

Well done to Jessica Hart, Elise Goldberg and Cyrus Waldner who volunteered to speak on stage during the Big Debate. 

“I really enjoyed the debates and how in-depth the lessons were, and the quantum physics lecture was just as strange as promised.” Joshua Ottaviano 

“The Stretch and Challenge day was an amazing experience, I was really able to learn and grow, and develop my skills in public speaking. It was a great day.” Cyrus Waldner

“I loved the Stretch and Challenge day, it was an experience I will never forget. I was able to open my mind to astounding thoughts and theories and understand more about our world systems.” Luis Waldner