EXTENSION CLASSES & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIFTED & TALENTED STUDENTS

Students for these three classes are identified and chosen after year advisers, support teacher learning and school counsellors access STEMS data and consult with Year 6 primary teachers from our many feeder schools. While we do not give a test, we have an up-to-date and accurate picture of each student's ability and achievements which enables us to form our classes. There is flexibility to move a few students as needed between classes during and at the end of Year 7.

Our school community is familiar with and supportive of our present 3/4 Year 7 streaming structure. They are also highly supportive of the school's goal of providing opportunities so that "every student may achieve personal excellence." This inclusive philosophy means providing a curriculum which is relevant and challenging, with learning experiences and extension activities that enable all students to achieve their personal best.

Our Year 7 teams philosophy, rather than academic grading, is the main strategy addressing the learning and welfare needs of our Year 7 students. Our teacher teams, each with an identified team leader, guide our Year 7 students through the transition into high school life and learning.

YEAR 8 TO 12 - GRADING OF CLASSES
Most students continue in their same classes for Year 8, with the same 3/4 structure. However, Mathematics classes are the exception. They are graded for Year 8 to prepare for School Certificate Mathematics. For other subjects, some faculties grade their classes over Year 9 and 10. Others, particularly some elective subjects, do not grade. In Years 11 and 12, some classes are graded while others are not. In all of our classes over Years 7-12, teachers identify gifted and talented students. These students are given appropriate opportunities, stimulation and the experiences to develop their potential and satisfy their learning needs.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS
Kirrawee's Independent Learning Centre, staffed by eight teachers and supported with cutting edge technology, provides a variety of learning opportunities for whole classes, small groups and individuals.  The facility caters for the special needs of independent learners and students with specific talents, needs and interests.

Students with exceptional ability can also accelerate their academic progression. This most often occurs during the senior years in any single subject.  At Kirrawee, students most often accelerate in languages.  However, students have also accelerated in mathematics, engineering and computing studies. This provides opportunities for students to undertake the study of additional courses in the senior years.

Our elite athletes are also catered for.  These students are able to negotiate individual patterns of study enabling them to complete the School Certificate and HSC while training and competing within Australia and overseas. State, national and world championships have been won by many talented Kirrawee sports men and women. Specialist coaching by our own PDHPE teachers and other staff nurtures much of this talent.

In the performing arts, students have many opportunities to develop their talent including selected drama, dance and music ensembles, orchestras and bands and other groups. These activities often lead to state and national recognition. Opportunities to showcase this talent include school productions, eisteddfods, concerts with world-class artists and interstate and overseas tours. Besides our school hall, our purpose-built performance space and music centre provide ideal venues for these activities. Specialist tutors assist many of our students.  Talented students are also integrating multimedia technology with the performing arts. There are ample hands-on opportunities for our students to work with TV producers, film crews and other media.

Talented visual arts students attend workshops with outside tutors, attend gallery exhibitions and enter competitions. They exhibit their artwork, including photography, at school and beyond. Major works by our HSC visual arts students are regularly nominated and selected for inclusion in the Board of Studies Art Express exhibition.

Students are encouraged to explore and develop their particular talents through a comprehensive range of curriculum enrichment activities.

A full range of HSC extension courses is offered in Years 11 and 12.  These include English, mathematics, languages, history and music.

In English, there are opportunities for G&T students in public speaking, debating, film-making and writing competitions. In mathematics and science there are Australian competitions, university workshops, camps, on-line activities, enrichment excursions and even wine-making! History and social science students with special interests have a variety of excursions, competitions, visits and overseas study tours from which to choose

As a Languages High School, we provide our G&T languages students with many unique opportunities through specialist tutoring, exchange programs, overseas study tours and interaction with the on-site Nihongo Tanken Centre. G&T students studying technological & applied studies and VET courses have specialised work placements to nurture their particular talents. They also enter competitions and win recognition through various award schemes.

A multi-layered ‘Student Recognition and Award Scheme’ is provided to give all students, including G&T students, public recognition through a variety of ways.

G&T students leaving at the end of Year 12 are given additional assistance in applying for scholarships and in accessing special post-school destinations.