At Coorparoo State School, we have a "whole school" approach to the education of gifted students. This means we acknowledge gifted students have specific needs that require a consistent, school-wide response. Our school recognises that gifted students are not all the same and consequently we offer flexible approaches for those students who need to be extended in their learning. Higher order thinking skills are included in the planning of classroom lessons and students are encouraged to participate in opportunities such as like the University of NSW ICAS competitions.
Teachers are expected to ‘Know the learner, know the intent and vary the pathway'. Our school approach is not to provide a separate "add on’ or "withdrawal’’ approach, but rather integrate a differentiated pathway to the everyday workings of the classroom. Our model has been adopted as our way of providing learning situations that meet the needs of all learners, including the gifted.
Teachers receive professional development that enables them to provide a learning environment where giftedness can be recognised and responded to. Professional development sessions focus on developing a shared understanding of giftedness, how to identify the gifted and ways to respond to the needs of gifted students.