Alfred Deakin High School

Gifted and Talented Education at ADHS

Open Night 2017 - Presentation

Gifted and Talented Education Policy

ACT Education Directorate's policy: Gifted and Talented Students

Alfred Deakin High School’s Belief Statement and Program Mission Statement

The Unicorn Program

The Unicorn Program is for identified gifted and talented students. Unicorn classes are offered for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 in English, Mathematics, Science and HaSS; the Performing Arts (Years 9 and 10), the Visual Arts (Years 9 and 10) and in Physical Education (Year 8). Only students enrolled at ADHS may seek entry into the program.

Key Elements of the Program

The program aims to challenge students through:

• enrichment activities in the academic curriculum
• independent student inquiry and learning
• flexibility in class placement and study patterns
• performance demands in creative areas
• sporting/outdoor activities
• leadership opportunities

Identification

A range of evidence is used to select students for Unicorn:

• testing - psychometric testing and other external test results
• class performance
• teacher recommendation
• audition and portfolio

You can contact Luke Williams, our Gifted and Talented Liaison Officer on luke.williams@ed.act.edu.au if you have any questions.

Identification Chart

Performance Demands in the Creative Arts

The creative areas of the school value and foster teamwork, leadership and responsibility as well as demanding excellence in performance. They can achieve this excellence through:

• participation in Unicorn Performing Arts (UPA) class in Years 9 and 10 (by audition)
• participation in Unicorn Visual Arts (UVA) class in Years 9 and 10 (by portfolio)
• working towards major community exhibitions and competitions in Photography and Art
• being a part of our Orchestra, ensemble groups or bands.
• participation in Step into the Limelight, Ausdance Youth Dance Festival and the Australian National Eisteddfod
• commercial production of documentaries in Media and entry in national media competitions
• drama performances at school and community events and festivals such as  Fast and Fresh/Acting up and Class clowns.

Sporting and Outdoor Activities

Physically talented students are identified through individual teacher observation, fitness tests and/or parental and coach involvement in Physical Education and Health. The following programs are offered:

• an advanced Sports Studies class
• accelerated, enrichment or extension activities
• mentoring using people with highly specialised knowledge and skills
• maintenance of students' performance records against set goals to ensure continuous improvement
• study lines for elite performance athletes

Students wishing to further their schools in Outdoor Education can apply to join Advanced Outdoor Education in Year 10