Gifted and Talented Education at ADHS
Alfred Deakin High has long supported gifted and talented students within the ACT. There are a number of ways students may access programs to support them to develop those gifts in the academic, creative and sporting fields. Only students enrolled at ADHS may seek entry into the program.
ADHS Gifted and Talented Policy 2023
The Academic Unicorn Program
The Academic Unicorn Program is for identified gifted and talented students. Research has indicated that gifted students may benefit from being grouped together in the same class for a number of years. This can lead to improved academic, leadership and social benefits. Alfred Deakin High school is proud to offer classes in the Unicorn Program that cater to the needs of those students.
Unicorn classes are offered in:
English (Years 7-10)
Mathematics (Years 7-9) - Advanced Mathematics course offered in Year 10
Science (Years 7-9) - Elective courses run in Year 10
Humanities and the Social Sciences (Years 7-10)
Key Elements of the Unicorn Program | G&T Identification |
The program aims to challenge students through:
| Student identification for the Academic Unicorn Program takes into consideration the following things:
We are continually building our network and maintaining connections with PEA Primary Schools. There is some correlation between primary school G&T programs and ADHS however, placement in a primary school gifted stream does not always correlate directly with a placement in the Unicorn program at ADHS. |
You can find out more by reading our Open Night Presentation 2022
ADHS tests newly enrolled students to determine the best class placement at regular intervals throughout the year. Incoming Year 7s are tested while in Year 6 in October as part of normal transitions processes. ADHS only tests enrolled students.
Not all gifted and talented students find themselves suited to the Unicorn Program. Entry to and exit is determined by student wellbeing, academic interests and always in partnership with the family.
Other Advanced Academic Opportunities
All students at Alfred Deakin High School are invited to challenge themselves academically by participating in some of the following competitions. Details for competitions that are available are provided to students throughout the year as they arise.
Logic, Maths & Science | |
ICAS Digital Technologies Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Australian Mathematics Competition Australian Mathematical Challenge Australian Mathematics Enrichment Australian National Chemistry Quiz ICAS Science Science Fair Da Vinci Decathlon CIT Bridge Building Competition Formula 1 in Schools Program | |
Language and the Social Sciences | |
ICAS Writing Australian Geography Competition ICAS English Competition Australian History Competition ACER Language Competency Test Interparliamentary Debating | |
Individual Faculties coordinate these competitions and students should speak with their classroom teachers to find out more.
Contacts
Jen Nott (GATLO, Executive Teacher Testing and Gifted and Talented Education) jennifer.nott@ed.act.edu.au
Josh DeBruyn (NAPLAN and Testing Coordinator)
EXTERNAL LINKS
Gifted and Talented Education (with multiple parent fact sheets)
Creative Talents
The creative areas of the school value and foster teamwork, leadership and responsibility as well as demanding excellence in design, performance and production. 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 music program, 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.
Identification and selection for these programs take place across the school year.
Please contact Jo Hopman, acting SLC for Arts/Technology, on Jo.Hopman@ed.act.edu.au if you have any questions.
Physical Talents
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:
- Year 8 Unicorn PE
- Sports Science classes (Year 9 and 10 only) and Advanced Outdoor Education classes (Year 10 only)
- 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
PE staff nominate students at the end of Year 7 to be part of Year 8 Unicorn PE. Senior students may pursue their physical gifts through one of the many Year 9 and 10 PE Electives.
ADHS offers multiple opportunities to join sports teams to represent the school and ACT. You can find out more here.
Please contact Sam Gaskin, SLC LEAN, on sam.gaskin@ed.act.edu.au if you have any questions.
Leadership & Social Talents
The Student Executive Group (SEG) enables students to pursue their gifts in leadership and social interests. Nominations take place through Tutor Groups at various intervals during the school year to take part in the Student Forum. You can find out more here.
PANTHERS and ELEMENTS give students the opportunity to seek leadership on the sporting field and in their English classroom. You can find out more here.
The Youth Leadership Program, Disability Awareness Program and ADVANCE program give students further opportunities to pursue their gifts in leadership. You can find out more here.