Supporting High-Ability Students

Resources

High-ability toolkit

The High-ability Toolkit provides practical, evidence-based resources and guidance to better support high-ability students and includes:

• advice about the needs of high-ability students
• effective assessment and identification practices
• leadership approaches required to maximise achievement for these learners
• strategies for a whole-school approach to high-ability provision.

Professional learning through the Centre for Higher Education Studies

The Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) was established as a ‘centre of excellence’ and a state wide provider of professional learning to building the capability of teachers in government schools to meet the needs of their high-ability students. Sessions delivered by CHES feature insights from leading academics and practitioners.

Professional learning opportunities are promoted directly to High Ability Practice Leaders (HAPLs) as well as through the regular School Update and through the CHES webpage.

Webinars on the Student Excellence Program

Regular after-school webinars are held for HAPLs, school leaders and teachers on the Student Excellence Program. Sessions feature insights and guidance from Virtual School Victoria (VSV), facilitators of the Victorian High-Ability program (VHAP), and providers within the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES).

Professional learning opportunities are promoted directly to HAPLs as well as through the regular School Update.

Additional enrichment and extension opportunities

• Tech Schools – Tech Schools provide free high-tech STEM programs to local students, who remain enrolled in their local secondary school
• Science and mathematics specialist centres – a network of 6 specialist centres offering students the opportunity to engage in contemporary, authentic science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experiences
• Centre for Higher-Education Studies – a series of semester length electives designed as foundational courses for select VCE subjects, offering enrichment and extension beyond the school curriculum. Students complete 2 to 3 hours of virtual and/or in-person learning (termed hy-flex) across 15 weeks in subjects such as Critical Thinking for Creative Minds and Introduction to Algorithmics
• School Sport Victoria – interschool sport and representative school sport for schools and students in Victoria
• Victorian State Schools Spectacular – an annual event providing students in the performing arts with opportunities to showcase their talents
• The Victorian Student Representative Council – a student-led organisation offering opportunities to extend leadership, collaboration, and communication skills
• Virtual School Victoria – a provider of online teaching and learning, enabling high-ability students to access a wide range of subjects at advanced levels where appropriate
• Koorie Academy of Excellence – the Koorie Academy of Excellence is an out of school hours program supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to develop a connection to culture, leadership skills and their academic capabilities

Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children

The Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children (VAGTC) is a parent and educator-led not-for-profit organisation that advocates for high-ability students. They offer a range of seminars, resources, and publications to support the education of high-ability learners.