Centre for Excellence
The Centre for Excellence supports a number of school programs, catering for the needs of our most academically able students.
At Christ Church we know that students’ gifts and talents manifest in different ways and at different stages, and that is why the Centre for Excellence has adopted an inclusive framework; all students are provided with an appropriately challenging curriculum within their classrooms and can access a range of co-curricular options that encourage them to develop their full potential.
Our programs are consistent with best practice and are underpinned by a strong evidence-base, and we deliver a range of more targeted programs to our most academically able students.
We are guided by Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent, a model that is widely used within Australia, including by the West Australian Department of Education. One of its most significant attributes is that it makes a clear distinction between the terms ‘gifted’ and ‘talented’. Giftedness designates the possession and use of untrained superior natural abilities, whereas talent refers to the mastery and development of these abilities. In both instances, individuals are considered to be gifted or talented if they fall within the top 10% of their same age peers.
Our programs cater for both gifted and talented students. These programs ensure students are challenged and given every opportunity to develop academically, socially and emotionally.
The Centre for Excellence is led by:
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Lachlan Hall Head of the Centre for Excellence, Senior School |
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Brooke Siegmann Co-ordinator of the Centre for Excellence, Preparatory School |
Our approach
Inclusive
Who is involved?
All students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.
In the classroom
Students are engaged in lessons and motivated to achieve their best. Lessons and programs are differentiated catering to the learning needs of each student. This may involve grouping students of similar ability together within the classroom setting.
Outside the classroom
Students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular opportunities in their area of interest, for example:
- Debating/Speakers Challenge
- Robotics club
- Aviation
- Coding
- Public speaking
- Chess
- Music ensembles
- Sporting teams
Challenging
Who is involved?
Students with identified gifts or talents in one or more domains, placing them in the top 10% of their same-age peers.
In the classroom
Students can be grouped together in extension classes, following a program tailored to their needs. This may involve:
Curriculum compacting
Advanced subject matter
Greater depth and breadth of content
Outside the classroom
Students are selected for co-curricular programs or external competitions, including:
- Enigma (Christ Church program)
- Have Sum Fun competition
- Da Vinci Decathlon
- Olympiads
- Chess
Targeted
Who is involved?
Students with exceptional gifts or talents in one or more domains, placing them in the top 1% of their same-age peers.
In the classroom
Students follow a personalised plan and may be accelerated, either in one or more subject areas or by a year level.
Outside the classroom
Students follow a personalised plan, based on their area of talent. This may involve:
- Case-management
- Mentoring
- Accessing university level courses
- National and International competitions