Primary Enrichment and Challenge Program
The program caters for gifted children by providing enrichment and challenge activities which will broaden the children's perspective on learning. The focus will be on the use of higher order thinking skills and problem based learning for enrichment and not acceleration of the curriculum. Every effort will be made to avoid overlap of the standard Stage 3 curriculum. The children will be introduced to content that they may not normally be exposed to.
A snapshot of the type of work which may be covered includes:
The Mind and how Memory works:
Investigating how humans learn using the VAK model, the multiple intelligence theory and integral learning - a whole brain model of learning. The children will discover how we learn in different ways and will examine and dissect sheep brains as a hands on' introduction to the physical structure of the brain.
Thinking and Learning Activities:
Based on the whole brain model of learning, including the use of deductive thinking skills, lateral thinking skills and cooperative learning. Students learn the art of juggling and how to make juggling balls.
An Exploration of Life in the Middle Ages:
Including learning calligraphy, researching and preparing a medieval feast, preparing for a Medieval battle and performing plays set in the Middle Ages.
The Power of Yeast:
Students use yeast in several experiments and then cook using yeast. Chocolate muffins and home made bread rolls are on the menu for lunch.
Extraordinary Expeditions:
Using an internet based workshop to plan a trip to six world cities using maths and language skills to solve problems encountered along the way.
Physics is Fun:
Discovering the basic concepts of physics using LEGO Dacta materials and gaining an understanding of simple mechanism principles. Visiting Luna Park Physics is Fun Excursion: to explore the basic concepts in physics which have been applied in the design of the rides.
Forensic Science:
A hands-on day at the CS IRO in Lindfield to look at the application of scientific method and techniques to solve crimes.
The days will be run as a series of different workshops and this will enable the children to be immersed in a particular topic or task for the morning or sometimes the whole day. The benefits of this immersion technique allows for in-depth processing of the knowledge to be acquired and high quality work to be produced. Most of the tasks need to be completed in pairs or small groups and this focus stresses the need for children who can work well in such situations.
Contact the College Administration Centre for further details.
