About programs for gifted children and talented children

Programs for gifted children and talented children take many forms. They won’t always be labelled as gifted and talented programs, but they’ll always offer stimulating learning experiences that support children’s individual learning needs.

They might:

• include reading, sports or music programs at school or special interest groups in your community
• operate through schools, private organisations, businesses, universities and museums
• run before, during or after school, on weekends or in school holidays
• be online or in person
• range in cost, depending on the type of program, the staffing and the materials
• offer places at reduced fees or provide scholarships.

What makes a good gifted and talented program?

Good programs for gifted children and talented children include opportunities for children to:

• learn something new, especially in their areas of natural ability
• engage with complex information, abstract ideas or advanced skills
• learn at a fast pace with little repetition
• meet and learn with other gifted children
• come away with results that show they’ve gained new insights, information or skills.

These features are important in all gifted and talented programs, regardless of how old children are, what year they’re in at school, and what their areas of natural ability are.

It’s best for children to take part in gifted and talented programs during school hours. This means their school days are the same length as everyone else’s. But if this isn’t possible for your child, it’s still important for them to have plenty of time to rest and relax outside of school.

Preschool and school gifted and talented programs

Preschools, primary schools and secondary schools meet the learning needs of gifted children and talented children in various ways. These include:

• allowing children early entry to preschool, primary school or secondary school
• moving children up to an older group or higher grade, either full time or for some subjects
• grouping children into multi-age classes – for example, a class with children in Years 2, 3 and 4 can give a gifted child in Year 2 the chance to learn at a higher level
• offering school children placement in special classes, selective schools or accelerated programs
• adjusting the curriculum – for example, teachers might introduce new content or write individual learning plans
• offering mentoring – for example, a mentor might help children explore advanced content
• offering counselling – for example, early career counselling or counselling to help children make friends or manage perfectionism.

The best options for your gifted child will not only meet their learning needs. They’ll also help your child connect with their classmates and give your child a sense of belonging.

If your child is gifted and has disability, your child will need learning opportunities that meet their advanced needs. They’ll also need support to manage their disability. A balanced approach to meeting all your child’s needs is best for their development.

Practical considerations for gifted and talented programs

Some programs have entry requirements. You might need to provide your gifted child’s learning needs report, the results of school or other tests, or reports from teachers or coaches. Or you might need to provide other evidence of your child’s advanced abilities – for example, a video of your child playing their instrument or sport or a portfolio of their writing or drawing.

You’ll also need to consider the time and cost involved in the program.

When your child is starting a new activity led by paid or volunteer staff, it’s worthwhile finding out about the child safety policy of the organisation that employs the staff. If it’s not mentioned in the enrolment information and permission forms, it’s OK for you to ask.

Finding programs for gifted children and talented children

When you’re looking into programs for your gifted child, your state or territory education department or gifted and talented association is a good place to start. Or you can contact an appropriate community organisation to discuss your child’s interests or abilities. For example, you could talk to a local ballet school about your child who is fascinated by ballet.

Programs in the community are usually very flexible about letting children learn at an appropriate level, as long as it’s emotionally and physically safe. For example, a musically gifted child might advance through music grades regardless of age, but some sporting codes keep children of similar age together for safety. You can talk to teachers or coaches about how programs might work for your child.

State and territory education department gifted and talented programs

Different states and territories offer different programs for gifted children and talented children. For more information, you could contact your state or territory education department:

• ACT Education – Gifted and talented students
• NSW Department of Education – High potential and gifted education
• NT Government – Apply to a Centre for Excellence school
• Queensland Department of Education – Gifted and talented education
• SA Government – Student support programs: Gifted and talented education
• Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People – Support for gifted and highly able students
• Victoria Department of Education – Student excellence program
• WA Department of Education – Gifted and talented.

Australian gifted and talented associations

Around Australia there are associations for gifted children, talented children and their families. These can provide information and advice as you learn about your gifted child. Associations might also run programs, parent seminars, conferences and social events for families of gifted children and talented children.

National associations

• Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented
• Australian MENSA – Gifted children

State and territory associations

• Australian Capital Territory – ACT Gifted Families Support Group (Facebook page)
• New South Wales – Gifted NSW Inc (Facebook page)
• Queensland – Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children (QAGTC)
• South Australia – Gifted and Talented Children’s Association of South Australia (GTCASA)
• Tasmania – Tasmanian Association for the Gifted (TAG)
• Victoria – Victoria Association for Gifted and Talented Children (VAGTC)
• Western Australia – Gifted and Talented Children’s Association of WA (GATCA WA)

Support groups for parents of gifted children and talented children

Sometimes talking with other parents of gifted children and talented children can make all the difference. You can share experiences and ideas about supporting your gifted child. Parent support groups are one way to meet and talk with other parents.

Contact the association for gifted children and talented children in your state or territory to find out about parent support groups in your area.