Our vision at Merrimac State High School is that students who are identified as gifted will feel valued and supported in a learning environment which both challenges and inspires them to pursue excellence and possess a passion for lifelong learning.
We use a comprehensive screening, testing and data collection procedure to identify gifted students based on current academic achievement, NAPLAN Testing, Year 7 results, SAGE test results, Primary teacher recommendations and external academic test results. Focussed and ongoing conversations are held with students and their parents.
The student may demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate advanced development in one or more areas of giftedness. The five main areas are intellectual, sporting, arts, civics or leadership. Those students identified as gifted and talented then have a support plan developed. These plans are case-managed by class teachers with support from the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, Guidance Officer and Administration.
The needs of gifted and talented students are catered for through some of following:
- Differentiation
- Summit Programs
- Subject Acceleration (e.g. A Year 10 student may attend a Year 11 class for Maths) .
Participation in class, school-based and extra curricula enrichment programs which may include:
- University of New South Wales Competitions (ICAS)
- Somerset Literature Festival
- Musical
- Talent Quest
- Multicultural Events
- Chess Club
- Interschool Debating
- Mathematics Challenge
- Science Week
- English Writing Workshops
- On-line literature festival
- Swell (Art workshops)
- Design Competitions
- Enrichment Art Classes
- Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards
- Leos Club
- Merrimac Cares Program
- Gold Coast Junior City Council
- Gifted and Talented Cluster Days
- Leadership Extension Days
- Instrumental Music Program
- University Programs.
Students who are identified as gifted intellectually whilst enrolled at Merrimac are able to access the Academic Summit program - STEAM Academy. The school is well placed to respond positively to exceptional academic talents and in both the Junior and Senior School, students can undertake a vertical progression in many subjects. In the Senior School, students can also align themselves with learning partners such as Griffith University and Bond University. Many other Learning Pathways, including the incorporation of specialised Extension Subjects, are available to cater for student intellectual giftedness.