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O U R L A DY O F M E R C Y C AT H O L I C C O L L E G E B U R R A N E E R
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If we define giftedness as outstanding ability or
potential, and talent as the demonstration of
outstanding achievement or performance, what we
continue to seek for OLMC students of high ability is
not only to work hard to be all they can be but also to
feel energised, passionate and engaged by what they
learn. We encourage a growth mindset, encouraging
all to be willing to stretch beyond the known, to risk
mistakes in order to succeed and solve problems
with those beautiful brains.
OLMC has a strong history of providing quality gifted
education;in 2015 we built upon this further by joining
CEO’s Newman Program. The three year process
of becoming accredited as a NEWMAN school is
one of professional development, reflection upon
best practice and defined standards of excellence in
gifted education, and careful planning supported by
data. When combined with our particular strength
of knowing each of our students very well, staff at
OLMC feel energised by the boost this program has
provided for our work in gifted education, which
began with a focus on our first ‘NEWMAN stream’
inYear 7 2105.
Teachers of 7O and Members of our School
Leadership Team took up the challenge, all engaging
in professional learning about giftedness and best
practice in teaching students of high ability, and then
implementing this learning in their classrooms. This
culminated in a wonderful celebration of learning
led by 7.O students, our first annual NEWMAN
Symposium, with an excited group of students
participating in a reverse parent teacher meeting
where they were the teachers, reflecting upon their
own learning in all subjects.
Of course, recognition and provision for diverse
abilities and talents is not limited to the O group -
we are more committed than ever to challenging and
extending every student in all our classes.
Mrs Kerrie Ramsay
Gifted/Literacy Learning Facilitator
GIFTED ANDTALENTED REPORT