Holy Cross Primary School is a Gifted Education Lead School in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Our focus is on developing clear processes for identifying gifted learners and through effective differentiation, ensuring these learners are challenged to develop creative and critical thinking skills. We have high expectations for all students, with an increased focus on gifted learners and their needs.
The school’s Gifted Education Mentor (GEM) and a Gifted Education Committee assist teachers collate and analyse data, identifying the strengths and needs of students and providing appropriate teaching and learning strategies to meet each student’s needs. At Holy Cross, the high engagement of every student in their own learning is a pathway to discovery, self-efficacy, and positive self-esteem.
Gifted Education is a priority in the Diocese and is providing exciting opportunities for students in our school. We use Gagne’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT) across our school and work closely with colleagues across the Diocese.
Opportunities are also made available to join the diocesan Virtual Academy for Gifted Learners. A student at Holy Cross is currently one of 60 students from across the Diocese who forms part of this specialised class.