primary schools for the gifted

[Lazy Cow]

. going to uni at 16, although doable was not the experience it could have been. I probably would have got a bit more out of it if I had been older. . Also when everyone else was beginning to hit the pubs and clubs I was still way too young and was a bit isolated. However each child is different and I was a very young 16 year old anyway.

 

Without wishing to start a mutual fanclub lol, I agree with many of your points, R!

 

My oldest would have been in the same situation as you -although nearer 17. I really didn't think uni would have been as enjoyable at that age, as you say, either adademically or socially but when does a teenager ever listen?:oAnyway once SACE and the TER was achieved in YR11, that conviction disappeared and the lure of all YR12 can offer beckoned. And boy, was I relieved! I know a few kids who did go to uni before their 18th and it worked out for them, so I guess it can depend on how 'old' you are. I'm happy my kid is 'young'...some kids grow up too fast.

 

[that girl Ruth who went to do maths at Oxford age 10, well I think that was a complete waste of a childhood and she should have just gone to school and learnt to be normal LOL. ]

 

Ruth was extraordinary but, like you, I cannot see how she could have really enjoyed her youth. That said,I don't think you can - or should - learn to be 'normal'. IMHO the freedom to be whatever is right for you as an individual is incredibly important whether you are a kid or an adult. 'Normal' to me just means whatever the majority is, in that situation. lol.

 

[if smart kids are bored they should use their brains and find something to do and the teacher can also expect more depth,]

Surely you do not believe it is that easy? IMHO (and I'm not a teacher!) I'm sure the teacher would welcome more input but some of the kids apparently lu-rv-e the sound of their own voice whilst others will dumb down in an attempt not to be seen as a 'nerd' - I have seen this in combined year level classes (subjects with kids from IGNITE/SHIP and mainstream). Some classes at APHS have 34 students. Depending on the class, and the teacher, it seems a big ask for a teacher to really address individual needs if the class intellect ranges from basic to brilliant lol! One of the things I love about the Australian School of Maths and Science is that kids are taught ways to extend their own studies, rather than being spoon-fed info.

 

Sorry MM...have we gone totally off topic? Although (she added weakly) there is extra info re.schooling here in our discussion....

LC

[Rachiegarlo]

Yes that Science and Maths school for yr 10-12 is a popular option, it is based at Flinders Uni.

[Guest M_M]

Yes, but is she happy?????? :biglaugh: (only joking of course, couldn't resist though)

 

I'm not joking: Was and is she happy??

My kids are happy with homeschool at the moment, but they miss "age" peers.

And they go to many clubs when "normal" schools are out.

 

@ Lazy Cow: please go on! I don't think it's off topic.

[Rachiegarlo]

Ok so she had the ability, but also had a maths apt father willing to teach her at home and nurture this ability, other kids with aptitude for maths can do this without losing all those other experiences both good and bad that come from mixing with a large group of other kids either through school or other activities. Terry Tao went off to Adelaide Uni for maths but stayed with age peers at school for other subjects and socialisation. Kids who are good at swimming will not make the teams unless they have a parent willing to cart them at 5 am to the pool for training. Read same for pretty much all talented and gifted people. There are very few that do it all by themselves.....so truly gifted. Who knows this Ruth may have excelled at table tennis or some other skill, but maybe never had the chance to find out. True she may have truly enjoyed maths and has benefited from her early abilities, it's something we will probably never know unless Time runs a story on ex child genius people and where are they now.....I think there is a lot of lip service paid to SHIP programmes and a lot of them are inconsistent. It has to come back to the teacher's ability to broaden all the students in the class. EG when i was 9 class did a set project in class, a few of us were shoved to library and told to pick a topic that interested us and do research and present it in project form= extension, without extra work, more of the same pitfalls. Seem to remember it was all the bright sparks and able readers. In my mum's day able students filled in their time listening to those less able read..... = boredom. Back to the boredom statement.....leave a bored child alone ( outside if becoming obnoxious) and they will eventually find something to do, make, draw, even just lie down and look at the clouds. G&T kids especially need time like this as some overzealous parents like every waking moment of their G&T child to be occupied with "educational" activities. Just to end this ramble.....Kindy director of an Eastern suburbs kindy told my mum that the better off the parent the more gifted the child was believed to be ( by the parent) when infact the kid in question had just had access to a wide range of experiences and activities. To those of you with G & T kids this is just a general observation and in no way meant to be taken personally or out of context.

[Guest M_M]

I get the feeling that schools in OZ are not about learning, but being a member of the school.

You’re not just gifted, you’re also a kid who likes acting, games, judo and swimming.

And please don’t think your kid is just gifted.

It's okay if he is, but there’s so much more.

Of course there have to be programs for these kids, but school is more than just learning.

Am I right?? :GEEK:

[Lazy Cow]

. It has to come back to the teacher's ability to broaden all the students in the class.

Kindy director of an Eastern suburbs kindy told my mum that the better off the parent the more gifted the child was believed to be ( by the parent) when infact the kid in question had just had access to a wide range of experiences and activities.

 

I think most teachers would love to be able to show their ability to excite and educate the kids in their class but I also believe that this would be hard in a mixed-ability group of 28+ (if you are lucky; 34 if not) kids.

 

I agree with the kindy director in as much as I am sure that a parent who enjoys parenting and shares a wide range of experiences with their child (and they do not have to cost money), their child is more likely to be able to find things to occupy, amuse and interest them. Parents can believe their child is the cleverest ever, but it surely takes more than a parent's belief to make that child gifted or talented!

 

A friend of mine has a son who plays footy professionally. She told me that she had seen kids who had talent but couldn't be bothered, fail to go any further and had seen kids with far less talent but more application, make the grade. I guess what I'm trying to say is, eventually it is down to the kid?

 

I might sound mad, but I don't think people should make a fuss over their child's ability; just make sure the kid's needs are catered for. It seems to me that kids that are gifted just are. They are not necessarily a product of nurture, just have a special ability in that area. I also feel that effort is as, if not more, important than achievement.

 

In my limited experience, it seems to me that school is a huge, varied learning experience. Schools offer vocational training, specialist programmes (sports, dance, music etc), courses where (selected) kids can improve their skills, such as literacy- or maths-focus groups, groups to enhance confidence, team-work, friendship, lunch clubs, sports clubs....counselling...the list goes on, but as I have, I will close now!

 

Good night M_M - you should never have given me permission to ramble lol!

LC

 

And Rachie? I'm sure no-one could take offence at your comments:wubclub:

[Guest M_M]

 

Good night M_M - you should never have given me permission to ramble lol!

LC

 

 

The capping bill is official! So your permission is revoked.

just kidding!

 

Now we wait for the sponsorships list, can't wait to bring my kids to their new school in Adelaide! I have a whole list.

[Guest natstar]

For High School Students with Mathematics/ Science ability, the Australian Science and Maths School is on the Flinders University Campus. Their programs are excellent and are always pursuing new curriculum ideas.

[RockDr]

M_M have sent you a PM.

[Chands]

a friend of mine sells an education program that assists gifted children.