The Gifted and Talented class at Moil Primary School has students from Years 2 to 6.

The multi-dimensional educational program includes

• Integrated, in-depth curriculum that involves the learner in the processes of inquiry, deliberation and investigation
• Individual student focus
• Students' talents recognised and nurtured
• Mentor program
• A learning-how-to-learn environment
• The encouragement of independence and decision making
• Access to advanced learning materials
• Wider curriculum opportunities
• High mobility, allowing students to move in and out of the classroom to work with mainstream peers or with specialist teachers or mentors

Introduction
At Moil Primary School the early childhood gifted class was established in 1995. The primary aged gifted class was established for Years 4 to 6 in 2000 and in 2001, was broadened to include Year 7 students. Both classes are capped at 25 students and have specific entry requirements. Each student in the gifted classes has an Individual Education Plan which is reviewed annually. Gifted students are also catered for in the mainstream classrooms. Moil staff have an understanding of, and commitment to, catering for gifted students.  In fact the commitment to catering for the full range of needs and abilities is well established across the school. School Council through its Gifted Sub-committee has declared its support for gifted education and ensured that this area remains a priority area on the Action/Business Plan. The Action/Business Plan is the document which sets out the school’s priorities and directions.

Requirements for entry into the Gifted Classes.
* IQ assessment by a psychologist.
* Assessment by class teacher or Co-ordinator of Gifted Programs to determine academic level and learning needs.
* Recommendation by an Early Intervention Officer if student is under 5 years of age,
*Parent approval.
* A formal placement meeting with the parents.

The Program.
Integrated, in-depth curriculum that involves the learner in the processes of inquiry, deliberation and investigation.
Access to specialist teachers in German, Art, Science and Music. Recognition and nurturing of talents. Opportunities for mentoring with older students taking responsibility for younger ones. Links with CDU, High Schools or NTOEC to extend exceptional students. A learning “how to learn” environment. Encouragement of independence and decision making. Computer technology with access to internet in the classroom. Access to advanced learning materials and wider curriculum opportunities. High mobility, allowing students to move in and out of the classroom to work with mainstream peers, specialist teachers or mentors. Social and emotional development of each child carefully monitored. Access to special programs, such as speech, sensory motor, facilitated if required.

Some ways in which Gifted Students are catered for.
Acceleration, including early entry into school or preschool, subject or content acceleration and curriculum compacting.
Opportunities to work with specialists in areas of talent or interest. Flexibility in pacing, to allow individuals to satisfy their desire to learn all that they need to know before moving onto another topic. Topics discussed in an atmosphere which fosters philosophical discussion and encourages the learner to ask more profound questions. Parent involvement and participation. Independent research Studies and projects. Continuous assessment and evaluation, including self-evaluation in a positive, non-threatening way with frequent feedback given. Cross age and peer tutoring.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Q. What are the gifted class sizes?
A.Gifted classes at Moil are capped at 25 students. Usually the classes are, in fact, smaller. Once 25 is reached new prospective students would go on a waiting list.

Q. Can my child change to a mainstream class later?
A. Students are closely monitored to ensure they cope both academically and emotionally. There are meetings held between staff and parents as required. Any movement to a mainstream class will be considered subject to availability of spaces in the mainstream classes. Some parents opt for their child to be placed in a mainstream class even when their child is identified as gifted.

Q. Who should I talk to if I think my child might be gifted?
A. Talk to your child’s teacher or the Co-ordinator of Gifted Programs at Moil.

Q. What is the age for entry to the early childhood class?
A. Children may enter under the usual school age entry of students who turn 5 year by the 30th June  if deemed suitable by the Early Intervention/ Student Services Division personnel.

Q. Do I have to live in the Moil area to enrol in the Gifted Program?
A. No, but please note that attendance at Moil School does not automatically guarantee entry into the feeder schools for the Middle Years if you live outside the feeder area.

Q. Do I have to pay for an IQ test?
A. If this is done through Student Services Division there is no charge, but it may take time. If the test is done privately there is a cost involved which is met by the parents.

Q. Is an even gender and age balance maintained in the classes?
A. Every effort is made to do so.

For further information please contact:
Mrs Jenny Rigg, Co-ordinator of Gifted Programs or Mrs Pam Erfurt, Principal.
Phone: (08) 89206868
Fax: (08) 89206869