Gifted Programme GE3
(Gifted Educational Enrichment for Excellence Programme)

specialized workshops and gifted classes, parent education and programmes outside our institution.

The Regular Classroom

The classroom teacher and the Gifted Coordinator work closely together to provide support for the student, to share any concerns, suggest further studies, and help meet the learning needs of each individual student.

Specialized "Withdrawal" Classes

Workshops
For these specialized workshops our gifted students are grouped by interest, instead of by age. We have observed that students in the gifted classes seem to lack direction and focus due to varied interests and abilities. By grouping students in this unique way, it helps to rectify that issue and focus students on a specific topic.

Students are provided a list of approximately five workshops to rank in order of interest (example included). The two most popular workshops are selected, and the students are placed in their first choice to the best of our ability. The workshops take place over two periods per week and change every two to three months. So far we have delivered workshops on: cryptography, improvisation, strategy games, genetics, mythology, film study, human anatomy and computer game design.

Special Classes
In addition to these special interest classes, students meet one period per week by division to explore social issues and help develop emotional intelligence. During these classes students discuss current events, problem solving, research skills, global issues, journaling/idea books, and social skills. They also have an opportunity to discuss what they're learning in class, and further explore certain topics if the interest arises. Lastly, these classes provide students with an opportunity to build a portfolio of his/her outstanding work. Students will be able to include projects, tests, assignments, photographs, tapes, etc.

This year students have explored their personality types using "What Colour is Your Parachute" and the Myers Briggs test. They've completed Mensa activities, discovered his/her "political compass", completed research activities, created inventions, explored idioms, along with a number of other outstanding activities.

Beyond the Institution

Relevant field trips will be used as culminating and valuable experiences at the end of a specialized workshop. For example, when our students were studying improvisation they spent a day at "The Second City" watching improv and taking part in a number of workshops to demonstrate their new skills. Trips are used as a driving force and as a motivator for students.

Parent Education

Parenting gifted learners provides a set of unique challenges. Information is shared with parents, and related associations will be recommended. Parents, students, teachers and the gifted coordinator work collaboratively to create a successful programme.

Parents are encouraged to join one of these groups:
The Association for Bright Children
http://www.kanservu.ca/~abc/ , 416-925-6136
Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.cec.sped.org/