GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN

Children gain opportunity class placement on the basis of academic merit. The main criteria for determining academic merit are Opportunity Class Placement Test results combined with school assessments. Comments of teachers and principals may be considered at the discretion of the selection committee.

Some general characteristics of gifted and talented children are listed below. It is important to note that academically gifted and talented children will not necessarily demonstrate all of these characteristics.

A gifted student:

· learns rapidly and quickly grasps new concepts
· has an excellent memory
· is creative or imaginative, e.g. has many ideas or is highly original
· has special talents, e.g. technology, the arts, science
· is independent - may prefer to work alone
· has a keen sense of humour
· is highly motivated, particularly in self-selected tasks
· has unusual or advanced interests
· demonstrates exceptional critical thinking skills
· has superior leadership and interpersonal skills
· frequently asks in-depth, probing questions
· may demonstrate a high degree of social responsibility
· possesses a large, advanced vocabulary
· has superior insight and the ability to draw inferences
· is an advanced reader either in English or in the home language

What can parents/caregivers do to help?

· Take an active interest in your child's homework.
· Support your child in setting aside time each day for homework.
· Provide a dedicated place for homework and study if possible.
· Assist teachers to monitor homework by signing completed work if
  requested, and be aware of the amount of homework set.
· Communicate with teachers any concerns about the nature of
  homework or your child's approach to homework.
· Encourage your children to read and take an interest in current
  events.