Massada College’s educational philosophy states that every child should be encouraged to reach his/her potential.  As part of this objective, Massada College aims to provide a Gifted and Talented Programme within the range of facilities available to the school.  This is achieved in the classroom by staff using an open-ended teaching method, and allowing each child to progress through the work at his/her pace.

Some extension programmes also occur and more widely the extension programme applies to the level of homework given.  Teachers constantly monitor the student’s work to ascertain whether the child is performing at a level commensurate with his/her abilities. The College prides itself in a programme that has become widely recognised in the State.

This Gifted and Talented Children’s Programme began at Massada in 1990 under the guidance of Ann Matison (Past President of the Gifted Children’s Association of South Australia).

The Programme relies on the early identification of the children’s abilities.  This is done through consultation with parents, teacher observation, researching the child’s interests, assessing the standard of work completed at Massada and standardised testing.  Although, in some cases the testing is arranged privately, assessment is generally a continuous process.
 
Throughout the entire academic programme no barriers are set. The school allows early entry for those who are gifted so that they are grouped appropriately with their mental age peers.  This is also facilitated by the use of composite classes. And a Thinking Skills programme is incorporated throughout the school.

It should be noted here that there are both benefits and drawbacks to a Gifted & Talented Programme, so our teachers work very closely with individual parents on establishing a the correct method for each individual child. We welcome discussion about this programme with the Principal and Teachers as we are constantly revising its aims and methods.

Ann Matison and Dennis Southern, Gifted & Talented Pioneers in South Australia and former teachers at Massada College, published “Meeting the needs of gifted students in the upper primary grades”, 1996. This article can be found on the Nexus Education website. This gives a useful insight into the type of programme the Massada College students participate in and the outcomes.

Please contact the school if you would like further information.