Learning Enrichment Centre News

The missionary William Carey is well known for saying “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” He was encouraging us to think big and go beyond what is expected – dare to dream. Learning Enrichment is all about thinking beyond our limits. Enriching the learning of our high-ability learners is about providing students with the opportunity to not just aim high but to soar.

Who are High Ability Learners?

Highly able learners are those who are working or have the potential to work, ahead of other learners their age. They may be working, or have the potential to work, at a higher level across the whole curriculum or in one or more curricular area. They may have different areas of interest and might be very knowledgeable in a particular or several field/s.

Some Traits of High Ability Learners:

1. They are curious and ask a lot of questions about the world around them and may ask detailed questions to satisfy their thirst for knowledge.
2. They take their own approach to assignments. 
3. They have a large vocabulary and prefer adult conversation. They often understand and use more words than their peers, including abstract and figurative language. This may be due to their reading habits and exposure to more advanced texts.
4. They have original ideas. These learners are original thinkers and able to access abstract reasoning and bring together ideas from different areas.
5. They are cognitively advanced and able to self-teach new skills. They learn quickly and do not require as much practice as other learners to develop new skills.
6. They are sensitive to their environment and are very alert and tuned into their environment.
7. They have strong feelings. These learners may be quite opinionated and have strong feelings about topics that are important to them. They can also be more aware of the opinions and feelings of other people.

Miss. Byerlee and I recently attended a Focus Group meeting, attended by teaching staff with a particular professional interest in the College’s approach to High Ability Learners.

The key points discussed were:

• The whole college approach to creating limitless opportunities for high-ability learners.
• Connecting with universities that have successfully researched high-ability learners and their learning needs.
• An update and celebration of Pacific Plus
• Engaging highly able learners in the classroom

The LEC makes connections across the college and the uniqueness of each individual student is what makes our College a beautiful place to be. I think William Carey was highlighting how each individual has a responsibility to do their very best for God. Ephesians 3 v20, focuses on how we can attempt great things for God by knowing that His mighty power is at work in us, so we can accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think!

Mrs Chantal McAllister, Head of Learning Enrichment P-12