Encouraging pupils toward excellence

RECOGNISING the needs of gifted and talented students, St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully provides a range of programs and opportunities for talent development.
Across the various domains and year levels, students are supported to extend their abilities and knowledge, demonstrate a standard of excellence and advanced development and to take pride in their achievements.
The college’s Occhiena Centre provides support for students through individualised learning programs.
Occhiena Centre director, Carmel Feeney said the Gifted and Talented Education Program incorporates development within regular classes, specialised programs and advanced studies.
“Students at St Joseph’s are encouraged to develop their abilities across a range of fields, including academic (science, humanities, language), arts (art, drama, music), sports and technology,” she said.
“Opportunities range from specialised English/Humanities and Maths/Science classes in Years 7 and 8, school drama productions, interschool sporting competitions and accelerated VCE studies to Year 12 university programs.”
Ms Feeney said by offering different models of advancement, students’ experiences and development are broadened and this, in turn, facilitates the personal and social growth and that of abilities.
“Working with other gifted students outside the regular classroom experience facilitates interaction, skills advancement, sharing of knowledge and ideas.
“Working together also collaborates and develops an appreciation of their own and others’ gifts and talents.”
Formal awards (academic, technology, arts and sports) during the year and at the end of the school year are an integral part of the environment at St Joseph’s that fosters and recognises excellence.
For more information about Gifted and Talented Education at St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully, contact Ms Feeney on 9758 2000, or visit the Open Day on Wednesday 12 November from 9.30am — 11am and 6.30pm — 8pm.
The college is at 5 Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully.