Inclusive learning
The support of Pulteney’s Inclusive Learning team complements the extensive range of learning opportunities at Pulteney, providing diverse academic enrichment and support for students across the full range of academic and social abilities and at all ages. We diagnose the learning needs and strengths of each student to identify those with a particular talent or passion that could be explored in depth, and to identify those who require new challenges to extend their classroom learning, and those who may benefit from additional support.
A collaborative and inclusive approach underpins the work of Pulteney’s Inclusive Learning team. These dedicated teachers and education support workers achieve significant results, both with students who require extension and enrichment and students with learning challenges, ongoing health issues or social and emotional needs.
Working with the family and classroom teacher, support is tailored to the individual student and may be short or long term, individual or in small groups, based on their level of identified need, developmental progress and ongoing progress to create the best possible opportunities for successful learning.
Gifted & Talented
Pulteney offers a range of programs for our highly able students whilst continually reflecting on best practice in the field of Gifted and Talented education. Current research suggests that giftedness is developmental and there is no longer a ‘gifted for life’ label. Students can plateau, while other students’ talents suddenly emerge, which is why our program needs to continue to change and develop to best meet the needs of our students.
We currently offer a range of challenging opportunities for students from Reception to Year 12 with a focus on Quality Thinking from Reception to Year 6. Throughout the school year, students are involved in specific events and activities and if a talent is identified, families will be notified.
Examples of events and opportunities that may be offered to students across the school are the Junior School Ethics Olympiad (Year 6), da Vinci Decathlon (Year 6, 7, and 9), and Tournament of Minds (Year 4-6 Primary, Year 7-10 Secondary).
In Senior School, there are many academic demands, therefore, students will be invited to be involved in events catering to their strengths and interests as they arise. In Year 10, Advanced Science is offered as an accelerated opportunity. In Year 12 our highest achieving students will have the opportunity to apply to study at university in Year 12 at the University of Adelaide (Headstart), Flinders University or UniSA, whilst combining their studies at Pulteney.
Students who have a current educational assessment, stating giftedness, will continue to have support and guidance throughout their schooling, as well as their families.
Sue Mavropoulos has a Masters in Education (Gifted Education) and has a passion for helping all children to reach their full potential. Sue is also Head of Teaching and Learning in the Junior School, and she supports families and students throughout their learning journey. Sue works alongside staff and parents to ensure our gifted and highly able students at Pulteney are challenged and provided with ample opportunities to reach their full potential. Sue acts as a mentor and advocate for our gifted students as she supports the handover process for gifted students every year.
Please contact Sue if you would like to discuss the program further sue.mavropoulos@pulteney.sa.edu.au.
Regards,