Gifted and Talented

Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Academic Program
- at a glance

Harrisdale SHS's Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Academic Program aims to set students on a pathway to success.  We want to give students a head start to their life and career goals in a world filled with opportunity, challenge and change.  We want students to experience the all-round schooling experience that produces Australia's next generation of leaders in fields as diverse as public service, law, science, medicine, the arts, engineering, education and business.

The commencement of the Gifted and Talented Academic Program in 2021 represents a milestone in the development of Harrisdale SHS as a school of excellence.  It reflects our school community's aspiration for Harrisdale to deliver excellent programs and pathways for all students.  It provides local children easy access to a Department of Education selective academic program, as well as being available to students from across the state.

Harrisdale's Gifted and Talented Academic Program will provide a first-rate schooling experience for students:

• Teachers will be subject specialists who are enthusiastic and committed to their students. They will look for and know how to bring out the best in the gifted and talented students they teach.
• They will nurture the students' love of learning and desire to make a positive difference to their global community.
• Students will be actively connected to their learning.  Their programs will develop and promote independent, inquisitive learners; thinking and caring young adults; ethical decision makers; creative problem solvers; and arts appreciators.  Importantly, they will develop the skills and understandings to learn and work collaboratively, knowing we learn best when we support each other.
• The curriculum will be differentiated, progressive and challenging - both inside and outside the classroom.  Students will be grouped with their specially selected peers for Mathematics, Science, English and Humanities and Social Sciences in Year 7-to-10, joining their wider peer group for studies of the Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Technologies.  Classical Music and French, while strongly recommended, are elective subjects.
• Students will learn in inspiring, state-of-the-art facilities.  They will be supported and encouraged to be involved in prestigious and challenging competitions, leadership programs, community service, university extension programs, and interstate and overseas study tours.
• Student wellbeing is a priority.  Students will be actively supported and encouraged to lead happy, balanced and fulfilling lives.  Our positive learning environment, pastoral care programs and student services provide a nurturing, caring and supportive environment that foster and enable young adolescents to flourish.

Co-curricular Program

A day at Harrisdale SHS begins before the siren sounds to signify the first class, and extends well beyond the last lesson each afternoon. Our extensive co-curricular program includes leadership programs, sports, hobby groups and clubs such as Interact, Tournament of Minds, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Bush Ranger Cadets, Harrisdale’s Edible Garden, debating, peer tutoring and volleyball.

Harrisdale's got heart - At Harrisdale, we encourage students to get involved in community service because volunteering:

• encourages social and civic responsibility.  Students develop empathy, a broader view of society and diversity, and a desire to help others;
• gives students the opportunity to connect what they learn to real life events;
• brings students together in a worthy cause.  Volunteering builds relationships and social connectedness with peers and adults;
• develops communication, problem solving, team work, and interpersonal and leadership skills;
• helps students find their passions and interests; and
• develops self-esteem and positive emotions like optimism and joy. "Giving back" is healthy.