Enrichment Programs
The school's enrichment program is embedded within the daily teaching program and encourages students with specific talents to further extend their learning. The P&C funds a teacher position (Mrs. Eldridge) to resource and support classroom teachers with their programs. In 2007 she also co-ordinates the following activities:
Debating
In essence, debating is effective communication and conflict of ideas and arguments. A training squad of 16 Year 5 students meet weekly to learn and practise all elements of debating including teamline case development, rebuttal and presentation. Opportunities also exist for Year 5 students to attend a three-day debating camp to further develop their debating skills. Chosen by merit selection, two Year 6 debating teams compete over two terms in the Premiers Debating Challenge. Students in the Year 6 debating teams also have the opportunity to attend a day long debating workshop in preparation for this competition. As part of the classroom enrichment support program debating skills may also be taught and practised. Furthermore, students from stages 2 and 3 also have the opportunity to participate in the Hills Network Public Speaking Competition. Upon meritorious selection, one student from each grade is invited to compete in the final against other school in this district.
Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad
In ability groups, students across Stage 3 at Samuel Gilbert Public School are taught specific mathematical problem solving strategies on a weekly basis. Our most talented mathematicians have the opportunity to participate in the annual Maths Olympiad competition which involves five papers of five questions each over a period of two terms. The questions are extremely complex and students who achieve high marks are awarded trophies, medals, and badges.
To find out more about the Primary Schools Mathematical Olympiads, Inc click here.
Problem Solving Games Program
To further facilitate the development of strategic thinking skills, a wide range of carefully selected games were purchased in 2006 and are well utilised in the classroom setting. These games provide opportunities to develop logical deduction and lateral thinking skills using a variety of board games and mind puzzles. Students and teachers are taught age appropriate games in class and these may be easily accessed by all classes. Games and puzzles may be used individually, in pairs, small group or whole class situations.
Classroom Enrichment Program
To further develop thinking skills, classes are offered two, five week blocks of classroom enrichment in a team teaching situation. For example, Thinkers Keys and Extended Brainstorming tasks relating to specific H.S.I.E. topics are presented. When appropriate, debating/public speaking skills may also be taught in the classroom situation. This teaching style facilitates the development of a classroom culture of thinking.
In addition to these programs we employ specialist teachers to provide the following program:
Gymnastics
Every student at Samuel Gilbert Public School participates in class gymnastics for one term as part of their Physical Education program. Specialist gymnastics instructors together with the class teacher provide these lessons. Students displaying talents in class lessons are “targeted” and invited to join the junior or senior gymnastics enrichment program the following term. From these enrichment groups, students with exceptional talent are invited to form an “elite” group who practise at lunchtimes during Term 4 in preparation for a performance at the end of year school Presentation Assembly at the Hills Centre.