Professional Learning
'Our High-Ability Classrooms' - One-day professional learning workshops with Deakin University
On Tuesday 4th August (Secondary) and Wednesday 5th August (Primary), teachers from across the state joined the CHES team (Amy Lee and Sam Haines) and Deakin University facilitators (Dr Maria Nicholas, Dr Ceridwen Owen, and Dr John Cripps-Clark) to develop their understanding of working with high-ability and high-potential students. In these hy-flex workshops, attendees considered practical strategies for identifying, challenging, and supporting high-ability students in their classrooms.
Term 3 Afterschool Webinar Professional Learning Series:
Throughout Term 3, educators from across Victoria joined the CHES Afterschool Webinar Series to deepen their understanding of how best to support high-ability learners. This term's webinars included:
- James Mott - Mixed Six Tasks: Designing Higher-Order Thinking in the Mixed Ability Classroom (aimed at Year 7-12)
- Sam Haines - Thinking Beyond the Obvious - Questioning, Testing and Problem-Solving (aimed at Years 5-8)
- Sarah Asome - Catering to High-Ability Learners within an MTSS and EI Framework (aimed at P-12)
Many thanks to our presenters, and also to everyone who attended, contributed questions, and engaged in the conversations throughout the term.
Career Start Professional Learning
CHES staff members Amy Lee, Fabiano Nigro, and Sam Haines recently joined early career educators from the North-Western Victoria Region to deliver professional learning focused on supporting high-ability learners as part of their Career Start program.
The session explored practical strategies for identifying and engaging high-ability students, creating appropriately challenging learning experiences, and fostering talent development within inclusive classroom environments. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own practice, share ideas with colleagues, and consider how they can support high-ability learners from the very beginning of their teaching careers.