Curriculum News

Dear Parents,

Please see below St Aidan's NEWMAN Statement of Practice.

NEWMAN STATEMENT OF PRACTICE

At St Aidan’s, we recognise that gifted education is embedded within a whole school approach aligned with NEWMAN Gifted Education and the mission of Sydney Catholic Schools. Giftedness is understood as high potential that may be present across intellectual, creative, social, physical and leadership domains and may develop at different stages.

Guided by Sydney Catholic Schools’ NEWMAN Gifted Education, we adopt a whole school approach to the identification, support, and growth of gifted and high-potential students. Giftedness is understood as dynamic and developmental, requiring purposeful opportunities, high expectations, and responsive teaching to transform potential into achievement.

Our Practice

Identification

• Identification is ongoing and evidence-based.
• Multiple data sources are used, including formative and summative assessment, teacher professional judgement, observation, student work samples, and consultation with parents/carers.
• Processes are inclusive and support equitable identification of students from diverse backgrounds.

Teaching and Learning

• Teachers design differentiated learning experiences that provide appropriate challenge, depth, complexity, and pace within the classroom.
• Classroom programs are differentiated to address student readiness, interest, and learning needs.
• Opportunities are provided for higher-order thinking, creative problem-solving, inquiry-based learning, and authentic real-world application.
• Strategies include curriculum compacting, higher-order questioning, enrichment, and opportunities for depth and complexity.
• Student progress is monitored and reviewed regularly to inform planning and support continuous improvement.

Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

• We acknowledge the social and emotional needs of gifted learners, including asynchronous development, sensitivity, and perfectionism.
• A strong pastoral framework supports student well-being, resilience, and a positive sense of identity grounded in Gospel values.
• Staff consider factors such as asynchronous development where students develop at different rates, motivation, and well-being when planning learning experiences.

Professional Learning and Collaboration

• Staff engage in ongoing professional learning aligned with NEWMAN Gifted Education to strengthen their understanding of giftedness and talent.
• Teachers collaborate to share strategies, monitor progress, and reflect on best practice.

Partnerships

• We value partnerships with families, recognising parents and carers as key collaborators in supporting gifted learners.
• Student voice is honoured, empowering learners to reflect on their growth and take responsibility for their learning.

Our Commitment

At St Aidan’s, we are committed to fostering a learning culture that challenges, supports, and inspires gifted students to strive for excellence. Through faith, learning, and service, we encourage our students to use their gifts responsibly and compassionately, contributing positively to the community.

With you in Faith and Education,

Mrs Kim O'Kane

Instructional Specialist