Music Program
At Tintinhull as part of our school curriculum all students participate in a music program delivered by Ms Yvie. Each class K, 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 have a one hour music lesson every Friday
Students have had the opportunity to perform, compose and respond to music by singing, dancing and playing a variety of musical instruments. This has deemed to be a popular program among students.
CAPERS Dance Spectacular
CAPERS is a Bi-ennial production involving Public School children from K-12 from the North West and New England areas in a spectacular production of dance, music, drama and visual arts.
At Tintinhull all students are offered the opportunity to take part in this wonderful production in the Small Schools' Dance. Tintinhull along with other small schools in the area come together for a massed dance performance. The students rehearse at school and perform their dance item three times. These include a Matinee (in school time) and two night performances. CAPERS is suitable for all students who simply love to sing and dance. No auditions needed, just the opportunity to develop skills and enjoy an experience of a lifetime!
HPGE
Our teaching staff dedicated their first Professional Learning development day to understanding the HPGE policy, focusing on how to differentiate content and delivery in small schools. The session provided teachers with practical insights and skills aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and creating learning environments that meet diverse student needs.
All NSW public schools are required to implement the High Potential and Gifted Education policy standards. These standards are founded on the principles of equity, excellence, and high expectations for all students. They offer a framework for implementing and evaluating evidence-informed talent development, enabling high potential and gifted students to aspire to and achieve personal excellence.
As Principal, my responsibilities include:
· Optimising the talent development of high potential and gifted students across all domains by fostering a supportive learning environment that nurtures the whole student.
· Providing access to acceleration or advanced learning pathways and opportunities.
· Managing staffing and support for programs and classes designed for HPGE students.
· Utilising assessment data to identify and address the specific learning needs of HPGE students across all domains.
Talent development is the process of transforming a student’s potential into higher achievement within a specific domain. Students progress through various competency stages, ranging from novice to mastery.
What Does This Mean for Students at Our School?
This term, we will be offering:
· A five-week writing program every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, starting on May 20th.
· A podcasting group for students in Years 4 to 6.
· An extension mathematics group (different from last term).
· An art appreciation course during lunchtime.
How Will Students Be Selected?
Students in Years 3-6 will undergo assessment through a writing task evaluated with a rubric. Those identified as having a talent in writing will be invited to join the enrichment writing program.
Quarterly Origo assessments for Years 3-6 will be analysed to identify students for the mathematics enrichment program.
The podcasting group will be formed based on teacher observations and class discussions.
Parents of selected students will receive a notification requesting permission for their child to participate in the offered programs.
Possible Considerations for Parents
While there are many benefits to these programs, one potential downside is that selected students may miss regular classwork. However, this must be weighed against the specialised teaching and differentiation provided in these enrichment programs.
Opportunities will be available to all stages across the school. This term, we will focus on Stage 2 and Stage 3, with plans to offer programs for younger students next term.
It’s important to note that not all children may demonstrate talent or potential in one of the four domains and may not be included in these programs. However, I assure you that every student receives high-quality education and explicit teaching from their teachers. Our system consistently allocates resources and funding for students who face learning challenges, and it is encouraging to see similar recognition for our high potential and gifted students.