A strong gifted education program can provide a range of opportunities for students whose natural abilities place them in the top 10 per cent of their peer group.

With so much information available in the gifted education space, identifying a gifted child can be challenging, and knowing how to support them can be even more difficult.

Here are guidelines to help you identify if a gifted education program is suitable for your child.

Is your child curious, creative, extremely focused on an area of interest?

Do they learn new ideas or skills quickly and easily, display a good memory, or enjoy thinking in complex ways?

If any of these qualities sound familiar to you, you may have a gifted or high-ability child on your hands.

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Manager: Curriculum and Innovation, Jacinta Russo explains that while there is no single measure of giftedness, it is common for gifted students to demonstrate reasoning abilities beyond their age.

“Signs of giftedness could include demonstrating advanced speech, reading, mathematical ability, advanced humour or logical reasoning ability at an early age,” said Ms Russo.

“A gifted child might show an ability to retain and recall detailed information, to think critically or philosophically well before their peers.” – Jacinta Russo

Various assessments can provide schools with additional information to consider alongside certain behaviours you might have observed in your child, helping in the recognition of gifted students.

Identification, differentiation, and extensive support

A high-quality gifted education program will accurately find your child’s strengths and adjust learning to develop their talents, as well as provide support in areas where they may need help.

“A strong gifted education program supports both the academic and social and emotional aspects of giftedness,” said