Gifted/Enrichment Education

Comprehensive programming for gifted learners from Kindergarten - Grade 12 - Early Entrance to University.

Vancouver School Board policy (1994) requires:

1. equity of access for students in all areas of the city, and,
2. appropriate responses to diversity and range of abilities and needs.

Elementary Alternative Programs

Key Features

• Education services for all students begin in the classroom and the school.

• Giftedness is defined as: "A student is considered gifted when she/he possesses demonstrated or potential abilities that give evidence of exceptionally high capability with respect to intellect, creativity, or the skills associated with specific disciplines. Students who are gifted often demonstrate outstanding abilities in more than one area. They may demonstrate extraordinary intensity of focus in their particular areas of talent or interest. However, they may also have accompanying disabilities and should not be expected to have strengths in all areas of intellectual functioning" (BC Ministry of Education Special Education Services, 2006).

• Identification of gifted learner profiles involves collaboration among classroom teachers, school-based team, district gifted education staff with input from students and parents.  Early identification together with coherent, consistent and defensible screening and assessment procedures are critical to development of appropriate educational programs for these students.

• Opportunities to participate in challenging academic, intellectual and creative learning experiences with similarly able students who share their interests.

• A range of programs and services respond to the diversity of learner needs.  Matching student needs to programs and services is supported by dynamic relationships among staff in schools and district programs.

• IEPs (Individual Education Plans) are required for students who meet Ministry criteria for the "P" designation (gifted).  Regular evaluation and reporting is based on the student IEP.

Programs and Services

Challenge Centre Programs
A range of challenge centre pull-in programs are available for students K-7.  Classroom teachers and schools submit referral forms in accordance with procedures outlined in the Elementary Gifted / Enrichment Handbook available in each elementary school. Programs are of different durations and focus on a range of advanced learning topics. 

Mentorship
Intermediate students referred for mentorship experiences have a demonstrated passion and need to work with experienced individuals willing to share their expertise and interests in this field.
 

Twice Exceptional Learners (GLD/GEF)
Consultative support and assistance for teachers working with students identified as both gifted and learning disabled and/or emotionally fragile are available.  Challenge Centre type pull-in programs and team projects are available for students.  All referrals for programs / consultations are coordinated by the classroom teacher, resource teacher, or other school staff, such as a counsellor.

Multi-Age Cluster Classes
Full-time multi-age classes for identified academically gifted students are available in four elementary schools.

• David Livingstone Elementary: Grade 6/7
• Queen Mary Elementary: Grade 4/5 and Grade 6/7
• Tecumseh Elementary: Grade 4/5 and Grade 6/7
• General Gordon Elementary: French Immersion Grade 4/5

Identification of students for these classes requires referrals from the Elementary Schools and further participation in various experiences that contribute to understanding the best educational match between students' needs and available programs.

Future Problem Solving (FPS) 

• An internationally recognized pogram that serves students who require creative and critical thinking opportunities within a challenging team setting, working to solve real world problems.

Gifted Learner Summer Program 

• Offered in various locations in Vancouver during July and August.  Contact your local school or Continuing Education.

Secondary Alternative Programs

All Secondary Schools offer Enriched and Honors Courses including some options such as Advanced Placement Exams for some Grade 12 courses.

The range of district programs available for secondary students of high ability and gifted abilities is available in the OPTIONS Brochure 2010. For more information on Mini Schools refer to Programs area under Secondary Students tab.

Gifted Learning Disabled Program (GOLD)

• GOLD program -  Prince of Wales Secondary
• GOLD program -  David Thompson Secondary

University Transition Program

• Early Entrance to University - VSB/UBC/Ministry of Education PRP.

• Located at University of British Columbia
• Transition Program Application 2010 - 2011

Download the Gifted/Enrichment Handbook for more information on these programs.