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St Columba College is proud to offer a broad curriculum that provides all students with degrees of support and challenges suitable to their particular needs.

As part of our commitment to help all students achieve their best, regardless of their academic ability, a new strategy will be added to our suite of learning opportunities this year in the form of an Academic Extension Program.

The Academic Extension Program is designed to cater to the needs of students in Years 3 ­- 11 who possess academic gifts and talents. Nationally, we see this in approximately 10% of school-aged children. Our program will have both curricular and extra-curricular aspects and will help gifted students to reach their potential and thrive. Students will have the opportunity to work with like-minded peers, engage in project and investigative work, and participate in competitions, all geared to their areas of interest. In the coming weeks, students eligible for inclusion in the Academic Extension Program will learn about the exciting opportunities provided for them.

Ms Oliwia Derda with student Zahra

Academic Extension at St Columba will be coordinated by Ms Oliwia Derda, who is working closely with Dr Rebecca Napier - Gifted Education Adviser at the Catholic Education Office. Oliwia’s role is twofold; firstly in assisting our classroom teachers to ensure learning is tailored, and secondly, that we have meaningful extension activities on offer for our most gifted students. Already Oliwia has undertaken the process of implementing holistic identification processes. This involves collating school-based information and standardised testing data so that we have an evidence-based strategy to ensure that no student with an academic gift goes unrecognised.

The College will also be launching an Academic Scholarship Program in the coming months. Parents and Caregivers with gifted children who would like to enrol at St Columba can apply for financial support for their family.

We are excited for this new learning direction at St Columba College and have confidence these programs will present excellent opportunities for our gifted students to flourish and maximise their potential. Should you wish to discuss the Academic Extension Program or Academic Scholarships, I encourage you to contact me at darren.pitt@stcolumba.sa.edu.au in the first instance. Thank you.

Mr Darren Pitt | Deputy Principal