Why an Association?

The Association for Gifted and Talented Children was formed in 1980 because many people - educators, parents, guidance officers and academics - felt that there were many children who needed extra enrichment and help to realise their full potential.

In the main, neither classroom teachers nor parents have the knowledge to provide this extra help. It is only recently that a growing number of educators and parents throughout the world have realised that many children are disadvantaged in this way. Because of a lack of stimulation some children find life frustrating and demoralising. They may even underachieve because of negative social pressures or insufficient challenge.

Gifted children are sometimes excluded from normal play because they are seen by their classmates as being 'odd' or 'different'. In the company of other gifted or talented children this difference is often valued and the formation of friendships among sometimes lonely children is an important objective of this Association. Equally important is the inclusion of brothers and sisters in our activities to help the social relationships of all the children in the family.

Opportunities exist for children who show early talent in music or sport to develop their talent. We would like to see similar opportunities for children with talent in any other area - art, mathematics, writing, leadership, science, history...

What Does the Association Do?

regular meetings with a variety of activities and social opportunities

special workshops suggested by the children eg: computing, art, astronomy . . .

a magazine, KidScape, for children, with contributions by children

special interest courses - drama, maths, orienteering, cooking, calligraphy . .

maintains close links with the State, Catholic and Independent systems

organises and sponsors seminars and workshops for teachers, parents, school administrators, guidance officers etc.

supports the provision of in-service and pre-service training for teachers on the special needs of gifted children.

is establishing a collection of resources: books, videos, tapes, materials for use in the classroom etc.

regular meetings are held where members can meet, share their experiences, pool information and help each other

guest speakers with specialised knowledge

organises seminars to help parents, teachers and school administrators to understand gifted children better

provides a support and information service

How does the Association do it?

The responsibilities of the Management Committee are to:

Implement Association policy

Lobby Education Systems & Tertiary Institutions

Support and develop Branches

Liaise with other education groups such as Parent Groups, Subject Associations

Publish a quarterly Journal, MindScape, which acts as a clearing house for information and reports on Association activities

Organise workshops and seminars for parents, teachers, school administrators, guidance officers

Organise and maintain the volunteer support and information service

Run specialised camps for children

The responsibilities of the Branch Committees are to:

Implement Association policy locally

Run such activities as the branch considers appropriate:

activities and camps for children

support for parents

local seminars for parents and teachers

Support local educational initiatives such as a Regional Committee or Consultant

Publish Branch Newsletters as needed

Objectives of QAGTC Inc

The objects for which this Association is established are:-

To provide an organizational focus for the recognition of the existence and needs of gifted and talented children:

To provide for the prevention and relief for the psychological distress which can be caused in both parents and children by the exceptional abilities possessed by the child.

To obtain and disseminate information on the nature of giftedness and the difficulties experienced by gifted and talented children, their parents and their teachers

To provide assistance and support to gifted and talented children, to their parents and to other interested persons without prejudice

To assist in the development of gifted and talented children in need or from deprived or financially limited backgrounds.

To promote public, institutional, governmental and individual acceptance and awareness of the needs of gifted and talented children:

To promote the inclusion of relevant courses on gifted and talented children in programmes for the training and further education of teachers and educational administrators, guidance officers and other relevant personnel:

To provide opportunities for formal and informal interaction between gifted and talented children and between their families:

To seek representation on all policy making bodies in matters pertaining to these objects:

To maintain contact with similar organizations within Australia and overseas.