In 2017 Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (TEEC) introduced a new and exciting program that catered for gifted students at primary schools in the Tablelands area. The TABLELANDS SCHOOLS SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM provided opportunities for students to be further extended and challenged through being involved with the development and facilitation of community sustainability initiatives. This award-winning program continues to operate successfully with proven educational outcomes.
The success and impact of the Program has been acknowledged through the Wet Tropics Management Authority's Cassowary Awards 2017 (Young Cassowary and Education), Tropical North QLD Innovation Awards 2018 (Peoples' Choice and Young Entrepreneur's Category and an Education QLD Regional Commendation (2019) for the Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education.
GIFTED GLOBAL GREEN 2022, represents a 'revitalisation' and 'renaming' of the former program.
The Gifted Global Green program aims to increase students' skills and competencies in 21st Century Skills, using the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development as the framework. In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are a call to action to create a better world by 2030. Several of the Goals relate directly to environmental sustainability.
The Global Goals will be a catalyst for students to identify a local school issue to solve and then create an action plan to address it.
Pedagogical practice is guided by 'New Pedagogies for Deep Learning'. According to professor and educational researcher, Michael Fullan, the six competencies fundamental to success in the 21st Century are: Character, Citizenship, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking.
Students work closely with staff from the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (TEEC) and a range of industry experts. Students report the progress and success of their initiative during and at the end of the school year to an audience of industry professionals and education personnel.
Gifted Global Green is embedded in the Key Learning Areas, with the underlying concept being sustainability.
All Queensland Schools are committed to meet the learning needs of students who are gifted. This program will assist principals of schools in meeting their responsibilities, by increasing the school's capacity to provide appropriate support options for students who are gifted by:
- increasing access to programs, expertise, facilities and information beyond the school
- engaging community support and involvement to extend the capacity of the school to engage gifted students in learning that challenges and supports them.
ALLOCATION OF A KEY TEACHER
Each school involved in the Program provides a Key Teacher to work with their students over the course of the year. Key Teachers participate in an induction session at the beginning of the Program and receive ongoing support provided by the Program Facilitator. Networking opportunities for Key Teachers exist through scheduled planning days, and interaction with industry professionals.
PROGRAM FACILITATOR AND ADVISOR
The program facilitator in 2022 will be Sandra Charlton. Sandra co-ordinates an equivalent program in Cairns schools though Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre.
Professional development around the unique characteristics of gifted learners is provided by Gifted Education Program (GEP) Co-ordinator at Whitfield State School, Annetta Ryan. Annette has worked across the Region with School personnel in developing gifted education programs and policies.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Students will undertake research, and consult with experts in a range of fields resulting in the development and implementation of programs and projects that provide practical solutions to local problems enabling students to develop knowledge, skills and attributes to assume responsibility for creating a sustainable future. Industry professionals will be sources from a range of industries including, but not limited to, Tablelands Regional Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Wet Tropics Management Authority, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, ABC Radio Far North, James Cook University and Catchment groups to conceptualise, develop, implement and assess community based environmental projects.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Term 1
Gifted Global Green Launch - TEEC - Barron River Campus
Immersion Excursion - Cairns Aquarium and Northside Contemporary Arts Centre
Term 3
Industry Forum
Term 4
Celebration Event - TEEC - Barron River Campus
Schools participating in the 2022 Program:
Atherton State School, Mareeba State School, Ravenshoe State School, Walkamin State School, and Yungaburra State School
If you would like to discuss the initiative further, please email Phil Harrison (
pharr100@eq.edu.au) for more information, or to set up a time to talk about the program.