Newington College Lindfield is part of the Northside Gifted and Talented Network.  The network includes both independent and public schools on the north shore that organise and facilitate workshops for students in all areas from English to Art and Sport.  Teachers from these schools meet each term to discuss research and development into Gifted and Talented education.

This year schools participated in a Northside Gifted and Talented student conference at Pymble Ladies College. The conference was titled ‘Imagine…what if?’ and students worked in groups expressing themselves through film, photography, sculpture and literature. The tasks included an escape room puzzle where students needed to work collaboratively to decode, solve and unlock a series of boxes to reach the end of the challenge. Students also explored digital photography and the psychology of colour.

In Term 2, some Year 6 students participated in a Rocketry Inquiry Workshop.  The students identified variables that impact upon the flight of air powered rockets.  Students modified rocket designs, launch angles and air pressure to contribute to group data.  The students used this data to help them design and build their own custom water powered rockets.

In Term 3, we sent two of our Year 4 students to a Sculpting Art Workshop at Wideview Public School. This workshop included researching the historical background of gargoyles, grotesques and medieval castle reliefs.  Students then created their own artistic forms using dry clay.

Our boys have welcomed the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other schools and really enjoyed using their inquiry skills.  Next year Newington College Lindfield will be hosting a workshop and we look forward to sending more of our students to participate in the Northside Gifted and Talented Network events.

Mrs Aleca Bradshaw and Miss Patricia Kazacos – Learning Enhancement