In recognition of the diverse learning needs of gifted students within our community, we provide a variety of tailored programs and support options to nurture their potential. With 20 years of experience, we draw upon Professor Gagné’s Model of Giftedness and Talent, Renzulli’s three-ring model, and other frameworks to inform our approach and practices.
We recognize that highly gifted students possess advanced cognitive abilities and require a curriculum that fosters higher-level learning and opportunities for deeper thinking. We acknowledge that some gifted students may be twice exceptional or face barriers that contribute to underachievement, and we thoughtfully integrate these considerations into our programs and support strategies.
We offer both full and part-time Gifted and Talented programs.
Entry to both programs is subject to eligibility criteria.
Lumos is a full-time alternative program tailored for highly gifted students, providing opportunities to develop their skills and abilities, enabling them to achieve their full potential.
Gifted students benefit from a differentiated curriculum that provides greater rigor, complexity, and depth, allowing them to engage with higher cognitive domains and develop critical and creative thinking skills.
Lumos classes are structured based on the students’ needs and abilities within each cohort and there are limited numbers and places available each year.
Screening for the full-time Lumos program starts in Year 1, with student profiles being established and refined over time. New students wishing to join the program are required to undergo interviews and formal assessments before placement offers are considered, with all ongoing placements subject to reviews.
Eligibility criteria include general ability or IQ, academic achievement, creativity, student motivation and parental support.
To be considered for the Lumos program, please contact our College Registrar to begin the application process.
The Flare program is designed for students with mild to moderate levels of giftedness or high abilities in specific subject areas, providing them with additional extension opportunities to enhance their development.
Flare offers weekly lessons which are available for identified students from Prep to Year 8. Students are withdrawn from their regular class to spend time with one of our creative and highly skilled Flare teachers.
Extension is currently offered in the areas of Mathematics and English from Prep to Year 8, with additional options offered from time to time in selected year levels.
Eligibility criteria include general ability, academic achievement, student motivation and their on-going ability to handle time away from their regular classroom.
Mathematics
Flare Maths focuses on problem-solving. Students are introduced to problem-solving skills right from Prep and all learn to use George Polya’s method at an appropriate age level. Prep to Year 2 students access this using ILR modified resources if necessary. Students solve a range of different problems in both formal and informal settings.
From Year 2 onwards, students take part in the APSMO Math Explorer, Games or Math Olympiad competitions as part of Flare throughout the year.
English
Flare English offers students the opportunity to study a range of authors and novels and develop a love and appreciation of literature. There is a focus on the development of higher order comprehension skills and vocabulary, as well as a variety of written responses and comparisons. Where movies exist for novels, these are often viewed, and comparisons made.
Depending on their age, students have studied about and read texts from authors such as Pamela Allen, Dr Seus, Roald Dahl, E B White, and C S Lewis. They have read novels including Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Charlotte’s Web, Nim’s Island, The Magician’s Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, and Alice in Wonderland.
© 2025 Hillcrest Christian College. All Rights Reserved.
ACN 010 381 334 ABN 68 947 459 366 CRICOS No. 01043C
Site: YourSchool
