Exclusive to Sydney Catholic Schools
The Newman Selective Gifted Education Program is our unique way of supporting gifted students. We focus on the whole child: their ability, creativity, character, and faith — not just their academic achievements.
The program offers:
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Challenging and personalised learning in the classroom
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A range of enrichment opportunities across all areas and subjects
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A strong focus on social and emotional growth, so students thrive in all areas of life
Our goal is to help every gifted student reach their full potential, no matter their background.
Why Newman is different
Unlike public selective schools, the Newman Program doesn’t just look at academic achievement. We recognise that giftedness can show up in many ways — intellectual, creative, social, emotional, or physical.
How students are selected
We use a range of assessments, including teacher and parent nominations.
When Year 5 students are enrolling into a Newman secondary school, parents are invited to nominate their child for the school’s Newman Selective Gifted Education Program. Parents may supply evidence of their child’s giftedness and/or achievement for consideration. Nominated students are invited by the school to sit the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) in March of Year 6. A range of data, including the HAST results, is used to select students for the Newman Program.
All gifted learners are supported including:
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Twice-exceptional students (gifted students who also have a learning or developmental disability)
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Students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds (EAL/D)
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
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Students who may be underachieving
Opportunities for students
Newman students benefit from:
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Personalised learning pathways that extend and challenge them in their strengths
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Selective Newman classes so they can work with like-minded peers
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Specialist workshops, competitions, and projects that go beyond the standard curriculum
The results of our participation in the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program have reflected our emphasis on ‘Knowing our Learners’ and brought our students much success in external competitions.
Students across Years 7-10 in Newman Selective Gifted Education classes are challenged to extend themselves and engage in rich learning activities that foster the skills required for the 21st century, including technology rich context. Newman Selective Gifted Education students are also active participants in a range of co-curricular activities including Drama, Music, Sport, Public Speaking and Debates.
The Newman Symposium in Term 4 each year has become the highlight of the Newman Selective Gifted Education calendar and showcases the learning of these students for the College community. Parents are always welcome at this event.