A Study of Exceptional Mathematical Ability

This story about a remarkable student with exceptional ability in mathematics is told. The pseudonym chosen by the student is Albert. His story forms part of a broader study, which examines curriculum provisions for gifted students attending a small, rural, relatively isolated, comprehensive high school in an economically depressed area of NSW (Merrotsy, 2002)... The story of Albert is presented as a case study. It is not a case study in the traditional sense (Bassey, 1999, pp22-36). Here, the naturalistic portrayal of an individual follows a life history model, employing the narrative, in order to make a case to appeal to the reader's judgement... Albert's case study outlines his formative background and his educational experiences. It concludes with a summary of the issues that, in his opinion, are the most important for improving the curriculum for gifted students.