Enhancing rural & regional gifted student experiences: Exemplars of innovative enrichment practice

The School of Education at the University of New England (UNE) has developed a strong reputation in the area of Gifted and Talented education that encompasses productive research projects, the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students, the implementation of teacher professional learning programs, and the planning and hosting of enrichment programs. Supported by funding from SiMERR NSW, an enrichment program for gifted rural and regional school students has been developed and implemented over the past two years. The authors will present in this paper, a series of vignettes to illustrate innovative enrichment practice for gifted school students. These vignettes will also example the innovative use of ICTs and the involvement of educators and parents as a united community of practice to support gifted students. The paper will conclude with the provision of a number of emerging recommendations for future practice, for enriching the teaching and learning of gifted students in rural and regional contexts.