At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, discovering the unique gifts and strengths of gifted and talented students is only the start of the journey. The School’s long-standing, highly regarded gifted education programme aligns with the School’s focus on developing gifts for a purpose, preparing students to leave school as individuals who can work alongside others to create a more responsible future for all. Given that relationships matter, mentoring is an important component of the gifted and talented programme. Called Project Catalyst, the student mentoring programme pairs Junior School students with Secondary School mentors, building connections and developing student gifts so that ultimately participants learn to serve others with wisdom, compassion and purpose.
“We’re about developing student gifts through disciplined learning and mentoring,” said Ms Estee Stephenson, Director of Learning (Academic Progress). “Research consistently highlights the benefits of mentoring for gifted learners, not only by nurturing younger students’ talents but also by providing older students with valuable leadership and service opportunities,” said Ms Estee Stephenson.
Mentors and mentees come together and work together on projects that reflect their areas of interest. Last term’s passion projects covered everything from chemistry experiments to creative writing projects, designing websites or Formula One cars, painting with watercolour or exploring history through the development of comic strips or websites.
For younger students, having a mentor provides encouragement and guidance, enabling them to focus their efforts, and develop a vision of what they could become. “Seeing a mentor perform in the school musical, compete in a sporting event or simply walk through the corridors helps bring that future into focus. These moments foster confidence, excitement and a genuine sense of belonging,” said Rebecca Radloff, Gifted and Talented Coordinator for the Junior School and Gawura School.
The School’s senior students relish the leadership opportunities that come with serving as role models. Through the programme, students develop communication skills, empathy, responsibility, leadership and self-reflection. “I chose to become a mentor because I wanted to help my mentee feel excited about starting Secondary School and encourage her to continue pursuing her passions – it has very rewarding to see her curiosity and enthusiasm for learning,” said Maddy, a student completing Year 11 in Senior College.
The School’s commitment to Responsible Futuring, reflecting the School’s vision that all students know their infinite worth and develop their unique gifts for a purpose so they can make a difference in the world is also influencing the direction Project Catalyst is heading. “Looking to the future, we’re exploring the opportunity to connect students with expert external mentors as part of the School’s commitment to Responsible Futuring, so watch this space,” said Ms Estee Stephenson.
In the meantime, the success of Project Catalyst can be measured by the large number of mentors and mentees who choose to return semester after semester, reflecting the value of the relationships formed and the personal growth experienced by participants.
To discover how these opportunities could shape your child’s journey, please join one of our upcoming School Tours and experience St Andrew’s Cathedral School for yourself.
To book your place visit our website here.
Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, St Andrew’s Cathedral School is an innovative, co-educational day school, providing students from […]