Providing a supportive and engaging environment for academic exploration
Catering to the unique learning needs of high-ability and academically talented students at both Preparatory and Senior School, our sector-leading program is based on Gagné's Differentiating Model of Giftedness and Talent. The programs aim to identify exceptional abilities in subjects like language(s), maths, sciences, and humanities. All boys in Year 2 and Year 6, and all new students (up to Year 9 and in Year 10+ by nomination), are screened for the ATD Program using multiple measures of ability, achievement, prior performance/grades and feedback from parents and teachers.
The identification process acknowledges that boys may exhibit giftedness and still be in the process of developing talent. Similarly, gifted students may underachieve. It also acknowledges that some gifted students may also have a learning disability or difficulty. Identification focuses on ability/potential in the lower grades, with more weight being given to academic performance in the upper grades. As with any innate ability, talent is developed through hard work, effort, task commitment and perseverance.
Academically talented students are not a homogeneous group and may exhibit uneven strength areas and/or social-emotional development. Please don't hesitate to make contact if you would like to request additional information about program identification. Ms Jasna Giebeler (Preparatory ATD) jasna.giebeler@tss.qld.edu.au Ms Monique Werda (Senior ATD) monique.werda@tss.qld.edu.au
At TSS, high-ability students are supported through the Academic Talent Development (ATD) and Honours Programs, both designed to nurture natural abilities into advanced competencies. The ATD Program, informed by Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT 2.0), identifies students’ academic gifts and talents through a comprehensive body of evidence and provides access to accelerated classes (AC), academic clubs, competitions, and weekly extension and enrichment sessions. In the Senior School, the Honours Program further deepens learning through scholarship, leadership, and service, encouraging academic exploration and community engagement. In the Preparatory School, the Honours Program offers academic extension through a compacted and advanced curriculum that incorporates problem-based learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, immersing boys in a dynamic, fast-paced learning environment. Both campuses feature dedicated ATD Centres—specialist spaces for independent learning, research, and critical thinking on a range of high-interest topics. Extension interventions are data-driven, ensuring all programs challenge, inspire, and equip students to become future leaders in their fields.
The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge
The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge provides an exciting and engaging experience for students through the captivating appeal of Formula 1. Students design, analyse, manufacture, test and race model F1 cars manufactured from a block of balsa wood. Students learn about physics, aerodynamics, design processes, manufacturing, marketing, graphics, sponsorship, teamwork, communication, media, careers, finance and are required to bring all of these together practically and creatively to compete with other school teams.
Model UN
In collaboration with the TSS Humanities Department, Model UN is a popular initiative for ATD students to learn more about how the UN operates. Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide take part every year at all educational levels. Model UN helps students to develop public speaking, writing and research skills. In addition, they often provide the first entry point into international affairs and introduce students to the wide range of peace and security, human rights, development and rule of law issues that are on the UN agenda.
