The Victorian Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) is well regarded as one of Australia’s best programs for gifted children. It allows kids to finish school faster, enter university younger and partake in specialised programs for gifted and talented children.
This year, 50-60% of the kids enrolled in the SEAL program score above 90% on Victorian standardised testing. The entry tests for gifted children into year seven in Victoria run for around three hours and consist of both ability and achievement tests. So is your child gifted?
These gifted child tests are designed for kids finishing year six and heading to high school.
- Verbal Reasoning Test
- Numerical Reasoning Test
- Reading Comprehension Test
- Mathematics Test
- Creative Writing Test
- Persuasive Writing Test
For the results of the mathematics, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning practice tests: Click Here.
Acceleration – Should Gifted Kids Be Accelerated at School? Read more here
Gifted and talented schools in Queensland
With the success of SEAL for Victoria’s gifted children, Queensland parents are now demanding a more unified approach to nurturing talents in the Sunshine state. At present gifted students are identified by individual teachers and then offered extension materials. This “haphazard” approach has given rise to Queensland Academies specialty colleges in Brisbane to help Queensland gifted and talented kids focus on developing their talents.
Queensland Academies are only available for students in years 10-12 and boast a 24% “OP1” rate with more than half their students achieving an OP of five or better. There are three academies including Creative Industries (based at QUT Kelvin Grove campus), Health Sciences (at Griffith Gold Coast campus) and Science, Maths and Technology (based at University of Queensland). The entry process includes a written application, an entrance test and interview.
Testing gifted children
Gifted children tests have come under fire from academics for putting unnecessary pressure and stress on gifted children. Children who show unique talents and gifts and high intelligence may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders. Academics also highlight socio-economic and cultural biases towards gifted children from privileged households. If you are considering gifted child testing, look for signs of “exam stress” including poor sleep, poor motivation, moodiness, social withdrawal and physical symptoms such as accelerated heart rate and “clammy hands”.
