The Gifted and Talented Program at Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the H.O.T.S. (Higher Order Thinking Skills Program) and is designed identify and challenge those who think differently or a little ‘outside the box’. This program provides greater depth and challenge to students by offering ‘extension’ and giving them additional higher order thinking tasks with a multidisciplinary focus on creative and critical thinking skills. There is also a strong focus on catering for the social-emotional needs that are unique to gifted children.

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In addition to the in-school program, external opportunities such the SciTech Challenge Day, Academic All Stars Competitions, Robotics and more add to the experience and development of these students thinking skills in a variety of scenarios. These opportunities are also offered to members of the general student body whose strengths lie in specific areas.

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This diverse, challenging and differentiated program enables students to progress beyond standard curriculum requirements, so as to take risks and build knowledge and skills in a safe and flexible context.

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