Gifted Students’ Needs Often Overlooked
Ahead of Gifted Awareness Week, from 18th to 24th May, experts from UNSW Sydney warn of the broader societal impacts due to a lack of specialised training in gifted education for teachers in Australia.
Gifted students, identified as those in the top 10% of their age peers across intellectual, creative, social, and physical domains, often remain unrecognised because teachers lack sufficient training, according to Professor Jae Jung, Director of GERRIC at UNSW.
Research indicates that early intervention significantly boosts long-term performance for gifted students. Despite this, many teachers rely on myths and stereotypes as they lack the necessary skills to identify and support these students.
Studies reveal that up to 50% of gifted students underachieve, 20% drop out of high school, and 40% fail to complete tertiary education. These statistics highlight the urgent need for specialised training.
Teacher Training and Standards
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers demand differentiated teaching for a range of abilities. However, NSW teacher training emphasises special needs without including gifted education.
Professor Jung stresses that gifted children need targeted assistance to succeed academically. Without proper support, they may stagnate, disengage, or even disrupt classroom environments.
The NSW High Potential and Gifted Education Policy acknowledges the importance of supportive environments for gifted students, yet many educators are unprepared to meet these needs effectively.
GERRIC at UNSW provides training to over 3000 teachers each year, offering courses and programmes that focus on equipping educators with the right tools for gifted education. This training is crucial for addressing the gap in teacher preparedness.
Gifted Awareness Week aims to draw attention to these issues, underscoring the necessity for a shift in teacher training to better support high-ability students throughout Australia.
Professor Jung highlights that educational communities can become stronger by supporting gifted and talented students, leading to a positive social impact over time. Enabling teachers through targeted gifted education training can help maximise the potential of these students.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:07 pm
