Bathurst West Public School is the only school in Bathurst with an opportunity class. It is taught by an experienced teacher with specific training in Gifted and High Potential Education and a passion for assisting students to reach their potential.
Curriculum: Students are delivered an accelerated curriculum which allows for deeper and more advanced learning across all curriculum areas. At the commencement of the program, students are comprehensively assessed to identify any gaps in learning and areas of strength, recognising that not all students accepted to the opportunity class are advanced in all subjects. This allows for an individual plan to be developed and shared with families for the two years ahead. Throughout the program, student progress is continually assessed in order to make adjustments to individual learning. High school outcomes are taught at different times throughout the program where appropriate. Exposure to these outcomes allows students to have greater comfort when they start high school and the opportunity to continue being extended throughout high school.
Mindset: Strong emphasis is placed on effort and continual improvement, which is particularly important for students who may have found work relatively easy to complete in the past. An environment where improvement, even in areas where a student may already be very strong, helps build determination to continue learning and foster an inquisitive mindset. Having high expectations builds pride in learning and presentation, and also sets a standard to be worked towards. Development of independent learning skills is crucial for moving into high school, so activities such as note-taking, referencing and working towards assessment criteria helps students to receive feedback from teachers and peers on skills they will need in high school, while they are still in the primary school environment. Group activities build a sense of responsibility towards others in order to produce collaborative work of the highest standard as a reliable group member.
Resources: The class is resourced with laptops for all students, iPads and a 3D printer, as well as all of the textbooks and workbooks students will need to access the curriculum. This includes resources for extension programs, allowing students to produce consistently high-quality work without additional financial burden.
Excursions and Extra-Curricula:
Throughout each year, opportunities are sought to enrich student learning. Examples include visiting Mt Panorama during race week, excursions to the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery or other local experiences, collaborations with local authors and artists, collaborations with local tertiary education providers and many more. Each year, the class also learns and performs a dance for the Bathurst Eisteddfod.
With time saved through the accelerated program, additional topic specific (or completely extra-curricular) opportunities can be explored depending on availability.
School-based opportunities are also available to opportunity class students, such as debating, band, PSSA sports, Camplin Cup public speaking etc.
