Discovery Learning: Founding a School for Gifted Children

Abstract

Radford House, in Johannesburg, South Africa, was established in January 1996. Starting the first primary school for gifted children (ages 5–12) in the country has been a process of learning for everybody concerned: the children, teachers, parents and administrators. This article briefly outlines the rationale for founding a school in & country that labels giftedness as “elitist” and discusses the following discoveries:

confusion regarding definitions and identification

reasons for enrolment

stressors

teaching strategies

Analysis of these aspects reveals that the definitions of giftedness remain problematic in terms of identifying potential ability versus manifested high, ability. A further issue is the development of unique teaching strategies and skills which stretch conventionally trained teachers to their creative limits. The first year is indeed a year of discovery with problems and joys cropping up in unexpected quarters.