Face Off: Should schools have gifted learning programmes?

Schools have a responsibility to ensure every child is learning at a level suited to their capabilities. That is why all schools should have a gifted learning programme to accommodate more advanced students’ needs.

Some may believe there is no need for schools to have gifted classes, as there are other programmes to enrich those students’ learning. These include the CUHK Science Academy for Young Talent, the HKU Academy for the Talented and – perhaps the most notable – the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education.

However, these programmes are commonly sought after and often require exorbitant fees. Even with subsidies, some students may be unable to afford such hefty costs.

Given this, having a gifted learning programme in schools would particularly benefit bright students from low-income families. This is important, as these talented but vulnerable students are most in need and deserving and have little opportunity elsewhere.

Plus – even if students can pay fees – the mentioned programmes are in high demand, only accepting a limited number of applicants.

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Gifted classes also help advanced students reach their full potential. Students with similar academic abilities can be grouped together and learn content that challenges them.

Gifted students often learn quicker than their peers. Students in classes below their capabilities may become bored or act out for lack of intellectual stimulation. In severe cases, they may even lose all interest in learning and motivation.

Gifted classes would properly stimulate them and allow these students to learn at the correct pace for them.

For advanced students to reach their full potential, harness their skills and further society’s development – for example, through technology and research – it is of the utmost importance that they gain the education they deserve in the form of gifted classes.

It is a school’s responsibility to facilitate the growth of all children and ensure everyone is learning at their own pace.

Gifted children deserve to be intellectually stimulated and challenged rather than slowed down in a too-easy class, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Nurturing students’ talents is part of a quality education, and gifted classes would ensure that.

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I understand putting academically advanced students in one class for better resource allocation. However, I believe it creates a toxic environment: arrogance from students in “gifted classes” and worthlessness for those who are not.

A gifted learning programme would be highly competitive. Parents, teachers, the school and even peers all have lofty expectations for you. Grades would determine a hierarchy. All of this would be overwhelming for any student, even a “gifted one”.

A student’s worth is decided inside this classroom. Many reach the point where they metaphorically throw their physical and mental health out the window.

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It is only a matter of time until the stress takes a toll on them. In a survey by Challenge Success – a non-profit affiliated with the Stanford Graduate School of Education – of 43,000 students from high-performing schools across the United States, 75 per cent reported exhaustion, difficulty sleeping and headaches because of stress.

Gifted classes are even more extreme, as the most academically successful students from a high-performing group are concentrated in one small class.

Aside from high stress, labelling children as gifted or normal can cause huge divisions. A gifted class is constantly reminded that they are different and better than others.

Their schoolwork, tests and quizzes are separate. Teachers and a school – intentionally or not – will constantly and blatantly give more opportunity to students considered “elites”. This offers certain children an unfair advantage and does not leave room for others to feel supported and reach their potential.

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From personal experience, while many students from different classes get along – including in my friend group – it is inevitable that students from gifted classes develop a superiority complex. They are reminded that they are better every day, while others feel worthless and hatred towards them.

I believe both groups include wonderful people, so seeing a school topple its harmony and balance is upsetting to witness.

Gifted classes also promote the idea that academic results determine your entire worth. Some may excel in other fields like sports, music and art. But this system only assesses traditional subject grades and labels a student’s value accordingly.

Gifted classes put high pressure on academically inclined students, encourage division at school and send the message that you are only worth your grades.