About

What is a talent search?

A talent search is not a competition. The concept of an academic talent search was developed over 20 years ago to identify talented high school students in the USA. The goal of an academic talent search is to identify, through above-level testing, students who need further educational challenge to fully realise their potential. Above-level testing is an educational procedure in which a test developed for older students is administered to younger gifted students.

Why identify gifted school students?

Identifying academically gifted students is critical; without appropriate educational challenge, academically talented students may not fully develop their areas of talent.

How will students and their families benefit from APTS or ASSETS?
▪ Taking part in APTS or ASSETS enables students to demonstrate unusual academic strengths in any or all of four Key Learning Areas by taking an academically challenging test.
▪ Families will receive two score reports and a detailed interpretation guide to assist with analysing results, and a brief note as to what these results imply. This interpretation guide includes recommendations for curriculum readiness.
NOTE: Individual scores and interpretations will be sent only to families - not to schools. Families may choose to give the second copy of the report to their child's school. This information can be used by schools to determine appropriate curricular and programming modifications.
▪ Outstanding individual scores will be acknowledged in a formal recognition ceremony at The University of New South Wales.
▪ Students scoring significantly above their grade level will be eligible to participate in a residential program which is offered each year.
▪ Families will be informed of the programs and services available through GERRIC and other organisations around Australia.
▪ Families will have the opportunity to participate in research to help us further assist gifted children.

When and where will APTS and ASSETS be held?

APTS & ASSETS 2007 will take place in May 2008 at a number of centres across Australia. A list of test sites will be available in February.

What if there is no test site nearby?

If there is no test site within 3 hours of you, you may apply to be tested at your school, or for your school to become a test site. Please view information for schools wishing to apply to be a test site here.

Which above-level tests are used in the Talent Searches?

Students registered for APTS (Years 3-6) will take EXPLORE. EXPLORE is a multiple-choice test developed by American College Testing (ACT) as a test for 8th graders. The EXPLORE test measures academic development in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. Each section takes 30 minutes to complete. The total time involved is approximately three hours (this includes testing and breaks).

Students taking part in ASSETS (Years 7-9 in all states, including those where primary school continues to Year 7) will take a special version of the ACT Assessment. The ACT Assessment is designed for Year 11 and 12 students in the US and measures academic development in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning.

You can view sample questions for EXPLORE at "www.act.org/explore/ests/preview.html" and for the ACT at "aapsample.act.org/aap/sampletest/index.shtml".

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