Symposium for Gifted Education AU/NZ 2025

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

2025
AU/NZ

About

The Third Symposium for Gifted Education

Following the tremendous success of the first two events, we are delighted to invite you to the highly anticipated Third Symposium for Gifted Education. This professional development event has quickly become an essential fixture for teachers working with gifted and talented students (GATE), offering invaluable resources, fresh insights, and exceptional networking opportunities.

Why Attend?

At the heart of effective gifted education lies the teacher. While popular misconceptions suggest that gifted children can thrive on their own, research confirms that well-qualified, knowledgeable teachers play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of these learners. This symposium is designed to support teachers in navigating the complex needs of gifted students by providing both theoretical insights and practical resources.

A Focus on Big Questions

The day will address some of the meta questions often raised by gifted learners—questions that challenge traditional thinking and encourage deep exploration. By attending, you will gain tools and strategies to help your students engage meaningfully with these topics and enhance their critical thinking skills.

Exceptional Resources for Your Classroom

We pride ourselves on providing teachers with high-quality, ready-to-use resources that can be implemented immediately in the classroom. Our expertly curated materials are designed to spark curiosity and foster intellectual engagement, making your lessons impactful and memorable.

Networking and Collaboration

One of the highlights of our previous events has been the chance for educators to connect with like-minded professionals. The networking opportunities at the Symposium are invaluable, allowing teachers to share experiences, ideas, and best practices in gifted education.

Event Details

  • Brisbane TBC
  • Sydney 5th August Ascham School
  • Melbourne TBC
  • Adelaide 21 August Concordia College
  • Christchurch 27th August St Andrew’s College
  • Perth TBC

Cost: $275 per attendee, which includes all resources and light refreshments.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your teaching practice and inspire your gifted students. Secure your place at the Third Symposium for Gifted Education today!

Session Content

9:30

Overview of Major Ethical Theories

An accessible breakdown of consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, and natural law, with practical examples and classroom activities to help students grasp these concepts.

10:30

Break

11:00

The Distinctiveness of Christian Ethics

An exploration of what makes Christian ethics unique, focusing on its roots in Christian anthropology—which profoundly shapes ethical thinking. This contrasts sharply with secular attempts to define what it means to be human, which often fall short in addressing the inherent dignity and value of the individual.

11:45

Ethical Theory in Practice: Sharing Expertise in the GATE Community

Join us for a collaborative opportunity to explore ethical theory in education and share your insights with the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) community. Whether it’s your favourite approach to teaching ethics, a case study, or an engaging classroom resource, come prepared to contribute to a shared discussion on ethical thinking and moral reasoning. We invite you to showcase a 5-10 minute presentation on a practical resource, ethical dilemma, or philosophical tool that has sparked meaningful engagement in your teaching practice. Let’s build a stronger community of ethical thinkers — together. Contact us to secure your showcase opportunity!

12:30

Lunch

13:30

Using Ethical Thought Experiments to Stimulate Critical and Creative Thinking

The thought experiment is a powerful tool for engaging more able students in deep ethical reflection and critical thinking. Thought experiments are particularly effective for introducing ethical theory, challenging assumptions, and fostering moral reasoning across the curriculum and with any age group. 

This year’s session will showcase a brand-new selection of ethical thought experiments, distinct from those used previously. Each thought experiment will be introduced with a short video clip to spark engagement, followed by practical strategies for facilitating discussion around complex ethical dilemmas.

Teachers will leave with oven-ready ethical resources and gain the confidence to embed thought experiments into routine classroom practice. The session will equip educators to encourage creative thinking, critical analysis, and imaginative exploration of ethical issues in everyday lessons.

Practical Resources for Teaching Ethical Theories

Attendees will receive classroom-ready materials, including lesson plans, discussion prompts, and case studies to help students engage critically with ethical questions from both secular and Christian perspectives.

Complete booking form below or contact Tony at [email protected] for more details.

Speaker

Julie Arliss

Join us for an enriching teacher training event featuring Julie Arliss, an outstanding Gifted Educator renowned for nurturing brilliance through a holistic approach. At the core of Julie Arliss’ philosophy is a profound dedication to unlocking the unique potential within every educator and maximizing their impact.

Arliss believes that exceptional teaching extends beyond academic excellence; it encompasses innovative methodologies, access to comprehensive classroom resources, and a visionary approach to education. Thriving Minds Symposium for GATE equips teachers with the necessary tools to refine their teaching practices, curate impactful classroom resources, and envision transformative educational experiences.

This philosophy empowers educators to challenge norms, explore novel teaching strategies, and foster environments that inspire excellence. Emphasising mentorship and guidance, teachers benefit from Arliss’ expertise and support as they embark on their journey towards enhanced teaching practices and greater impact.

Julie Arliss’ legacy extends beyond the conference platform, influencing the lives of educators who carry these values throughout their careers. With almost three decades of collaboration with leading thinkers, Arliss has delivered outstanding programs for educators across the UK and Australasia.

Join us in embracing this transformative approach to teacher development and empowering the next generation of innovative and impactful educators. Register now to be part of this inspiring event.

Quotes from Previous Attendees

“The Symposium for Gifted Education has been a game-changer for me. The resources and insights provided have transformed how I approach teaching my most curious and capable students.”
“This event equips teachers with what we desperately need – practical tools to challenge gifted students while keeping them engaged. The focus on big ethical questions has been especially valuable in our philosophy classes.”

“It’s rare to find an event that blends theoretical depth with practical classroom application so seamlessly. The networking alone made the symposium worthwhile, but the resources are what I’ve used repeatedly throughout the year.”

“I left the symposium with a renewed passion for teaching. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that genuinely cares about how we can better support gifted learners.”

“The resources provided were outstanding – practical, ready to use, and thought-provoking. It’s rare to attend a professional development day that makes an immediate impact in the classroom.”

Venue

Bookings

Regular Registration $275

Registration includes access to all conference sessions and networking

Register

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