Character education – it’s at the core of what we do
At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, we take a comprehensive approach to student wellbeing, ensuring every student is valued, known and supported.
Our unique character education programme goes hand-in-hand with our wellbeing initiatives and activities, providing students with the tools and experiences to enable them to flourish individually, in community and in society.
Find out more about how we support your child at each stage:
– Junior School and Gawura School
The growth and nurturing of each student’s sense of wellbeing has always been a vital element of who we are at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
Our Character Strengths come to life with visual icons displayed across our classrooms and open spaces and “strength spotter” stickers are frequently used with our students and staff as they are spotted living out our character strengths through everyday school life.
Individual care and student support continue to be primarily embraced by the classroom teachers who seek to have strong and nurturing relationships with their students. However, if additional support is required, we do have a wonderful network of pastoral care and counselling support available through our grade leaders, specialised and executive staff, as well as our school psychologists.
We look forward to journeying with you and your child and our hope is throughout all that we do we recognise the importance of nurturing the whole child; with truly life giving learning.
Bronwyn Wake
Head of Character and Wellbeing, K-12
School Psychologist
bwake@sacs.nsw.edu.au
To find out more about our Junior School programmes visit our website:
– Middle School
To find out about our Tutor Groups, House system and Middle School Counsellors visit our website:
– Senior College
To find out about our Tutor Groups, House system and Senior College Counsellors visit our website:
Specialised Learning
It is the role of the Specialised Learning team to work closely with teachers, students, parents and outside professionals to cater for the individual needs of students. We also work closely with our school psychologists and Head of Careers and Pathways.
This collaborative approach ensures communication and sharing where parents and professionals work together, supporting each other to provide a learning environment that is differentiated and accessible. At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, teachers are mindful of students’ social, emotional, spiritual and academic development. We aim to create a learning environment where students can access the curriculum, have opportunities to contribute to class discussions and participate in class activities.
– Junior School and Gawura School
Specialised Learning in the Junior School is led by the Primary Coordinator, Ms Cathy Dangar (CDangar@sacs.nsw.edu.au), and supported by a team of teachers and aides. Please contact Ms Cathy Dangar with any questions or to provide additional information that will assist the school in meeting your child’s individual learning needs.
Listen to a short overview of our Gifted and Talented programme by Emma Clemens, Gifted and Talented Learning Coordinator – Junior School and Gawura School.
To find out more about Junior School Learning Support visit our website:
– Middle School
In our Middle School, the team is led by the Head of Specialised Learning, Mrs Tammy Campbell, and comprises of Ms Heaven Lee (EAL/D); Specialised Learning Case Managers – Ms Terri Katakouzinos (Year 7-8) and Ms Tonya Agostini (Year 9); and Roberta Viant, Jill Halliday, Harrison Totaro and Olivia Vouris (Support Assistants).
Please contact Specialised Learning with any questions or to provide additional information that will assist the school in meeting your child’s individual learning needs.
Key staff:
Mrs Tammy Campbell
Head of Specialised Learning
02 9286 9558
tcampbell@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Ms Heaven Lee
Assistant Head of Department, EAL/D Specialist
02 9286 9584
hlee@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Ms Terri Katakouzinos
Specialised Learning Case Manager (Year 7 and 8)
tkatakouzinos@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Ms Tonya Agostini
Specialised Learning Case Manager(Year 9)
02 9286 5489
tagostini@sacs.nsw.edu.au
To find out more about Middle School Learning Support visit our website:
– Senior College
Our collaborative approach ensures communication and sharing where parents and professionals work together, supporting each other to provide a learning environment that is differentiated and accessible.
This team is led by the Head of Specialised Learning, Mrs Tammy Campbell and in the Senior School comprises of Heaven Lee (EAL/D), Specialised Learning Teachers: Adam Cassidy, James Bottrill and Alex McPherson.
Please contact Ms Tammy Campbell tcampbell@sacs.nsw.edu.au with any questions, concerns or to provide additional information that will assist the school in meeting your child’s individual learning needs.
To find out more about Junior School Learning Support visit our website:
Gifted and Talented Education programme
At St Andrew’s Cathedral School we seek to ensure that every learner is challenged intellectually and enjoys a wide range of opportunities that enhance achievement. Gifted and talented students are recognised as having unique educational needs and are catered for in order that their learning outcomes are optimised.
– Junior School
As a Christian school, we have a responsibility to recognise a wide range of student abilities, and to provide challenging educational experiences for all students, helping them to achieve their God-given potential (Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12:6). This includes students of high academic potential or gifted and talented students.
Student nominations may be gathered from parents, students and staff and considered alongside academic records from school-wide semester screening. Objective data from standardised tests in Mathematics, Comprehension and Vocabulary, group reading tests, Mathematics diagnostic tests, NAPLAN assessments and ICAS competitions, as well as subjective data from teachers, is collated by the Gifted Education Committee in the selection process for class placement. Full psychometric assessments, provided by registered psychologists, also provide valuable information in the development of a student profile, and parents are urged to share such information with the school if it becomes available.
The Gifted Education Committee acts corporately as arbiter of any decisions regarding student placement. The Committee considers which students would benefit most by placement in an accelerated class or other cluster grouping that offers above-level learning options, in consultation with all stakeholders. Students offered placement in the Acceleration Classes on a year by year basis.
As a K to 12 school on the same campus, St Andrew’s creates excellent pathways for gifted students as they transition to Secondary School. An innovative pathway for gifted students is the Project Catalyst Mentoring Programme. Selected Junior School students are paired with gifted Secondary School students to engage in weekly mentoring sessions. This special programme allows our younger students to be inspired by the expertise and enthusiasm of older students and work together on a project or competition of their choice.
The Junior School Gifted and Talented Coordinator position is led by Rebecca Radloff. Rebecca (rradloff@sacs.nsw.edu.au) has post-graduate qualifications in Gifted Education.
Other staff with specialised post graduate Gifted Education qualifications or training include Mrs Rhonda Robson, Mrs Kate Robertson and Mrs Lucy Whelan.
Each year a Parent Information Evening is held, outlining the school’s position and direction in Gifted Education. At St Andrew’s, our provisions for gifted students continue to expand each year as we seek to cater for this special group of learners. If you would like to learn more about our programmes, provisions, or scholarships please be in touch.
To find out more about Junior School Gifted Education visit our website:
– Middle School
At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, our Gifted Education program in Years 7 to10 nurtures academic excellence, challenge, opportunity, and purpose in an environment that supports the whole child.
Grounded in gifted education research and best practice, our approach recognises that giftedness represents potential, while talent is developed through the right combination of opportunity, effort, and support. Giftedness takes many forms, academic, creative, musical, sporting or leadership, and requires intentional development through rich, responsive, and inclusive programs.
Teacher Expertise and Professional Learning
Our commitment to gifted education begins with our teachers. Over 55 staff members have completed the UNSW Mini-Certificate of Gifted Education (Mini-COGE). Ongoing professional learning ensures that every teacher understands how to recognise potential, differentiate instruction, and design rigorous and responsive learning environments. This professional culture, supported by regular PD, coaching and collaboration, support teachers to create learning environments where curiosity, challenge, and care thrive together.
Identification
Gifted identification is universal, ongoing, and collaborative, involving teachers, parents, and student voice. Using a range of quantitative and qualitative measures, we ensure that each student’s profile of abilities is recognised and nurtured. Identification informs both curriculum design and the provision of individualised academic and wellbeing support.
Gifted Provisions In and Beyond the Classrooms
Gifted and high-ability students engage in:
- Extension classes in core subjects (Years 7–10), reviewed annually
- Advanced Music and Languages classes for specialised development
- Acceleration for suitably able students
- Competitions and co-curricular challenges that connect students with like-minded peers
- Curriculum compacting, telescoping, and differentiation deep engagement and challenge.
Across all subjects, teachers foster higher-order thinking and problem-solving, while building sophisticated communication and writing skills. The program draws on the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework, emphasising inquiry, reflection, and global connection. Students develop strong Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills in time management, research, and metacognition, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and see the link between knowledge and real-world purpose.
Purposeful Learning and Leadership
Beyond academic achievement, our program encourages students to use their abilities for good. Students explore how knowledge can be applied to solve real problems and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
A key feature of this approach is our Innovation & Changemakers Tours — unique international experiences designed exclusively for gifted and high-ability students. St Andrew’s Cathedral School is the only school in Australia offering a dedicated overseas tour program that connects academic talent with real-world purpose. These tours allow students to apply their learning in cross-cultural contexts, collaborate with global experts, and see first-hand how ideas can create impact and change.
Our purposeful learning opportunities helps students connect intellect with impact, curiosity with contribution, and ability with service, nurturing future innovators and compassionate leaders who use their gifts to make a difference.
Supporting the Whole Student
Gifted Education at St Andrew’s is deeply relational. Students are supported through:
- Executive functioning and self-regulation programs
- Pastoral care, mentoring, and case management for underachieving and twice-exceptional students
- Close collaboration between teachers, counsellors, and families to ensure wellbeing and balanced growth
Please contact Ms Estee Stephenson, Head of Gifted Education (Secondary) or phone 9009 5487 if you wish to discuss the specific needs of your gifted and talented identified child in more detail. Ms Stephenson has a Masters qualification in both Special Education and Gifted Education.
Key staff:
Ms Estee Stephenson
Head of Gifted Education (Secondary)
02 9009 5487
estephenson@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Angela James
Gifted and Talented Teacher (Secondary)
02 9009 5487
ajames@sacs.nsw.edu
To find out more about Middle School Gifted Education visit our website:
– Senior College
At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, our Gifted Education program in Years 11 and 12 continues to nurture academic excellence, challenge, opportunity, and purpose in an environment that supports the whole student.
Building on the strong foundations established in the Middle Years, the Senior College program emphasises independence, depth, and direction, guiding students to refine their abilities and apply them with confidence and purpose.
Grounded in research and best practice, our approach recognises that giftedness represents potential, while talent is realised through deliberate opportunity, sustained effort, and support. In the senior years, giftedness may be demonstrated through academic performance, creative innovation, leadership, or specialised expertise, all of which are fostered through personalised pathways.
Teacher Expertise and Professional Learning
Our commitment to gifted education begins with our teachers. Over 55 staff members have completed the UNSW Mini-Certificate of Gifted Education (Mini-COGE). Regular professional learning, coaching, and collaboration ensure that every Senior College teacher can recognise potential, differentiate instruction, and design rigorous and responsive learning environments.
Identification
Gifted identification in the Senior College remains individualised, ongoing, and collaborative, drawing on student voice, teacher insight, performance data, and wellbeing information. Our holistic identification process ensures that students’ strengths, interests, and learning profiles are recognised as they plan their senior pathways and post-school goals.
Gifted Provisions In and Beyond the Classroom
Gifted and high-ability students in Years 11 and 12 access a range of provisions that support both challenge and choice, including:
- Extension 1 and 2 courses (HSC) and Higher Level subjects (IB DP) for academic depth
- Acceleration and early university programs for suitably able students
- Research and major project opportunities encouraging creativity and independence
- Academic mentoring and coaching to strengthen executive functioning and self-regulation
Both the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) provide excellent pathways for gifted learners. The HSC allows for targeted specialisation and extension, while the IB DP offers interdisciplinary breadth, inquiry, and global perspective through Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These options cultivate critical thinking, ethical understanding, and a lifelong love of learning.
Purposeful Learning and Future Pathways
In the Senior College, purposeful learning becomes personal. Students are guided to link their academic interests with their emerging sense of purpose and direction. Through mentoring and careers counselling, students are supported to explore university options, scholarships, and future study or vocational pathways aligned with their strengths and aspirations.
Supporting the Whole Student
Gifted Education in the Senior College remains relational and holistic. Students benefit from:
- Individual mentoring to balance workload and wellbeing
- Executive functioning and self-regulation support tailored to senior demands
- Pastoral and counselling partnerships to support wellbeing and balance.
- Collaborative communication between families, teachers, and the Gifted Education team to ensure sustained challenge and care
Our aim is for every student to graduate as an independent, reflective, and purposeful learners, ready to use their gifts to make a meaningful difference in their chosen field and in the wider world.
Please contact Ms Estee Stephenson, Head of Gifted Education (Secondary) or phone 9009 5487 if you wish to discuss the specific needs of your gifted and talented identified child in more detail. Ms Stephenson has a Masters qualification in both Special Education and Gifted Education.
Key staff:
Ms Estee Stephenson
Head of Gifted Education (Secondary)
02 9009 5487
estephenson@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Angela James
Gifted and Talented Teacher (Secondary)
02 9286 9487
ajames@sacs.nsw.edu.au
To find out more about Senior College Gifted Education visit our website: