On Thursday 18 December, St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm came alive with curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking as high potential and gifted students from across the Diocese took part in our HPGE Holiday Workshop – IQnition = E³: Extend + Enrich + Excel.
Delivered across two targeted sessions, the workshop provided rich, intellectually challenging learning beyond the classroom:
Primary Program (Years 3–5)
Students became detectives in CSI: The Case of the Murdered Detective, applying logical reasoning, problem-solving, and teamwork to analyse clues, build theories, and seek justice.
Secondary Program (Years 6–10)
Older students extended their thinking through CSI: The Case of the Bundled Corpse, engaging in advanced deductive reasoning, collaboration, negotiation, and persuasive communication as they explored intention, action, and consequence.
Through immersive, real-world scenarios, students developed:
- Advanced problem-solving and reasoning skills
- Collaboration, communication, and leadership
- Confidence in presenting ideas and justifying conclusions
- A deeper understanding of ethics and justice
Proudly supported by the ICAS 2025 Academic Enrichment Grant, this initiative reflects our commitment to extending, enriching, and empowering high potential and gifted learners across Catholic Schools Maitland–Newcastle – nurturing curiosity, excellence, and a love of learning beyond the curriculum.
