Saturday Enrichment for Gifted Students
The Centre offers a number of courses for gifted primary school aged students from any school.
The Saturday Enrichment Classes have been running for over 30 years and have a well-established reputation for excellence in educational approach and care for our students. Dedicated tutors are carefully selected for their experience and expertise.
Programs are designed to assist students to thrive, perform to their potential and achieve their personal best. Topics covered vary from term to term and cover a wide range of subjects and interests. Different methodologies are used to maintain stimulation and engagement for each student.
Upcoming Holiday Programs
Upcoming Holiday Programs: Monday 20 January to Thursday 23 January 2025. ENROLMENTS OPEN! Enrol now for 2025 year level.
Entry Into The Program
All students seeking to join the Saturday Enrichment Classes need to be assessed for eligibility.
- Entry into Kindergarten/Year 1 course: requires a psychometric test, or teacher recommendation and school report to support the application.
- Entry into Years 2-3 and Years 4-6 courses: requires a psychometric test conducted by an educational psychologist.
NB: Psychometric testing and assessment is also available at the Futures Centre.
Semester 1 2025 Program
Semester 1 is made up of Terms 1 and 2.
- Term 1 Programs commence on Saturday 15 February, and finish on Saturday 05 April 2025 (running for eight weeks)
- Term 2 Programs commence on Saturday 03 May and finish on Saturday 28 June 2025 (running for seven weeks)
NB: No classes on Saturday 10 May, due to Open Day and 08 June due to King’s Birthday Weekend.
All courses start at 1.00 pm and finish at 4.00 pm. Each course runs for 1 hour 20 minutes with a 20 minute break in between.
The first Saturday of the term will include a face-to-face orientation for students and their parents, which will provide a chance for parents to meet with teachers.
Enrolments close for Term 1 on Sunday 09 February 2025 and Term 2 on Sunday 27 April 2025.
Structure of the Program
Courses are offered as a package, with two different courses in each package per term, meaning all students enrolled will do both courses. Each class integrates hands-on activities around an interesting and exciting central theme. For Term 1 we will be looking at a number of varied and interesting topics within the courses.
For more information about the specifics of each program, please click on the tabs below for: Kindergarten/Year 1 Course and Years 2-3 and Years 4-6 Courses.
Term 1 Program Details
Caring for Country and Community with Bryce Ostini
In this course, students will learn about respect and the importance of understanding and Aboriginal cultures. Through stories, songs, and hands-on activities, they will explore the concept of ‘connection to Country,’ discovering how Aboriginal people care for the land, animals, and environment. Students will also develop essential social and ethical skills, learning about kindness, fairness, and taking responsibility for their actions. They will engage in activities that show how simple actions, like recycling or conserving water, can help protect our environment. By connecting with traditional stories and practising caring for the world around them, students will gain a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal perspectives and the importance of treating each other and the earth with respect.
Little Engineers with Lachlan Ryan
In Little Engineers, students will embark on an exciting journey to explore some of the world’s most amazing structures, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum. They’ll discover fascinating facts about these famous landmarks, learn about the design elements that make them unique, and investigate how they were built. Through hands-on activities and creative play, students will use their new knowledge to design and construct their own creations, building their skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and imagination along the way. By thinking like engineers, they’ll also learn how creativity and persistence can turn big ideas into reality.
Eco Explorers: Protecting Our Planet with Danielle Ingrassia
This dynamic course is centred on environmental issues, where students will critically explore their role in protecting the planet and gain essential knowledge on making a positive impact. Key areas of focus will include climate change and global warming, pollution and waste management, deforestation, water conservation and sustainable energy sources, among others. Each lesson will be interactive, featuring engaging activities that encourage exploration, invention and creativity. This course aims to inspire students to become passionate environmental advocates and active participants in preserving our world. Although some concepts may carry negative connotations, we will consistently highlight positive perspectives and conclude each class on an uplifting note.
Where Great Ideas Come From with Stephen Lerantges
We stand on the shoulders of giants who have shaped the world we know today, from computers and medicine to vehicles and beyond—creations born not just from individual minds, but from the collective genius of brilliant thinkers across history. But what sparks these groundbreaking ideas? How does one find their own "eureka" moment? By exploring the history of mathematics, we can journey into the minds of some of the greatest mathematicians, gaining insight not only into what they discovered but also into how they thought. This course is designed to elevate students' curiosity, inspiring them to pursue their own remarkable breakthroughs in knowledge.
Ancient Past with Anastasia Toumasatos
In this course, students will explore the key characteristics features of ancient mythological traditions and their historical and socio-cultural significance. These include mythological teachings from Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Celtic, Mesopotomian and Aztec civilisations. Students will also dive into Australia’s Indigenous heritage (dated as far back as 65,000 years), exploring the significance of their Dreaming stories in embodying their culture, laws and customs. Students will explore the geo-political climate of these ancient civilisations and how mythological understandings of the world influenced their practices, traditions, beliefs and social structures. Students will also take a virtual tour of ancient geographical sites and locations linked to these legends and spiritualities and how they continue to inform archaeologists and historians about the ancient world today. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the adaptations of ancient mythologies in art, music, theatre, and popular culture. Ultimately, students will be encouraged to unpack how the teachings and knowledge from legends in ancient mythology can continue to educate and benefit us today.
Discover the Science of Toys with Rhys Hannaford
Join us for a thrilling science adventure where we will explore the amazing world of toys! From soaring paper aeroplanes to zooming rockets, we will uncover the hidden physics behind your favourite playthings. Build, experiment, and learn as we delve into gravity, force, and motion. We will design and construct our own paper airplanes, spacecrafts, cars, and rockets. We will test our creations, measure their performance, and analyse the results. Through hands-on experiments, we will learn about the science behind flight, speed, and distance. Let's ignite your curiosity and make science come alive!
Term 2 Program Details
Culture and Art with Bryce Ostini
In this course, students will explore how history, war, migration, and spirituality have shaped modern cultures. We’ll examine how these factors influence traditions, cuisine, written scripts, and the arts, with a focus on cultures like Japanese, Chinese, Thai, English, Welsh, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander, along with other groups such as Greek and South American cultures. Students will investigate the impact of key historical events, like colonialism and globalisation, and how art, music, and storytelling reflect and shape cultural identities. This exploration will help students understand how societies evolve and interact, offering a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity in today’s world.
Communicating Through the Ages: Exploring the Power of Words, Signs, and Signals with Lachlan Ryan
In this course, we will journey through the fascinating world of communication, discovering how people share thoughts and feelings—from ancient cave paintings to today’s instant messages. Together, we’ll explore verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual communication, learning how each has unique power. We will even learn about sign language and Morse Code, unlocking secret ways people have connected across time. As we trace the evolution of these methods, you will gain insight into when and why certain approaches work best, giving you the tools to communicate confidently and effectively in any situation. Get ready to think creatively, connect meaningfully, and become a communication pro!
Ancient Past with Anastasia Toumasatos
In this course, students will explore the key characteristics features of ancient mythological traditions and their historical and socio-cultural significance. These include mythological teachings from Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Celtic, Mesopotomian and Aztec civilisations. Students will also dive into Australia’s Indigenous heritage (dated as far back as 65,000 years), exploring the significance of their Dreaming stories in embodying their culture, laws and customs. Students will explore the geo-political climate of these ancient civilisations and how mythological understandings of the world influenced their practices, traditions, beliefs and social structures. Students will also take a virtual tour of ancient geographical sites and locations linked to these legends and spiritualities and how they continue to inform archaeologists and historians about the ancient world today. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the adaptations of ancient mythologies in art, music, theatre, and popular culture. Ultimately, students will be encouraged to unpack how the teachings and knowledge from legends in ancient mythology can continue to educate and benefit us today.
Discover the Science of Toys with Rhys Hannaford
Join us for a thrilling science adventure where we will explore the amazing world of toys! From soaring paper aeroplanes to zooming rockets, we will uncover the hidden physics behind your favourite playthings. Build, experiment, and learn as we delve into gravity, force, and motion. We will design and construct our own paper airplanes, spacecrafts, cars, and rockets. We will test our creations, measure their performance, and analyse the results. Through hands-on experiments, we will learn about the science behind flight, speed, and distance. Let's ignite your curiosity and make science come alive!
Eco Explorers: Protecting Our Planet with Danielle Ingrassia
This dynamic course is centred on environmental issues, where students will critically explore their role in protecting the planet and gain essential knowledge on making a positive impact. Key areas of focus will include climate change and global warming, pollution and waste management, deforestation, water conservation and sustainable energy sources, among others. Each lesson will be interactive, featuring engaging activities that encourage exploration, invention and creativity. This course aims to inspire students to become passionate environmental advocates and active participants in preserving our world. Although some concepts may carry negative connotations, we will consistently highlight positive perspectives and conclude each class on an uplifting note.
Where Great Ideas Come From with Stephen Lerantges
We stand on the shoulders of giants who have shaped the world we know today, from computers and medicine to vehicles and beyond—creations born not just from individual minds, but from the collective genius of brilliant thinkers across history. But what sparks these groundbreaking ideas? How does one find their own "eureka" moment? By exploring the history of mathematics, we can journey into the minds of some of the greatest mathematicians, gaining insight not only into what they discovered but also into how they thought. This course is designed to elevate students' curiosity, inspiring them to pursue their own remarkable breakthroughs in knowledge.
Term Cost of Program
The cost of the semester package is $940.00 inc GST, with each individual term package costing $520.00 inc GST. This fee includes all resources and materials..
*Fee includes all resources and materials.
*Please note any refund attracts a 5% administration fee.
*Disenrollments after enrolments closing date carry a 30% cancellation fee.
*All students seeking to apply to join the Saturday Enrichment Classes need to be assessed for eligibility.
*Courses will operate with eight or more participants, and spaces are strictly limited
Ready to book an Assessment?
PLC Sydney Futures uses assessments for making informed schooling choices, and is required for consideration for entry into our Saturday Enrichment Classes. The assessment procedure includes:
- Parent interview
- Observation and psychological assessment of the child
- Parent meeting to discuss the results and recommendations