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.

Holiday Programs

Upcoming Holiday Programs: Monday 15 July  - Friday 19 July 2024

Holiday Programs - click here! Currently Closed.

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 2024 Program

  • Semester 1 is made up of Terms 1 and 2.
  • Term 1 commences on Saturday 10 February and finishes on Saturday 6 April 2024 (running for eight weeks)
    NB There will be no class on Saturday 30 March due to the Easter long weekend
  • Term 2 commences on Saturday 4 May and finishes on Saturday 29 June 2024 (running for seven weeks)
    NB There will be no class on Saturday 11 May ( PLC Sydney Open Day) and Saturday 8 June ( 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 4 February 2024 and Term 2 on Sunday 28 April 2024.

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 Semester 1, we will be looking at a number of varied and interesting topics within the courses.

Term 1

Kindergarten / Year 1: Two Courses

  • Out of this World
  • Ethics/ Unveil the Secrets of Ethical Thinking

Years 2 - 3: Two Courses - PLEASE NOTE: TERM 1 YR 2-3 Group CLASS IS NOW FULL

  • Leadership In Nature and the Nature of Leadership
  • Engineering the Future

Years 4 to 6: Two Courses

  • The Power of Chemistry
  • Music: Art or Science?

Term 2

Kindergarten / Year 1: Two Courses

  • Biochemistry: Digestion and Food Science
  • Dancing Around the World / Exploring the Global Rhythms of Culture

Years 2 - 3: Two Courses - TERM 2 NOW FULL

  • The Power of Chemistry
  • Music: Art or Science?

Years 4 to 6: Two Courses

  • Leadership In Nature and the Nature of Leadership
  • Engineering the Future

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.

Semester 1: Term 1 Program Details

Out of this World with Annalise Maddrell

What really is a black hole, and how big is our universe? This term, we will explore the scientific principles of our world and everything that exists beyond it! We will explore astronomy and its four sub-fields: astrophysics (the laws of physics in space), astrometry (mapping celestial bodies), astrogeology (materials in space) and astrobiology (do aliens really exist!?). We will deep dive into the scientific laws that uphold Earth, including Gravity and Newton’s three Laws of Motion. We will explore the earth’s axis and rotation, our sun and moon and how these impact our day-to-day life. We will then venture out into space to seek to better understand the unknown, from our planets to stars, black holes, the Milky Way, and so much more!

Ethics | Unveil the Secrets of Ethical Thinking with Catherine Ishak

Ethical questions invite us to explore the essence of how we should live and the choices we ought to make. In our Ethics course, we aim to nurture your child's innate curiosity and empower them with critical thinking skills. Our mission is to inspire self-confidence in their ability to reason and make well-informed decisions on matters that truly count. Through the wisdom of philosophical giants like Socrates and Aristotle, we've discovered that children possess the remarkable capacity to think and reason independently. They not only navigate the intricacies of right and wrong but can also articulate the reasons behind their judgments. Join us in this enlightening journey into the realm of ethics, where young minds discover the power of ethical reasoning.

Leadership in Nature and the Nature of Leadership with Bethwyn Serow

2024 kicks off with a fascinating exploration of the nature of leadership and leadership in nature. Students will identify characteristics and impacts resulting from different approaches towards fostering community and achieving outcomes. From royalty, feudal, matriarchal and merit systems to family clans, collaboration, persuasion, and honed charisma­ power and influence can be gained and experienced in a myriad of ways, not only by humans but across the animal kingdom. Through hands-on exercises, we will consider the traits of a typical chimpanzee or African elephant leader and the aesthetically pleasing Stickleback fish and consider how different approaches affect our performance and how we can maximise our own sense of success and belonging through values-based leadership.

Engineering the Future with Stephen Lerantges

Through a dynamic blend of hands-on activities, from designing your own mini skyscrapers to exploring the inner workings of pint-sized computers, children will discover the magic behind the modern marvels we often take for granted. Join us for a term of innovation and problem-solving that not only sparks a true passion for creating but also equips your child with vital skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and a profound sense of wonder.

The Power of Chemistry with Rhys Hannaford

Embark on a captivating journey in chemistry by exploring the magic of chemical reactions and colourful explosions to discover how chemistry impacts our daily lives. During this course, you will participate in hands-on experiments, unlock the secrets of the atom, delve into the mysteries of the periodic table and uncover the chemical wonders of the universe. Get ready to ignite your passion for science and spark your future with chemistry!

Music: Art or Science? with Gavin Kocsis

How is a sound made? Have you ever wondered how a piano can play a note - or ten? Or how can we put notes together and make music? How did Mozart write his symphonies? How do songwriters write music?

In this course, students will take a deep dive into the world of music and look at the science and artistry behind how music is made and how we experience it.

We will look at how sounds and notes interact with each other, how composers and songwriters do what they do, and how we all listen to and understand music.

Semester 1: Term 2 Program Details

Biochemistry: Focus on Digestion and Food Science with Annalise Maddrell

Journey into the unseen as we uncover the science behind our digestive system. This course will put age-old scientific theories into practice, exploring how acids work to digest proteins, how bile supports the breakdown of fat and, with both of these elements, how we keep the pH of our gut in check! Each week will include an interactive, fun and informative science experiment that will help shape students’ knowledge and understanding of our digestive processes.

This course will develop students' understanding of the digestive system and the many moving parts, from mechanical to chemical digestion, and the integral organs that facilitate the breakdown of our food. The chemical messengers, digestive hormones and enzymes will also be explored as we take a closer look at the many chemical interactions at play in our gut. We will also investigate the chemical structures of protein and the key elements of our food, like gluten and fats, in order to better understand how these foods are digested.

Dancing around the World | Exploring the Global Rhythms of Culture with Catherine Ishak

Dance is a universal language that transcends boundaries, both literally and figuratively. It serves as a vibrant expression of cultural values, preserving the essence of communities worldwide. Dance intertwines history and contemporary culture, making it a priceless key to unlock the intricacies of humanity. Our course invites students to embark on a captivating voyage of discovery. We'll delve into the art of dance from various corners of the globe, unravelling the beauty, diversity, and significance of each dance form within its cultural context. Through this exhilarating journey, we will learn about customs, traditions, and the rich tapestry of cultures from all corners of the world. Join us as we explore the world's dance heritage and appreciate the diverse rhythms of humanity.

The Power of Chemistry with Rhys Hannaford

Embark on a captivating journey in chemistry by exploring the magic of chemical reactions and colourful explosions to discover how chemistry impacts our daily lives. During this course, you will participate in hands-on experiments, unlock the secrets of the atom, delve into the mysteries of the periodic table and uncover the chemical wonders of the universe. Get ready to ignite your passion for science and spark your future with chemistry!

Music: Art or Science? with Gavin Kocsis

How is a sound made? Have you ever wondered how a piano can play a note - or ten? Or how can we put notes together and make music? How did Mozart write his symphonies? How do songwriters write music?

In this course, students will take a deep dive into the world of music and look at the science and artistry behind how music is made and how we experience it.

We will look at how sounds and notes interact with each other, how composers and songwriters do what they do, and how we all listen to and understand music.

Leadership in Nature and the Nature of Leadership with Bethwyn Serow

2024 kicks off with a fascinating exploration of the nature of leadership and leadership in nature. Students will identify characteristics and impacts resulting from different approaches towards fostering community and achieving outcomes. From royalty, feudal, matriarchal and merit systems to family clans, collaboration, persuasion, and honed charisma­ power and influence can be gained and experienced in a myriad of ways, not only by humans but across the animal kingdom. Through hands-on exercises, we will consider the traits of a typical chimpanzee or African elephant leader and the aesthetically pleasing Stickleback fish and consider how different approaches affect our performance and how we can maximise our own sense of success and belonging through values-based leadership.

Engineering the Future with Stephen Lerantges

Through a dynamic blend of hands-on activities, from designing your own mini skyscrapers to exploring the inner workings of pint-sized computers, children will discover the magic behind the modern marvels we often take for granted. Join us for a term of innovation and problem-solving that not only sparks a true passion for creating but also equips your child with vital skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and a profound sense of wonder.

For further information, please email the PLC Sydney Futures Centre on futures@plc.nsw.edu.au or call (+612) 9704 5634 / 5713.  

Term Cost of Program

The cost of the semester package (ie Term 1 & Term 2) 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

Enrol Now!

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 
Enquire Now