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: Wednesday 17 July & Thursday 18 July 2024

Holiday Programs - click here!

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 2 2024 Program

  • Semester 2 is made up of Terms 3 and 4.
  • Term 3 Programs commence on Saturday 3 August and finish on Saturday 21 September 2024 (running for eight weeks)
  • Term 4 Programs commence on Saturday 19 October and finish on Saturday,30 November 2024 (running for seven weeks)
  • 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 3 on Sunday 28 July 2024 and Term 4 on Sunday 13 October 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 2, we will be looking at a number of varied and interesting topics within the courses.

Term 3

Kindergarten / Year 1: Two Courses

  • Creative Minds
  • Brain Teasers: Unlocking the Power of Puzzles

Years 2 - 3: Two Courses

  • Journey to Japan: Adventures in Tradition and Tech
  • The Evolution of Human Movement

Years 4 to 6: Two Courses

  • Reading Our Stories, Writing Our Lives
  • Little Doctors

Term 4

Kindergarten / Year 1: Two Courses

  • Anatomy & Physiology: The Human Body
  • Epic Explorations: From Dinosaurs to Modern Marvels

Years 2 - 3: Two Courses

  • Reading Our Stories, Writing Our Lives
  • Little Doctors

Years 4 to 6: Two Courses

  • Journey to Japan: Adventures in Tradition and Tech!
  • The Evolution of Human Movement

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 2: Term 3 Program Details

Creative Minds with Annalise Maddrell

What does it mean to be an artist? In the course, Creative Minds, students will answer this question by breaking down artistic rules and exploring the notion that anyone can be an artist. This journey will take place through the exploration of various art forms and creative expression through visual arts, literature and performing arts. Each week we will focus on a different creative expression; including painting, drawing, sculpture, dance, music, poetry, storytelling and performing. We will learn about historical artistic pioneers who have deeply impacted their creative field. Each week, students will be given an opportunity to flex their creative muscles in that week’s field of study. Throughout the course, students will obtain skills in rhyming words and understanding syllables; differentiate between primary and secondary colours, learn how indigenous art came to be and explore direction and the influence of punctuation on a script and play.

Brain Teasers: Unlocking the Power of Puzzle

Dive into the thrilling world of "Brain Teasers: Unlocking the Power of Puzzles," where intellect meets excitement! This captivating course invites students to enhance their problem-solving prowess through a diverse array of puzzles. From the numerical challenges of Sudoku and KenKen to the wordplay of crosswords, the intrigue of codes, the strategic depth of games, and the complexities of logic problems and brain teasers, every puzzle becomes an adventure in critical thinking.

Students will master the art of solving each type of puzzle, both independently and in collaborative pairings, fostering teamwork and individual perseverance. They'll also unleash their creativity by designing their own puzzles and sharing them with classmates for a unique problem-solving experience.

While immersed in the fun, students will be sharpening their cognitive skills and developing strategies that are invaluable for solving real-world problems throughout their lives. Join us for a journey where every puzzle solved is a step toward becoming a master thinker in "Brain Teasers: Unlocking the Power of Puzzles"!

Journey to Japan: Adventures in Tradition and Tech with Bryce Ostini

Get ready for an exciting journey through the vibrant and diverse culture of Japan! During this unit, students will dive into the world of legendary samurai warriors and their epic battles, explore the colourful realms of anime and manga, and learn about Japanese foods. They'll also discover mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, experience the thrill of sumo wrestling, and celebrate traditional festivals. Through this exploration, they will uncover the beauty of Japanese art, from traditional ink paintings to modern pop art. This unit promises an unforgettable exploration of a country where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge pop culture. Plus, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the Japanese language and learn some words along the way!

Ikimashou (行きましょう) - let's go!

The Evolution of Human Movement with Joshua Price

Have you ever wanted to spend the whole day lying in bed? Well, this is a luxury humans couldn’t always afford. We didn’t always have this choice; we had to move.

Our ancestors were once sprinting away from wild beasts in the wilderness, and we are now sprinting against each other at the Olympics. We were once spearing monstrous mammoths with hand-made tools and we are now launching javelin pilums in front of sold-out stadiums. Our predecessors were once scaling trees for delicious young green coconuts and we are now rock climbing rapidly in front of impressed international audiences. In this course, we explore the anthropology of human movement!

From primal hunters to superhuman athletes, humans have excelled in moving their bodies with purpose. Movement is everything. Without it, the human race would cease to exist.

In this interactive course, students will embark on a fully immersed expedition through time which will explore primal movement patterns, modern sports and elite athletes. They will use their abilities in processing, understanding, reasoning, and the transfer of learning. In combination with these intellectual qualities, students will also explore their natural abilities in muscular movement and motor control within the physical domain.

Reading Our Stories, Writing Our Lives with Anastasia Toumasatos

In this unit, students will explore different genres of literature and film across time and how they have evolved across various contexts. Each week, students will explore the history, conventions and features of various genres including;detective, romance, adventure, dystopian & science fiction, fantasy, historical and the Gothic. This course will also be an opportunity for students to build on their analytical skills, identifying and evaluating key aspects of storytelling including, plot, characterisation, setting and themes. Students will also develop and refine their creative writing skills, workshopping specific literary conventions from each genre to produce their own original written works.

Little Doctors with Rhys Hannaford

"Little Doctors" is an exciting course where students dive into the fascinating world of medical science! This hands-on learning adventure empowers children to explore key medical concepts in a fun and engaging way. Young learners will step into the shoes of doctors, discovering how to identify common illnesses through observation and questioning. Interactive role-playing activities teach them to think critically and make informed decisions. From the pumping heart of the circulatory system to the intricate network of nerves in the nervous system, these aspiring medical professionals will also investigate the different systems of the human body. There will be opportunities for students to learn about basic first aid, such as cuts, burns, and sprains, ensuring they know how to stay calm and helpful in real-life situations. To complete this sophisticated level of knowledge, students will also learn about the small inhabitants of the world when we learn about microbiology.

"Little Doctors" will not only inspire a love for science, but also instill important values like empathy, teamwork, and responsibility, preparing students to be knowledgeable and caring future citizens.

Semester 2: Term 4 Program Details

Anatomy and Physiology: The Human Body with Annalise Maddrell

What are the various systems within the human body and how do they work? In Anatomy & Physiology we will be exploring just that! This term, we will answer questions like… What makes our legs move? How do we know if we are hot or cold? How do we breathe when we are asleep? Where do we store all of our memories? Students will learn the anatomy (the structure of the body) and the physiology (how the various tissues and organs of the body work to support life and grow) of our respiratory, digestive, muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. This term we will bring the coursework to life, with fun science experiments that illustrate the functioning of our stomach, and the way our diaphragm works and explore which muscles are moving.

Epic Explorations: From Dinosaurs to Modern Marvels

Embark on an unforgettable journey through time with "Epic Explorations: From Dinosaurs to Modern Marvels"! This dynamic and engaging course invites young scholars to dive deep into the mysteries of the ancient world. Students will transform into budding historians and palaeontologists, uncovering the secrets of the mighty dinosaurs and other incredible prehistoric creatures like giant insects, armoured fish, and colossal amphibians. Through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and exciting discoveries, students will build critical thinking and research skills, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and exploration. Join us for an adventure that bridges the ancient past and the vibrant present, sparking curiosity and imagination at every turn!

Reading Our Stories, Writing Our Lives with Anastasia Toumasatos

In this unit, students will explore different genres of literature and film across time and how they have evolved across various contexts. Each week, students will explore the history, conventions and features of various genres including;detective, romance, adventure, dystopian & science fiction, fantasy, historical and the Gothic. This course will also be an opportunity for students to build on their analytical skills, identifying and evaluating key aspects of storytelling including, plot, characterisation, setting and themes. Students will also develop and refine their creative writing skills, workshopping specific literary conventions from each genre to produce their own original written works.

Little Doctors with Rhys Hannaford

"Little Doctors" is an exciting course where students dive into the fascinating world of medical science! This hands-on learning adventure empowers children to explore key medical concepts in a fun and engaging way. Young learners will step into the shoes of doctors, discovering how to identify common illnesses through observation and questioning. Interactive role-playing activities teach them to think critically and make informed decisions. From the pumping heart of the circulatory system to the intricate network of nerves in the nervous system, these aspiring medical professionals will also investigate the different systems of the human body. There will be opportunities for students to learn about basic first aid, such as cuts, burns, and sprains, ensuring they know how to stay calm and helpful in real-life situations. To complete this sophisticated level of knowledge, students will also learn about the small inhabitants of the world when we learn about microbiology.

"Little Doctors" will not only inspire a love for science, but also instil important values like empathy, teamwork, and responsibility, preparing students to be knowledgeable and caring future citizens.

Journey to Japan: Adventures in Tradition and Tech with Bryce Ostini

Get ready for an exciting journey through the vibrant and diverse culture of Japan! During this unit, students will dive into the world of legendary samurai warriors and their epic battles, explore the colourful realms of anime and manga, and learn about Japanese foods. They'll also discover mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, experience the thrill of sumo wrestling, and celebrate traditional festivals. Through this exploration, they will uncover the beauty of Japanese art, from traditional ink paintings to modern pop art. This unit promises an unforgettable exploration of a country where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge pop culture. Plus, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the Japanese language and learn some words along the way!

Ikimashou (行きましょう) - let's go!

The Evolution of Human Movement with Joshua Price

Have you ever wanted to spend the whole day lying in bed? Well, this is a luxury humans couldn’t always afford. We didn’t always have this choice; we had to move.

Our ancestors were once sprinting away from wild beasts in the wilderness, and we are now sprinting against each other at the Olympics. We were once spearing monstrous mammoths with hand-made tools and we are now launching javelin pilums in front of sold-out stadiums. Our predecessors were once scaling trees for delicious young green coconuts and we are now rock climbing rapidly in front of impressed international audiences. In this course, we explore the anthropology of human movement!

From primal hunters to superhuman athletes, humans have excelled in moving their bodies with purpose. Movement is everything. Without it, the human race would cease to exist.

In this interactive course, students will embark on a fully immersed expedition through time which will explore primal movement patterns, modern sports and elite athletes. They will use their abilities in processing, understanding, reasoning, and the transfer of learning. In combination with these intellectual qualities, students will also explore their natural abilities in muscular movement and motor control within the physical domain.

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 3 & Term 4) 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