The University of New South Wales Gifted Program

—— Endorsed by Mensa Australia

 

UNSW Sydney is ranked in the top 20

Mensa International Recommend

 

Date：Feb.20 - Feb.28, 2026 | Location：Sydney, Australia

30
Years of expertise in gifted education, tailored for the top 5% global students in Grades 3-10
Government Endorsed
Officially endorsed by the New South Wales government, with a global reputation and a rich histor
Official
Faculty
University professors and education specialists
1 : 6 Teacher-student ratio
Ensure individualised attention and multidimensional academic support
Sydney Exploration
Iconic landmarks - immerse in the unique blend of urban and natural beauty in the Southern Hemisphere
QS Rankings
2026
UNSW Sydney is ranked in the top 20

Welcome Letter

■About The University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), founded in 1949 and located in Sydney, is a founding member of the Group of Eight in Australia. Ranked 20th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UNSW Sydney is an internationally recognized public research institution. In the field of gifted education, UNSW Sydney collaborates closely with the NSW Department of Education, establishing a comprehensive system for talent development. It is one of only three universities in Australia to integrate gifted education as a compulsory component in undergraduate Education degrees, and it also offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in this discipline, positioning it as a leader in gifted education research. UNSW Sydney provides robust theoretical support and teacher training through its Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre (GERRIC), translating cutting-edge research into practical teaching within gifted programs and empowering students to realize their full potential as a core force driving the development of gifted education in Australia and globally.

■About GERRIC

First established by Emeritus Professor Miraca Gross in 1991, Gifted Education Research, Resource, and Information Centre (GERRIC), supported by the government, is one of the only substantial centres devoted to gifted education research and the professional development of educators. It is also one of such centres worldwide. Drawing on UNSW Sydney’s academic resources and research excellence, GERRIC has dedicated itself to gifted education research since its inception. It actively promotes gifted education in Australia through comprehensive initiatives: professional development of educators, student assessment, courses for parents, specialist workshops, and expert masterclasses. GERRIC stands as a core force in gifted education both in Australia and worldwide.

■Awards Received by GERRIC

Excellence in Research Award issued by Mensa Education & Research Foundation
Lifetime Achievement Award issued by Mensa Education & Research Foundation
Outstanding Research Award issued by the Counseling & Human Development (E) of AERA

Program Introduction

Gifted and Talented Education, also known as GATE, is a specialized educational approach designed for students who demonstrate exceptional potential in intellectual, creative, or specific academic domains. Its core philosophy goes beyond mere academic acceleration, emphasizing differentiated curricula, flexible pacing, and opportunities for deep inquiry. This ensures that the unique learning needs of high-potential students are fully met, preventing disengagement or wasted potential that may result from a mismatch with conventional education. The ultimate goal of gifted education is to nurture these students into exceptional individuals capable of solving complex problems and driving social innovation.

Globally, numerous countries have established influential programs in gifted education. For instance, the Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University and the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER²I) at Purdue University offer summer programs focused on academic challenge and creativity development, serving as key platforms for gifted students worldwide to enhance their learning and engage with like-minded peers.

The University of New South Wales Gifted Program, grounded in the research expertise of GERRIC, provides inspiring intensive courses led by experienced gifted education teachers, UNSW professors, and scholars. It attracts outstanding students from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Asia, and beyond.

In the 2026 winter, GERRIC has entered a strategic partnership with ASEEDER. To align with the Chinese students’ holiday schedule, GERRIC offers an exclusive gifted program for students in Grades 3–10 from China! The program covers multiple subjects, including Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Biology, Psychology, Information Science, and Economics. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on activities, it aims to spark students’ academic interest while cultivating critical thinking and comprehensive application skills.

GERRIC will assign qualified and experienced primary and secondary gifted education teachers and university scholars to design and deliver the courses. Incorporating UNSW’s research-oriented learning model, the program truly embodies the principle of “growth through challenge.” With passion and professionalism, instructors will ignite students’ curiosity, guide them in conducting in-depth inquiries, and help them discover untapped interests and abilities—expanding the boundaries of their knowledge and creativity

Achievements

Upon completing the course content, assignments, and final presentation, students will receive the official certificate issued by GERRIC, along with the instructor's feedback report.

The Methodology of Giftedness

In the field of gifted education, we often ask: What defines a true genius? Internationally, one of the most recognized frameworks is the Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT), developed by renowned Canadian psychologist and education professor François Gagné. His research shows that high IQ or strong academic performance is insufficient to define giftedness. Beyond these, critical thinking and creativity—two higher-order cognitive skills—interact with intellectual, physical, and social-emotional attributes to form the key dimensions of talent development. These abilities serve as core drivers in transforming innate potential into tangible achievement.

Joseph Renzulli, the President of the National Association for Gifted Children, Director of the National Center for Research on Gifted Education, and Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut, emphasizes that creativity is not limited to artistic expression—it is the capacity to generate original ideas and solutions. Critical thinking, in turn, enables individuals to evaluate, refine, and improve those ideas.

As a parent, how can you nurture your child’s creativity and critical thinking to help translate innate ability into real-world achievement? The DMGT model highlights that the full development of talent depends not only on intrinsic motivation and passion for exploration, but also on structured, challenging support from the educational environment. High-quality gifted programs thus emphasize thoughtfully designed tasks that guide students to identify real problems in engaging contexts, creatively propose solutions, and iteratively improve them. Through this process, students exercise both forms of higher-order thinking in an integrated way, empowering them to become future innovators in a complex world.

GERRIC exemplifies this approach in practice. Grounded in the educational philosophy of systematic talent development, the program offers challenging, advanced learning tasks and a wide range of disciplinary streams. This helps students discover their interests and strengths while engaging in continuous cycles of create–evaluate–refining, both creativity and critical thinking in tandem. Through targeted instructional strategies, GERRIC effectively guides the transformation of potential into competence, supporting students as they build a complete chain of higher-order thinking skills and allowing each unique talent to fully flourish.

DMGT developed by François Gagné

Course Selections

Grade: 3-4

English Creative Writing

Smell, Hear, Touch, Taste, See, Imagine: The Art of Creative Writing

What makes a story memorable and powerful? In this workshop, gifted and twiceexceptional students in Years 3–4 will discover how to use the five senses—and their imagination—to bring writing to life. By learning to describe what they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, children strengthen their ability to communicate ideas clearly and vividly in English. Students will take part in fun activities such as team story-building, blindfolded object descriptions, character interviews, and speed writing. Each exercise develops their vocabulary, sentence variety, and narrative structure, while encouraging creativity and self-expression. By the end of the workshop, every child will have planned, written, and shared their own short story. This workshop not only nurtures imagination but also builds essential academic and communication skills, helping children become confident writers and creative thinkers for school and beyond.

The Games People Play

Do you want to know how a fun game is designed? This course will lead students in exploring the hidden mathematical and creative secrets behind games. Students begin by deconstructing classic games to see how probability, rules, and design shape the way people play. They’ll investigate what makes a game fair, fun, and engaging, and then apply these insights to create their own original games. Working in teams, they will develop a “toy and game company,” complete with branding, product lines, and a showcase at a class mini convention. By combining play with structured design challenges, The Games People Play develops essential skills for school success and future pathways in STEM, design, and beyond. Join us to unlock your first original game!

Math Business Interactive Design

Grade 5-6

Strategy Critical Thinking Decision

Checkmate Your Way to the Top

Chess is one of the most powerful ways to train the mind. More than a game, it builds the memory, focus, and logical reasoning skills that underpin success in mathematics, science, and all areas of study. In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students will discover the strategies and secrets behind Chess. Each session blends puzzles, mini-games, and guided practice, giving students opportunities to learn new strategies, apply them in friendly tournaments, and analyse their results. From classic openings, students will see how patterns, probability, and planning turn into winning moves. Checkmate Your Way to the Top provides an enriching, brainstretching experience where every move builds skills for school and life.

Role-Playing Games: Adventures and Decisions

Role-playing games are more than stories—they are systems of logic, probability, and strategy where every choice has consequences. In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 5–6 will explore role-playing games as both players and designers, strengthening the mathematical and problem-solving skills that underpin academic success. As players, students create unique characters and embark on fantasy adventures where their decision-making is constantly tested. They will use logic, probability, and critical thinking to weigh risks and rewards, learning to plan and adapt strategies when faced with uncertainty. As designers, students invent their own adventures, rules, and mechanics, design fair systems, test them, and refine them. More than just a course, it is an innovative journey with the blend of math, story, and teamwork!

Math Logical Thinking Decision Interdisciplinary Innovation

Neurosciences Psychology

Brain Hacks: Learning with Cognitive Neuroscience

How does the brain really learn—and how can students use this knowledge to achieve stronger academic results? In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 5–6 will explore the science of attention, memory, and focus. Through live experiments and games, students will see neuroscience in action as they test their own multitasking ability, practice expert memory strategies such as spaced recall, and try proven focus tools to manage distraction. They will then design their own personalized “brain training” routines to apply in everyday learning. Brain Hacks gives students not just knowledge of what to learn, but the powerful advantage of how to learn effectively—a rare opportunity that supports long-term academic success and lifelong learning

Odd Maths

Mathematics is full of mysteries waiting to be explored. In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 5–6 will explore the special properties of numbers, including primes, powers, and irrationals, discover the beauty of fractals by creating patterns from iterative rules, and apply simple geometric principles to build complex 3D shapes, while also grappling with some of the “great problems” of mathematics, such as Goldbach,s Conjecture. Odd Maths is an inspiring opportunity for advanced learners to see mathematics not just as numbers, but as a world of ideas, beauty, and challenges—building both academic strength and a love for problem-solving. Here starts the first step for future mathematicians!

Math

Grade 7-8

Math Science History

Studying mathematics in Ancient Egyptian scribe school

In this unique workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 7–8 will step into the role of “scribes-in-training,” exploring how mathematics, science, and culture came together in one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Students will learn to make papyrus, practice writing Egyptian numerals, and solve authentic mathematical problems from ancient papyri such as the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. They will explore geometry, measurement, and astronomy—skills that allowed Egyptians to measure land, track time, and build architectural wonders still admired today. Fun activities like number bingo with hieroglyphic numerals up to one million make advanced concepts engaging and memorable. This workshop is more than history—it is a chance for students to see how mathematics has always been a powerful tool for solving real-world problems, through engaging activities like hand-making, role-playing, and team collaborating.

Innovators in Action: Design Your Own Business or Social Enterprise

What does it take to turn an idea into something real? In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 7–8 will step into the role of innovators, learning how entrepreneurs design businesses and social projects while developing key academic and life skills. Students will work in teams to brainstorm ideas, research their “customers,” and create simple strategies to bring their concepts to life. They’ll practise problem-solving, design posters and prototypes, and learn how to explain their ideas clearly and persuasively. The workshop ends with a “mini-innovation fair,” where students pitch their projects and receive feedback. Innovators in Action is a hands-on introduction to creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking, giving students the tools to succeed at school and beyond.

Business Leadership Public Speaking

Computer Science Creative Design Human-Computer interaction Virtual Reality

Designing for VR

Welcome to the World of Virtual Reality! Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the fastest-growing technologies in the world, influencing science, medicine, engineering, education, and entertainment. In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 7–8 will not just experience VR, but learn to analyse, design, and prototype their own immersive experiences in groups. Through this, students will strengthen their logical reasoning, spatial awareness, and creative problem-solving skills.
* No coding knowledge is needed.

Grade 9-10

Physics Astronomy

Cosmology: Life, the Universe and Everything

From the Big Bang to black holes, cosmology asks some of the biggest questions in science. In this workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 9–10 will explore the origin, structure, and future of the universe, and explore how the universe began and evolved, investigate stars, galaxies, space, and time, examine the theories and people that shaped cosmology, and discuss the latest developments in astronomy. Students will engage with cosmology through lectures and discussion, deepening their scientific understanding and reasoning skills. The emphasis is on explanation and critical thinking, rather than practical activities.

The Brain in Health and Disease

How does the brain work—and what happens when it is injured or diseased? In this accelerated workshop, gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 9–10 will explore the structure and function of the nervous system, investigating both healthy and diseased brains, and examining possibilities for treatment and repair. This course will guide students in studying preserved human tissue and anatomical models, practicing supervised neurological examinations on peers, analysing real scientific research papers, and considering the ethical challenges of medical research. By engaging in a series of practical scientific research activities close to real-life scenarios, students will accumulate initial experience in medical diagnosis, deepen their understanding of brain anatomy and neuroscience, and further develop critical thinking and scientific reasoning abilities.

Biology Neurosciences Medicine

Computer Science Artificial Intelligence

How Machines Think (and Sometimes Fail): Inside the Brain of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world—from healthcare to business to daily life. But how does it really work, and what are its limits? This workshop gives gifted and twice-exceptional students in Years 9–10 the chance to step into the world of AI, combining physics, neuroscience, mathematics, and technology to discover how machines “think.” Through hands-on experiments and data analysis, students will collect their own results, then use no-code AI tools to train and test models. They will explore questions such as: When does AI succeed? When does it fail? And how can humans use creativity and critical thinking to improve outcomes? Activities include measuring reaction times, testing physics predictions, training image-recognition models, and debating ethical dilemmas such as bias in hiring. By the end, students will see AI not as a mystery but as a tool they can understand, question, and use with confidence in both academic and real-world contexts.
* No coding knowledge is needed.

Sample Schedule & Special Visits

* In accordance with UNSW Sydney policy, academic sessions are reserved for students only. Parents are warmly invited to attend the final presentations and graduation ceremony to celebrate their child’s achievements. * The specific schedule may be subjected to slight adjustments based on actual circumstances.
Date 9:00-12:00 12:00-13:30 13:30-16:00 After 17:00
2.20 Arrival and hotel check-ins.
2.21 University Visit

Campus Tour of the University of
Sydney:

Step into the "Oxford of the Southern Hemisphere," one of Australia’s oldest institutions, to explore its history and its future development.

 

 Lunch Cultural Exploration

Sydney Opera House:

Perched gracefully on Bennelong Point, this iconic shell-shaped structure is not only a symbol of Sydney and Australia but also a worldrenowned performing arts center.

Botanic Garden of Sydney:

A lush oasis in the heart of the city, the Garden is celebrated for its remarkable collection of rare plants, picturesque harbour side walks, and exhibitions that weave Indigenous cultural heritage with modern science.

Sydney Harbour Bridge & The Rocks:

Nestled at the southern base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is the city’s most historic and charismatic area.。
2.22 Cultural Exploration

Taronga Zoo:

Experience the rich wildlife of the Southern Hemisphere up close! Get acquainted with Australia’s unique animals—koalas, kangaroos, platypus—while enjoying stunning views over the Sydney skyline.

 Rest
2.23 Academic Sessions

Engage in guided academic exploration at UNSW Sydney.

 Lunch Academic Sessions

Engage in guided academic exploration at UNSW Sydney

 Cultural Exploration & Lunch

Darling Harbour:

A vibrant waterfront destination blending a commercial hub, yacht marina, modern museums, and dazzling nightscapes—where natural charm meets the energy of the city.
2.24 Cultural Exploration & Lunch

Bondi Beach：

Sydney’s most iconic coastal getaway, where golden sands, rolling waves, and a vibrant beach culture create an unforgettable atmosphere.
2.25 Cultural Exploration & Lunch

Queen Victoria Building (QVB):

Step inside this late 19th-century Romanesque Revival masterpiece, adorned with stunning stainedglass windows and a majestic dome.
2.26 Prepare for the final presentation
2.27 Final Presentation

Graduation Ceremony

(Parents are warmly invited to attend the final presentations.)

 Head to the Airport
2.28 Return to China

University of Sydney

Sydney Opera House

Taronga Zoo

Darling Harbour

Logistics & Support

Parent Accompaniment

ParentsI accompaniment is required for students in grades 3-4. Unaccompanied participation is not permitted.

Accommodation

1. Students and parents will be accommodated in four-star or above hotels. Please scan the QR code to view hotel profiles and room type details.
2. Students participating individually will be assigned a single bed in a twin room (shared) within a suite. Each suite includes: two twin rooms (each with a private bathroom), a living room, a kitchen, and a balcony.
3. If a parent is accompanying the student, they will share a twin room. An extra bed service is available for two accompanying parents.
4. For multiple accompanying parents or other special requirements, please contact an ASEEDER teacher.


Scan to view more details.

Meals

1. On-Campus Meals: During course days, students may choose from 5 campus eateries at UNSW Sydney. Meals typically cost AUD20一30 and can be paid by credit card or cash.
* Grades 3一6: Group leaders will accompany students to meals. / Grades 7一10: May dine independently once they are familiar with the campus layout.
2. Evening Meals: After the day,s activities, group leaders will guide students and parents on evening excursions to iconic Sydney landmarks. Dinner can be enjoyed individually at nearby restaurants, followed by a group return to the hotel.
* Notes:
【Students with Parents】 Arrange their own dinners and sightseeing under parental supervision. If returning to the hotel separately, the parent must notify the group leader in advance.
【Unaccompanied Students】 Must follow the group itinerary, assemble at designated times, and return to the hotel with the group. Independent evening arrangements are not permitted.

Student Safety & Well-being Assurance

1. 24/7 Supervision: Group leaders accompany students throughout all activities 一 including meals, accommodation, transportation, and excursions 一 providing around-the-clock care and supervision.
2. Strict Attendance Procedures: Roll calls and check-ins are conducted at departures, during excursions, and nightly. Off-campus activities are always done in groups to maximize safety.
3. Proactive Risk Management: Safety guidelines are reviewed before each activity. Environmental risks (e.g., water areas, hiking trails, or crowded spaces) are anticipated, with timely reminders and interventions to prevent unsafe behavior.
4. Health Monitoring: Medical conditions and allergies wiII be recorded in advance. Students will be reminded to manage medications responsibly, and any health issue will be addressed promptly following pre-set protocols. Parents will be notified immediately when needed.
5. Emotional Well-being: Our Ieaders will monitor students, mood, energy, and appetite daily, offering support and encouragement. Any notable concerns will be shared with parents to determine next steps together.
6. Transparent Communication: Activity updates and photos will be shared regularly via WeChat or live photo streams to keep parents informed and reassured.
* Notes: To protect the immersive learning environment and respect instructors’ rights, photography or video recording during class may be restricted.
Group leaders will only take photos/videos with prior approval from the school and instructors. Thanks for your understanding regarding the limited in-class documentation.

Teaching Faculty

1. Lead Instructors: GERRIC will appoint qualified gifted education specialists to deliver all courses and teaching activities.
2. Teaching Assistants: Each class will include 1一2 GERRIC-selected TAs (depending on class size) to provide differentiated instructional support.
3. Program Leaders: Each class is accompanied by an ASEEDER group leader, who monitors student well-being and engagement, and assists with classroom management.
* Overall teacher-student ratio remains approximately 1:6.

Application

Date：

Feb.20 - Feb.28, 2026

Eligibility：

Grades 3–10 (Cross-grade applications are not allowed.)

Quota：

24 students per class

Scholarship Discount：

1. Students who have won the scholarship in ASEEDER STEM Challenges can get a discount of up to 1500 Yuan. For details, visit: https://www.seedasdan.org/scholarship/;https://www.seedasdan.org/scholarship/；
2. Students who have participated in the ASEEDER Talent Development and Purdue University GER²I Youth Programs are eligible to register for this program without assessment and with the "Alumni Scholarship" discount of 1000 Yuan.
3. The "ASEEDER Scholarship" and "Alumni Scholarship" mentioned above can be combined, offering a maximum total discount of 2500 yuan.

Requirements：

The admission is selective and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Criterion 1. Direct admission without testing is available for students who have previously participated in the ASEEDER Talent Development and Purdue University GER²I Youth Programs.
• Criterion 2. Provide standardized test scores (e.g., MAP, STAR, NWEA) showing Mathematics at or above the 90th percentile and English Reading at or above the 75th percentile.
• Criterion 3. Meet both English proficiency and subject-specific grade-level standards as below:

English Proficiency Standard Subject Achievement Standard
Grade
3-4		 CEFR* B1, TOEFL Junior 750, or equivalent. 1. Score at or above the 95th percentile on an approved intelligence test (e.g., Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, CogAT).
2. International or national award-winning students from ASEEDER STEM Challenges can be exempt from corresponding subject requirements and will receive priority admission.
Program and award details: https://www.seedasdan.com/gerric/
Grade
5-10		 CEFR* B2, TOEFL Junior840, or equivalent.

* CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

• Criterion 4. For students without the above assessment results: Grades 3–4: A phone or online interview with an ASEEDER teacher. Grades 5–10: An online selection assessment (focusing on Mathematics and English) organized by ASEEDER.
Assessment details: https://www.seedasdan.com/gerric/
* Assessment fees: English Assessment: 100 RMB; Mathematics Assessment: 200 RMB. If admitted, the fee will be deducted from the program cost. Fees are nonrefundable if admission standards are not met.

Fee：

For 1 student:
• Includes: Application and registration, tuition, accommodation (a shared room for 2 people in a star hotel), breakfast, academic materials, experiment materials, university visits, cultural exploration, transportation, airport transfer service(drop-off and pick-up fees: only for the same flights with ASEEDER teams), ASEEDER group leader service fee, application fee for completion certificate, instructor's report, international insurance.

For first parent. Parents' accompaniment is required for students in grades 3-4:
• Includes: Accommodation (a shared room for 2 people in a star hotel), breakfast, university visits, cultural exploration, transportation, airport transfer service (drop-off and pick-up fees: only for the same flights with ASEEDER teams), international insurance.
For second parent/relative. Parents' accompaniment is required for students in grades 3-4:
• Includes: Accommodation (extra bed in a shared room for 2 people in a star hotel), breakfast, university visits, cultural exploration, transportation, airport transfer service(drop-off and pick-up fees: only for the same flights with ASEEDER teams), international insurance.

 

• Excludes：
1. International round-trip airfare: The uniform departure city will be determined comprehensively according to the registration number and flight conditions. We will select 1 to 2 cities among Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen. You can use a third-party service or ASEEDER's unified service. Please confirm with the responsible teacher at ASEEDER before purchasing tickets.)
2. Visa and visa service fee (optional): ASEEDER Visa Worry-Free Guarantee service promises that if the visa is refused for reasons other than the client's own, the visa service fee and the program fee will be fully refunded or the client will have the right to a second visa application free of the service fee
3. Lunch and dinner: Group leaders will organize students to dine at campus eateries and nearby dining areas. The estimated cost is approximately AUD 20–30 per person per meal.

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