Advocating for gifted learners as they explore and develop their talents
The Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children (VAGTC) is a parent and educator-led not-for-profit organisation acting in the state of Victoria. We are committed to advocating for the identification and appropriate support, education, and development of gifted potential in children. Our organisation aims to help students who are gifted and talented by building a community that understands their specific needs and supports them. We want to provide gifted students, their families and their teachers with the tools and resources needed to realise their full potential.
Our goal is to create a brighter future for gifted and talented learners by implementing programs and working on initiatives that will have a lasting impact.
We believe that appropriate academic provision is a matter of justice for gifted students, and that society will benefit greatly from supporting them to reach their full potential. “High ability students are the next generation of leaders, problem solvers and innovators. Society as a whole will benefit from these students being given every opportunity to reach their full potential” — Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Gifted and Talented Education.
Seminars & Events
The VAGTC run seminars for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the world of gifted and talented children. We know it’s a unique journey, filled with both wonders and challenges. That’s why we provide specially curated seminars, offering you knowledge, guidance, and insights on various topics related to gifted and talented children.
Our seminars cover a wide range of pertinent subjects, from understanding their unique social, emotional and educational needs of gifted children to devising strategies that stimulate their high-ability minds. Learn from experts, share experiences, and be part of a community that’s dedicated to nurturing gifted children.
Upcoming Seminars
Educator Twilight Seminar - Mental Health in Gifted Learners with Psychologist Alison Brown and Victoria Poulos
THIS SEMINAR IS FOR EDUCATORS
Special offer: in support of collaborative approaches to supporting students, parent members who are attending can nominate a teacher from their child’s school to attend for free. Please contact info@vagtc to arrange a complementary ticket.
Zoom link will be sent on booking confirmation
Cost:
$50 (Non-Members)
Free for VAGTC Members
The session will be run via Zoom (link to be provided after registration).
Please note that this seminar will run subject to minimum registration numbers.
Join committee members Dr Susan Nikakis and Ruth Evans on Monday the 31st of August at 7:30 pm (online) to discuss the recent publication “Giftedness: is there a case for neurodivergence?”. Please join us for what will no doubt be a robust and interesting discussion!
The article being dicussed is ‘Giftedness: Is there a Case for Neurodivergence?!’ by M. Wellisch, which can be found in the latest issue of the Australasian Journal of Gifted Education (vol.35 No.1, June 2026). Wellisch argues that giftedness is not a neurodivergence.
She discusses the historical trends towards associating giftedness with mental illness, social and emotional problems, overexcitabilities and neurodivergence, identifying key theories that have contributed to this trend. Then she shares research (including statistics) revealing that gifted primary students are typically more popular than their peers, and the number of gifted students with ASD or ADHD or SLD is actually very low compared to their peers. She also discusses the political movement around neurodiversity that has arisen out of disadvantage and prejudice and explores brain differences. Her conclusion is that ‘a close look at Doyle’s (2020) neurodiversity model reveals why giftedness is a bad fit: it includes only those who have clinical or acquired illnesses, mental and behavioural conditions, or learning disabilities.’ (p.36).
It is bound to generate some really interesting discussion; we hope you can join us!
Free for Members | $20 for Non Members
The article will be emailed to those who register closer to the event.
Our Publications
VISION magazine, Australia’s unique biannual publication for families and educators of gifted children, combines expert insights and community contributions. It’s distributed to VAGTC members, educators, and education departments.
Additionally, the VAGTC Resource Book, updated biennially, provides a thoroughly researched compendium of resources for gifted education. Stay updated with your VAGTC membership to access these resources, or purchase individually via our online shop.
Resources & Support
Support For Parents
Discover if your child might be gifted and how to support their unique potential. Explore our comprehensive guide detailing early signs of giftedness, educational strategies, and expert advice. Unravel your questions with our dedicated FAQs and enrich your understanding of your child’s needs.
Support For Educators
Empower your teaching journey with our VAGTC 2016 Resource Book – a well-curated tool for educators dedicated to nurturing gifted and talented students. Dive into authenticated resources, attend our professional development seminars, and embrace a curriculum tailored to challenge these unique learners.
Support For Children
Explore a world tailored for gifted and talented children with VAGTC. From educational resources to competitions and community engagement, we’re here to help them reach their potential.
Organisations & Links
Discover a wealth of resources curated by VAGTC to aid the development of gifted students. From external links to our invaluable Resource Book, we’re committed to your success. Explore more and stay updated with our latest developments on our Resouces Page.
Become a VAGTC Member
Enjoy the following benefits when you join VAGTC:
- Twice Yearly Vision Magazine
- Yearly VAGTC Resource Book
- Access to Online Member Resources
- Discount Event Pricing
Workshops
The VAGTC supports the aspirations, achievements, and opportunities of Victorian students by supporting the professional development of early childhood professionals and teachers, and connecting parents with their children’s learning. Safe, supportive and inclusive schools celebrate and protect diversity and understanding of others, acknowledging the right of every child, no matter their background or ability, to achieve the best possible outcomes at school.
The VAGTC Regional Seminars provide participants with up-to-date research and best practices to identify underachievers, nurture talent potential and support social-emotional development both at home and in the classroom.
We work closely with the Department of Education, Victoria (DET), Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) and Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) as well as experts in the field of gifted education to develop and deliver workshops and seminars across Victoria.
VAGTC works with schools to develop customised seminars and workshops to cater for their professional development requirements.
