The Opportunity Class at the Bathurst West Public School provides enrichment opportunities in all subjects allowing the children to develop their skills in the core areas of literacy and numeracy through higher order thinking skills and critical analysis, in a technology based environment. It allows these children to work with their Gifted and Talented peers.

Children are encouraged to reach goals of personal best.

To do this children are encouraged to:

·          assume responsibility for their learning

·          become independent learners

·          work at their own pace

·          exercise judgement over the range of resources available

·          make choices

·          evaluate their own work

Within the classroom children have had opportunities to:

·          look at models of well known G&T theorists and their teaching and learning activities

·          have continual access to use desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, digital media and interactive whiteboard

·          transport work between school & home digitally

·          participate in ACER tests

·          participate in Premier's Reading Challenge

·          develop a team to participate in TOM (Tournament of Minds)

·          complete the I extend program – This regional program is designed specifically with rich tasks and activities for G&T children

·          be involved in working with robotics

·          immerse themselves in the school and or district bands

·          join the school choir and participate in the Choral Concert at the Sydney Opera House

·          participate in the Western Area Dance festival

·          participate in the Bathurst Eisteddfod

·          be involved in an extension art group

·          solve environmental mysteries through entering "Murder Under the Microscope"

·          be involved in orientation activities organised for their feeder High School

·          participate in self directed learning through individual contracts

·          interact regularly with visitors (both overseas and local) and discuss the learning model they are encompassing

·          communicate with other regional OC and enrichment classes

·          be involved in the"Special Forever" Programs

Hayden "I like being in the Opportunity Class. The work is really interesting and very different. We are able to move around areas of the classroom to complete work. There are also contracts that keep the class busy."

Norm and Julie "The opportunity class has been a positive change for our daughter. Her confidence and maturity has improved as has her use of initiative. She is being exposed to a wider range of activities like: choir, drama and art as well as a different way of learning which is challenging and fun."