The Camino Program at OFG was introduced to provide appropriate differentiation for our most academically gifted and talented students. The name is derived from the Camino de Santiago, which is a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle James at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The word “Camino” is therefore intended to capture the idea of a challenging and stimulating journey – physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually – that stretches the individuals who undertake it.
In keeping with research in the area of gifted education, those teaching in the Senior School Camino Program recognise that academically gifted students thrive best when curriculum content is covered at a faster pace and when lessons provide opportunities for learning deeply, fostering students’ engagement with complex, abstract ideas.
This focus on extending our most academically able students lays the foundation for them to achieve excellent HSC results. In 2020, our Dux achieved an ATAR of 99.25 and each year our average ATAR is consistently well above the state value. Nearly half the Year 12 cohort in 2020 appeared on the Distinguished Achievers List, having scored in the top band (over 90%) in at least one course.
Many of our Camino students enrol in the OFG Mathematics Acceleration program and complete the HSC Advanced Mathematics course in Year 11, allowing them to concentrate on other courses in their final year. Since inception, 19 students have graduated from the program and scored an average HSC mark of 94% in Advanced Mathematics.
Visit www.ofg.nsw.edu.au/seniorschool to learn how OFG inspires students to achieve their full academic potential.
Dr Susan Marks
Director of Teaching and Learning K-12
